Nobody can stay on top of the world forever, and there's nothing like a well-timed helping hand when you're feeling a little down. This weekend's recommendations from Up To Date's indie, foreign and documentary film critics prove it's not just animals that sometimes require a rescue. Whether it's a lonesome neighbor or a long-lost schoolmate — all the lonely people — grab a friend and get to an area theater before these films are gone from screens for good.
Cynthia Haines
A Man Called Ove, PG-13
- The story of a young family that befriends (and softens) their crotchety, isolated neighbor after accidentally flattening his mailbox when they first move to the neighborhood.
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years, Not rated
- A documentary featuring music, interviews, and stories of the iconic rock band from 1963 until their break up in 1966.
Harry and Snowman, Not rated
- A documentary about the plow horse rescued from the back of a slaughter truck, purchased for $80 by a man who turned the animal into an unlikely show jumping champion.
Steve Walker
A Man Called Ove, PG-13
- This dark comedy from Sweden chronicles the emotional rejuvenation of a curmudgeonly widower after he connect to a young family new to his neighborhood.
Harry and Snowman, Not rated
- A documentary about the extraordinary relationship between a slaughterhouse-bound horse rescued from a trailer and the Dutch immigrant who made the animal a champion show jumper.
The Dressmaker, R
- Kate Winslet sizzles as a fashion designer who returns to her dusty, quirky hometown only to find continued questions about the death of her primary school classmate.
Luke X. Martin is a freelance contributor for KCUR 89.3 and an associate producer for 'Up To Date.' He can be reached at luke@kcur.org.
