Kam Williams Reviews Movies Opening Friday, Nov 13

BIG BUDGET FILMS

The 33 (PG-13 for profanity and a disaster sequence) Fact-based docudrama recounting the 2010 collapse of a Chilean mine which left 33 men trapped underground for 69 days. Ensemble cast includes Antonio Banderas, Lou Diamond Phillips, James Brolin, Juliette Binoche and Gabriel Byrne. (In English and Spanish with subtitles)

By the Sea (R for nudity, profanity and graphic sexuality) Romance drama, set in the South of France in the Seventies, revolving around a writer (Brad Pitt) and a retired dancer (Angelina Jolie) who try to revitalize their flagging marriage while vacationing in a quaint village located along the coast. With Melanie Laurent, Niels Arestrup and Sarah Naudi. (In English and French with subtitles)

Love the Coopers (PG-13 for profanity, sexuality and mature themes) Holiday comedy, set in Pittsburgh, about the hijinks which unfold when several generations of a dysfunctional family convene for their annual Christmas gathering. Co-starring Olivia Wilde, Amanda Seyfried, Anthony Mackie, Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Ed Helms and Marisa Tomei. View the trailer below:

My All American (PG for mature themes, mild epithets and brief partial nudity) Bittersweet biopic about Freddie Steinmark (Finn Wittrock), the college football great diagnosed with cancer a couple days after leading the University of Texas to the 1969 NCAA National Championship. With Aaron Eckhart, Sarah Bolger and Robin Tunney.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

All Rise (Unrated) Legal argument documentary following the fortunes of seven law students from seven different countries (Palestine, Israel, Uganda, Jamaica, Russia, India and Singapore) as they compete in the world's largest moot court competition staged in Washington, DC .

Casa Grande (Unrated) Coming-of-age drama, set in Rio de Janeiro, about a spoiled-rotten teen (Thales Cavalcanti) who's decadent lifestyle comes to an abrupt end when his father's (Marcello Novaes) hedge fund goes belly up. Cast includes Suzana Pires, Alice Melo and Bruna Amaya. (In Portuguese with subtitles)

Entertainment (R for profanity, sexuality, crude humor, brief drug use and a disturbing image) Road drama about a washed-up comedian (Greg Turkington) who does some stand-up shows in dives while driving cross-country en route to a rendezvous with his long-estranged daughter. With John C. Reilly, Tye Sheridan, Michael Cera, Amy Seimetz and Dean Stockwell.

Funny Buddy (Unrated) Romantic dramedy about a childhood obesity counselor (Kentucker Audley) and an emotionally-stunted trust fund baby (Olly Alexander) competing for the affections of a reclusive animal activist (Joslyn Jensen). Featuring Louis Cancelmi, Anna Margaret Hollyman and Marisa Brown.

Ingrid Bergman in Her Own Words (Unrated) Reverential documentary offering a behind-the-scenes look at the life of one of the most celebrated actresses of her time. Featuring archival footage as well as commentary by Sigourney Weaver, Liv Ullmann, and Ingrid's offspring: Pia Lindstrom, Isabella Rossellini, Isotta Rossellini and Roberto Rossellini. (In English and Spanish with subtitles)

James White (R for sexuality, nudity, profanity and drug use) Christopher Abbott handles the title role in this character study, set in New York City, about a self-destructive slacker, still living at home, forced to mature when his mom (Cynthia Nixon) becomes seriously ill. With Ron Livingston, Scott Mescudi, Makenzie Leigh and David Call.

Man Up (R for profanity and sexual references) Romantic comedy about a woman (Lake Bell) unlucky at love who finally finds Mr. Right (Simon Pegg) after being mistaken for his blind date. With Olivia Williams, Rory Kinnear and Ophelia Lovibond.

Shelter (Unrated) Character-driven drama, marking the directorial debut of Paul Bettany, revolving around the love which blossoms between a homeless street performer from Nigeria (Anthony Mackie) and a heroin-addicted widow (Jennifer Connelly) also living on the streets of New York.

Song of Lahore (PG for mature themes, smoking and violent images) Cross-cultural documentary chronicling the musical collaborations of a Pakistani classical orchestra and Wynton Marsalis' big band. (In Urdu with subtitles)

Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans (Unrated) The making of documentary revisiting the shooting of the legendary actor's auto racing classic in 1971.

Sweet Micky for President (Unrated) Haitian documentary chronicling Michel Martelly's presidential campaign in the wake of the earthquake which devastated his homeland in 2010. Featuring appearances by Pras Michel, Sean Penn, Wyclef Jean and Ben Stiller. View the trailer below: