The Weekend In Movies: Go to the Oceans or Go To The Ocean. Better yet, go visit Le Seine.

As we're finally starting to get rid of those blockbuster behemoths that hogged all the screens around town last month, a few new films open this weekend, one of which you must make priority if you plan to go filmgoing on le weekend.

Paris Je T'aime (****) -- A joyous film featuring 19 filmmakers each doing a 5-10 minute segment on the city of love. Featuring work from Alexander Payne, Alfonso Cuaron, Tom Tykwer, Sylvian Chomet, Gerard Depardieu and Vincenzo Natali, among many others, each short segment contribute to a glorious whole and is a flat out love letter to filmmaking. I am thrilled that the Odeon in Victoria booked the film and I do hope that it finds an audience here. (Odeon)

Hostel Part II -- I was not a fan of Eli Roth's first Hostel (however I did quite like his Cabin Fever from a few years back), so I am unsure as to whether or not to see his horrific followup. (Silvercity, Capitol 6)

Ocean's 13 - The enormously watchable gang is back and there's another heist to be had, with Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin jumping onto the cast list. I adored the first two films and hey, it's directed by Steven Soderbergh so that alone has sold me a ticket. (Silvercity, Capitol 6, Star, University 4, Caprice)

Surf's Up -- I quite admired the theatrical trailers for the film which frames the story as a documentary about penguins entering a surfing competition. Not only does the film have some jaw dropping animation, it looks like a whole load of fun, even though I am already tired of movies featuring those damn penguins! (Odeon, Silvercity)

What else:

Grindhouse (****) gets a last-chance, final screening at UVIC Cinecenta on Friday and Saturday, so if you have not seen the film thus far, drop whatever you are doing and check out this awesome double slam of fun. And if you've already seen it, why not give it another go and watch Zoe the Cat kick some ass?

The Namesake (***1/2) also screens at Cinecenta on Sunday night, which is Mira Nair's beautiful story about an Indian family that moves to New York and the hardships the youngest son faces as he finds love against the wishes of his parents.

Also, if you're around Cinecenta on Tuesday, by all means park your butt in a seat and watch Truffaut's The 400 Blows, by way of a new print from Janus films. It is the start of an every-tuesday-for-six-weeks screening series which also include Carne's Les Enfants du Paradise, Bergman's Summer With Monika and Ozu's Tokyo Story.

Elsewhere, Away From Her and Waitress rage on at the Odeon, Knocked Up is laughing up the box office and is playing all over town, After The Wedding hits up a third week at the Vic and Hot Fuzz is double billed with the lousy Blades of Glory at the Roxy. And if after all of this you decide to see Shrek The Third this weekend, double donkey shame on you.

Showtimes are up at Tribute.

Jason


Jason
efilmcritic.com