It’s Reel Psyched, our roundup of movies we’re really excited to see.
The Dog
A documentary about the real guy behind Al Pacino’s character in Dog Day Afternoon, John Wojtowicz, who tried to rob a Brooklyn bank to finance his partner’s male-to-female sex reassignment surgery. This was totally wacky stuff back in 1972, and became a nationwide phenomenon as Wojtowicz’s 14-hour standoff with police was broadcast live on TV. We all know the Pacino film, but this doc attempts to capture what really went down, thanks to the directors’ dedication– they spent ten years compiling archival footage and interviewing the people involved, including Wojtowicz. Friday August 8th through Thursday August 13th at IFC Center, 323 Sixth Avenue; tickets, $14
SummerStage Audience Pick
(Photo: SummerScreen.org)
Next week Wednesday catch the final outdoor movie of the summer season at McCarren Park in Billyburg / Greenpoint. But don’t worry, you won’t have to suffer through Zoolander for the 10,000th time. It will certainly be some other movie you’ve seen only perhaps 5,000 times, but this time YOU get to pick. Head over to the Summer Screen website to vote for this year’s last film. Candidates include Jawbreaker, The Warriors, Big Trouble in Little China, Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Spice World, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and Mean Girls. Choose wisely. Doors open at 6pm, with food vendors and live music. Film starts at sundown, August 13th at McCarren Park, Greenpoint; free
Rich Hill
A documentary about growing up broke in small town Missouri, Rich Hill won the 2014 Sundance Grand Jury Prize for its portrayal of three boys — Andrew, Harley, and Appachey — and the various challenges their families face. The film is an immersive experience thanks to the impressive level of access the directors managed to secure. Bring your sneeze cloths, this one’s bound to bring on the tears. Friday August 8th through Thursday August 14th at Village East Cinema, 181-189 2nd Avenue; tickets, $14
The Wizard
Lil’ Fred Savage busts his brother Jimmy out of a mental institution and the pair run away to California to make their fortune in a gaming contest, Vide Armageddon. Along the way the brothers pick up a young Jenny Lewis who is positively killing it in some acid wash overalls. It’s like Home Alone, but with video games, babes, and unlike Kevin, Fred Savage has friends. If nothing else this film is a great study in crude approaches to product placement in American cinema. Brought to you by Bottleneck Gallery. Friday August 8th 10 pm at Videology, 308 Bedford Avenue; free
Web Junkie
Rehab camps in China for internet addicts? Sounds like the making of a VICE documentary to us. Sure Web Junkie has all the trapping of sensationalized, edgy international documentary, but it’s way more artfully filmed than anything I’ve seen in said category. Web Junkie allows its subjects a great deal of complexity and brings the audience closer to understanding these so-called internet junkies. Friday August 8, 7pm filmmaker Shosh Shlam will be present for discussion at Film Forum, 209 West Houston St; tickets, $13 for non-members