Don't Hate Limited Releases

July 3, 2009

Just the four films coming out in limited release this week, and of those only one of them is earning overwhelmingly positive reviews. Sadly, that film, The Beaches of Agnes, is also the most limited of the limited releases.

The Beaches of Agnes - Reviews
Documentary filmmakers Agnes Varda turns her cameras on herself. This is the only limited release coming out this week that is earning overwhelmingly positive reviews and fans of the documentarian will want to watch it. However, I am not sure just how large an audience that is. The Beaches of Agnes opened on Wednesday and expands tonight into three theaters, one in New York City and the others in the Los Angeles area.

The Girl from Monaco - Reviews
A French dramedy about lawyer who is distracted from his job by a alluring and seductive woman. Reviews are only mixed, but fans of French cinema could still find something to enjoy here. The Girl from Monaco opens tonight in 22 theaters, mostly in the Los Angeles area, but also in major cities nationwide.

I Hate Valentine’s Day - Reviews
Nia Vardalos and John Corbett re-team for the first time since My Big Fat Greek Wedding, but those hoping lightning will strike twice will be disappointed. So far the reviews are beyond bad for a limited release, even beyond bad for a Romantic Comedy. I wonder how much this is a true reflection of the quality of the movie and how much is a backlash against My Big Fat Greek Wedding’s record-breaking success. I Hate Valentine’s Day opens tonight in three theaters in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Local Color - Reviews
A semi-autobiographical film based on the life of its writer / director George Gallo. So far the reviews are weak, weak even compared to most wide releases. The film was initially released in 2007 and started out well, but went nowhere after that. I don’t expect this run will be any better. Local Color re-opens tonight in a few theaters in New York city.


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Filed under: Limited Releases, La fille de Monaco, Local Color, I Hate Valentine's Day