FIlm Clips: Robots and the Ides of Margaret

• Courtesy Fox Searchlight
• Matt Damon and Anna Paquin look to the future in Margaret

OPENING FRIDAY
THE IDES OF MARCH 2 stars (PG-13) Ryan Gosling faces a test of ideals as an ambitious staffer for a presidential candidate (George Clooney) during the Democratic primary. Clooney directed this adaptation of the play Farragut North, which features juicy roles for A-list actors, particularly Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti as rival campaign managers. Unfortunately the plot relies on minor scandals and the temptation of a bland central character, so it feels like an exhibition game between terrific thespians, with nothing at stake. — Curt Holman

THE INTERRUPTERS (NR) A convicted murderer, a gang leader’s daughter, and a former prisoner make an unlikely trio of “Violence Interrupters” in this documentary about a program for Chicago’s CeaseFire, an organization that seeks to heal what it considers to be the city’s disease of violence and prevent its further spread. __
MARGARET (R ) Doing the right thing becomes even more difficult when you aren’t sure what it is in this drama about telling the truth. When straight-A student Lisa Cohen (Anna Paquin) becomes the indirect cause of a fatal bus accident, she lies to the police and assuage the driver’s (Mark Ruffalo) guilt and her own. Matt Damon also co-stars as Lisa’s concerned teacher.

1911 (R ) Jackie Chan directs and stars in his 100th film appearance with this historical war film about an early 20th century rebellion against China’s Qing Dynasty.

REAL STEEL (PG-13) Hugh Jackman stars in this adaptation of a Richard Matheson “Twilight Zone” episode about a former boxer who becomes the trainer of a robotic pugilist.

RESTLESS 2 stars (R ) A black-clad, teenage funeral crasher (Henry Hopper, son of Dennis Hopper) falls unexpectedly in love with a quirky, free-spirited girl (Mia Wasikowska) with a grim secret. Milk director Gus Van Sant strives to emulate cult films like Harold & Maude, but this twee romance ignores the opportunities for dark humor in its downbeat situation, while also avoiding the deeper emotions in its premise. — Holman

DULY NOTED
BEYOND THE MYTH (NR) Libby Sherrill’s documentary explores the “breed discrimination” against bull terriers for allegedly dangerous behaviors. Sat., Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m. $8. Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave. 404-873-1939. www.plazaatlanta.com.

DEEP RED (1974) (R ) Cinefest presents a rare 35 mm print of Dario Argento’s horror film about a pianist threatened by a serial killer. Oct. 8. Cinefest Film Theatre, Georgia State University, 66 Courtland St., Suite 240. 404-413-1798. www2.gsu.edu/~wwwcft.

EVIL DEAD II (1987) 4 stars (R) Ever wonder how Bruce Campbell became a cult actor? The actor lies with this Sam Raimi’s sequel/remake to his breakout horror flick The Evil Dead, with Campbell bringing slapstick energy to the role of Ash, the victim of a band of malevolent ghouls.Splatter Cinema. Tue., Oct. 11, 9:30 p.m. $8. Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave. 404-873-1939. www.plazaatlanta.com.

DETOUR (1945) 4 stars (R ) Director Edgar G. Ulmer claimed to have shot this highly effective film noir in six days for $20,000. A touchstone film for how to make a suspenseful character study with practically no budget. Dark Streets and Dangerous Dames: Film Noir. Wed., Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m. Emory Cinematheque. 205 White Hall, 301 Dowman Drive, Emory University. Free. filmstudies.emory.edu/home/events/film-series/emory-cinematheque.html __
KIDNAPPED (NR) A middle-aged couple and their teen daughter face a home invasion from a gang of masked hoodlums. Oct. 3-9. Cinefest Film Theatre, Georgia State University, 66 Courtland St., Suite 240. 404-413-1798. www2.gsu.edu/~wwwcft.__

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