Opening this week

By Brett O'Bourke1/27/2010

Cineplex 

Crazy Heart (R)

In an Oscar-worthy role, Jeff Bridges envelops us with his own sweet vocals in his portrayal of Bad Blake, a dust-ridden, washed-up country singer whose life and body are gradually eroding. Maggie Gyllenhaal co-stars as a single mother who might have the power to help him put his mind straight and revisit the limelight. Trailer

Edge of Darkness (R)

Mel Gibson is back in his first starring role after an eight-year hiatus to play a detective investigating the death of his daughter. Ray Winstone replaces Robert DeNiro (who backed out a few days after shooting began) to play a CIA agent who becomes embroiled in the investigation. Trailer 

When in Rome (PG-13)

Kristen Bell (TV's Heroes and Veronica Mars) in her first role as a romantic comedy leading lady, plays a tourist from New York who steals some coins from a fountain in Rome sparking a litany of charming Romeos (including Josh Duhamel, Will Arnett and Jon Heder) all vying for her love and attention. Trailer 

Miami Beach Cinematheque

1.28 Suddenly This Summer (Steamy Tennessee Series)

A controversial and avant-garde film screaming out in the prudish silence of the 1950s, this film was ahead of its time in capturing the torturous essence of sexual frustration and suppressed desire. The Tennessee Williams adaptation is meticulously and expertly acted out by Elizabeth Taylor, in her role as a sweet, under-appreciated beauty who is psychologically abused by her diabolical rival aunt, played by Katherine Hepburn. Trailer 

1.29-31 Falling Awake

Falling Awake is a jarring film about a young man (Andrew Cisneros) struggling to etch out his identity and get out of the Bronx, amidst a house teeming with overbearing family members and living on a block packed with loyal buddies and menacing enemies. Trailer 

Cinema Paradiso

1.28-30 End Game

Set in South Africa in the late 1980s, Mandela is stuck in prison and the political environment is ripe for violent upheaval. A story of gripping political strife, the film is an intriguing thriller about the unexpected alliances and unsung heroes that set the stage for toppling apartheid. As the African National Congress takes up arms against oppression, the struggle for peace is sparked by the business proposal of a British mining concern called Consolidated Gold, who dispatches Michael Young, head of public affairs, to open a dialogue between bitter rivals and secure their business interests in a stable South Africa. Trailer 

1.30 The Girl on the Train 

Carefree Jeanne lives with her widowed mother, Louise. To quiet her mother’s nagging, Jeanne half-heartedly looks for a job while rollerblading through Paris and meets Franck and the couple moves in together, After a disastrous tragedy, Jeanne concocts a story about being attacked on a train by Jewish teens that will have the media and political players up in arms and determined to find out more. Trailer 

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