Gerald’s Game

Gerald (Bruce Greenwood) and Jessie (Carla Gugino) plan a vacation in a remote cabin to work on their marital problems. But Gerald is an asshole and perhaps a little clueless, so he brings out the handcuffs and chains her arms to the bedposts, leaving her splayed and helpless. She’s not into this, and they argue for a bit before he agrees to free her. Except he has a heart attack and dies before that happens, so she’s stuck there, waiting for a rescue that’s probably not coming, for some unlikely idea that might allow her to save herself, or for death. I’m not sure that the epilogue is necessary, as takes a pretty hard left turn from what precedes it, but it’s otherwise a dark, creepy, icky, and otherwise pretty doggone good adaptation of a Stephen King novel many thought to be unfilmable.

 

Gilbert

Gilbert Gottfried is a comedian with an abrasive voice and who frequently has an equally abrasive act. He’s vulgar and insensitive and doesn’t consider anything out of bounds. But at home, he’s different. He’s got a sweet, loving wife and two cute kids. He’s got two sisters that he visits on an almost daily basis when he’s not traveling. And to call him frugal would be an understatement. This totally engrossing documentary shows him at home and on the road, and it’s mostly hilarious in appropriate and inappropriate ways, but it’s also very personal and touching. It’s the kind of film that few people might want, but everyone will love.

 

Girl at the Door (short film)

Hye-ri and her little brother spend most nights cowering in fear in her room. Their dad becomes violent and aggressive, presumably from drinking. Unfortunately, their mom isn’t as lucky when it comes to evading his abuse. Hye-ri decides that she needs to learn wrestling techniques so she can put a stop to his reign of terror. It’s a good South Korean short, and it pairs very well with Mom and Dad.

Mom and Dad

Something is causing parents to attack and try to kill their children. It only applies to their own children; they’re indifferent to, or perhaps even protective of, other people’s children as long as they don’t get in the way. Nicolas Cage and Selma Blair just happen to be the parents of two of those kids, and they succumb to those urges. It’s an immensely fun movie overall, but Nicolas Cage going full-on Nicolas Cage at many points throughout the film really gives it that additional push of awesomeness.