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Up To Date's Indie, Foreign & Doc Critics' 'Three To See,' June 22-24

"American Animals" uses both actors and real life players to tell the true story of a group of friends determined to steal a valuable book from a university library.
The Orchard
"American Animals" uses both actors and real life players to tell the true story of a group of friends determined to steal a valuable book from a university library.

Animated superhero sequel "Incredibles 2" has stormed box offices, raking in the highest-grossing opening weekend of all time for an animated film. But if you're not in the mood for a theater packed with kids (and young adults trying to reconnect to their childhood), Up to Date'sindie, foreign and documentary Film Critics assure us there are still plenty of things to see on area screens this weekend.

Steve Walker

"American Animals," R

  • In this wildly creative story about four hapless college students plotting to steal a $12 million book of Audubon paintings from the school library, director Bart Layton melds recreations from actors and recollections from the real players.

"The Rider," R

  • Director Chloe Zhao's beautifully shot modern western about a rodeo cowboy, played by the charismatic Brady Jandreau in an impressive film debut, hell-bent on getting back on a horse as he recovers from a near-fatal head injury.

"The Seagull," PG-13

  • In Stephen Karam's adaptation of Anton Chekhov's great play, Annette Bening plays a vain actress surrounded by family, friends, employees and a lover at a Russian country house churning with jealousy. 


Cynthia Haines 

"Izzy Gets the F*ck Across Town," not rated 

  • Bursting with energy, Mackenzie Davis stars as Izzy, a woman at rock bottom on a trek across Los Angeles to crash her ex-boyfriend's engagement party. 

"American Animals," R

  • In this extraordinary (mostly) true story, a group of young men shock friends and family when they form an audacious plan to steal a rare and valuable book from a university library. 

"The Rider," R

  • In this contemporary western from director Chloe Zhao, Brady Jandreau stars as a pensive cowboy forced into early retirement after a life-threatening accident.


Bob Bulter

"Won't You Be My Neighbor?" PG-13

  • Director Morgan Neville illuminates the life of the beloved Fred Rogers, host of the television show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," in a beautiul tribute to the legacy he left behind. 

"First Reformed," R

  • In this compelling thriller written and directed by Paul Schrader, Ethan Hawke plays a New York pastor experiencing a crisis-of-faith at the intersection of politics and religion. 

"Hearts Beat Loud," PG-13

  • This feel-good movie from director Brett Haley depicts the creative process in-action and the evolving relationship of a widowed father and his teenage daughter. Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons star in this musical feature.

Copyright 2021 KCUR 89.3. To see more, visit KCUR 89.3.

Since 1998, Steve Walker has contributed stories and interviews about theater, visual arts, and music as an arts reporter at KCUR. He's also one Up to Date's regular trio of critics who discuss the latest in art, independent and documentary films playing on area screens.
Emily Park