MUSIC DOC
The Go-Go’s
Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine and Gina Shock share rock & roll war stories in Alison Elwood’s band doc. From 1981-1984, the Go-Go’s had three Top 20 albums and seven hits, including “We Got the Beat” (No. 2, 1981). But rigorous touring, drug use and infighting led to an earlier than expected split up. While Coffey’s heroin use took its toll, Shock laughs off her dependence on coke. Due to their brief career, the Go-Go’s are not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which is not too subtly noted by the filmmaker.
STONER COMEDY
The Jesus Rolls
This off-beat follow-up to The Big Lebowski directed by and starring John Turturro picks up with champion bowler Jesus (Turturro) getting out of jail. He’s met by Petey (Bobby Cannavale) and they soon hook up with Marie (Audrey Tautou). The criminally-minded trio go on a wild adventure, ripping off cars and squatting in houses. Two other ex-cons they help, played by Susan Sarandon and Peter Davidson, have memorable cameos. Despite a dancing scene in a bowling alley, no balls or joints are rolled.
STONER COMEDY
The King of Staten Island
Saturday Night Live cast member Pete Davidson is The King of Staten Island in Judd Apatow's comedy about growing up in New York’s least respected borough. Davidson’s father, a firefighter, died during the 9/11 rescue effort. The story mirrors that with Scott (Davidson) still dealing with the aftermath. Scott and his stoner friends spend most of the time getting high in his basement (he lives in the house with his mother and sister). After a botched pharmacy robbery (he doesn't get caught), Scott moves into the local firehouse where he volunteers and begins to grow up. Davidson fans will enjoy his big-screen debut; Scott is more likeable than most of his SNL characters. Davidson also has a supporting role in The Jesus Rolls (see above).
DRUGGY DRAMA
The Painter and the Thief
Benjamin Ree’s film set in Oslo, Norway is actually an unscripted docudrama. After an exhibition, several of Czech painter Barbora Kysikova’s pieces are stolen. One of the thieves – Karl “Bertil” Nordland – is caught and prosecuted. Barbora befriends Bertil in hopes of finding the paintings, which have disappeared. What ensues is one of the most unusual relationships you’ll see in a movie. A career criminal and thrill seeker (he regularly crashes cars), Beril’s also addicted to heroin, though Rees never shows him using.
