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Up To Date

Up To Date's Indie, Foreign & Doc Critics' 'Three to See,' June 29-July 1

Kuno Lechner
/
Wikimedia Commons
Some of the world's highest peaks are the subject in a new nature doc/critique of travel tourism narrated by Willem Dafoe.

With summer temperatures nearing the triple digits, this weekend's activites may be best suited to the indoor variety. Avoid the heat by swinging by the concession stand for an Icee and then grabbing a seat at one of the local arthouse cinemas. But what to see? Luckily, Up To Date's indie, foreign and documentary Film Critics have a few suggestions for you.

Steve Walker

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

  • Morgan Neville's moving documentary about Fred Rogers, the low-key host of the PBS children's show, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," is a welcome salute to kindness, intelligence and civility.

"RBG," PG

  • This timely and spirited documentary about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg reveals her to be an outwardly timid avenger, a champion of underdogs and a spry wit.

"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.

Cynthia Haines

"RBG," PG 

  • The 85-year-old Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the subject of this documentary recalling her career from one of the only women in her Harvard Law School class to the most iconic liberal voice on the Supreme Court.

"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. 

"Mountain," PG

  • Soaring imagery is matched by a moving score from the Australian Chamber Orechestra in this documentary that examines the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, specifically through humanity's relentless pursuit to summit the world's tallest peaks.
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 of Up to Date's regular trio of critics who discuss the latest in art, independent and documentary films playing on area screens.