Graduation season is upon us, which means long trips, awkward family gatherings and unbearable ceremonies. Looking for a break from the tedium? You're in luck. Up To Date's indie, foreign and documentary Film Critics can't change your weird relatives, but they can recommend which movies to catch around town this weekend. Here are their picks to help you make small talk at the next commencement dinner.
Cynthia Haines
"Itzhak," not rated
- In this documentary, Alison Chernick chronicles the life of famous violinist Itzhak Perlman. Viewers get an intimate look into Perlman's life and how his struggle with polio impacted the beginning of his career.
"Back to Burgundy," not rated
- Following the death of their father, three siblings reunite at his vineyard. They must grapple with the future of the family business while re-establishing their connections to each other.
"RBG," PG
- In this illuminating documentary, two female filmmakers paint a three-dimensional portrait of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, outlining the discrimination she faced in her early career as well as her rise as a pop cultural icon.
Steve Walker
"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.
"The House of Tomorrow," not rated
- Excellent work from a mutli-generational cast — ranging from Maude Apatow, age 20, to Ellen Burstyn, 85 — informs this dark comedy about two families whose lives intersect in one of Buckminster Fuller's geodesic domes.
"Lean On Pete," R
- The horse of the title, nearing its retirement from the bottom-tier circuit, finds an advocate in Charlie, a neglected teenager who has sustained more losses in his young life than anyone deserves.
