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Up To Date

Up To Date's Indie, Foreign & Doc Critics' 'Three To See,' June 1- 4

Sony Pictures Classics
In "The Rider," Brady Jandreau plays a pensive cowboy, whose luck runs out in the aftermath of a near-fatal rodeo accident.

In a summer movie scene of genetically engineered dinosaurs and ultra-violent comic book blockbusters, it’s easy to lose sight of some of the subtler films coming to the silver screen. Fortunately, Up To Date's indie, documentary, and foreign Film Critics have picked out some of the lesser known gems worth seeing this weekend.

Steve Walker

“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.

"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.

“Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami,” not rated

  • Disco and gay pop icon Grace Jones is captured, warts and all, in Sophie Fiennes's documentary in concert, in the studio, on a cheesy French TV show, and returning to her roots in her native Jamaica.

 
Cynthia Haines

“Book Club,” PG-13

  • This directorial debut from Bill Holderman revolves around four women whose ideas about love and relationships are fundamentally transformed after reading “Fifty Shades of Grey” as part of their monthly book club.

“The Rider,” R

  • A young cowboy struggles to find purpose in life after a riding accident forces him to abstain from rodeo competitions in this meditative contemporary western by director Chloe Zhao.  

"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 early in her career, as well as her rise as a pop cultural icon.

 

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.