Buffalo-Niagara Film Reviews: BUFFA-WOOD BLOG: OPENING THIS WEEKEND: 7/12/2013

This week we get six, count em' six new movies hitting the B. Lo - including an all new line up at the Amherst Theater (thanks Dipson Theaters!) - it's going to be a very busy weekend for us at Buffawood.... (we'll do our best to keep up)

@ The Art House

Dirty Wars - at Dipson Amherst

This looks like one very powerful look and timely look about the reporting of whistleblower Jeramy Scahill - inspired by his book Dirty Wars: The World is a Battlefield; although this does look like the kind of documentary that, if you've been closely following the news, you already know the story.

Unfinished Song - at Dipson Amherst

The art house appears to be taking a hint from Hollywood - Unfinished Song looks an awful lot like TWC's Quartet - this time around with Terrance Stamp. Gemma co-stars in the film directed by Paul Andrew Williams (known best for his very gritty 2006 film London to Brighton). It looks like a pleasant enough alternative to Pacific Rim.

Fill the Void - at Dipson Amherst

The buzz has been solid for this elegant-looking Israeli drama about a young women that declares her independence from her ultra Orthodox Hasidic community - this award winner has garnered comparisons to Jane Austin.

20 Ft. From Stardom at Dipson Eastern Hills

Also on VOD, 20 Ft from Stardom chronicles the life of a few behind-the-lead singers - the pain and the joys. Directed by seasoned music documentarian Morgan Neville.

@ The Multiplex (*early screenings on Thursday night in select theaters)

Grown Ups 2 at Dipson Market Arcade, Regal Quaker Crossing, Regal Elmwood, Regal Walden Galleria, Regal Quaker Crossing, Dipson Flix, Regal Transit Center, Regal Hollywood

I genuinely enjoyed the first Grown Ups outing, Grown Up 2 looks like more of the same, but again no complaints from me. It looks like a fun enough summer comedy that should tide you over until the excellent The Way Way Back arrives in Buffalo theaters. Since everybody from the first one is back, I'm looking forward to some 90s SNL nostalgia.

Pacific Rim at Dipson Market Arcade, Regal Quaker Crossing, Regal Elmwood, Regal Walden Galleria, Regal Quaker Crossing, Dipson Flix, Regal Transit Center, Regal Hollywood

Michael Bay took a break this year, directing the (low budget for him) Pain and Gain, leaving Guillermo del Toro (who makes this one worth looking forward to) to helm what essentially looks like a transformers movie. The early reviews haven't been kind - but I'm sure the movie will offer some fun.