Film

A scene from Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris.” – Photo: Courtesy

“Midnight In Paris,” Woody Allen’s return to form (after a pair of missteps), begins in Paris at daylight. The beautiful shots wouldn’t be out of place in Condé Nast Traveler.

Robert Pattison and Rosie the elephant in a scene from “Water for Elephants.” – Photo: Courtesy

When Steve Freese, executive director of the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, heard that 20th Century Fox had purchased the movie rights to “Water for Elephants,” Sara Gruen’s popular novel about a Depression-era circus, he lost no time in sending a proposal to the film’s producers. If they wanted authenticity, Freese was ready to provide guidance from the greatest circus museum on Earth.

“Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives” screens on May 8 at UWM Union Theatre in Milwaukee. – Photo: Courtesy

Don’t expect to come away from “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives” with a deeper meaning of life, either yours or Uncle Boonmee’s. Leisurely paced, to say the least, this work from gay Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul received the Palme d’Or at Cannes.

“Stonewall Uprising” is screened on March 19 at 7 p.m. at Unitarian Church North, 13800 N. Port Washington in Mequon. Call 262-375-3890.

There is no shortage of good LGBT documentaries, and “Stonewall Uprising,” based on David Carter’s book “Stonewall: The Riots that Sparked the Gay Revolution,” takes its proud and rightful place among its predecessors. Co-directors Kate Davis and David Heilbroner provide a suitable amount of background through photographs and “dramatic recreation” for what was to become the gay “Rosa Parks moment.”

Paul Giamatti and Dustin Hoffman shine in “Barney’s Version.” – Paul Giamatti

Barney Panofsky (Paul Giamatti, who won a Golden Globe for his performance) isn’t the most likeable guy. Married and divorced three times, he is the very definition of unlucky in love.

Chris Hemsworth portrays “Thor.” – Photo: Courtesy

Reasons not to see “Thor”:

Chris Hemsworth: He portrays the Nordic god cum comic book character with an Aussie accent. Hemsworth (in a bad hairpiece) is not that pretty and when he’s shirtless, he’s not shirtless nearly long enough.

Natalie Portman: After spending the entire movie as storm-chasing scientist Jane (me Thor, you Jane, get it?), somewhere between agog and a drool, Portman should consider calling Annette Bening and graciously handing over her Oscar to the better actress.

Chris Zylka is the stuff of dreams in “Kaboom.” – Photo: Courtesy

Queer filmmaker Gregg Araki (“The Living End”) reached a career high with his 2004 film adaptation of Scott Heim’s novel “Mysterious Skin.” That movie was significant, not only because Araki looked to the well-stocked shelves of contemporary gay lit for inspiration, but also for the maturity with which he handled the subject material.