4th & Short: 10/25/09

It's Sunday and time for another 4th and Short, my 3 picks for the best movies in theatres right now and my DVD pick of the week. I'm actually just getting back from seeing Astro Boy, and while it's not going to be included here I think it's a good kid friendly flick. Not too violent(mostly comic violence among robots), and the themes are simple enough for kids to understand I think. Then again I'm a childless loser, so take that with a grain of salt!

3. Paranormal Activity

It's Halloween, so it's hard not to put the scariest film of the year on the list. According to the numbers, Paranormal Activity is slugging it out with the reliable Saw franchise for top grosser this weekend, but that's not what's important. Gather a group of your buddies, pick the latest showing you can find, and go get your shorts filled up by one of the creepiest movies in years.

2. Saw VI

The venerable old Saw franchise returns to it's roots, presenting a twisted tale of vigilante justice and...pre-existing conditions? By far the most complete film of the series, the Jigsaw killer has never been more terrifying or as interesting as he is here, as even more of the story behind is bloody quest for retribution is revealed. Perfect for the Halloween season, and by far my favorite of the Saw films yet.

1. Where the Wild Things Are

It's simply the best movie out, and will be for quite some time. Spike Jonze's gorgeous adaptation is exactly what the doctor ordered if you're not into watching people posessed by demons or cutting out chunks of their flesh. The harshest thing you'll see here is Catherine Keener getting bit on the shoulder by a 12 year old.

DVD Pick: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles(1987)

Forget about the giant robot movie that came out this week, and take a look back 22 years at one of the best movies ever made. John Hughes' first real foray into an "adult" comedy when he had been labeled as little more than a writer of teen angst is probably the strongest effort of his storied career. Starring two comedy legends, Steve Martin and John Candy, as a pair of mismatched guys making the world's worst road trip in order to make it home in time for Thanksgiving. Sounds simple, but the performances by Martin and Candy are flawless and the script is deceptively deep and emotional. The film has been out on DVD for awhile, but this brand new "Those Aren't Pillows" edition comes with a featurette on the life and career of the late great John Candy. Worth every penny and should be on every movie lover's DVD shelf.