This weekend is a quiet one at the art house cinemas in terms of new releases, with only one major indie release coming out, this year’s Cannes Palme d’Or winner, BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR.  It’s a great weekend then to catch up on other releases that might be expanding into your area or you just couldn’t see on its opening weekend.

BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR

Based on a graphic novel about two young women who fall in love, Blue Is the Warmest Color has been talked about since winning the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.  Its graphic depictions of sex — the film is rated NC-17 — and its three-hour runtime will probably scare away a lot of typical moviegoers, but with near universal praise there’s a good chance you’ll keep hearing about it until you get a chance to see it in your area.

A TRUE STORY

A comedy about two screenwriters and their personal lives when one of the writer’s ex-girlfriends (Katrina Bowden) comes back into the picture, A True Story was written by the movie’s two stars, Cameron Fife and Tyler McGee and was directed by actor Malcolm Goodwin (who appeared on American Gangster and Leatherheads). Though A True Story was first released on the internet last month, there hasn’t been much word about it from the critics.

LOSERS TAKE ALL

Though it debuted way back at the Woodstock Film Festival in September 2011, this music comedy about a 1980s indie rock band trying to decide whether or not to sell out is finally getting a release this weekend.  It was directed by Alex Steyermark, who made another rock and roll film a decade ago, Prey For Rock & Roll and long-time music supervisor for Spike Lee’s films (among many others).

WHEN I WALK (Documentary)

This documentary tells the story of Jason DaSilva, who as a twenty five year-old in 2006 on vacation had suddenly lost the ability to walk because of his multiple sclerosis. Jason, who was an aspiring filmmaker, decided to film his life going forward. Critics have given it strong reviews for being an inspiring look at a young man coping with a disease.

SPINNING PLATES (Documentary)

Every once in a while I think that it must be interesting to run a restaurant, and then a second later I come to the realization how difficult the restaurant business really is (just watch an episode of Kitchen Nightmares!) Spinning Plates looks at three completely different restaurants in terms of prestige and cusine, but they all have one thing in common: they are all struggling in some way.  It has been a big hit with critics, so it’s probably a bit more involved than a reality show.

Other notable weekend indie, foreign & documentary releases:

TORN

WALKING WITH THE ENEMY

TOAD ROAD

HOUSE IN THE ALLEY