Indie Weekend: 'Into the Abyss,' 'Bellflower' and 'Titans' Return

My pick of the week:

• ‘Into the Abyss.’ Werner Herzog contemplates the death penalty in conversations with an inmate on death row in Texas, and those affected by his crime. (Landmark Magnolia, Angelika Plano.) Not previewed.

Also opening in Dallas today, Friday, November 11, 2011 (listed alphabetically):

• ‘Bellflower.’ Powerful drama that goes off the rails yet remains a provocative, independent vision. (Texas Theatre.) My review. Recommended.

• ‘Clash of the Titans.’ With sword-and-sandals epic ‘Immortals’ hitting theaters this weekend, the Texas Theatre wisely showcases a 35mm print of the charming 1981 fantasy flick. (Texas Theatre.) Recommended.

Holdovers — Selected Indies Still playing:

• Angelika Dallas: ‘Drive,’ ‘Like Crazy,’ ‘Margin Call,’ ‘The Skin I Live In’
• Angelika Plano: ‘Like Crazy,’ ‘Margin Call,’ ‘Nuremberg,’ ‘The Skin I Live In,’ ‘Sarah’s Key,’ ‘Take Shelter’
• Cinemark West Plano: ‘The Double,’ ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’
• Landmark Inwood: ‘The Rum Diary’
• Landmark Magnolia: ‘Anonymous,’ ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene,’ ‘Mozart’s Sister,’ ‘Take Shelter’

Opening wide across the Metroplex (listed in alphabetical order):

• ‘Immortals.’ The gods take an interest in the battles of mortal men; Henry Cavill is the hero and Mickey Rourke is the villain; with Frieda Pinto. Directed with style and energy by Tarsem. My review at Twitch. Recommended.

• ‘Jack and Jill.’ In this alleged comedy, Adam Sandler plays both himself and his twin sister. With Al Pacino (?!) and Katie Holmes. My review at Twitch. Not recommended.

• ‘J. Edgar.’ Leonardo DiCaprio stars as the secretive longtime  director of the FBI. With Armie Hammer and Naomi Watts; directed by Clint Eastwood. My review at Twitch. Recommended with reservations.