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Marion (Julie Delpy) and Mingus (Chris Rock) are an interracial and international couple living in New York. The two have a charming and quirky relationship based on the cultural strains they put on each other; but, Mingus may be in for more than he can handle as Marion’s obnoxious family comes to visit for a few days. With Marion’s father, sister, and soon to be brother in law (Albert Delpy, Alexia Landeau, and Alex Nahon) cramming into their apartment stress levels start to rise and niceties are done away with. How to manage, and will the couple ever get time alone together? Written, acted and directed Julie Delpy, the film seems to accomplish what it sets out to achieve, setting up for awkwardness and stress testing the audience. Drifting between what feels like scripted dialogue and improv creativity the film has its moments of wit. Meanwhile we’re exposed to a plethora of scenes and scenarios that each seem interesting by themselves but in totality don’t really make for much more than a collage. Still, interesting without overstaying its welcome, maybe worthy of a matinee, maybe. 2 Days in New York is rated R.

In the time of gangsters and prohibition, Franklin County Virginia may have been the wettest county in the world. In Franklin the art of moonshining was raised to a new level of refined spirits; at the top of it all was one family, the indestructible Bondurant brothers: Forrest, Howard, and Jack (Tom Hardy, Jason Clarke, and Shia LaBeouf). So, as the new deputy, Charlies Rakes (Guy Pearce), steps on to the scene and expects a cut of the action, the chess board is set for a bloody standoff. Witness to the mayhem are the women who love two of the brothers, Maggie and Bertha (Jessica Chastain and Mia Wasikowska), and the ingenious inventor Cricket Pate (Dane DeHaan). As the noose tightens, all associated are in danger, lawmen and outlaw alike. Who will prevail, and over what principles? Based on the true story of the Bondurant family and adapted for screen by none other than the counter cultural phenom from down under known as Nick Cave and directed by John Hillcoat, this dark and moody period piece combines one part western, one part mob flick, two parts thick drama, and one part violence to make for a white lighting strength cocktail that will knock your socks off. And, while I had my reservations about LaBeouf they were quickly cast aside, surrounded by all the talent in this film including powerhouse Gary Oldman, LaBeouf’s spotted past is clearly that, part of his past and not necessarily his future. The rest of the ensemble offer up nothing but gold. And, with sharp art direction and unsettling musical scoring from Cave, the rest of the picture rounds out to be one of the best this summer. Worth it! Lawless is rated R.

Two college frienemies, Katie and Lauren (Ari Graynor and Lauren Anne Miller), are financially forced to become roommates several years after graduation. Pressed further for cash the two discover the lucrative business of phone sex and it appears their money worries are over. But what about aspirations for other employment, hope for meaningful relationships with men, and ultimately the strength of their own friendship? Co-written by Lauren Miller and Katie Anne Naylon and Directed by Jamie Travis, the end goal looks to be a situational and semi character driven comedy akin to female raunch comedies such as Bridesmaids. And, for a freshman attempt and considering the budget they were working with, the result isn’t half bad. But, comedy is such a fickle beast, and giving an honest and convincing delivery can sometimes be a challenge, this is evident in several scenes. Part of this may be due to the fact that the crew relied more on scripted humor as opposed to improvised bits, which highlights just how difficult “strong” comedy is to come up with. Meanwhile, despite the shocking topic of phone sex, the rest of the film feels fairly rudimentary. All that being said, I’m looking forward to what this group comes up with on their next project as they hone their skill sets even more. Perhaps a matinee but really more of a rental. For a Good Time Call is rated R.