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Born with a degenerative disease disfiguring his face, Edward (Sebastian Stan), undergoes a new and life changing procedure that cures him of his condition. So, when aspiring playwright and neighbor, Ingrid (Renate Reinsve), bases her latest off Broadway work on Edward’s disfigured life, the now cured Edward takes a secret fascination with Ingrid and her piece. But, when a confident, gregarious, and similarly uncured and disfigured actor, Oswald (Adam Pearson), enters the picture, Ingrid’s focus changes and poor Edward struggles to keep up; the lesson, careful what you wish for. Written and Directed by Aaron Schimberg this rough around the edges but cautionary tale centers around a study of confidence, the male ego, and what it is to be visible but invisible in public; definitely conversation material and a spur for discussion in the spirit of a Spike Jonze or Yorgos Lanthimos. A psychological thriller by design with strong performances by the ensemble, and a haunting score by Umberto Smerilli, A Different Man rolls out as a slow burn for it’s hour and fifty-two minute runtime providing plenty of narrative surprises to keep things interesting along the way. Worthy of your time if you’re able to embrace the unusual, A Different Man is rated R.

Days before shoving off to college, eighteen year old Elliot (Maisy Stella) and her girlfriends take a trip to the woods to experiment with psychedelic mushrooms; but, when that spiritual experience brings her face to face with her 39 year old self (Aubrey Plaza) from the future, her life’s trajectory hangs in the balance, and now, she may have to rethink everything. Written and Directed by Megan Park the philosophical dilemma of what advice would you give to your younger self is the driving premise behind this entire film, which could present all kinds of time travel sci-fi hang-ups, save for a massive amount of suspension of disbelief, and, instead we’re presented with an endearing coming of age tale that is a surprisingly emotional and introspective. Youthful in its dialogue Park manages to capture the wit and sensibilities of two generations met with the chops of both Plaza and Stella, bottom line the cine-magic works. This 89 minute romp into comparative sociology rounds out just in time for college students headed back to school and gives pause to the ubiquitous question “what if?” Get past the title and the end result is thoughtful and fun! My Old Ass is Rated R.

Rising to fame in the 70’s and early 80’s through his role as the all American heartthrob, Superman, Christopher Reeve became a household name as the leading man with dashing good looks, a splash of humor, chiseled physique, sharp mind, and of course a devilish grin. But, when a tragic horse-riding accident in 1995 would leave him paralyzed from the neck down, the man of steel’s world would take an abrupt turn. With his wife Dana at his side, Christopher and Dana would lead the charge for spinal cord injury treatments and disability rights. Directed by Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui this endearing and closer look at the inspiring tale of persistence in the face of adversity peels back the curtain on Reeve’s early life, his painful childhood and challenged early romantic life, to his close friends and ultimately the larger family and community that would support him until his death in 2004. Stocked with fascinating clips and footage from his early acting years to present day interviews with friends and family, the good that Christopher and Dana brought into the world in their later years is truly impressive; and, while the film is rather light on many of the specific advances that the Reeve’s were championing, the highlighted importance of their legacy is noteworthy none the less. Also disappointing is the rather brief conclusion to Dana’s life in 2006 from complications of lung cancer, the addendum like quality to her story feels incomplete despite her absolutely pivotal role in the Reeve family’s continued success. Regardless, the documentary sheds interesting light onto the man who became Superman and despite his own shortcomings and later physical challenges, endeared himself into our hearts as indeed a super man. Running one hour and forty four minutes, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is rated PG-13.