Bee Reel: New Releases For May 9, 2008

Bee Reel: If He Moves, Will He Fall? (No. He Won’t.)

I almost decided to skip this week’s coming attractions, because … what’s the point? You’re all going to see Iron Man again anyway. Who could blame you really? It’s an incredible action movie, with great special effects, great acting and a smart, well-written story. See, Michael Bay! It can be done! I saw it on the Ziegfeld Theater’s giant screen (which I highly recommend) and the audience applauded on multiple occasions during the film. And not just the Marvel Comics fan boys, either. (Ok, it was mostly them, but even I silently cheered for Robert Downey Jr.) So see it again; you know you want to. (Especially if you forgot to stay until the closing credits were finished. Hint, hint.)

Besides, look at your options for this week. Speed Racer? Who needs that assault on the senses? Just watch “The Matrix” and try to forget about its sequels. The atrocity that is “What Happens In Vegas“? (Pull Quote: “It should have stayed there!” Zing!) No, the big guy will have another week or two to dominate the multiplexes, before giving way to even bigger and louder spectacles. It’s okay, though, because he earned it.

If you need a blockbuster breather, however, we suppose there are some smaller entertainments to be found. The only thing more unstoppable than Iron Man is Ellen Page, and New Yorkers can find her in the limited release of “The Tracey Fragments.” This one may be too arty for its own good, but she’s just a captivating presence on the screen. Her films are interesting if nothing else and it may be the last chance you get to see Ellen in her snappy, world-wise teenager phase, before she movies on to snappier, world-wise college student phase.

Or if you just want something salacious, try “The Babysitters,” about a teen childcare giver-call girl ring. Or better yet, go see “Last Tango In Paris,” at the Film Forum. Don’t forget the butter!

If even that is too much to handle this week, try the opera. Next Wednesday, you catch a live performance of the Metropolitan Opera’s La Boheme, broadcast in HD at select movie theaters. Opera with popcorn and Milk Duds? Who can pass that up?

Oh, and if you simply must have a coming attraction recommendation, we’ve got one for you: Iron Man 2, which opens on April 30, 2010. Mark your calendars!