The Band’s Visit

The Alexandria (Egypt) Ceremonial Police Orchestra arrives on the wrong bus in the wrong small Israeli town, and is stranded overnight. The bandleader (Sasson Gabai) stiffly approaches Dina, the owner of the cafe (Ronit Elkabetz) and what begins is a long, tender night of shared loneliness. An exquisite film that also functions quietly as a comedy. Rated PG-13 for brief strong language. Four stars – Roger Ebert

Caramel

Set in a Beirut beauty parlor, Nadine Labaki’s feature debut warmly observes the love lives of women of different ages. Lebanon’s Oscar entry for best foreign language film of 2007 sports an ensemble cast of non-professionals lead by Labaki, playing the shop’s owner. Rated PG for thematic elements involving sexuality, language, and some smoking. Three stars – Bill Stamets

Nim’s Island

A pair of heroines on opposite sides of the world team up in a heartwarming story from Walden Media, the latest in its series of fine films based on popular children’s literature. Nim (Abigail Breslin of “Little Miss Sunshine”) and her marine biologist father, Jack (Gerard Butler), are the only human residents of a remote but idyllic South Pacific island. Into the plot comes Alex Rover, who’s really Alexandra, a famous author (Jodie Foster) terrified of life. Directors Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin seamlessly combine adventure, drama, comedy and fantasy as Jack, Nim and Alexandra have to confront their separate but often parallel fears and challenges. The filmmakers wisely make Nim the center of the story in a way that young audiences will find empowering. Rated PG for mild adventure, action and brief language. Three stars – Nell Minow



The Ruins

A vacation to Mexico turns deadly when a group of friends decide to join another tourist on a remote archaeological dig in the jungle … where something evil awaits. Rated R for strong violence and gruesome images, language, some sexuality and nudity. – Bill White