A pair of very American flicks and a homecoming for Tricky Dick

We’re getting nearer to the summer movie season and the films are getting better. This week, two notable movies arrive at the multiplexes, highlighted by “State of Play.” Based on the BBC series but now set in America and specifically Washington, D.C., the twisty political thriller offers up Russell Crowe as an intrepid reporter for the Washington Globe and Ben Affleck as his politician friend, who’s suspect numero uno when his attractive assistant winds up murdered. Crowe’s on the case, naturally, for the intricate conspiracy, as are Helen Mirren and Rachel McAdams. Cinema Arts Theatre in Fairfax opens that one as well as “American Violet,” a drama based on true events from the 2000 election when a young African-American woman is labeled a drug dealer and has to fight the judicial system to avoid a long prison sentence. Nicole Beharie is the newbie star, but she’s surrounded by some big names, including Alfre Woodard, Michael O’Keefe, Charles S. Dutton, Will Patton, Tim Blake Nelson and Xzibit.

The American drama continues on DVD Tuesday with the release of “Frost/Nixon.” This is one I’m pretty excited about, as director Ron Howard pits Michael Sheen’s David Frost vs. Frank Langella’s Oscar-nominated performance as President Richard Nixon. Lots of great acting and political intrigue here, too. Be sure to also check out “The Wrestler.” Mickey Rourke got a nod from the Academy, too, for his portrayal of a washed-up pro wrestler trying for one more go-round as a main attraction. I am also pretty stoked that “Sin City” is finally making its Blu-ray debut — that ultra-stylistic black-and-white noir is made for high definition, with Rourke making a guest appearance — and the “X-Men” trilogy is going Blu, too. (The first two flicks are classic, the third not so much.)

What summer movie are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments, and have a great weekend!

Tags: dvd, movies