20 Awesome Movies At SXSW

The Film: Jake Gyllenhaal plays Captain Colter Stevens, a man who wakes up in another man’s body aboard a doomed train. Quickly, Stevens discovers that it’s his job to find out what caused the train’s destruction, no matter how many times he has to be sent back in time...

Why We're Excited: It’s Moon director Duncan Jones’ sophomore feature film, and we’re suffering ‘mad dogs trapped in a car without the window cracked’ levels of hysteria over it.

For a start, that premise sounds just as mind-boggling and brilliant as Jones’ first film. Will Source Code suffer from Difficult Second Film syndrome? Or will Jones come up trumps? We have a niggling feeling it will be the latter.

When To See It: Friday 11 March, 7pm, Paramount Theatre

The Film: The students of Grizzly Lake just want to make it to prom and the freedom that lies beyond. Sadly for them, there’s a psycho killer on the loose...

Why We're Excited: It looks completely and utterly bonkers. If Scream was post-modern, Detention is post-post-modern. Whatever that actually IS, it looks pretty funny. Sort of like Clueless meets Scream by way of American Pie. But, y’know, cooler than that.

Case in point: the film’s batshit trailer, which has the audacity to show off weird doggy slow-mo, explosions and spaceships – as well as Josh Hutcherson doing his very best impression of Back To The Future -era Michael J. Fox. And pulling it off.

When To See It: Sunday 13 March, 6.30pm, Alamo Lamar A

The Film: When a young family move into a new home, their youngest member falls into a coma. Soon, worried parents Josh and Renai begin to suspect that an unnatural presence is haunting their house.

Why We're Excited: What sounds like a typical haunted house scare-em-up has a few trump cards up its sleeves. Firstly: lead stars Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne. The former’s generally awesome no matter what, while Byrne riveted in TV drama Damages and should do the same here.

Secondly: it’s from the clever guys who made Saw before it turned into The Saw Franchise. Then again, Insidious could end up being a pale imitation of The Amityville Horror , which was itself not a film without problems. Fingers crossed this can bring the chills and the smarts.

When To See It: Friday 11 March, Midnight, Alamo Ritz 1

The Film: Frank’s ex-druggy wife is lured away by a suave drug dealer, so he decides to become a superhero in order to win her back.

Why We're Excited: Post -Kick-Ass post-modern comic adventures are in short supply as we wait around for Kick-Ass 2 to make its way to the big screen. So while we wait, this raucous-looking comedy from James Slither Gunn should sate our comic thirst.

If only because it looks ten times more bonkers than Kick-Ass ever was, with Nathan Fillion as a cross-dressing hero, Rainn Wilson as a goofy wanna-hero-be, and Kevin Bacon as a drug dealer. Awesome.

When To See It: Saturday 12 March, 10pm, Paramount Theatre

The Film: Eight strangers take refuge in their apartment building’s basement when a devastating bomb all but destroys New York. But as they hide, the men begin to divide into packs. Lone female Eva is trapped in the middle...

Why We're Excited: Ah, there’s nothing like a good end-of-worlder. This Canadian thriller should be a pretty low-budget affair, but if nothing else it’ll contain some ticking time bomb tension and – if that still’s anything to go by – a nice bit of casual torture. Perfect.

When To See It: Sunday 13 March, Midnight, Alamo Ritz 1

The Film: “Inner city versus outer space”, as aliens attempt to take over a London high-rise – with only a load of hooded youths standing in their way. But will it really be as easy as all that?

Why We're Excited: It’s the directorial debut of ex- Adam & Joe star (and Edgar Wright pal) Joe Cornish. It’s also got Nick Frost in it as a cannabis-growing scaredy-cat, while Cornish has promised that this isn’t just about tongue-in-cheek thrills – it’s a genuinely entertaining alien invasion thrillride.

Considering he’s the chap they’ve hired to work on the Ant Man film with Wright, we should be in for a very good time.

When To See It: Saturday 12 March, Midnight, Alamo Ritz 1

The Film: Hesher is an anarchist. Burning things, listening to ear-bursting music and revelling in pornography, he’s your granny’s worst nightmare. But could he be the unexpected cure for a young kid’s debilitating depression?

Why We're Excited: Quite simply; Joseph Gordon-Levitt is the man. Shown in Hesher ’s promo material with long matted hair, looking generally grubby, and frequently only in his pants, he’s undergone a Johnny Depp level of transformation for this role. Which only works to swell our man-love for him. This can’t fail.

When To See It: Sunday 13 March, 9.30pm, Alamo Lamar A

The Film: When a lone homeless man witnesses a robbery in his new city home, he realises that it’s up to him to keep the streets clean – with his trusty new shotgun.

Why We're Excited: Take a look at that title one more time. A grindhouse confection based on one of the trailers tailored for Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino’s Grindhouse double-bill, Hobo promises scratchy renegade thrills and a pleasingly old-school aesthetic. Plus Rutger Hauer in full-on bad-ass mode.

When To See It: Tuesday 15 March, Midnight, Alamo Ritz 1

The Film: Bloke’s bloke Russell heads out to a gay bar and meets another guy. Before long they’re back at his place, where Russell’s invited to discuss his experiences of life as his new friend records him.

Why We're Excited: It’s from the British director who also made little-seen shock mod-doc Greek Pete , the boundary-busting, fiction-blurring day in a life of a gay London rent boy. If this is anywhere near as well-observed as that, we’re in for a treat.

When To See It: Friday 11 March, 7pm, Alamo Lamar C

The Film: Depressed exec Walter Black can’t seem to pull himself out of the doldrums, alienating his entire family. Until he discovers a ratty old beaver puppet...

Why We're Excited: Finally, we get to see Mel Gibson back on the big screen. Now that his scandal has been eclipsed by that of Charlie Sheen’s, Gibbo’s returning to the movies with this Jodie Foster-directed black comedy. And not a moment too soon.

When To See It: Wednesday 16 March, 7pm, Paramount Theatre

The Film: In the time of the Shogun, an evil young Lord deems himself above the law, and spends his time raping and killing on a whim. But a secret force of 13 assassins know that he must be stopped, and undertake a suicide mission to bring the Lord to his knees...

Why We're Excited: Every bit as grand as you could hope it would be, Takashi Miike’s remake of Eiichi Kudo’s 1963 movie looks big with a capital BIG.

If that plot doesn’t get you grabbing your coat and keys, the film’s bodacious trailer should , with its lavish imagery and promise of epic-sized epiceness.

When To See It: Sunday 13 March, 6.30pm, Paramount Theatre

The Film: A portrait of farmer songwriter Willie Nelson that encompasses the demise of the old west, detailing how the legends are kept alive by troubadours like Willie.

Why We're Excited: Billy Bob Thornton returns to directing after a decade-long absence, which is surely something to get excited about.

After making his feature directorial debut in 1996 with the critically acclaimed Sling Blade , he went on to direct damp squibs All The Pretty Horses and Daddy And Them before taking a break. Here’s hoping he’s refound that original magic with The King Of Luck.

When To See It: Saturday 19 March, 7pm, Paramount Theatre

The Film: A group of Aussie buddies go on the ‘surfari’ of their lives, hitting the waves during a stay at a secluded island paradise. But when they all fall for the same beautiful woman, tensions run high.

Why We're Excited: If you were disappointed by Donkey Punch (and, let’s face it, who wasn’t?), this offering from Australia could bring the isolated oceanic thrills that you’re after. It could be the new Deep Calm . Or it could be unintentionally hilarious. Either way, it’s a win win.

When To See It: Saturday 12 March, 9pm, Alamo Lamar B

The Film: Fairytale reimagining that pits the village of Daggerhorn against werewolves. When one of the villagers is killed, a wolf takes on human form and walks among them, causing widespread paranoia.

Why We're Excited: It could, like, totally be the new Twilight ! Wait, is that a reason to be excited? Considering this version of the Hood yarn was helmed by Catherine Hardwicke - the woman responsible for the first and best Twilight movie - we feel a little excitement is warranted.

For one, it’s got Amanda Seyfried as the titular Hood providing some serious eye candy. For another, Gary Oldman and Virginia Madsen also star, which guarantees at least a little high quality scenery chewing. Lip-biting and leg-hitching TBC.

When To See It: Thursday 10 March, Midnight, Alamo Lamar A

The Film: Following the lives of terminally ill patients and their families in Oregon, the first US state to legalise physician-assisted suicide.

Why We're Excited: Sober viewing, to be sure, but surely one that will inspire passionate debates over the dinner table. It should also give an insight into just how the ‘Death with Dignity Act’ came to pass, and what it means to the residents of Oregon.

When To See It: Saturday 12 March, 5pm, Alamo Lamar A

The Film: Miserable attorney Mike is stumbling through his life when he bumps into a star high school wrestler – and finds a twin spirit in him.

Why We're Excited: We’d watch Paul Giamatti reading the morning paper if we could, he’s just that good. But a Paul Giamatti playing another miserable mid-life-crisis-stricken American bloke? Now that just smacks of brilliance.

This drama from director Tom McCarthy looks to have some cutting wit, and a pleasantly indie vibe. McCarthy gifted Richard Jenkins a phenomenal role in The Visitor , and he seems to have done the same with Giamatti here. Aces.

When To See It: Monday 14 March, 7.15pm, Paramount Theatre

The Film: In February 2004, Cameron Todd Willingham was executed, found guilty of the arson murders of his three young daughters. But what if he was really innocent?

Why We're Excited: Another sombre but compelling documentary, this one hinges on that most frustratingly absorbing of questions: What if? We all love a good murder mystery, and the fact that this one’s based in real life should make it all the more gripping.

As a joint investigation into a horrible event and the US death penalty, it’s also got controversy stamped all over it. Another thing we all love.

When To See It: Saturday 12 March, 4.30pm, Paramount Theatre

The Film: Contract killer Jay used to be a soldier, but his experiences have left him mentally scarred. When he’s hired for another job, his sanity begins to unravel once more...

Why We're Excited: Director Ben Wheatley was also responsible for last year’s low-budget, high-class mobster drama Down Terrace , which was elevated above its meagre budget by a whipsmart script and killer performances.

With Kill List , Wheatley seems to have upped his game with another intimate tension cranker. We can’t wait to see what he’s got in store.

When To See It: Saturday 12 March, Midnight, Alamo Lamar A

The Film: Paul Reuben returns to perform his new show at the Sondheim Theatre in New York for this HBO special.

Why We're Excited: It’s Pee-wee Herman! The adorably ooky performer is never short of quirky skits, and this shouldn’t be any different. Promising “subversive humour and childlike wonder”, it’s a must-see for Herman fans and newbies alike.

When To See It: Saturday 12 March, 4pm, State Theatre

The Film: Two friends come fist-to-face as they attempt to plan their best friend’s wedding party.

Why We're Excited: This may star a load of chicks, but this ain’t no chick flick. Coming from the minds of SNL funnygirl Kristen Wiig and Superbad ’s Judd Apatow, that genius union should result in one heck of a boisterous comedy.

Wiig has been providing top notch support for years now, most recently as a visually-impaired love interest for Simon Pegg in Paul . Bridesmaids sees her taking the lead for the first time. If there is a God, this will be everything that Bride Wars wasn’t.

When To See It: Sunday 13 March, Midnight, Paramount Theatre