Snow Angels (R) !!! 1/2
Annie (Kate Beckinsale) struggles to juggle a job, her daughter and an affair with a married man, in addition to the reckless unpredictability of her estranged husband (Sam Rockwell). Meanwhile, teenager Arthur (Michael Angarano), whom Annie used to baby-sit, deals with his parents’ separation and the affections of new girl Lila (Olivia Thirlby of “Juno”).
Catch it: “Snow Angels” features a best-ever Beckinsale in a truly tragic document of the chinks that scuff up perfection’s armor. Gripping and sad, it’s a movie about learning from other people’s mistakes and the need to be surrounded by others while taking care of yourself.
Skip it: If you think you need to put on an act to make someone fall for you. As Lila tells Arthur, “The stupid things you say make me like you even more.” Awww.
Bottom line: Most of “Snow Angels” is coolly, crushingly complex.
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mpais@tribune.com
