Seen and reviewed (Oct. 9)

New films in theaters this week:

– “Amreeka” (rated PG-13), a comedy-drama about Palestinian immigrants. With subtitles.
– “Couples Retreat” (rated PG-13), a dysfunctional couples comedy starring Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau.
– “Earth Days” (not rated), a documentary profiled key figures in the modern environmental movement.
– “One Good Man” (rated PG), a locally produced drama about the head of an LDS family.
– “Paranormal Activity” (rated R), a low-budgeted horror-thriller about a haunted house.
– “The September Issue” (rated PG-13), a documentary about the production of Vogue magazine’s fall-fashion issue.
– “Seraphine” (not rated), a biographical drama about French artist Seraphine de Senlis. French with subtitles.

While I did see the creepy “Paranormal Activity” at this year’s Slamdance Film Festival, the movie’s ending has been changed from that original cut. And since the new version of the film was not pre-screened locally, I can’t vouch for its quality.

Poster art courtesy Roadside Attractions

The smaller, so-called “art house” film releases have redeeming qualities.

“Amreeka” has solid performances and the story does ring true, while outdoor shots in the well-acted “Seraphine” look like paintings.

The interesting interview subjects help make “Earth Days” less dry, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour — the supposed inspiration for Meryl Streep’s “The Devil Wears Prada” character — makes “September Issue” some compelling stuff.

As for the LDS-centric drama “One Good Man,” it is very accomplished, technically. It’s just a shame that the story content is relatively dull.

Poster art courtesy Universal Pictures

But that film, and all the others, are better than “Couples Retreat.” Even if longtime pals Vaughn and Favreau’s comic “riffing” can’t salvage this crude, unpleasant mess.

Which, if any, of these movies fit into your weekend viewing plans?