Top 5 movies from SXSW Film

by Chris Vognar, Dallas Morning News movies critic

SXSW Film ends March 16.

Hey Bartender will show again at SXSW Film on Thursday, March 14 at 9:30 p.m. in Austin.

Here are Top 5 choices from SXSW Film, which rolls on the rest of the week without me. In alphabetical order:

Before Midnight – Richard Linklater catches up with Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) in the third part of his trilogy. It’s one of the most honest and realistic relationship movies I’ve ever seen.

Getting Back to Abnormal – Four directors, including Austin documentary stalwart Paul Stekler, explore a racially contentious city council race in post-Katrina New Orleans.

Hey Bartender – A thirsty and energetic look at the craft cocktail renaissance features a handful of superstar New York bartenders and a Connecticut restaurateur just trying to keep up with the times.

Loves Her Gun – An even-handed drama about a young New York woman (Trieste Kelly Dunn) who comes to Texas and learns to, well, love her gun. The ending packs a wallop.

Mud – Jeff Nichols’ follow-up to the outstanding Take Shelter weaves a deeply felt tale of an Arkansas adolescent (up-and-comer Tye Sheridan) learning the difference between ideals and reality. Matthew McConaughey continues his recent roll, playing a spacey drifter on the lam.