.New Movies & Events: Week of Oct. 29

THE BOONDOCK SAINTS II: ALL SAINTS DAY Ten years after filmmaker Troy Duffy unleashed the original Boondock Saints, the cult action drama about Irish homeboys defending their turf in Boston, he finally gets the sequel up onscreen. Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus star as the McManus Brothers forced to return from Ireland when they learn they’ve been framed in Boston for the murder of a priest. Billy Connolly, Clifton, Collins Jr., Judd Nelson, and Peter Fonda co-star. (R) 115 minutes. Starts Friday.
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THE DAMNED UNITED Reviewed this issue. (R) 97 minutes. ★★★1/2 Opens Nov. 6 .
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GENTLEMEN BRONCOS At a fantasy convention, a sci-fi novelist (Jermaine Clement, from Flight of the Conchords) is accused by a teenage fan (Michael Angarano) of stealing his story idea in this offbeat comedy from Jared and Jerusha Hess (Napoleon Dynamite). (PG-13) Starts Friday.
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THE HORSE BOY Everyone has a different idea of what autism is and how to treat it. When Rupert and Kristen Isaacson’s son, Rowan, is diagnosed autistic, they begin an unorthodox, round-the-world odyssey to try to forge a bridge into his inner world. Noticing Rowan becomes calm, happy, and communicative on a neighbor’s horse, the Anglo-American couple invites filmmaker Michel O. Scott along on a journey by van and horse caravan across the Mongolian steppes that will involve nine shamans, one “clinging” spirit, ritual cleansings, nomadic sheepherders, and the healing powers of reindeer. It all sounds touchy-feely, but what emerges is a graceful, remarkable portrait of the Isaacson’s love and courage, fighting not to “cure” what’s “wrong” with Rowan, but to find a new way to appreciate what’s special about him and help him out of his isolation. It’s also an intriguing comparison of the different ways Western and more traditional cultures treat the “others” in their midst. (Not rated) 93 minutes. ★★★ —Lisa Jensen. Starts Friday.
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THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL Just in time for Halloween comes this horror thriller about a college coed lured to a creepy house in the woods for the babysitting job from Hell. Jocelin Donahue, Tom Noonan, and Mary Woronov star for director Ti West. (R) 95 minutes. Starts Friday.

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PARIS Reviewed this issue. (PG-13) 130 minutes. In French with English subtitles. ★★1/2 Starts Friday.
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Film Events

SPECIAL EVENT THIS WEEK: ITALIAN FILM SERIES Contemporary and classic Italian films highlight this series (one Sunday a month) organized by the Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz to promote Italian culture and language. This Week: NOTTE PRIMA DEGLI ESAMI (THE NIGHT BEFORE THE EXAM) Four Roman teenagers cope with unexpected love and grumpy teachers on the night before their final exam in this 2006 comedy from Fausto Brizzi. Set in 1989, this is the prequel to the popular Notte prima degli esami—oggi,  which screened last spring. 100 minutes. In Italian with English subtitles. At the Vets Hall (846 Front Street, downtown Santa Cruz), Sunday only, 7 pm. Suggested donation: $5.

CONTINUING SERIES: MIDNIGHTS @ THE DEL MAR Eclectic movies for wild & crazy tastes plus great prizes and buckets of fun for only $6.50. This week: SHAUN OF THE DEAD This cheeky 2004 British import describes itself as a zombie romantic comedy about a pair of underachieving mates making a last stand against an invasion of flesh-eating zombies at their local pub in North London. Simon Pegg, Kate Ashfield, Nick Frost, and Penelope Wilton star; Edgar Wright directs. (R) 99 minutes. Fri-Sat midnight only. At the Del Mar.

CONTINUING EVENT: LET’S TALK ABOUT THE MOVIES This informal movie discussion group meets at the Del Mar mezzanine in downtown Santa Cruz. Movie junkies are invited to join in on Wednesday nights to discuss current flicks with a rotating series of guest moderators. Discussion begins at 7 pm and admission is free. For more information visit www.ltatm.org.