Joshua Leonard

CHICAGO – Vera Farmiga’s “Higher Ground” is a unique choice for a modern actress to make for her directorial debut. It feels so inspired by the ensemble-driven dramas of the ’70s and ’80s that future generations could nearly mistake it for one. It’s also a film that tackles something that terrifies so many screenwriters — faith, religion, spirituality, and their place in the world. The final result can be a bit disjointed (as films based on memoirs often are) but this is an often-daring film that tackles rarely-dramatized issues. For that reason, it’s well-worth seeing.

CHICAGO – “Shark Night 3D” is at the top of the food chain when it comes to the people-so-stupid-they-lack-basic-survival-skills category of horror thrillers, and has so many wrong elements it nearly swings back to be right.

CHICAGO – The subject of religion in America is rarely portrayed honestly in the movies, with its power to both inspire or offend. Vera Farmiga makes her directorial debut and plays the lead character in the religious-themed “Higher Ground.”

CHICAGO – As an actress, Vera Farmiga broke out big in 2009 with her Oscar nominated performance in “Up in the Air.” Farmiga is now taking a total filmmaker’s role, playing the lead character and directing the new film, “Higher Ground.”

CHICAGO – New York filmmaker Joe Maggio is fascinated by the pursuit of redemption, particularly in stories featuring characters who may not entirely be worthy of it. His 2001 debut feature “Virgil Bliss” followed a man fresh out of prison as he attempted to build a new life. Maggio’s 2008 drama “Paper Covers Rock” told the story of a suicidal mother who fights to maintain custody of her daughter.

CHICAGO – While Apatowian bromances like “I Love You, Man” play male bonding for laughs, Lynn Shelton’s perceptive indie comedy delves into the untapped complexities of brotherly love. After garnering the Special Jury Prize at Sundance, “Humpday” had a very limited theatrical run, and deserves to find an audience on DVD.

CHICAGO – In our latest edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 25 admit-two run-of-engagement tickets to the new comedy “Humpday” with Mark Duplass (the writer of “Baghead”), Joshua Leonard, Alycia Delmore, Lynn Shelton and Trina Willard from director Lynn Shelton.