NWFF presents On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, in which George Lazenby takes his first, and only, turn as super spy James Bond. Following Sean Connery’s strong performances in establishing the film version of the popular character would’ve been a tough act for anyone, but audiences really seemed to dislike Lazenby. A shame, really, because this is actually one of the better Bond movies. Bond fights brutish thugs, foils a megalomaniacal plot to take over the world and gets married in a fast-paced thriller.

Also at NWFF: In Ex-Drummer, a deaf guitarist, a stiff-armed bassist and a “psychopathic guitarist-vocalist with a lisp” join together to start a band for a one-night only gig, recruiting a celebrity author to fill the percussion role. Foul language and filth fill this black comedy about abuse, exploitation and death.

Another music film plays at NWFF, this one with way less swearing. Throw Down Your Heart documents musican Bela Fleck’s journey through Uganda, Tanzania, Gambia, and Mali to trace the roots of the banjo and learn about the dizzying array of African languages and customs that go into creating a rich variety of musical forms.

The Garden, playing at the Grand Illusion is an Academy Award-nominated documentary about the intense political and social battle over a community garden in south central Los Angeles, the largest of its type in the US.

If you’ve somehow never seen The Dark Crystal…well, honestly, I don’t think you’re missing all that much. I’ve never really liked this Jim Henson puppet feature about, well…the same thing fantasy stories are usually about: an unlikely hero who goes on a quest to defeat the scary villian determined to take over and/or destroy the world. Some people really, REALLY love this movie, though, and if you’re curious about why, head down to Central Cinema, have a good meal and check out the film.

An animated film I can definitely recommend is Spirited Away, Hayao Miyazaki’s luminous story of a young girl who must rescue her parents from a scary witch who has turned them into pigs. The story itself is exciting and features charming and funny characters but the best part of the film is the amazing artwork, fantastic and realistic at the same time with an extreme attention to even the littlest detail that makes watching Spirited Away a feast for your eyes. Midnight at the Egyptian.

At the Harvard Exit: SIFF 2009 Festival Opening Night Selection In the Loop, an almost obscenely funny sarcastic comedy that pokes at politics, goverment, and the art of the “spin” in both the UK and the USA. There’s a lot of swearing, used to great effect, and excellent performances from everyone who makes the screen. This is one of those movies where afterwards you’ll be trying to describe your favorite scene and never quite manage it because you’ll keep interrupting yourself to describe a scene that’s even better.