New indie movie releases

"The Long Green Line"

Inspirational sports documentaries are a dime a dozen. Matthew Arnold's doc is pure gold from its handsome production values to its dramatically engrossing look at legendary cross country coach Joe Newton in his 50th year at York High School in Elmhurst. Equal parts Mr. Miyagi, Dr. Phil and General George Patton, Newton pumps and primes his athletes for their 25th state title, only to be hit by virus attacks and frequent bouts of youthful stupidity. An impressive and auspicious piece of filmmaking, although its worshipful tone displays no warts. Admission $6. Go to classiccinemas.com.

4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the York Theatre, 150 N. York St., Elmhurst.

"Henry Poole is Here"

Mark Pellington's indie drama springboards into a self-reverential, contrived debate about hope and faith when people see Jesus' face in a water stain on a house belonging to the sad and angry Henry Poole (Luke Wilson). His neighbors happen to be one hot available momma (Radha Mitchell) and her cute daughter (Morgan Lily) with E.T. eyes. Rated PG. 99 minutes.

Starts Friday at the Evanston CineArts 6 and the Pickwick in Park Ridge.

"Frozen River"

Courtney Hunt's indie drama is the toughest and most uncompromising look at U.S. immigration since Gregory Nava's "El Norte." And it's a blistering, realistic female buddy movie, too. Hunt throws away the cliché book in this story of a desperate single mother (Melissa Leo) who hooks up with a quasi-racist Mohawk (Misty Upham) to smuggle illegals over the border through Indian-owned land connecting New York state and Quebec. Gritty, no-collar female bonding stories like this make up for the superficial materialistic ones, such as "Sex and the City." Rated R (language) 97 minutes.

Starts Friday at the Century Centre, Chicago and the Evanston CineArts 6.