Mary and Max (2009)

Not released on DVD yet (2/10/10)

There has been a flurry of films about autism and Asperger's. This one is animated.

From NetFlix: Mary Dinkle, a chubby 8-year-old Australian girl, and Max Horovitz, an obese, middle-aged New Yorker with Asperger's syndrome, are a pair of unlikely pen pals in this quirky clay animation feature from writer-director Adam Elliot. Corresponding for two decades, the friends delve into a variety of topics, including sex, kleptomania, psychiatry, taxidermy and more. Toni Collette and Philip Seymour Hoffman provide the voices of Mary and Max. 2009 80 minutes

Adam (2009)

This is a delightful film that deals with the interaction between a young man with Asperger's syndrome and a neurotypical (NT) woman. It is sensitively done and has some teachable moments.

Just out on DVD. From NetFlix: When beautiful teacher Beth (Rose Byrne) moves into a nearby apartment, strangely awkward Adam (Hugh Dancy), who suffers from Asperger's syndrome, breaks through his limited social abilities and flirts with the young woman in this moving romance. Beth responds to Adam's unusual courtship, and as they overcome the obstacles to intimacy, they learn how to face life's other challenges. Max Mayer directs, while Peter Gallagher and Amy Irving co-star. 2009 99 minutes

Trailer.

All About Steve (2009)

A Movie Slut Review

There’s something about Mary Magdalene Horowitz. Other than her name.
Is it Asperger’s syndrome? Or simply a severe case of uber-geekiness? Whatever.

In “All About Steve,” (2009 90 minutes) which stars Sandra Bullock, the Mary in question is a brainiac crossword creator, whose verbal IQ far outweighs her people skills. She doesn’t converse. She monologues. She’s a master of trivia but just doesn’t get human relationships.

Enter Steve (Bradley Cooper) and let the fun begin.

“All about Steve” is a celebration of eccentricity. It poses the question: Isn’t being “normal” grossly overrated?

Critics didn’t care for the flick. One called it “a grimly unfunny comedy.” But the Movie Slut wasn’t the only one laughing out loud at the multiplex. The movie isn’t pitch perfect but the off moments are few. And you’ve got to love the quirkiness of the crossword puzzle as metaphor for life.

Look for an excellent supporting performance by Thomas Haden Church and some unexpected cameos. No, the Movie Slut won’t give them away. Even she has her standards. And do perk up your ears for some hysterically funny musical moments. Trailer

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Billy the Kid

From Netflix: Filmmaker Jennifer Venditti documents the engrossing life of Billy P., a teen in small-town Maine enamored with girls and pro wrestling. But as the cameras roll, a more complex portrait emerges of a troubled but ultimately triumphant young man. From finding the courage to ask a girl on a date to confronting his painful childhood with remarkable humor, Billy is a testament to the power of love and family to overcome any obstacle. 2007 84 minutes

From Seattlest.com: Depending on how excruciating your teenage years were, the documentary Billy the Kid will have a different effect on you. Certainly if you have or know someone who has Asperger's syndrome, it'll make you squirm a bit. But it's also about being an outsider in a small town. About wanting to share interests. About negotiating the changes life throws at you. About falling in love for the first time and emotional insecurity. Except for Billy's unembarrassed trials at putting words to his feelings in public -- really, what being a teenager teaches boys *not* to do -- it's not that unusual a story. That lack of censorship can be hilarious, inspiring, or wildly inappropriate.

Available on NetFlix

Ben X

Ben is different.

His life is a universe to itself, where he plays his favourite online computer game Archlord
avidly, trying hard to train himself for the real world he lives in. The harsh world of a technical school is for him a daily kind of hell.

As the horror of being a daily subject to bullying grows, Ben devises a plan. Then Scarlite comes into his life, the girl he has met in his on-line game. That wasn’t part of the plan...

I have not seen this Belgian film about Asperger's syndrome yet, but a friend in Canada strongly recommended it.
This page will be updated when more information is available.