Putty Hill

In this double-feature compilation, director Matt Porterfield—an instructor at Johns Hopkins University—presents a perspiration-dappled vision of Baltimore. In Putty Hill, a multigenerational group (played primarily by nonprofessionals) gathers to honor Cory, a 24-year-old ex-con who died of a heroin overdose. The working-class mourners include Cory's cousin Jenny (Sky Ferreira), younger brother James (James Siebor), and various other relatives and friends, who speak with Porterfield's unseen interviewer during paintball matches, tattoo sessions, and skateboard excursions. As they discuss Cory, they also talk about themselves, and eventually congregate at Cory's funeral party to dance, sing, and pay their respects. If Cory never truly comes alive as a person, that also seems to be Porterfield's point: life goes on without him. Also included is Hamilton, the filmmaker's 2006 debut, in which young baker Lena (Stephanie Vizzi) hangs out with her extended family and infant son, while her estranged boyfriend, Joe (Chris Myers), mows lawns, plays video games, and walks around town. As the film winds down, the pair reconnect, but their future remains uncertain. Recommended. (K. Fennessy)