These are the times (i.e., late August) that try movie-lovers' souls. But if this week's multiplex offerings are lackluster, don't forget about the art houses! The Indie Spotlight is here every Friday to let you know what's opening in "select cities," keeping you informed so you know which titles to look out for when you're in the mood for something different.

This week's indie releases, in alphabetical order, are: Cthulhu, I.O.U.S.A., Momma's Man, and Trouble the Water. Here's the scoop on each of them:

I.O.U.S.A.
What it is: A documentary about America's debt crisis, from the director of the crossword puzzle documentary Wordplay.
What they're saying: All the reviews at Rotten Tomatoes so far are positive, praising it for making a dull subject lively and for getting its point across effectively.
Where it's playing: About 20 theaters in and around New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas, Miami, Kansas City, Omaha, Chicago, and Washington D.C.
Official site: You owe it to yourself.




Cthulhu
What it is: A horror film, based on the writings of H.P. Lovecraft, in which a man returns to his home on the Oregon coast and learns old family secrets.
What they're saying: Not much at Rotten Tomatoes yet -- one for and one against -- but it did win prizes at a couple of genre film fests. The trailer, which you can watch on the film's website, suggests not-very-good acting accompanied by delicious, over-the-top horror pulp, including a Crazy Old Matriarch with Wild Hair (a genre mainstay).
Where it's playing: Los Angeles (Regent Showcase).
Official site: The horror! Lists upcoming release dates for other cities, too, including Portland, Seattle, Atlanta, and Denver.

Momma's Man
What it is: A quiet dramedy about a man who moves back in with his parents -- yes, another one of those "I don't know what to do with my life" movies, but apparently above-average for its genre. The filmmaker cast his real parents as the movie's Mom and Dad.
What they're saying: Cinematical's Kim Voynar gave it mostly positive marks at Sundance. Nearly all of the critics at Rotten Tomatoes agree with her, calling it poignant, comic, thoughtful, and heartbreaking.
Where it's playing: New York City (Angelika Film Center).
Official site: Come home. There's a list of future playdates, too.

Trouble the Water
What it is: A documentary about Hurricane Katrina, partially shot by the New Orleans resident whose story is told.
What they're saying: It won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance this year, and Cinematical's Kim Voynar wrote a rave review. And hey! Almost everyone at Rotten Tomatoes agrees with her!
Where it's playing: New York City (IFC Center), Los Angeles (Sunset 5), and Irvine, Calif. (Regal Westpark 8).
Official site: Take a drink. Has a comprehensive list of release dates for other cities.