Short reviews:'American Grindhouse,''Home,''Cold Weather,''Troubadours,'Dressed'

American Grindhouse ***
Documentary on cinema's exploitation masterpieces (1:20). Not rated: Clips of sex and gore. At Cinema Village.

Overlong but chock-full of humor, mayhem, sex, gore, out-there social commentary, leather jackets, black fishnets, wild polka-dot
bikinis, mondo motorcycles, fast-killing pussycats and heads both decapitated and transplanted, directorElijah Drenner's movie is the equivalent of a stroll through cinema's id. Commentators including directorJohn LandisandJoe Dante, actorFred Williamsonand various and sundry film historians discuss the impact that"nudie cuties,"angry-teen flicks and action schlock have had on American culture, high and low. The great footage of 42nd St. and Hollywood Blvd. at their sleaziest aren't the dirtiest things here, but they're certainly welcome, as is the energy Drenner exhibits. The only thing missing is more schlocky scenes of guys in ape suits.Joe Neumaier

Home ***
Documentary about the effects of global warming (1:58). Not rated. At Village East.

This beautiful, alarming tutorial-style film evokes"Koyaanisqatsi,"but with dire narration (courtesy ofGlenn Close).Director Yann Arthus-Bertrandbegins with shots of the natural world, then transitions to images and facts about the damage done to the planet. More mournful than alarmist, Arthus-Bertrand's film goes beyond global warming to look at life out of balance, through a lens darkly. JN

Cold Weather **
A slacker looks for clues when his friend goes missing (1:33). Not rated. At theIFC Center.

APortlandguy plays detective after a potential girlfriend disappears in this un-chic but wry little mystery of manners that could be called an articulate cousin of mumblecore. Doug (a mellowCris Lankenau), aSherlock Holmesfan, finally gets some drive by seemingly stumbling upon shifty events. At last, it seems, there's something to occupy his imagination.

Unfortunately, the movie doesn't have enough going on to keep us engaged, but writer-directorAaron Katzhas a confident style and a way with small moments: A slow closeup on a bridge overlooking a waterfall may wind up being one of the most elegant shots of any movie this year. JN

Troubadours ***
History ofL.A.'s singer-songwriter movement (1:31). NR: Drug references. At the IFC.

Everything aboutMorgan Neville's musical documentary is interesting, in part because he seems so taken by his topic: the singer-songwriter scene of the early '70s. But he's got too much material for just one movie.
Our tour begins at L.A.'s Troubadour club, which introduced audiences to acts ranging fromJames TaylortoElton John. Club ownerDoug Westonfeels like a character who could easily fill an entire film, but as soon asNevillestarts to follow one path, he loses track of another.

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