A Cleveland shot film will be the talk of the town! Here is your #movienerdreport
This weekend marks the opening of the new horror comedy “Buddy.” The film is the brainchild of Casper Kelly (Adult Swim’s “Too Many Cooks”) and tells the story of a beloved child’s TV show host that reveals his true self as a dark and violent force of nature. The film was largely shot at TRG Multimedia which is located in Brooklyn, Ohio, as well as other spots around Northeast Ohio. Cleveland-based companies Low Spark Films and Substance collaborated on this film. Boulderlight Pictures (“Weapons” and “Friendship”) and the film have had successful screenings at Sundance as well as SXSW. Now you can see it at a number of theaters locally!
Friday evening at Cinemark Valley View after the 7:30 p.m. screening, “Buddy” Producer Tyler Davidson will be in attendance for a Q&A, and Saturday evening at the Capitol Theatre (1390 W.65th Street, Cleveland, 44102) Producers Ryan Kelly, Geoff Yaw, and Costume Designer Shawna Foley will be in attendance for a Q&A after the 7:30 p.m. showing, moderated by yours truly!
It is the final Wednesday of the month so it is time for the next edition of WTF Wednesday’s at the Cedar Lee Theatre ( 2163 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights 44118) . This month’s pick is 1974’s “Fangs.” It is about a lonely old man who loves snakes who starts killing his friends and townsfolks, using the snakes, after they turn their backs on him! As with all the WTF series the trailer alone makes this seem worth the price of admission!
Tickets can be found here: https://booking.clevelandcinemas.com/tickets/44001/171260
A few other films will be hitting wide release this weekend, the first is the latest from age-defying 88-year old Ridley Scott, “The Dog Stars.” The film tells the story of survivors of a deadly pandemic that traverse a post-apocalyptic landscape to find the origin of a mysterious radio transmission. Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley star.
At one point the film “Coyote Vs. Acme” was under threat to be shelved permanently in favor of a tax write-off, but cooler heads prevailed and finally the film is getting a proper release. The live action-animated hybrid sees Wile E. Coyote as he enlists a billboard attorney to sue the Acme Corporation for repeatedly selling him alleged faulty products. Will Forte, Lana Condor and John Cena star.
Also opening is the British romantic comedy “Finding Emily,” which looks at a lovesick musician who is given the wrong number for his dream girl and he teams up with a driven psychology student to find her. This one stars Angourie Rice, Spike Fearn and Minnie Driver.
The comedy “Idiots” comes from director Macon Blair (“I Don’t Feel At Home In This World Anymore” and “The Toxic Avenger”). This film features Dave Franco and O’Shea Jackson Jr as rock-bottom drivers who have to transport a wealthy teen to rehab.
Over at the Cleveland Cinematheque (11610 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland 44106):
Thursday at 6:30 p.m. they will present the acclaimed documentary “This Is Pike County.” The film looks at mounting pressures, including an unsolved family murder, that test a close-knit rural town. The film was directed by Cleveland’s own Laura Paglin, who will be on hand for a post-film Q&A!
Thursday at 8:50 p.m. and Sunday at 6:40 p.m. they will present a 4K restoration of the French animated feature “Gandahar.” It comes from master filmmaker Renè Laloux who is also known for making the film “Fantastic Planet.”
Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 4:45 p.m. they will present “American Doctor.” The documentary follows three American doctors-Palestinian, Jewish and Zoroastrian – who enter Gaza and find themselves caught between medicine and politics.
Speaking of Ridley Scott, they will be presenting his Oscar-nominated “Thelma and Louise.” The film, which stars Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, follows a waitress and a housewife who take a weekend trip that ends in unforeseen circumstances. Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen and a young Brad Pitt also star. It plays Friday at 8:55 p.m. and Saturday at 6:20 p.m.
Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. they will present a 4K restoration of the film “Samba Traoré.” It looks at a man who returns to his village flush with cash and meets a wife and opens a bar, but his conscience keeps nagging him as police are looking for the “gas station murderer”.
Saturday evening at 9 p.m. they will show the 1926 silent Japanese film “A Page Of Madness” which will be accompanied by a live metal and electronic score by the band The Silent Light.
More information about the films and tickets can be found at: https://cinematheque.cia.edu/
Over at The Nightlight Cinema (30 N High Street, Akron 44308):
In addition to “Coyote Vs Acme” they will start playing Matt Johnson’s “Tony” which takes place in the summer of 1975 when we see 19-year old Anthony Bourdain take a job at a Provincetown, Massachusetts restaurant, inspired by stories from Bourdain’s book “Kitchen Confidential.”
More information and tickets are available here: nightlightcinema.com
Saturday at 3 p.m. the Cleveland Silent Film Festival & Colloquium will present “Silent Shorts,” which will see four short films featuring music accompanied by pianist David Blazer. It will be the first time they have a program at Heights Theater (2781 Euclid Heights Blvd, Cleveland Heights 44106). It is free!
More information is available here: https://www.clevelandsilentfilmfestival.org/events/silent-shorts
Lastly, a number of theaters locally will be showing James Cameron’s “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” for it’s 35th anniversary. This film holds a special place to me as it was one of the first R-rated films (aside from “Major League” which I begged my parents to watch when I was far too young) I was allowed to watch. You can catch it in traditional 2D but also in 3D!
Well there you have it, another jam-packed week! Until next time, we’ll see you at the movies!
Keep our local journalism accessible to all
Reader support is crucial as we continue to shed light on underreported neighborhoods in Cleveland. Will you become a monthly member to help us continue to produce news by, for, and with the community?
P.S. Did you like this story? Take our reader survey!
