America Turns 250 years old this weekend, but all I want to do is watch movies. Here is your #movienerdreport!
Tonight at 9 p.m. under the marquee of the historic Variety Theatre (W.118th and Lorain, Cleveland) there will be a free community showing of Steven Spielberg’s (and my favorite film of all-time) “E.T.!” This was put together by Richard Rodriguez and Cleveland Council Member Tanmay Shah and from the posts I’ve seen want this to become an annual tradition.
The big film opening today is the latest in the long running “Despicable Me” franchise in “Minions and Monsters.” While I am not super versed in the series, this one sounds up my alley as it takes place in 1920s Hollywood as the Minions search for frightening creatures for their monster movie. The film features many notable names in the voice cast including a cameo from Star Wars creator George Lucas!
Opening on Friday, just in time for our nation’s birthday, is “Young Washington,” a film that tells the origin story of George Washington and focuses on his time in the French and Indian war. It stars Sir Ben Kingsley, Kelsey Grammar, Andy Serkis and Mary-Louise Parker.
One of the most talked about films this season, “Backrooms,” is already getting a re-release on Friday with an extended version called “Backrooms: Everything Must Go Edition.” It has been described as a “theatrically exclusive post-credit” with approximately 15 minutes of footage added by director Kane Parsons.
Over at the Cleveland Cinematheque ((11610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland):
Thursday at 6:30 p.m. they will present the documentary “Shoot The People.” The film takes a look at photographer and activist Misan Harriman’s journey of documenting global protest movements that drive social change. This film will also start playing Friday at The Nightlight in Akron!
Thursday at 8:30 p.m. they will play a 4K restoration of Giallo director Mario Bava’s “A Bay Of Blood.” The film is about the murder of a wealthy countess and how it triggers a chain reaction of brutal killings as several people try to seize her estate.
The Cinematheque takes a few days off for the holiday but then returns on Sunday with two films from Polish director Andrzej Wajda. First up at 3:30 p.m. is a 4K restoration of his 1957 film “Kanal.”. At 5:30 p.m. audiences will see Wajda’s 1958 follow-up in “Ashes and Diamonds.” There will be a Film Club discussion right after the film, and you can inquire at their box office as to how to join!
Sunday at 7:35 p.m. they will present a 4K restoration of Sergio Leone’s “A Fist Full Of Dollars.” It is the first in the Man With No Name Trilogy and was the first film with Clint Eastwood in the starring role!
More information about the films and ticket prices are at: cinematheque.cia.edu
At the Cedar Lee Theatre (2163 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights):
July 4th is the first Saturday of the month so as always you can have the chance to catch the cult classics “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” or Tommy Wiseau’s “The Room.” Both films play at 10 p.m. and my hope for you if you do go is you have a rowdy audience!
At the Nightlight Cinema (30 N High Street Akron, OH 44308):
Thursday evening at 7 p.m. they will be presenting a new film called “Above The Line.” It is about six struggling Hollywood hopefuls that team up for the ultimate comeback: to rob the Academy Awards from the crooked producer who crushed their dreams. Producer Iam Michaels will be on hand for a post film Q&A!
Starting Friday they will be presenting “Girls Like Girls,” the debut feature film from multi-talented artist Hayley Kiyoko, who adapted from her own novel. It follows two teenage girls who face complexities when starting to have feelings for each other.
They also will present the documentary “Everybody to Kenmure Street.” The film tells the story of residents who gather together when they learn of authorities’ plans to deport their neighbors. The Sunday showing at 5:45 p.m. will feature a post film discussion!
They also will have the documentary “Peter Asher: Everywhere Man.” It looks at the life of Peter Asher – pop star, producer, manager and confidant to legends such as Paul McCartney, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor and more! Many familiar faces show up in interviews in this film! (Cedar Lee will also have this film on Sunday and Wednesday).
More information about the films and ticket prices are at: nightlightcinema.com
Sunday and Wednesday, a number of local theaters will be presenting Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane” in honor of its 85th Anniversary. Widely considered one of the best films ever made (if not the best), here is your chance to see it on the big screen in its glory!
Lastly on Tuesday, July 7th at 6:30 p.m. the Ohio Goes to the Movies series continues at Atlas Cinemas Diamond Center 16 (9555 Diamond Center Drive, Mentor) with a showing of the Harrison Ford film “Air Force One.” The film, directed by the late Wolfgang Petersen, was partially shot in Cleveland at the County Courthouse and Severance Hall, as well as the Mansfield Reformatory! As with all Ohio Goes to the Movies events, it is absolutely free!
Well there you have it, hope you have an incredible July 4th and we’ll see you at the movies!
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