I cannot contemplate that it is already Memorial Day weekend, but here is your Movie Nerd Report!
Tonight at the Grog Shop (2785 Euclid Heights Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106) is the latest edition of “Midnight Rental’s Secret Screening.” Hosted by Lenora, this is kind of like going to watch a movie in your friend’s basement, complete with live commentary, pizza rolls and popcorn. It is truly one of my favorite events each month! Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 at the door.
More information is at this link.
The big film that opens this weekend is the latest in the “Star Wars” franchise in “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” It is directed by Jon Favreau, who is no stranger to this universe, as he was the creator of “The Mandalorian” Disney+ series. One of the exciting things about this film is it will be the kickoff film for the brand new IMAX screen that has been installed at Cinemark Valley View (6001 Canal Rd, Valley View, OH 44125). So now Cleveland has IMAX screens on both the West and East sides which comes as theaters are eagerly awaiting Chirstopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” which was fully shot in IMAX.
Also opening is the latest from musician turned filmmaker Boots Riley and it is called “I Love Boosters.” It features a talented cast with Keke Palmer, Taylour Paige and LaKeith Stanfield. It currently boasts a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The other wide release is the horror film “Passenger” which is the latest from Norwegian filmmaker Andrè Øvredal, best known for his 2011 film, “Troll Hunter.”
Over at the Cleveland Cinematheque (11610 Euclid Ave Cleveland, OH 44106) :
Thursday at 6:30 p.m. they will present a documentary that features David Byrne and is called “Changing Lanes.” It looks at why our streets are designed the way they are, and what it will take to make them more livable. There will be a post-film discussion with Bike Cleveland!
Thursday at 8:50 p.m. the Future of Film is Female series continues with the dark comedy “Puddysticks.”
Friday at 6:15 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. they will present the Chinese drama “Living The Land.”
Friday at 8:50 p.m. and Saturday at 6:05 p.m. they will present the award winning film “Silent Friend,” which features Lèa Seydoux.
Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 5:35 p.m. they will present the documentary “The Shepherd and the Bear,” which follows an aging shepherd who struggles to find a successor as bears prey on his flock.
Saturday at 8:55 p.m. and Sunday at 7:40 p.m. they will present a 4K restoration of acclaimed director Lina Wertmüller’s “The Seduction Of Mimi.”
More information about the films and ticket prices are at: cinematheque.cia.edu
At the Nightlight Cinema (30 N High Street Akron, OH 44308):
They will be showing “I Love Boosters” starting Friday, but Thursday night they will be participating in the “Ohio Goes To The Movies” series with a free screening of the infamous 1986 film “Howard The Duck.” The film, which takes place in Cleveland, has a reputation for being one of the biggest critical and box-office bombs of the 80s, but I have a personal fondness for this film, having recorded it off of Channel 5 back in the day. I would often rewatch it as a kid. Ironically, the screening will feature a live recording of the Unwatchables Podcast, which will break down this film!
More Information about the films and ticket prices are at: nightlightcinema.com
Lastly, On Sunday and Wednesday, a number of theaters will be presenting 25th Anniversary screenings of “Legally Blonde” which of course features Reese Witherspoon!
Have a wonderful holiday weekend, and we will see you next time!
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