As we start to head into the dog days of summer, this week offers a little something for everyone, here is your #movienerdreport!
Last month nearly 30 teams participated in the Cleveland 48 Hour Film Project, in which teams had to create a short film in 48 Hours. The judges have made their selections, and now you can see “The Best of Screenings and Award Show” on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square (13116 Shaker Square, Cleveland 44120). Best of luck to all the nominated teams as the winner will go on to represent Cleveland at a competition of 48 Hour Films called Filmapalooza.
Tickets can be found here: https://ticketing.useast.veezi.com/purchase/300640?siteToken=3t9ejpjygsgfjz7s7kyfm5ja6m
After sold out screenings at both The Nightlight and the Cinematheque, the film “Union County” will be opening officially at Cedar Lee Theatre and The Nightlight. The film stars Will Poulter as a young man who is assigned to a county-mandated drug court program amidst the opioid epidemic in rural Ohio. The film was shot in the town of Bellefontaine, OH and cast several of the real life graduates of this program.
The biggest film opening this weekend is likely to be “The End Of Oak Street,” it is about a family that has to band together to navigate their new surroundings after a cosmic event transports their suburban neighborhood into some unknown place. There are also dinosaurs involved, so basically it is tailor made for someone like me. It stars Anne Hathaway (who is having quite the year) and Ewan McGregor.
Kristen Stewart, Alia Shawkat, and LaKeith Stanfield star in “The Wrong Girls.” The film follows two aimless young women who gain telepathic abilities after ingesting an experimental drug, pitting them against dangerous rivals pursuing the same substance.
Also opening is “Nimrods,” a film about three buddies who drive cross-country in a van, causing mayhem and mischief while racing to LA for their big break: opening for Green Day on New Year’s Eve. The film not only features the members of Green Day, but was co-written by the band as well.
The historical drama “The Brink Of War” features Jeff Daniels as President Regan and Jared Harris as Mikhail Gorbachev as they try to hash out a nuclear deal that either sees the world at peace or ends in possible destruction.
Believe it or not there is another dinosaur-centric movie out this weekend but this one is for the youngsters out there in “Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie.” It is the third installment in the franchise.
Over at Cedar Lee Theatre (2163 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights 44118), and a few other theaters, is the acclaimed “The Rivals of Amizah King.” The film, which stars Matthew McConaughey, tells the story of a man who reunites with his daughter after many years apart, and fends off threats to his honey business.
Also, at the Cedar Lee Theatre, in addition to Valley View, Crocker Park and others, will have 25th Anniversary screenings of Cleveland’s own David Wain’s cult classic “Wet Hot American Summer.” It features a who’s who of modern comedians : Paul Rudd, Amy Poheler, Molly Shannon, Janeane Garofalo, Ken Marino, Elizabeth Banks and so many more!
Over at the Cinematheque (11610 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland 44106):
Thursday and Friday at 6:30 p.m. they will present the French biopic “Aloïse.” The film tells the story of Aloïse Corbaz, a Swiss artist who found work at the court of the German emperor and became infatuated. Isabelle Huppert and Delphone Seyrig play the titular artist at different points in her life. There will be an introduction before the Friday screening from Grace An, professor of French & Cinema & Media at Oberlin College.
Thursday at 8:50 p.m. and Saturday at 9 p.m. they will present a 4K restoration of Director Nicolas Roeg’s “The Man Who Fell To Earth.” It features David Bowie in one of his most memorable film roles.
Friday at 8:50 p.m. they will present a 4K restoration of the Korean film “Train to Busan.” The film, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, looks at passengers struggling to survive on a train from Seoul to Busan while a zombie virus breaks out.
Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 8:40 p.m. they will continue the Road Tripping series with 1971’s “Two-Lane Blacktop.” The film follows a driver and his mechanic who cross paths with an enigmatic hitchhiker and the tall-tale spinning driver of a GTO. It features musicians James Taylor and Dennis Wilson as the driver and the mechanic, respectively.
Saturday at 6:05 p.m. they will present the Chinese film “Center Stage.” The film is based on the true story of China’s first prima donna of the silver screen, Ruan Lingyu.
Sunday at 2 p.m. they will present a seven-episode television mini-series titled “The House In The Woods.” It boasts a nearly six hour runtime, but fear not, there will be an intermission.
Tickets and more information on the films can be found at: https://cinematheque.cia.edu/
Also playing at The Nightlight Cinema (30 N High Street, Akron 44308):
In addition to opening “Union County” and “The Wrong Girls” they have the latest film from Japanese filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa in “The Samurai and The Prisoner.” Set in the 16th century, it tells the story of Lord Murashige, who must rise against foes who besiege his castle.
Sunday at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. they will show a new film called “Who’s Watching.” It is about a metal head loner who becomes obsessed with his new coworker. Filmmaker Tim Kasher will be on hand for a Q&A. There are tickets still available for 6:30 p.m. but as of this writing very limited for the 7:15 p.m. showing.
Tickets and more information on the films can be found here: nightlightcinema.com
So, there ya have it, another jam packed week of options! Until next time, we’ll see you at the movies!
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