Besides some of the big football games involving Michigan teams this weekend, there are plenty of other entertainment options, movies among them. In this week's 'Cinema Chat,' Michigan Theater Executive Director and CEO Russ Collins talks with David Fair about what films are available to you.
Opening Downtown
“Brooklyn” tells the moving story of Eilis (Saoirse Ronan), a young immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Eilis departs Ireland for the shores of New York City, and her homesickness quickly diminishes as romance sweeps her into the intoxicating charm of love. But soon, her new vivacity is disrupted by her past, and Eilis must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within. Expect Best Actress and maybe Best Picture nominations for “Brooklyn,” which opensFriday at the State.
“Spotlight,” a highly touted Best Picture prospect, tells the riveting true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world's oldest and most trusted institutions. When the newspaper's tenacious "Spotlight" reporters delve into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston's establishment. “Spotlight” opens Friday at the State.
In “Trumbo,” screenwriter Dalton Trumbo (Bryan Cranston) had it all: wealth, fame, Oscar nominations. But he refused to name names for the House Un-American Activities Committee during the Cold War, and was jailed and blacklisted for his political beliefs. Dalton used words and wit to win two Academy Awards and expose the absurdity and injustice of the blacklist. This will be an insider’s pick for “Oscar” acclaim and is not to be missed. “Trumbo” opens Wednesday at the Michigan.
Special Screenings Downtown
The Spielberg: Man and Monsters film series continues with “Munich” Monday at 7:00 PM at the Michigan.
The Midnight movie at the State this weekend is “Space Jam!” with basketball superstar Michael Jordan, Friday and Saturday at 11:59 PM. Tickets just $8!
The Yours Truly, John Waters film series continues with “Serial Mom.” An outwardly perfect suburban housewife (Kathleen Turner) leads a secret life as a psychopathic killer in this gleefully dark satire. “Serial Mom” plays Wednesday at 7 PM at the State.
Opening at the Multiplex
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
A lock for special effects “Oscar” nominations, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2,” takes us back to the nation of Panem, which is in a full scale war. The heroic Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) embarks on a mission to liberate the citizens of Panem. The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2” opens Friday.
In “The Night Before,” Ethan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Isaac (Seth Rogen) and Chris (Anthony Mackie) have been friends since childhood, and their yearly Christmas Eve reunion has been an annual night of debauchery and hilarity. Now that they're entering adulthood, the tradition is coming to an end, and to make it as memorable as possible, they set out to find the Nutcracka Ball - the Holy Grail of Christmas parties. “The Night Before” opens Friday.
Two “Oscar” winners and one nominee star in “Secret in Their Eyes,” a crime drama about a tight-knit team of investigators. Ray (ChiwetelEjiofor) and Jess (Julia Roberts), along with their supervisor Claire (Nicole Kidman), are suddenly torn apart when they discover that Jess's teenage daughter has been murdered. Now, thirteen years later, Ray finally uncovers a new lead that he's certain can permanently resolve the case and bring closure to his team. No one is prepared, however, for the secret that will reveal the effects of personal vengeance on the human soul. “Secret in Their Eyes” opens Friday.
In “Creed,” Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) never knew his famous father, world heavy weight champion Apollo Creed, who died before he was born. Still, there's no denying that boxing is in his blood, so Adonis heads to Philadelphia, the site of Apollo Creed's legendary match with a tough upstart named Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Rocky sees in Adonis the strength and determination he had known in Apollo - the fierce rival who became his closest friend. “Creed” opensWednesday.
Pixar is always in the “Oscar” race for best animated film and with “The Good Dinosaur” Pixar Animation takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers unexpected capabilities. It imagines what the world would be like if the asteroid that caused the dinosaur’s extinction missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct. “The Good Dinosaur” opens Wednesday.
James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe star in “Victor Frankenstein,” a thrilling twist on a legendary tale. Radical scientist Victor Frankenstein (McAvoy) and his equally brilliant protégé Igor Strausman (Radcliffe) share a noble vision of aiding humanity through their groundbreaking research into immortality. But Victor's experiments go too far, and only Igor can bring his friend back from the brink of madness and save him from his monstrous creation. “Victor Frankenstein” opensWednesday.
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— David Fair is the WEMU News Director, and host of Morning Edition Contact WEMU News at 734.487.3363 or email him at dfair@wemu.org