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Cinema Chat: 'Labyrinth Of Lies', 'Chasing Shadows', 'Consumed', 'In The Heart Of The Sea' And More

Michigan Theater
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www.michtheater.org

It's the relative calm before the holiday season movie storm. Still, there are new movies opening for you this weekend, and David Fair and Michigan Theater Executive Director and CEO Russ Collins have them covered for you in this week's edition of "Cinema Chat!" 

Opening Downtown

Labyrinth of Lies

In “Labyrinth of Lies,” the economic miracle is changing the life of Germans in post-war Germany 20 years later. Most of them are sick of the war and prefer to push their guilt to the back of their mind. When a journalist identifies a teacher in the playground as a former guard from Auschwitz, no one wants to take notice. But a young prosecutor (Alexander Fehling) takes on the case and can't even be stopped by his boss. During his research he realizes that some Germans claim that they never heard the expression "Auschwitz," while others try to forget about it. As the resolute prosecutor doesn't give up, the Attorney General retains him to take charge of the investigations. Struggling with an overload of information, the young attorney blunders into a labyrinth of guilt and lies where he almost gets lost. “Labyrinth of Lies” opens Friday at the Michigan.

Special Screenings Downtown

Chasing Shadows

Warren Miller Entertainment brings you “Chasing Shadows,” the newest installment in the legendary film series.  Warren Miller once said, “A pair of skis are the ultimate transportation to freedom,” and this year, we’re chasing storms, snow, lines and the freedom they grant us. Take a glimpse into the world of the U.S. freestyle team and the dynamics of snowsports that live on the fringe, like monoskiing, powsurfing and speed riding. Warren Miller’s “Chasing Shadows” plays Friday at 7:30 PM at the Michigan.  Presented by Sun and Snow Sports.

Die Hard

In “Die Hard,” it's Christmas time in L.A., and there's an employee party in progress on the 30th floor of the Nakatomi Corporation building. The revelry comes to a violent end when the partygoers are taken hostage by a group of terrorists headed by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). Meanwhile, New York cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) has come to L.A. to visit his estranged wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia), who happens to be one of the hostages. Disregarding the orders of the authorities surrounding the building, McClane, who fears nothing (except heights), takes on the villains, armed with one handgun and plenty of chutzpah.  “Die Hard” plays Saturday at 11:59 PM at the State.  Tickets just $8!

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

In “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” the live adaptation of the beloved children’s book, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville.  “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas” plays Sunday at 1:30 PM at the Michigan as part of the Holiday Classic Film Series.  Admission is free!

Henry V

“Henry V” continues the broadcasts of wonderful productions from the Royal Shakespeare Company.  Henry IV is dead and Hal is King. With England in a state of unrest, he must leave his rebellious youth behind, striving to gain the respect of his nobility and people. Henry gathers his troops and prepares for a war that he hopes will unite his country. “Henry V” plays Sunday at 7 PM at the Michigan.

https://vimeo.com/145897936">Consumed

“Consumed” is a dramatic thriller set in the complex world of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The story is anchored by a working-class, single mother who goes on a journey to uncover the cause of her son’s mysterious illness. Interwoven are the stories of an organic farmer in danger of losing his farm, the CEO of a biotechnology corporation trying to save the world, two scientists on the verge of a major discovery, and an ex-cop caught in the middle of it all.  “Consumed” plays Monday at 7 PM at the Michigan.  Presented by Gathr.

Still Playing Downtown

Trumbo

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.  Despite this, Dalton used words and wit to go on to win two Academy Awards and expose the absurdity and injustice of the blacklist.  “Trumbo” continues at the Michigan.

Brooklyn

“Brooklyn” tells the profoundly moving story of Eilis (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs the comfort of her mother's home for the shores of New York City. The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as romance sweeps Eilis 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.  Ronan, previously nominated for an Academy Award for 2007’s “Atonement,” is considered a sure thing for the Best Actress Oscar nomination for her remarkable performance.  “Brooklyn” continues at the State.

Spotlight

In “Spotlight,” the Boston Globe’s tenacious 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, causing a crisis in one of the world's oldest and most trusted institutions.  “Spotlight” boasts a stellar cast, including Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, and Stanley Tucci.  “Spotlight” continues at the State. 

Opening at the Multiplex

In the Heart of the Sea

“In the Heart of the Sea” explores the maritime disaster of the whaling ship Essex, the story that would inspire Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. But that told only half the story. In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by something no one could believe: a whale of mammoth size and will, and an almost human sense of vengeance. "In the Heart of the Sea" reveals the encounter's harrowing aftermath, as the ship's surviving crew is pushed to their limits and forced to do the unthinkable to stay alive. “In the Heart of the Sea” opens Friday.

Legend

“Legend” is the true story of the rise and fall of London's most notorious gangsters, Reggie and Ron Kray, both portrayed by Tom Hardy in an incredible performance. “Legend” is a classic crime thriller taking us into the secret history of the 1960s and the extraordinary events that secured the infamy of the Kray Twins.  “Legend” opens Friday.

The Girl in the Book

“The Girl in the Book,” set in the world of New York publishing, follows a young book editor who is forced to confront a troubling chapter from her past when a bestselling author re-enters her life.  “The Girl in the Book” opens Friday.