Trainspotting, Now playing at the Michigan Theater
30th Anniversary 4K Restoration
It’s been 30 years since the release of one of the most iconic films of the 1990s, “Trainspotting,” burst into theaters. Directed by Danny Boyle with a screenplay by John Hodge from the acclaimed novel by Irvine Welsh, the film follows an amoral anti-hero, Renton, who is deeply immersed in Scotland’s drug scene. With a group of friends, they plot to steal drugs as a way out of their dead-end life, with somewhat tragic results. High on cinematic style and a soundtrack for the ages, Trainspotting perfectly captures the dark cynicism of the mid-late 90s.
Power Ballad, Now playing at the State Theatre
Rick (Paul Rudd), a washed up wedding singer, and Danny (Nick Jonas), a former boy-band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. The session produces a song that Danny makes a hit. Rick seeks to reclaim the recognition he feels he deserves. Directed by John Carney, who also directed Once, the film shares many of the same themes. What Carney excels at is showing the way music connects two people who’ve just met, and the excitement of the songwriting process. Overall, this is a warm-hearted crowd pleaser.
Also starring Peter McDonald and Rory Keenan.
Carolina Caroline, Now playing at the State Theatre
Director Adam Rehmeier’s (“Dinner in America”) latest film stars Samara Weaving as Caroline, eager to leave her hometown but held there by her single father who needs her. She finds her passport to freedom when she meets Oliver (Kyle Gallner) who indoctrinates her into his life of crime. As their affair grows, their crimes escalate and Caroline starts to realize there may be no going back. “Carolina Caroline” is really Weaving’s vehicle and the best she’s had so far to showcase her talent. A tragic joyride of a crime thriller.
Also starring Kyra Sedgwick and Jon Gries.
Disclosure Day, Opens June 11 at the State Theatre
The summer blockbuster season kicks off with Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day. The director returns to one of his favorite themes — proof of life beyond earth. To be fair, this has become a popular topic in a few years, and since there are no formal reviews ahead of this film, I think it’s safe to assume we will get incredible special effects, adventure and thrills, and enough humanity to bring us together — at least for the time we spend together in the theater.
Starring Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, and Colin Firth.
