40 Acres
A dystopian thriller that takes place after a series of plagues and wars centers on the Freeman family who are finally surviving and possibly thriving on a farm in the middle of nowhere — with only the occasional raiding party to fight off. Hailey, a former solider, and her partner, Galen, fled that collapse of civilization with their children, training them to fight to survive. Hailey’s oldest son Emanuel is now a young man and meets a girl in the forest beyond the bounds of their property. His need for companionship could threaten the family’s safety. There are high marks here from fans of the genre for Canadian director R. T. Thorne’s film debut. Starring Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Greyeyes and Kataem O’Connor.
Now playing at the State Theatre.
Bad Shabbos
A dark comedy about a couple, one Catholic and one Jewish, who hold a Shabbot dinner for their families to meet. Chaos ensues when a dinner guest is found dead in the bathroom, and it’s a race to off-load the body before the potential Catholic in-laws arrive. It’s a high-energy farce with dysfunctional family energy that at times stretches thin but is always rescued by its excellent cast. Word on the street is Method Man, playing Cliff, a witty doorman, is a real highlight in this comedy from writer, director Daniel Robbins. Starring Milana Vayntrub, Ashley Zukerman, David Paymer and Kyra Sedgwick.
Now playing at the Michigan Theater.
Familiar Touch
Writer and director Sarah Friedland’s debut film is a portrait of an 88-year-old woman suffering memory loss and dementia. A spry and intelligent octogenarian, she has moments of lucidity but struggles enough to need a caregiver and to move in with her adult son. Friedland handles the subject matter with sensitivity, celebrating the small victories that can occur for patients and paying tribute to caregivers who are exceptional at their work. The film avoids shmaltzy pitfalls and has won both nominations and awards this season including at the Independent Spirit Awards. Starring Kathleen Chalfant, Carolyn Michelle, and Andy McQueen.
Opens July 11 at the Michigan Theater.
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Sorry, Baby
“Sorry, Baby” was written and directed by its star, Eva Victor. A hit at Sundance, the movie opens at the State Theater this July with some very positive buzz. Victor’s debut film is about a young woman trying to overcome the trauma of a sexual assault. The film’s strength is in its ability to balance the traumatic subject matter with moments of comedy while still feeling true rather than forced or weighted down by cliches. The film has a limited release, so grab your chance to see it during its run at the State Theatre. Also starring Naomi Ackie and John Carroll Lynch.
Opens July 25 at the State Theatre.
Art House Theater Day: AJ Goes to the Dog Park
Celebrate Art House Theater Day by seeing “AJ Goes to the Dog Park” — When AJ’s favorite dog park in Fargo, North Dakota is taken away, it begins a chain reaction that upends his life and sends him on an unforgettable odyssey to fight, fish, scrap, scrape and sap things back into place in this surreal comedy.
Special guests writer director Toby Jones, actor AJ Thompson and producer Ben Hanson will be at the theater in person for a post film discussion!
Playing July 23 at the Michigan Theater.
