The Christophers, Now Playing, State Theater
There are two artists at the center of Stephen Soderbergh’s latest film The Christophers. One is elder statesman Julian Sklar (Ian McHellen), who is unenthusiastically recording Cameos for fans, and Lori Butler (Michaela Coel) who should be up and coming but instead is running a food truck to pay for the loss of her restoration business. Their unlikely partnership is at the crux of this art heist tale that also touches on “the relationship between artist, muse, and viewer.”
Also Starring Jessica Gunning and James Corden.
Backrooms,Opens Friday, May 29, State Theater
Based on an online urban legend that started from an unsettling image posted online of empty office space with harsh fluorescent lighting and walls covered in sickly yellow paint. While there are no people in the image, it makes the viewer feel watched by an unseen presence. A24’s film centers on a therapist who ventures into this otherworldly dimension in search of her patient who has disappeared. Kane Parsons, a YouTuber who works in visual effects and creates short films based on the Backrooms concept, directs. Backrooms — one of four original horror films — (not sequels or remakes we’ve been inundated with), premiering on big screens this May.
Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve.
Tuner, Opens Friday, May 29 State Theater
Tuner is the narrative debut of documentary filmmaker Daniel Roher who won an Oscar for Navalny. Niki White (Leo Wadall) is a young guy with a condition that makes him so acutely sensitive to sound that he wears ear plugs all the time, even when he works tuning pianos. Soon his condition leads him become involved in safe cracking. Dustin Hofman plays Harry Horowitz, an elderly man who launches White’s new career path when he forgets the combination to his safe. While the story may tread some familiar ground, director Roher keeps the audience connected with tight pacing and good performances.
Also Starring Havana Rose Liu and Jean Reno.
