The Roses
Director Jay Roach (“Trumbo,” “Austin Powers International Man of Mystery” and “Meet The Parents”) helms “The Roses,” a remake of the 1989 film “War of the Roses.” Olivia Coleman and Benedict Cumberbatch take on the roles originally played by Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, as a couple with a seemingly picture-perfect marriage, successful careers, and great kids who wind up hating and viciously competing with each other. A dark comedy, from a novel by Warren Adler, “The Roses” focuses more on the verbal barbs than the cartoonish violence of its predecessor and makes the couple much more relatable to the average viewer. Reviews are mixed but the performances by two of the most respected and interesting actors of their generation is surely worth seeing. Also starring Kate McKinnon, Andy Samberg and Allison Janney.
Now playing at the State Theatre.
Twinless
A comedy-drama about two young men who meet in a twin support group and form a deep friendship. Both Roman (Dylan O’Brien) and Dennis (James Sweeney) search for solace and identity now that they no longer have their twin halves. They quickly become inseparable, and it’s revealed to the audience that all is not what it seems with Dennis who, amongst other things, had an affair with Roman’s brother. Billed as a dramady, some have noted “Twinless” has some thriller elements as well. James Sweeney, who plays Dennis, also wrote and directed the film. Also Starring Lauren Graham and Aisling Franciosi.
Now Playing at the Michigan Theater
Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues
A sequel forty-one years in the making, it seems like perfect timing for “Spinal Tap 2″ with bands like The Rolling Stones and The Who doing farewell tours at over 80 years old. “This is Spinal Tap” remains groundbreaking in the mockumentary genre and part two deals with estranged bandmates David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel and Derek Smalls (Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer) who are forced to reunite for a final tour. Rob Reiner is back both as the director of the film and in the role of Marty Di Bergi, the fan turned documentarian who tries to capture his metal gods as they face their own mortality. Real life legends Paul McCartney and Elton John show up to offer some authenticity. Can “Spinal Tap” put the band back together one last time to solidify their place in music history?
Also starring Fran Drescher and Questlove.
Eleanor the Great
“Eleanor the Great” is the feature film directing debut of Scarlett Johansson, with 94-year-old June Squibb (Nebraska) in the title role. When Eleanor’s roommate and best friend Bessie dies, she goes to live with her family in New York City. She quickly discovers the family is too busy for the kind of togetherness she hoped they’d have. At a local Jewish Community Center Eleanor joins a holocaust survivors’ group and meets student journalist Nina who has lost her own mother and is researching survivors for an article. They quickly form a bond, but trouble starts when it’s revealed Eleanor’s story may not be her own. Strong supporting performances from Erin Kellyman as Nina and the always wonderful Chiwetel Ejiofor as her father. Also starring Rita Zohar and Jessica Hecht.
Playing Sept. 26 at the State Theatre.
Special Screenings at the Michigan and State Theatres
Waiting For Guffman
Christopher Guest (“This is Spinal Tap”) directed this cult comedy from 1996 about an aspiring director and his marginally talented cast of small-town Missouri locals who want to put on a musical about the history of their city. Things go off the rails when they hear that a big Broadway producer might be coming to see their show. This ranks as one of the most hilarious, underseen and quotable films of the 90s. The cast is a who’s who of former SCTV greats like Eugene Levy (who co-wrote the script with Guest) and Catherine O’Hara, indie greats Parker Posey, Fred Willard and Bob Balaban. The movie spawned two more mockumentary style films with most of the cast featured in this film. For everyone who’s ever been or known a theater kid! Also starring Lewis Arquette, David Cross and Michael Hitchcock.
Playing Sept. 20 at the Michigan Theater.
Videoheaven
Alex Ross Perry’s documentary explores how VHS’s 1980s rise transformed how people watched movies. Using diverse footage and Maya Hawke’s narration, Alex Ross Perry examines video stores’ crucial role in film culture
Playing Sept. 26 at the Michigan Theater.
