Kneecap
“Kneecap” tells the story of real-life Irish hip-hop band (Kneecap) in quasi-documentary style not unlike “8 Mile” but with more humor. Set in Northern Ireland, the band raps in Irish Gaelic with the subject of England’s attempts to ban the language providing much of the drama. Actor Michael Fassbender plays the father of one of the group’s members, who has evaded arrest by faking his own death. The film’s high-energy, Trainspotting style, coupled with some authentic grittiness, give it street cred. Starring Mo Chara, Moglai Bap, and Michael Fassbender.
Now playing at the Michigan Theater.
Didi
“Didi” is a semi-autobiographical film by Sean Wang about an adolescent Taiwanese American boy growing up in late 2000s Los Angeles. The film’s protagonist, Chris, isn’t always sympathetic, as he tries to shake off his Tai background by seeking popularity online and dumping friends who aren’t cool enough. The film touches on issues of racial self-hatred and bigotry. Joan Chen plays the mom who tries to balance her artistic ambitions with caring for her kids. Great performances are a reason to see this one. Director Wang has already been nominated an Academy Award for his short documentary “Nai Nai & Wai Po.” Didi stars Izaac Wang and Joan Chen.
Opens Aug. 16 at the Michigan Theater.
Cuckoo
A 17-year-old American girl, Gretchen, reluctantly leaves her home in the States to live with her German father and his new family in the German Alps. Once there, she finds her father’s boss has taken an unusual interest in her mute half-sister. All is not well in this bloody, unsettling horror film by Tilman Singer who also directed the equally disturbing “Luz.” Starring Hunter Schafer and Marton Csokas
Advance screening on Aug. 8 at the State Theatre.
Sing Sing
Colman Domingo plays Divine G, imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit. He becomes involved in a theater group for inmates designed to make them “human again” through the power of art. “Sing Sing” is already being touted as one of the best films of the year, and Colman Domingo is sure to be nominated if not win an Academy Award in the best actor category. This film may join the ranks of prison movies like “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Papillon,” and “The Birdman of Alcatraz.” Starring Coleman Domingo and Clarence Maclin.
Opens Aug. 16 at the State Theatre.
Repertoire films
Eraserhead
David Lynch’s masterpiece of midnight movie cinema. Defying conventional storytelling and featuring German expressionistic, nightmare-fueling visuals, “Eraserhead” is the story of a guy named Henry living in a post-industrial, apocalyptic world who fathers a mutant baby with his girlfriend Mary. Male fears of fatherhood abound along with a seductive neighbor and the singing “lady in the radiator.” Lynch’s films are moving paintings with incredible soundscapes specifically designed to be seen in a theater.
Playing Aug. 16 and 22 at the State Theater.
Seven Samurai
Akira Kurosawa’s masterpiece about farmers from a village exploited by bandits who hire a veteran samurai for protection is in theaters, restored in 4K for its 70th anniversary. Seven Samurai is one of cinema’s greatest works. Director Kurosawa has been influential on generations of directors from Spielberg to Altman. Known for his innate sense of movement and how to capture it onscreen, Seven Samurai is a masterclass in filmmaking and essential for filmgoers. The anniversary screenings have sold out nearly every show in New York City. A must see. Starring Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura.
Playing Aug. 23 and 25 at the Michigan Theater.
For kids
ET
Steven Spielberg’s tale of a gentle alien who gets stranded on earth and befriended by a boy named Elliot. When Elliot and his friends try to keep the alien a secret, they’re soon found out by the government which endangers all of them. Starring Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore
Playing Aug. 26 and 27 at the Michigan Theater.
The Princess Bride
A fairy tale for kids of all ages about a beautiful girl and her one true love. To save her, they must battle evils in a mythical kingdom to be reunited. A quirky twist on the standard fairy tale with something for everyone. Starring Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, and Mandy Patinkin.
Playing Aug. 30 at the Michigan Theater.
