The Michigan allowing alcohol in theater; Oscar hopefuls continuing downtown; and more
Win free movie tickets Editor's note: Comment on today's "Cinema Chat" for a chance to win free movie tickets to the Michigan Theater. Some time between now and 9 a.m. Monday, leave a comment on this column, written by the Michigan Theater's Russ Collins. Offer your opinion on a recent movie you've seen, or on anything Russ mentions. A winner will be randomly selected, and we’ll notify that person via the email address they signed up with. They will get two passes to a movie of their choice, courtesy of The Michigan Theater. Full rules here.
Enjoy a glass of wine or beer with your movie at the Michigan Theater Enjoy a glass of chardonnay or merlot or a micro-brewed beer with your movie at the historic Michigan Theater. The Michigan Theater’s liquor license was expanded so that beer and wine can now be enjoyed in the grand auditorium and the Screening Room. However, only Michigan Theater members are able to purchase alcoholic beverage - but anyone can become a member by signing up online or at the theater.
Golden Globe contenders and Oscar hopefuls continue downtown One of my favorite films of the year, director David Fincher and writer Aaron Sorkin's biographical drama “The Social Network,” continues at the State Theatre. The film, which was nominated for six Golden Globes, chronicles the meteoric rise of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (played by Jesse Eisenberg) from Harvard sophomore to Internet superstar, examining his relationships with co-founder Eduardo Saverin and Napster founder Sean Parker.
“The Fighter” also continues at the State Theatre. Mark Wahlberg stars as boxer "Irish" Mickey Ward and Christian Bale as half-brother and trainer Dicky Eklund in this inspiring drama based on the fighter's rise from working-class Lowell, Mass., to world-class welterweight champion. The film garnered six Golden Globe nominations, and Tom Long of the Detroit News says, “It's audacious, it's fun, it's rowdy, and it's just twisted enough to always be interesting. Beyond that, it's one of the year's best acting showcases and likely to grab multiple Oscar nominations.”
“The King’s Speech”, nominated for seven Golden Globes including Best Picture, is based on the true story of Britain's King George VI (Colin Firth), a man who for years struggles with a nervous disposition and an embarrassing stutter — until he seeks help from unorthodox Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Another favorite film of mine with an outstanding story and performances! Joe Morgenstern of the Wall Street Journal says, “It's a rare combination of crowd-pleaser and triumphant artistry.” “The King’s Speech” continues at the Michigan.
In my opinion, this may be the most brilliant film of the year: Nominated for four Golden Globes, Darren Aronofsky’s ballet thriller “Black Swan” wrestles with themes of obsession, delusion, and perfection. When ambitious New York City ballet dancer Nina (Natalie Portman) lands a key role in "Swan Lake," she soon finds her dreams of stardom threatened by rival ballerina Lilly (Mila Kunis).
Opening downtown
The 2010 Sundance Film Festival Shorts return to the Michigan Theater. This collection of nine short films from all around the world — including the Jury Prize winner in Short Filmmaking at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, “Drunk History: Douglass & Lincoln,” and the Jury Prize winner in International Short Filmmaking, “The Six Dollar Fifty Man.” The films are playing one day, on Jan. 3, but will return later in January just in time for Sundance Film Festival USA.
If you hadn’t heard, The Sundance Film Festival again selected the Michigan Theater as an official venue for the festival. On Jan. 27, we will premiere Tom McCarthy's (“The Station Agent” and “The Visitor”) new film “Win Win.” On Jan. 28, we will premiere Miguel Arteta's new film “Cedar Rapids,” which was made right here in Ann Arbor. Tickets are selling quickly so go to Ticketmaster and reserve your seats today.
Shakespeare on the big screen
The University Musical Society and The Michigan Theater present a high-definition broadcast from the National Theatre in London’s production of “Hamlet.” National Theatre artistic director Sir Nicholas Hytner directs Shakespeare’s classic play with a cast that includes Rory Kinnear in the title role, alongside David Calder as Polonius, Clare Higgins as Gertrude, Patrick Malahide as Claudius, and Ruth Negga as Ophelia. Tickets will be available at the door or at the UMS box office online.
Quiet week at the cineplex It’s pretty quiet at the cineplex the last week of December, but the box office reports show that they had a great weekend (even if the snow kept them away on the East Coast). “Little Fockers” was first over the Christmas weekend and "True Grit" was second — the strongest opening weekend ever for the Coen Brothers. “Gulliver's Travels,” however, was a box office and critical disaster. What to see The following is Russ’ list of the newest and the best to help you prioritize what to see this week: • "Sundance Shorts 2010”- The best of the best from our friends in Park City. • “Black Swan” - A hypnotic thriller that examines the psychological breakdown of a ballet dancer. • “The King’s Speech” - Historical British cinema! It must be Oscar season! • “True Grit”- The Coen Brothers return to the genre they revitalized. • “The Social Network”- Greed for the digital age. • “Tron: Legacy” - The 3-D event of the year. Stylish and slick sci-fi. • “The Fighter” - Is it a movie about boxing or family? David O. Russell delivers a knockout.
Russ Collins is executive director of the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. Tune in to the audio version of “Cinema Chat” on WEMU radio (89.1-FM) each Thursday at 7:40 a.m. and 5:40 p.m., or listen to it online at WEMU's web site.
Comments
lisa gottlieb
Tue, Jan 4, 2011 : 10:53 a.m.
I loved the King's Speech, especially in the main theater. If you decide to start allowing beer and wine in the theater, sourcing from our local breweries and wineries would be great!
Katherine
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.
My husband and I saw "The King's Speech" on Christmas Day (thank you, Michigan Theater, for the Military discount you offer!), and thoroughly enjoyed it. Like A2Scio said, it was VERY painful to listen to Bertie struggle to get his words out - what a phenomenal acting job by Firth. We also greatly enjoyed the organist's performance prior to the show, and found it more than a little amusing that, while the majority of the theater attendees were Jewish, the organist was playing primarily Christmas carols. :-) No worries - it was a fantastic performance.
JudithS
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 2:22 a.m.
Interested in Black Swan, sounds kind of dark..Thanks for the explanation of the "members only" policy, I always wondered about that at the Ark as well. How much does a membership cost? Not sure if it's worth it, I'll just go to Ashleys first for a nice drink!
BobbyJohn
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 2:51 p.m.
I realize I am in the minority, but I was extremely disappointed in Black Swan. Portman over acts and Aronofsky tries too hard. Subtlety is nowhere to be found.
a2scio
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 1:24 p.m.
The "King's Speech" is amazing. Bertie (Colin Firth) was painful to watch at times as he struggled to get the words out.
Atticus F.
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 11:02 a.m.
good idea to serve alcohol. Although I'm sure it will be like buying a beer at the stadium ($7-$8 per beer). Also Jim Gremillion, I couldn't agree more about Jeff Bridges. He's one of the greatest actors of our time.
Ignatz
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 10:26 a.m.
@Joel, Thanks for taking the time to answer my query.
Joel Goldberg
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 10:14 a.m.
Ignatz, the Michigan (as well as Performance Network) has a state-issued "club" beverage license that allows them to sell alcohol only to members. It's the same sort of license that a Moose lodge or American Legion hall might hold. Obviously, this provides an incentive for people to take out a membership -- which both entertainment venues make simple to do.
Signofthefour
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 9:27 a.m.
It is very interesting that The Social Network has been such a hit. I wonder if this will lead to more movies about current people / events. One event that seems ripe for a movie is Wikileaks. If I was in Hollywood, I would be paying someone to write a script this very minute!
David Briegel
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 9:14 a.m.
I have always loved The Michigan! This should make my experience even that much better. The staff there is so helpful and friendly! I believe they have a club license and not a bar license. Big difference. You have to join the club.
mindseye
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 8:36 a.m.
I took my son to the Michigan Theater for his first time last weekend. We arrived early so he could get the full experience and hear the organist play and he loved it! (he did wonder where the cup holders were!)We saw 'The Kings Speech' and the week before I went to see 'Black Swan' there.
Jim Gremillion
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 8:27 a.m.
It will be great to see a cinema at the Michigan with the ambiance of the Fox Theatre-Detroit. I can't wait to see Black Swan and The King's Speech. True Grit: Jeff Bridges is an excellent actor. After seeing the trailer, I was hoping the this movie would be, let's say, True Grit, the next legend. I think the movie could have been a "must see movie" for the western audience. I will see it anyway because of Jeff Bridges. The trailer of Tron was also very good.
MIbunny
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 8:19 a.m.
I lived in Portland, OR for a number of years and there were many local movie theaters where you could get microbrews and wine. I haven't really been to many movies after moving back, I think because I missed that kind of laid-back movie experience. I'm excited to head to the Michigan to check it out.
Ignatz
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 7:13 a.m.
I wonder why one needs to be a member to purchase alcohol. Is this something to do with the state restrictions or is the Michigan using this to entice folks into becoming members?
irishlaced
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 7:02 a.m.
I'm planning on seeing "The Social Network" and "Little Fockers" this weekend. I'm especially interested in "The Social Network" as I am an avid Facebook user. I'm glad to know you really liked it and I'm hoping that I will too. :)