MARCH MIDWEEK MOVIES GENRE: THE MUSICAL!
In 1960s Baltimore, dance-loving teen Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) auditions for a spot on "The Corny Collins Show" and wins. She becomes an overnight celebrity, a trendsetter in dance, fun and fashion. Perhaps her new status as a teen sensation is enough to topple Corny's reigning dance queen and bring racial integration to the show. "This film leaps at you with such joy and vigour and generosity you cannot reject it." - The Spectator. 92% Fresh - Rotten Tomatoes.
APRIL'S MIDWEEK MOVIES GENRE? FUNNILY ENOUGH, COMEDY!
What better way to segue from musicals to comedies, then with a comedy set in the world of music in 1973. Almost Famous chronicles the funny and often poignant coming of age of 15-year-old William, an unabashed music fan who is inspired by the seminal bands of the time. When his love of music lands him an assignment from Rolling Stone magazine to interview an up-and-coming band Stillwater, William embarks on an eye-opening journey with the band's tour, despite the objections of his protective mother (Frances MacDormand). Drawn from writer/director Cameron Crowe's real life experience. "Not since A Hard Day’s Night has a movie caught the thrumming exuberance of going where the music takes you." - Peter Travers, Rolling Stone. 91% Fresh - Rotten Tomatoes
He doesn't know it, but everything in Truman Burbank's (Jim Carrey) life is part of a massive TV set. Executive producer Christof (Ed Harris) orchestrates "The Truman Show," a live broadcast of Truman's every move captured by hidden cameras. Cristof tries to control Truman's mind, even removing his true love, Sylvia (Natascha McElhone), from the show and replacing her with Meryl (Laura Linney). As Truman gradually discovers the truth, however, he must decide whether to act on it. "Thinking about The Truman Show in 2023, it’s clear the film—marvellously written by Andrew Niccol—was ahead of its time." - Luke Buckmaster, Flicks. 94% Fresh, Rotten Tomatoes.
Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) has an uncanny skill at cutting classes and getting away with it. Intending to make one last duck-out before graduation, Ferris calls in sick, "borrows" a Ferrari, and embarks on a one-day journey through the streets of Chicago. On Ferris' trail is high school principal Rooney (Jeffrey Jones), determined to catch him in the act. "A sparkling comedy that skips along on the strength of Matthew Broderick's deceptively difficult performance." - Boston Globe. "Funny, poignant and rebellious, "Ferris Bueller" speaks to all ages." - Spokesman-Review. 83% Fresh, Rotten Tomatoes.