Local film highlights

There are a lot of sweet films playing at local theaters this week and unless you’re the king or queen of finals procrastination, you probably don’t have the time to pick out the best ones. But don’t worry about it—we’ve searched through them for you.

Tuesday

No One Knows About Persian Cats
There is something extra-awesome about this faux documentary from director Bahman Ghobadi: It was shot in secret. Having just been released from prison, a pair of young musicians is attempting to bring the band to Europe. The problem? Rock bands are forbidden by law to play in Iran. As the band figures out how to play its music and escape abroad, the viewer is brought along on a cultural journey through the underground music scene, home to over 2,000 illegal bands.

Living Room Theaters
11:50 a.m., 2:40 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 7:50 p.m., 10:05 p.m.
$5
21+ after 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday

The 39 Steps
It’s “classics month” at the Laurelhurst, and that can mean only one thing: A kickass collection of films that includes The 39 Steps, an early film from Alfred Hitchcock. Canadian rancher Richard Hannay is on vacation in London when shots ring out at a vaudeville act he’s attending. A young woman approaches Hannay, telling him that foreign spies searching for military secrets are after her. When she is later killed, Hannay is both the main suspect for the murder and the next victim in the spy ring.

Laurelhurst Theater
7 p.m.
$3
21+

Thursday

Hercules vs. Vampires
Let’s not lie, this is probably the most awesome film I’ve ever put on this list. Not only is the premise of this film fabulous (read: Hercules and Theseus must venture through hell to rescue the beautiful Daianara from eternal servitude by the vampire-master), but it is also an opera. Yes, an opera. And what could be better than the combination of opera, Hercules and blood-sucking fiends?

Hollywood Theatre
7:30 p.m.
$6.50
All ages

Friday

The Exploding Girl
This coming-of-age film from director Bradley Rust Gray follows 21-year-old Ivy who suffers from epilepsy. When she heads home for spring break with a new romance in her life and her friend Al needs a place to stay, Ivy and her mother take him in. Soon, as she and Al grow closer, Ivy becomes aware of her conflicting feelings.

Hollywood Theatre
Noon
$6.50
All ages
 
The Red Shoes
Playing in restored print, this 1948 U.K. film follows young ballerina Victoria Page. Dancing in impresario Boris Lermontov’s company, Page has the potential for superstardom. That is, until she earns the ire of Lermontov when she falls in love with Julian Craster, the composer of The Red Shoes, the ballet staged to showcase her ability.

Cinema 21
4 p.m.
$5 w/PSU ID
All ages