This Independent Week
Cinema 21
616 N.W. 21st Ave. 503-223-4515
"Sex is Comedy" 9, Also 11 Fri.-Sat., 4:30 Sat.-Sun.
These are the films that movie critics live for. They can use words like "delicate," "sensual," "precious," etc. But what they really mean is "this film has nonstop bonin,’ and it is awesome. The only shocker here is that apparently the French like sex. Who knew?
"Guerilla: The Taking of Patty Hearst" 3, 7, Also 1, 3 Sat.-Sun.
The riveting history of a newspaper fortune heiress who fell in with the wrong crowd and became a bank robber. What a second. Newspaper? Fortune? Hahahahahaha!
Cinemagic
2021 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. 503-231-7919
"Ray" 5:30, 8:15
Who could forget Jamie Foxx’s sublime voicework in the animated television series "C-Bear and Jamal"? Well, you’re gonna shit when you find out he also plays Ray Charles in this film that I’ve heard a lot about but will probably never see.
Clinton St. Theater
2522 S.E. Clinton St. 503-238-8899
"A Tree of Palme" 3, 7, 9 Also 4 Sat.-Sun
Once, I had this female Dark-Elvin assassin who totally kicked ass. She had duel wield capabilities (two scimitars, of course), an enchanted robe of hiding, a huge rack, and a penchant for same-sex trysts after getting drunk on honey wine at alehouses. This film is probably kind of like that. Two thumbs up.
"Footloose" 10
In this seminal small-town hero flick, Kenny Loggins plays a bearded loser who’s never done anything with his life, until he finds camaraderie (and later romance) in a local Down’s syndrome sufferer portrayed masterfully by Jim Messina. Part of the Portland Mercury Winter Prozac Film Festival.
"Smokey and the Bandit" 10 Fri.
Mustache rides: 50 cents!
Guild Theatre
829 S.W. 9th Ave. 503-221-1156
"Big City Dick" 7 Fri.
A portrait of a street musician in Seattle. Note to Soundgarden fans: This is not a documentary about Artis the Spoonman.
"Arvo P퀌_rt: 24 Preludes for a Fugue" 7 Sat.
Documentary about modern Estonian composer Arvo P퀌_rt and his adventures through the land of foreign-sounding music.
Hollywood Theater
4122 N.E. Sandy Blvd. 503-281-4215
"Kicking Bird" 7, Also 9 Fri., 3,5,7,9 Sat.-Sun.
Great, another movie about running. In the tradition of "Chariots of Fire," "Prefontaine," "Forrest Gump," "Tron" and "Overboard," this film is guaranteed to leave you exhausted! Phew! I’m tired just writing this!
Moreland Theater
6712 S.E. Milwaukie Ave. 503-236-5257
"House of Flying Daggers" 5:30, 8
Better than "Tron."
Roseway Theater
7229 N.E. Sandy (503) 287-8119
"House of Flying Daggers" 5:45, 8 Fri., 3:30, 5:45, 8 Sat-Mon, 5:45, 8 Tue-Thu.
I don’t even see the appeal of movies like "Tron."
Whitsell Auditorium
1219 S.W. Park Ave. 503-221-1156
"Father and Son" 7 Fri.
An exploration of the complex relationship between a Russian father and his son, a teenage soldier.
"Arna’s Children" 5:30 Sat.
Reveals the horror and tragedy of a family trapped in a battleground. Part of the Portland Jewish Film Festival.
"Nina’s Tragedies" 7:30 Sat.
Told from the perspective of a 14-year-old boy, this film exists in the space between the humor and conflict of daily life.
