Star Trek Beyond, a Smart Studios Story fundraiser, and the terrible, inspirational power of The Iron Giant.
Wednesday
Touchez pas au grisbi (7:00p — 4070 Vilas Hall)
(FREE admission.)
Thursday
Lifeforce (6:30p — Central Library, Rm 302)
After scientists recover three aliens from the remains of a shuttle, the extra-terrestrials begin sapping the juices from their earthbound neighbors. On good faith, this is still from the director of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and co-writer behind Alien, but the involvement of the troubled Cannon Films might explain its inclusion in “Bad Cinema.” Decades later, the effects work for these space vampires might not hold up, but the sheer promise of space vampires can never die. (FREE admission.)
The Picture of Dorian Gray (7:00p — 4070 Vilas Hall)
Featuring an in-person introduction from Professor emeritus and The Rhapsodes author David Bordwell. (FREE admission.)
All freakin’ weekend
Star Trek Beyond (Sundance, AMC Star, Marcus Point)
After Enterprise‘s short-lived and inconsistent television and the absolutely dreadful Nemesis, JJ Abrams’s 2009 “reboot” breathed new life into Star Trek‘s bloated corpse. Except hardcore Trekkers argued this wasn’t the same franchise anymore. Even with the home run of a young USS Enterprise crew, Abrams’s facelift emphasized action and alternate timelines. With his sights now set on another galaxy, he’s turned directorial duties over to Fast and the Furious devotee Justin Lin. Advertising has featured the prominent destruction of the Enterprise at the hands of Idris Elba’s Krall, doing little to discourage comparisons of new Trek‘s “phase first, ask questions later” philosophy. On the upside, this third installment has reportedly brought a novel spin on teleporting and features existential turns from Captain Kirk and Ambassador Spock. It’s a low bar to clear, but Star Trek Beyond might be the first to balance the original series’ sense of discovery with the Beastie Boys. (Showtimes and admission vary.)
Friday
A Face in the Crowd (7:00p — 4070 Vilas Hall)
It doesn’t matter if Cinematheque’s selection was a middle finger to the 2016 Republican presidential nominee. As has already been pointed out, comparisons are rife between Donald Trump’s acerbic ascendancy and the meteoric rise from drunk transient to national personality of Larry “Lonesome” Rhodes (Andy Griffith, in his big screen debut). (FREE admission.)
Saturday
Stop Making Sense (10:00p — Majestic Theatre)
The gloriously understated brainchid of Talking Heads frontman David Byrne and director Jonathan Demme, Stop Making Sense has an “anxious spartanism” that places it among the greatest concert films ever. The Majestic held a similarly-themed dance party last year only on this go-round, they’re granting FREE admission to anyone wearing an “excessively oversized blazer.” Chancing that judgment call is probably worth finding yourself at no charge. ($5.)
Sunday
The Smart Studios Story (7:00p — High Noon Saloon)
After hosting a week of Pitchfork Radio sessions, the High Noon Saloon is letting The Smart Studios Story raise some funds for a proper tour; they are “so fucking close.” Along with donated admission and a “not so silent auction,” director Wendy Schneider will present a “director’s cut” of her documentary on Madison’s former east side studio. A Q&A will follow. ($10 – $20. Doors at 6:30p.)
The Iron Giant (8:30p — Memorial Union Terrace)
For better and for worse, we’re stuck with Zack Snyder’s iteration of the Last Son of Krypton. But let’s not forget that in 1999, Brad Bird secretly gave us the best Superman movie ever. Every Superman story worth telling understands that Kal-el’s ultimate power is to galvanize good in others, and Warner Bros’ flop-turned-family favorite distills that essence in the relationship between young loner Hogarth and his “Giant,” the Vin Diesel-voiced behemoth from the sky. As we eventually learn, the Giant’s dormant power poses a terrible threat both to small town Maine and the Cold War at large — and yet it’s that same power that becomes an inspiration. (FREE admission.)