The four main elf food groups may be candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup but the Majestic’s Brew ‘n View of “Elf” makes a strong case for adding beer as a fifth. Friday.
With early Wednesday releases in Frozen, Black Nativity, Homefront, and Philomena having already hit theaters, Madison’s cinematic offerings take a backseat to Thanksgiving festivities this week.
Friday
Brew ‘n View: Elf (7:30p — Majestic Theatre)
So maybe you missed Sundance’s two Elf screenings this Wednesday. No worries. Majestic Theatre’s latest Brew ‘n View just so happens to feature the holiday misadventures of Will Ferrell ‘s Buddy. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $5, which you can order in advance.
Saturday
Found Footage Film Festival (8:00p — Barrymore Theatre)
From cyber sex tutorials to mulleted comedians, everything is fair game in the Found Footage Festival. Now in its ninth year, the traveling showcase rounds up hidden gems straight from the VHS collections of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. Matt Mueller of OnMilwaukee.com has a great history of the festival. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 on the day of the show.
All freakin’ weekend
Oldboy (AMC Star, Point)
Ever watched Park Chan-wook’s shizophrenic masterpiece Oldboy and thought, “Hey, this thing’s pretty amazing, but wouldn’t it be better with white people?” Spike Lee has given us that movie, regardless of whether anyone wanted it. Josh Brolin stars as Joe, a man who, after being released from a mysterious confinement in a hotel room, emerges with a vengeance to confront his tormentor. Co-starring Elizabeth Olsen and Sharlto Copley.
Monday
Holiday Inn (1:30p, 7:00p — Point, Eastgate)
Perhaps best remembered now for Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” Holiday Inn still holds up. Watch as Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire compete for the affections of Marjorie Reynolds’ ambitious young performer in Mark Sandrich’s classic.
Love Actually (4:00p, 9:30p — Point, Eastgate)
I feel it in my fingers. I feel it in my toes. Christmas is all around me, and in Marcus’ latest shows. Richard Curtis’ holiday rom com on the ubiquity of love plays every night this week. Starring Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney and Keira Knightley, among many others.
Tuesday
End Game: AIDS in Black America (6:30p — Union South Marquee)
Why do such a disproportionately large number of African-Americans suffer from HIV-AIDS? It’s a troubling question this two-hour Frontline documentary tries to answer. Co-presented by WUD Film, Sex Out Loud, UW HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Care Program, National Panhellenic Council, AIDS Network, and the LGBT Campus Center. FREE.
Love Actually (1:30p, 7:00p — Point, Eastgate)
Holiday Inn (4:30p, 10:00p — Point, Eastgate)
Wednesday
White Christmas (1:20p, 6:50p — Sundance)
Speaking of white Christmases… Entertainers Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye fall in love with Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen while attempting to save a Vermont inn from financial destitution and some unseasonably warm Christmas weather.
Holiday Inn (2:00p, 4:30p — Point, Eastgate)
Love Actually (7:00p, 10:00p — Point, Eastgate)
Lone Survivor (7:00p — Union South Marquee)
After Battleship’s disappointing returns, Friday Night Lights showrunner Peter Berg looks to rebound with Lone Survivor. Based on a real failed U.S. – Afghanistan assassination attempt in 2005, Mark Wahlberg stars as the sole remaining member of Seal Team 10. WUD Film presents this FREE advance screening.
Ride Along (9:30p — Union South Marquee)
Get an early look at this January action comedy release where Kevin Hart attempts to win the respect of his soon-to-be brother-in-law (Ice Cube) by shadowing him on a 24-hour Atlanta police patrol. FREE.