UPDATED 3/24/2014: The Waiting Room has been added to Monday night’s programming
Thursday
Roller Boogie (6:30p — Central Madison Library, Rm 302)
What did The Exorcist’s Linda Blair do after her possession at the hands of Pazuzu? Save her roller disco of course! Central Cinema presents Roller Boogie FREE as a part of Bad Cinema. And bad hair, probably.
Friday
Wisconsin Film Festival “Sneak Peek” (7:00p — Central, Pinney, Sequoya Branch Libraries)
Hypothetical scenario: You’ve had your 2014 Wisconsin Film Festival tickets for weeks, and now you’re looking to cure your festival jones before April 3rd. Festival staff are appearing in person to present trailer packages for some of the year’s most exciting features. There’s even a family friendlier package this Saturday. FREE.
All freakin’ weekend
Stranger By The Lake (Sundance)
After frequenting a common hook-up spot for gay men, Franck (Pierre Deladonchamps) falls in love with the mysterious Michel. He’s mysterious because he might be murdering other men. Come chat with Rob Thomas’ “Stranger by the Overflow Bar” on Tuesday, March 25th.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (Sundance, Point)
It would seem to betray the spirit of Wes Anderson to say any film of his is hotly anticipated. So let’s just say fans of Anderson have reserved their exuberance for his followup to Moonrise Kingdom, where Ralph Fiennes stars as a hotel concierge at a time when his fictional country stands on the brink of war. Guests check in, but they don’t check out — without a newfound taste for twee mise en scene.
Muppets Most Wanted (AMC Star, Point, Eastgate)
A kind of Great Muppet Caper for a new generation, the Muppets become unwillingly entangled in a Kermit the Frog look-alike’s plot to steal a European jewel . Tina Fey, Ricky Gervais and Ty Burrell star as non-Muppets.
Divergent (Sundance, AMC Star, Point, Eastgate)
Shailene Woodley stars in this adaptation of Veronica Roth’s dystopian young adult novel, where future society is organized by personality type. That doesn’t sound so bad in this bipolar, antisocial, procrastinating perfectionist’s opinion.
Saturday
Frozen (2:00p — Pinney Branch Library)
Disney’s fantasy cash cow is the Madison Library’s Saturday Family Movie Matinee. FREE.
Wisconsin Film Festival “Sneak Peek” (2:00p — Alicia Ashman Branch Library)
Monday
Little Shop of Horrors (12:00p, 2:20p, 4:40p, 7:00p, 9:20p — Point; 12:30p, 2:45p, 8:05p, 10:20p — Eastgate)
Frank Oz’s adaptation of the Alan Menken horror musical stars Rick Moranis and a number of cameos from the likes of Bill Murray and Steve Martin. There’s also something about a talking Venus flytrap with plans to conquer the universe.
The Way We Get By (2:00p — Alicia Ashman Branch Library)
The FREE “BOOM” series for older adults continues with this documentary on the “Main Troop Greeters,” three senior citizens who personally greet every soldier returning from the front.
The Waiting Room (6:30p — Central Madison Library, Rm 302)
Witness a day in the “life” of Oakland’s public Highland Hospital in this “Independent Lens” documentary. A physician-led discussion will follow the FREE screening. Full details are here.
Tuesday
Little Shop of Horrors (8:05p, 10:20p — Eastgate)
Freedom Riders (7:00p — Wisconsin Historical Society, auditorium)
The third in the Wisconsin Historical Society’s four-part documentary series, Freedom Riders looks at the black and white men and women who took to the streets of the Jim Crow South to express their support of the American Civil Rights movement. FREE.
Wednesday
Little Shop of Horrors (12:00p, 2:20p, 4:40p — Point; 1:00p, 4:00p, 10:20p — Eastgate)
The Shawshank Redemption (1:15p, 6:30p — Sundance)
Get busy livin’ or get busy enjoyin’ Frank Darabont’s timeless ode to guilt, friendship, and the human spirit.
Feminist: Stories From Women’s Liberation (7:00p — Alicia Ashman Branch Library)
A Place at the Table (7:00p — Union South Marquee)
Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush assess the social and economic institutions behind our diets in this 2013 documentary. FREE.
Winter of Cyclists (7:00p — Barrymore Theatre)
Mike Prendergast’s film about Colorado cyclists who brave the wintry months on their bikes sounds like a perfect fit for Madison audiences. Director and a feature cyclist will appear following the screening. Tickets are $10.