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FilmWatch Weekly: Bizarre Buddies & Crackpot Cures

By Marc Mohan
July 1, 2016
Featured, Film

This week’s notable movies include a pair of unique buddy comedies, a portrait of testicular quackery, and one role each for Stellan Skarsgard and his son Alexander.

 

ARTSWATCH REVIEWS:

 

“Swiss Army Man”: Frontrunner for most bizarre comedy of the year, this debut feature from the directing duo Daniels stars Paul Dano as a suicidal castaway and Daniel Radcliffe as the washed-up dead body who comes to his rescue. (Hollywood Theatre) READ MORE

David Giuntoli and Flula Borg star in "Buddymoon."

David Giuntoli and Flula Borg star in “Buddymoon.”

“Buddymoon”: “Grimm” star David Giuntoli and YouTube star Flula Borg star in this charming Oregon-made comedy about best friends who take a backpacking trip through the Columbia Gorge after the wedding of one is called off. (Living Room Theatre) READ MORE

“Nuts!”: The true (and sometimes not-so-true) story of Dr. John Brinkley, a Depression-era quack who made a fortune peddling a cure for impotence that involved the transplantation of goat testicles, nearly got elected governor of Kansas, and died in ignominy. (Cinema 21) READ MORE

“Our Kind of Traitor”: Ewan McGregor and Naomie Harris star as a vacationing couple whose relationship with a boisterous Russian mob accountant (Stellan Skarsgard) leads to intrigue and danger. Adapted from a novel by John le Carre. (Cinema 21) READ MORE

“2001: A Space Odyssey”: The Hollywood Theatre, celebrating its 90th birthday, kicks off a month of 70mm screenings with Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 sci-fi-masterpiece. It’s an absolute must-see experience. (Hollywood Theatre) READ MORE

 

ALSO OPENING:

 

“The BFG”: With Steven Spielberg adapting a beloved children’s novel from author Roald Dahl, what could go wrong? Well, an overreliance on Mark Rylance’s motion-captured performance as the titular gentle giant for one thing. Charming in spots, this still feels like Spielberg is going through the motions. (multiple locations)

“The Legend of Tarzan”: If the howl-inducing trailer for this needless reboot of Edgar Rice Burrough’s jungle hero didn’t turn you off, then feel free to go for it. But don’t say you weren’t warned. Alexander Skarsgard wears the loincloth; Christoph Waltz is the villain. (multiple locations)

“Purge: Election Year”: The third entry in the series depicting a nightmare America that allows one night of lawless carnage each year. In the Age of Trump, the joke might not be so funny anymore. (multiple locations)

“Network”: Director Sidney Lumet’s scathing 1976 film about American disenchantment and mass media’s shallowness rings as true today as ever, making it maybe the best choice for commemorating the nation’s birthday. (Laurelhurst Theatre, closed Monday July 4)

“The Sandlot”: A more bucolic vision of the USA can be found in this 1993 comedy about a bunch of kids playing baseball in 1962 California. (Academy Theater)

 

THE WEEK AHEAD:

 

Friday, July 1:

“The Dreamers”: Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci’s nostalgic, naughty movie about coming of age in 1968 Paris features some truly NC-17 worthy sex scenes, and captures the feeling of being young and in love with film. (5th Avenue Cinema, through Sunday, July 3)

“The Rules of Attraction”: “Pulp Fiction” co-writer Roger Avary directed this adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel about decadent twentysomethings, which probably marks the career peak of James van der Beek. (5th Avenue Cinema, through Sunday, July 3)

Sunday, July 3:

“Paying the Price for Peace”: This documentary profiles Portland antiwar activist S. Brian Willson, who lost his legs when he was struck by a military train during a non-violent protest. Willson, who will celebrate his 75th birthday on July 4, will be in attendance. (Clinton Street Theater)

Tuesday, July 5:

“The Stabilizer”: This 1984 action thriller about a gun-toting American agent will be presented B-Movie Bingo style. Look out, he’ll stabilize you! (Hollywood Theatre)

Wednesday, July 6:

“The Great Game”: The great Andre Dussollier stars as a shadowy mastermind who enlists a novelist in his schemes in this French political thriller. (Clinton Street Theater, through Saturday, July 9)

 

 

 

 

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