It’s a little cooler outside, but you can still stay warm with a good movie. WEMU’s Michael Jewett continues to replace David Fair in our weekly conversation with Michigan Theater Foundation Executive Director Russ Collins. They provide a preview of new movies and special events coming to the big screen this weekend.

OPENING DOWNTOWN

“Tick tick … BOOM!” – OPEN FRIDAY 12 NOVEMBER IN MICHIGAN

An Upcoming American Musical Drama Directed By Lin-Manuel Miranda in his directorial debut feature, from a screenplay by Steven Levenson, based on the semi-autobiographical musical of the same name by Jonathan larson. Movie stars Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Robin of Jesus, Joshua Henri, Judith Lumiere, and Vanessa Hudgens. The world premiere took place at AFI Fest on November 10, 2021.

The film is an adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical musical, which revolutionized theater as the creator of Rent. The film follows Jon (Academy Award nominee and Tony Award winner Andrew Garfield), a young stage composer who waits at New York restaurant tables in 1990 while writing what he hopes will be the next big musical. American. Days before he presents his work in a landmark performance, Jon feels the pressure from everywhere: from his girlfriend Susan, who dreams of an artistic life beyond New York; from his friend Michael, who went from his dream to a life of financial security; in the midst of an artistic community ravaged by the AIDS epidemic. As time goes by, Jon is at a crossroads and faces the question everyone must be asking themselves: what are we supposed to do with the time we have? tick, tick … BOOM!

“Belfast” – OPENS FRIDAY 12 NOVEMBER IN THE STATE WITH AN ADVANCED SCREENING THIS EVENING

This is a 2021 maturity comedy-drama film written and directed by Kenneth branagh. Movie stars Caitriona balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Ciarán Hinds, Colin Morgan, and newcomer Jude hill. The film, which Branagh has described as his “most personal film,” focuses on the childhood of a young boy amid the tumult of Belfast, Northern Ireland, in the 1960s. Belfast had its world premiere at the 48th Telluride Film Festival on September 2, 2021 and also won the People’s Choice Award at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival.

CITY CENTER SPECIAL SCREENINGS

BY BAZ LUHRMANN

“Gatsby the magnificent” – PLAY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 AT 7:30 PM AT THE MICHIGAN!

Midwestern native Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) arrived in New York in 1922 in search of the American dream. Nick, an aspiring writer, moves in next to millionaire Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) and across the bay from his cousin Daisy (Carey mulligan) and her thief husband, Tom (Joel edgerton). So Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the rich and – as he witnesses their illusions and deceptions – writes a story of impossible love, dreams and tragedy.

“Red Mill!” – PLAY ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23 AT 7:30 PM AT THE MICHIGAN!

A celebration of love and creative inspiration takes place in the infamous garish and glamorous Parisian nightclub at the dawn of the 20th century. A young poet (Ewan McGregor), who is immersed in the exhilarating universe of the Moulin Rouge, begins a passionate affair with the most famous and the most beautiful star of the club (Nicole kidman).

LATE NIGHT – FRIDAY AT 10PM

“Blade runner” – PLAY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 10 P.M. IN MICHIGAN

This is a 1982 science fiction film directed by Ridley scott, and adapted by Hampton fancher and David Peoples. Featuring Harrison ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, and Edward James Olmos, it is an adaptation of the 1968 novel by Philip K. Dick “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” The film is set in a dystopian future of Los Angeles in 2019, in which synthetic humans known as replicants are bio-engineered by the powerful Tyrell Corporation to work in space colonies. When a fugitive group of advanced replicants led by Roy Batty (Hauer) escapes to Earth, exhausted cop Rick Deckard (Ford) reluctantly agrees to hunt them down.

CONTINUE DOWNTOWN

“Spencer”

A 2021 biographical psychological drama directed by Pablo Larraín and written by Steven Knight. Movie stars Kristen stewart as Diana, Princess of Wales (née Spencer), and follows Diana’s decision to end her marriage to Prince Charles (played by Jack farthing) and leave the British royal family. Timothy Spall, Sean harris, and Sally hawkins also star. Spencer made its world premiere in competition at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2021.

The marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles has long since cooled off. Although rumors of business and divorce abound, peace is ordered for the Christmas festivities at Queen’s Sandringham Estate. There is eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game. But this year things will be very different. This film is an imagination of what may have happened during those fateful few days.

“The Eternals”

A 2021 American epic superhero film based on the Marvel Comics race of the same name. This is the 26th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film was directed by Chloe Zhao, who wrote the screenplay with Patrick burleigh, Ryan firpo, and Kaz Firpo. It features an ensemble cast comprising Gemma chan, Richard madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry keoghan, Don lee, Harish patel, Kit Harington, Salma hayek, and Angelina Jolie. In the film, the Eternals, an immortal alien race, emerge from their hiding place after thousands of years to protect Earth from their evil counterparts, the Deviants.

Chloe Zhao – who was also in the running to direct Marvel’s Black Widow (2021) – approached Marvel Studios to make the film because she had been a fan of the MCU. She wanted to work with the studio to bring her own vision and world-building to the franchise.

The latest Marvel Studios film introduces an exciting new team of superheroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, former aliens who have lived on Earth in secret for thousands of years. After the events of “Avengers: Endgame,” an unexpected tragedy forces them to emerge from the shadows to unite against humanity’s oldest enemy, the Deviants.

“The French Dispatch”

A 2021 American comedy-drama anthology film written, directed and produced by Wes anderson of a story he designed with Roman coppola, Hugo guinness, and Jason schwartzman. The film stars an ensemble cast starring Benicio del Toro, Adrien brody, Tilda swinton, Léa Seydoux, Francoise McDormand, Timothée Chalamet, Lyna khoudri, Jeffrey wright, Mathieu Amalric, Stephen Park, Bill Murray, and Owen Wilson. Its plot follows three different storylines, as the French foreign office of a fictional Kansas newspaper creates its final issue. The shooting took place between November 2018 and March 2019, with cinematographer Robert Yeoman, in the city of Angoulême, France. Following a postponement, the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on July 12, 2021.

“The last night in Soho”

This is a 2021 UK psychological horror film directed by Edgar wright (“Shaun of the Dead”, “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”, “Baby Driver”, “The Sparks Brothers”) with a screenplay by Wright and Krysty Wilson-Cairns. Movie stars Thomasin McKenzie (“Leave No Trace”, “Jojo Rabbit”, “True History of the Kelly Gang”), Anya Taylor-Joy (“The Witch”, “Split”, “Thoroughbreds”, “Peaky Blinders”, “Emma”, “The Queen’s Gambit”), Matt smith, and Terence stamp. The film marks the last cinematic appearances of Diana rigg and Marguerite Nolan, who died in September and October 2020 respectively. The film is dedicated to the memory of Nolan. The film premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 4, 2021.

In famed director Edgar Wright’s psychological thriller, Eloise, an aspiring fashion designer, is mysteriously able to step into the 1960s where she meets a dazzling aspiring singer, Sandie. But glamor isn’t all it seems to be and dreams of the past are starting to crack and shatter into something much darker.

“Dune”

From the director Denis Villeneuve, journey of a mythical and emotionally charged hero, this film tells the story of Paul Atréides (Timothée Chalamet), a bright and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his comprehension, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to secure the future of his family and people. As evil forces explode in conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource that exists – a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential – only those who can overcome their fear will survive.

“No time to die”

A 2021 Anglo-American spy film and the 25th in the James Bond series stars Daniel Craig in his fifth and final outing as a fictional British MI6 agent. It is led by Cary Fukunaga from a scenario of Phoebe Waller-Pont and others, including Fukunaga. Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Naomie harris, Jeffrey wright, Christoph Waltz, Rory kinnear, and Ralph fiennes reprise their roles from previous films, with Rami malek, plays a classic Bond opponent. The film’s release has been delayed for more than a year by the COVID-19 pandemic. The film received strong positive reviews from critics, who hailed it as a fitting and compelling sendoff to the Craig era of the Bond films.

THANKSGIVING / NOL IS COMING SOON!

Michigan Theater Traditional Screening of Warner Bros. Cartoons – FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING 11:30 AM

Have fun with friends and family as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig and the Looney Tunes gang take to the big screen in the historic Main Auditorium with a selection of Warner Bros. cartoons. for all ages.

“White Christmas” – PLAY ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26 AT 7:30 PM IN MICHIGANOT

With onscreen lyrics and commentary, goody bags and more.

Sing along with Bob Wallace (Bing crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny kaye) as they join sister Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy Haynes (Vera-ellen) to put on a Christmas show in rural Vermont. There they meet General Waverly (Dean Jagger), the boys’ commander in World War II, who they learn is in financial difficulty; his quaint country inn fails. So what’s the quartet to do if not plan a Christmas miracle: a fun musical extravaganza that’s sure to put Waverly and her company in the dark!

FREE Holiday Classics Series!

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—Michael Jewett is WEMU’s weekday jazz host. Contact WEMU News at 734.487.3363 or write to us at [email protected]