There’s just something about Hollywood. Sure there’s the obvious fact that it’s the center of the cinematic universe and without it we wouldn’t get to show and talk about films for a living, but it’s more than that. It’s the fame, the dark corners, and all the little gears that keep the machine running that ignite the passions of millions. It’s truly like no other place on Earth, and with Damien Chazelle’s BABYLON on our screens, we thought it was the perfect time to look back at the complicated history of one of our favorite towns. Join us for a slate of films we feel best exemplify Tinseltown, including SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD, LA LA LAND, MULHOLLAND DR, and more.
And that’s just the start of what we’ve got in store for you to kick off 2023. Ringers rejoice, because we’re heading back to Middle-earth for the one trilogy that rules them all, THE LORD OF THE RINGS. We’ll be showing the extended editions of all three films throughout the month. If you’ve always wanted to be a Goonie, this is your year to join the gang at our THE GOONIES Movie Party, complete with pirate themed treasures you don’t have to go through a dangerous cave to get. We’re also launching a new series, Foreign & Domestic, dedicated to exploring the greatest in international cinema, and expanding our Wild Things series to bring the craziest, most maddening pieces of genre cinema to an Alamo Drafthouse near you.
For the latest that Hollywood and beyond has to offer, we’ve got some heaters hitting screens this month. M3GAN is a bloody, creepy, and demented addition to the esteemed psychotic toy genre. If you like your Tom Hanks grumpy and gravelly, then you’ll love A MAN CALLED OTTO, a heartwarming dark dramedy about a sad man meeting a precocious (and intrusive) family. Plus, we’ve got Fantastic Fest favorite KIDS VS. ALIENS, Brandon Cronenberg’s wild INFINITY POOL, A24’s coming-of-age dramedy WHEN YOU FINISH SAVING THE WORLD, and many more.
New Releases in January
Opening the week of January 6th
THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A #@%!
A cinematic documentary based on the global bestselling self-help phenomenon designed to help us become less awful people. What better way is there to start the new year?
M3GAN
The Model 3 Generative Android might not be the most stable of friends (i.e. murderous, psychotic, super scary) but she’s a damn good dancer. Don’t miss this demented horror from producer James Wan and Blumhouse.
CORSAGE
The compelling story of an Austrian empress rebelling against her image as the corset laces pull tighter and tighter.
Fantastic Fest Presents: SOFT & QUIET
A runaway train of tension following the horrific events of one bad day.
Opening the week of January 13th
A MAN CALLED OTTO
Tom Hanks stars as a man tired of useless people, imported cars, and pretty much life in general in this heartwarming dark dramedy.
ALL THAT BREATHES
A mesmerizing documentary about two brothers dedicating their lives to protecting a bird of prey in New Delhi, and the first film to win best documentary at both Sundance and Cannes.
SKINAMARINK
Two boys awake to find their father missing and all the windows and doors of their house gone. This is pure, nerve-shredding horror that left us squirming in our seats.
Opening the week of January 20th
THAT TIME I GOT REINCARNATED AS A SLIME THE MOVIE: SCARLET BOND
Gotta say, that’s one of the craziest titles we’ve seen for a movie. It’s also the action-packed film set in the universe of the beloved anime/manga, available subbed or dubbed.
WHEN YOU FINISH SAVING THE WORLD
Julianne Moore, Finn Wolfhard, A24. We know, say less, we were sold too.
KIDS VS. ALIENS
A rip roaring trip through gory ‘80s nostalgia helmed by canuxploitation favorite Jason Eisener (HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN) and a big hit from Fantastic Fest.
MISSING
A teen girl is left home alone as her mother goes on a trip to Colombia with her boyfriend – best week everrrrr! That is until they don’t come home and she has to go on a desperate internet search to find them, uncovering some pretty uncomfortable truths about her mom along the way.
Opening the week of January 27th
INFINITY POOL
A couple ventures outside the bounds of their pristine resort hotel to find a world of violence, hedonism, and untold horror. This wild ride from Brandon Cronenberg stars Alexander Skarsgård and Mia Goth.
Repertory Screenings in January
Beginning January 6th
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING Extended Edition
The epic beginning of the most epic trilogy of all time sees Frodo and the gang head out on a quest to destroy the One Ring and banish evil from Middle-earth forever. A rare chance to see the extended edition on the big screen.
Foreign & Domestic: SUNSET BOULEVARD
Winner of three Academy Awards, director Billy Wilder's powerful orchestration of this bizarre tale is a true cinematic classic. The definitive statement on the dark and desperate side of Hollywood.
MULHOLLAND DRIVE
Dreams, nightmares, and one of the scariest f^*%ing things ever found behind a dumpster – David Lynch’s surreal and seductive vision of Los Angeles’ dream factory is one of the true masterpieces of the new millennium.
Wild Things: FRANKENHOOKER
Frank Henenlotter’s FRANKENHOOKER is a bad-taste triumph that revels in sublime camp, gloopy gore, and neon-soaked dreamscapes. Truly a unique experience on the big screen not to be missed.
Beginning January 13th
FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VI: JASON LIVES
The man in the mask that just won’t stay down is back from the grave to wreak havoc upon a new group of unsuspecting campers in an ultra-bloody rampage. An epically gory chapter in Jason’s story that’s a must see for any horror hound.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS Extended Edition
The fellowship has failed, the realms of men teeter on the brink, and all that stands between Middle-earth and total destruction are two small hobbits on a perilous quest. The horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the deep, one last time!
LA LA LAND Brunch
Damien Chazelle’s technicolor tale of love, loss, and ambition in the City of Angels is full of catchy numbers, energetic editing, and phenomenal performances from Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. A great watch made all the better with brunch food, especially before seeing his much more madcap ode to Hollywood, BABYLON.
World of Animation: MILLENNIUM ACTRESS
Another powerful masterpiece from Satoshi Kon (PERFECT BLUE) that beautifully illustrates a side of anime that you might not have seen before. Dramatic, fantastical, and gorgeously rendered, MILLENNIUM ACTRESS is not to be missed.
Wild Things: HARD TARGET
John Woo. Jean Claude Van Damme. Lance Henriksen. Doves flying. Rattlesnakes getting punched. If you’re not sold already then we don’t know what else we can say.
Foreign & Domestic: THE RED SHOES
A landmark in film style and themes, THE RED SHOES has become a touchstone to cineastes, lovers of dance, and filmmakers ranging from Vincente Minnelli to Martin Scorsese. Thanks to this truly eye-opening restoration, which employed a state-of-the-art blend of photochemical and digital technology, the film's shockingly sumptuous color palette and revolutionary treatment of dance on film may now be rediscovered and savored anew.
Beginning January 20th
THE GOONIES Movie Party
HEY YOU GUUUUUUUYS! It’s time to party with the Goonies. Join us as we celebrate this beloved ‘80s classic in an immersive, interactive screening complete with eyepatches, pirate bandanas, and your very own treasure.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING Extended Edition
The monumental conclusion to Peter Jackson’s definitive trilogy extended and on the big screen. This is essential viewing for any Ringer, or anyone even remotely interested in movies, that won all the awards at that year’s Oscars. Théoden’s speech before charging into battle is worth the price of admission alone. Chills every time.
LAST ACTION HERO
Arnold Schwarzenegger's fourth-wall-breaking, cinema-defying action bonanza is an exceptional send up of over-the-top action movies that Arnold himself helped popularize. Unappreciated in its time, we now know that LAST ACTION HERO is one of the finest films that Arnold ever put to screen.
CABARET Brunch
A divinely decadent experience from master choreographer and director Bob Fosse, made all the more indulgent with our tasty brunch menu.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD
Quentin Tarantino’s take on Tinseltown is as mesmerizing, subversive, and unforgettable as you would expect. Anchored by an astounding cast including the likes of Leonardo Dicaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Al Pacino, Dakota Fanning, Tim Roth, and more, this revisionist take on one of the most tumultuous times in Hollywood’s history is essential viewing.
Wild Things: UNDER THE SKIN
A staggering piece of experimental sci-fi from elusive filmmaker Jonathan Glazer with a mesmerizing, unforgettable performance from Scarlett Johansson. This one will stick with you long after the credits roll.
Foreign & Domestic: THE KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE
Not to be confused with Yorgos Lanthimos’ THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER (that is a VERY different movie), director John Cassavetes renders this love letter to the art of theater with a hallucinatory eye, subverting genre conventions with his unsettled rhythms and a sweetly absurdist tone.
Beginning January 27th
Graveyard Shift: KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE
A gonzo phantasmagoria of outrageous kills and alien clown antics, this ‘80s classic is about as unique as they come. Filled with diabolical bozos hellbent on turning the human race into food mowing down the local populace in increasingly ridiculous ways (including carnivorous shadow puppets and popcorn blasters) this demented, out-of-this-world carnival of horror remains a classic.
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN Brunch
What a glorious feeling it is to experience this dazzling musical from the Golden Age of Cinema made all the more glorious by experiencing it with our tasty brunch menu.
Wild Things: AUDITION
If you’re familiar with prolific director Takashi Miike’s other works, including ICHI THE KILLER, then you might have some idea of what you’re in for in this demented, nerve-shredding exploration of male fears that shocked the world upon release. If not, buckle up. This is an intense ride that any fan of horror should go on at least once.
Foreign & Domestic: HOOP DREAMS
An unflinching look at the passion and determination of two young men giving all of themselves to the game filmed over a five-year span. This remarkable true story is a perfect reflection of contemporary American inner-city culture.