by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
Most of the time you only get one shot at seeing a film as it’s meant to be seen, in a darkened movie theater on the big screen. These brief windows of time leave those who don’t have time to spend every waking hour at the theater out in the cold, forcing them to resort to the DVD a couple of months later. And, while I love to spend a quiet evening at home with the latest DVD release, there is nothing like seeing a film in the theater. MOCA Jacksonville is allowing patrons to enjoy special screenings of a number of phenomenal movies that you might have missed when they were in theaters. From the 1985 classic Brazil to independents like Cocaine Angel, the MOCA Summer Cinema series offers a wide variety of great films to choose from. The series has already begun and Brazil, Transamerica and The Devil’s Backbone have come and gone. But, there are still plenty of films to see, including three with Q & As with the filmmakers.
Filmed in our very own River City, Cocaine Angel tells the tragic story of a young drug addict’s trials and tribulations. Directed by Michael Tully and starring Damian Lahey (who also served as the film’s writer and producer), the film gives a harrowing look at a week in the life of an addict. This film is rated R. The evening will conclude with a Q & A with Lahey.
Set in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tsotsi is about a young gang leader who finds himself in a difficult situation when the car he jacks from a high-class neighborhood has a baby in the backseat. Unwilling to turn himself in and unable to abandon the child, Tsotsi decides to raise the baby on his own, despite not knowing how to do so. This Oscar-winning film is rated R.
When a gigantic metal robot lands in a small Maine town in 1958, the entire sleepy burg finds themselves filled with fear and prejudice toward the massive iron man. Everyone, that is, except for a young boy named Hogarth, who helps the misunderstood stranger make peace with his new neighbors and find his humanity. This film is rated PG and is a terrific family offering.
Music teacher Bruce Mack and his class of 162 eight-year olds embark on a challenging yet rewarding journey to compose, record and perform an original song. This film is not rated but is suitable for adults and children alike. After the screening, Bruce Mack will be on hand to answer audience questions and share his experiences. An encore presentation of When Fried Eggs Fly will be shown on Friday, July 13th at 1:00 and will conclude with a Q & A with David Mack.
An eleven-year old girl gets a chance to change her life when she is forced to enter a school spelling bee. After winning the event, Akeelah finds herself one step closer to the granddaddy of all bees, the Scripps National Spelling Bee. This film is rated PG and is family friendly.
This 1990 Italian film by Giuseppe Tornatore tells the story of a young man who fondly remembers a childhood friendship that changed his life forever. This film is rated R.
Two close friends go on a road trip that leads to a lot more than a few snapshots and fond memories. After meeting an older woman, Tenoch and Julio trick her into joining them on the quest for the perfect beach. This film is rated R.
In this provocative documentary Al Gore presents the facts about the state of our environment and the impact it will have on future generations. This film is rated PG. A local expert will be on hand after the screening for a Q & A.
Based on the life of classic pin-up beauty, Bettie Page, this film by Mary Harron takes a look at how the notorious Bettie Page went from the innocent girl-next-door to the sexy bombshell we all remember. This film is rated R.
We’re already three weeks into MOCA Jacksonville’s Summer Cinema series and the Downtown hotspot is just getting started, with more movies, pre-show Happy Hours and delectable dinners at Café Nola taking place on Wednesday nights. Each screening will take place at 7 pm with the box office opening at 6 pm. Tickets are $6 for members and students and $8 for everyone else. For more information on this and other MOCA Jacksonville events, visit mocajacksonville.org or call 366-6911.
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EU Critic’s Choice Awards
