Friday Night at the Movies becomes Sunday Matinees

Action.  Comedy.  Crime.  Mystery.  Thriller.  Those are the genres named by Roger Ebert in his glowing review of Midnight Run, starring Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin. De Niro plays Jack Walsh, who is a “skip-tracer,” a person who finds and brings back bail bondsmen clients who have tried to skip bail. Grodin plays Jonathan Mardukas, bail skipper. As Ebert says, “[they] spend most of the movie trying to survive….while the FBI is trying to capture them and the underworld is trying to kill them.”  Here we see De Niro unleash his considerable comedic talents; Grodin is every bit his equal.

Sue Thornquist will lead the lively discussion we’re sure to have after this extremely funny and delightful film. A $2 donation is suggested.

Sleepless in Seattle, starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, will be our December offering.  A 1993 romantic comedy co-written and directed by the late Nora Ephron, this movie tugs at the heartstrings with its message of love lost and found anew.  Although it focuses on another holiday - Valentine's Day - Sleepless in Seattle is a heartwarming story to enjoy before Christmas.

Our discussion leaders will be Andrew and Cindy Johnson. Sign up soon so you won't land on the waiting list! Goodies provided; a $2 contribution is suggested.

Focusing on Mental Health Awareness, the Health and Wellness Work Area is pleased to present on October 18 Silver Linings Playbook, a well-received "romantic dramedy" released late in 2012.  Starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Robert De Niro, it's the story of Pat Solitano, a former high school teacher moving in with his parents after a court-ordered eight-month stint in a mental health facility, where he has been treated for a bipolar disorder.  Pat wants to reconcile with his ex-wife, but then Tiffany, played by Jennifer Lawrence, comes into his life and, in the words of one reviewer, "here at last is a movie about real situations, real people, and the natural experiences that evolve from them."  Silver Linings Playbook received eight Academy Award nominations, including all four actor categories, with Jennifer Lawrence winning the Oscar for Best Actress.  A not-to-be-missed film!

As usual, soft drinks, snacks, and dessert will be served; a $2 donation is suggested.  Be sure to sign up using the form below or in the church office (starting October 1st) if you plan to attend, as seating is somewhat limited.  See you there!

NEW DATE : Friday, May 24 at the Safford Home Theater

Discussion Leader: Carol Lysne

I saw this movie in 1973, 40 years ago. One scene in particular had a profound effect upon me and I never forgot it. When I learned we were showing academy award movies this season, I immediately remembered Jack Lemmon’s performance in Save the Tiger and wondered if it would still have the same impact on me. I watched it for the second time. It did.

Save the Tiger follows a day and a half in Harry’s life. Jack Lemmon plays Harry Stoner, the owner of a dress manufacturing business, who sees himself as a good citizen. Jack Gilford plays his friend and partner Phil Green. The two spar repeatedly over moral issues as Harry seeks to make his payroll and keep his business going. The movie repeatedly asks how important success is when we measure ourselves against our ideals. Save the Tiger explores what happens when we come to believe that the end can justify the means?

Jack Lemmon wanted to make this movie so much that he waived his usual fee and worked for scale, $165.00 a week. His performance as Harry Stoner won him an Oscar for best actor.

Soft drinks, popcorn, dessert and coffee will be provided; a $2 donation is suggested.

Sign-up begins May 1 in the church office or using the form below.