GI Joe Stop-Motion Film Festival

Perhaps the essence of the GI Joe Stop-Motion Film Festival is captured in the music video “Dick Cheney Goes Hunting.” After a Cheney look-alike action figure accidentally blows away an entire team of yeti hunters, the plastic Veep dances to the “Yeti Remix” of the Vengaboys’ “Boom, Boom, Boom.” No spoilers here, but let’s just say this short will be stuck in my mind for a long time. Quirky, funny, and often absolutely amazing, the inaugural touring festival offers 19 films good for 90 minutes of violent comedy. (The actors are sometimes surprisingly lifelike and smooth.) From a spoof of Saving Private Ryanto a few close encounters with zombie soldiers, it’s impressive what guys with action figures (don’t call them dolls!), a camera, and way too much time can do. Grand Illusion, 1403 N.E. 50th St., 523-3935, www.grandillusioncinema.org. $5–$8. 7, 9, and 11 p.m. JOSHUA LYNCH
Thu., May 15, 7, 9 & 11 p.m., 2008