Film
It’s a Wonderful Life It’s funny to think that the Christmas movie we all hold near and dear to our hearts not only met with mixed reviews, but also ended up losing RKO a half-million dollars in 1946 (about $6 million today, which buys a lot of socks). But like the bottomed-out George Bailey (memorably played by James Stewart), there was hope for this little movie that could. Almost 70 years later, Frank Capra’s Yuletide melodrama is still one of the most important staples of both Christmas movies and film as a whole. Upon its release, some critics tore it to shreds for its unrealistic, optimistic themes and emotions. The Scrooges of the time apparently saw no need for humor, happiness, and a hope for a better future. Yet today, when the world is so full of hate, anger, and ignorance, it would do us all good to experience some holiday cheer-and maybe even shed a tear here and there. The Grand Illusion is hosting its 45th annual screening of this true classic, so do yourself a favor and take a trip down memory lane-or discover it for the first time. Through Dec. 31. See grandillusioncinema.org for showtimes. SCOTT JOHNSON Grand Illusion Cinema, 1403 N.E. 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105 $5-$9 Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Wednesday, December 30, 2015
It’s a Wonderful Life It’s funny to think that the Christmas movie we all hold near and dear to our hearts not only met with mixed reviews, but also ended up losing RKO a half-million dollars in 1946 (about $6 million today, which buys a lot of socks). But like the bottomed-out George Bailey (memorably played by James Stewart), there was hope for this little movie that could. Almost 70 years later, Frank Capra’s Yuletide melodrama is still one of the most important staples of both Christmas movies and film as a whole. Upon its release, some critics tore it to shreds for its unrealistic, optimistic themes and emotions. The Scrooges of the time apparently saw no need for humor, happiness, and a hope for a better future. Yet today, when the world is so full of hate, anger, and ignorance, it would do us all good to experience some holiday cheer-and maybe even shed a tear here and there. The Grand Illusion is hosting its 45th annual screening of this true classic, so do yourself a favor and take a trip down memory lane-or discover it for the first time. Through Dec. 31. See grandillusioncinema.org for showtimes. SCOTT JOHNSON Grand Illusion Cinema, 1403 N.E. 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105 $5-$9 Thursday, December 31, 2015
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Thursday, December 31, 2015
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Friday, January 1, 2016
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Saturday, January 2, 2016
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oh, God. It’s the annual “Smell-O-Vision” presentation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-starring adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s tale. See siff.net for schedule. Ends Jan. 3. SIFF Film Center, 305 Harrison St. (Seattle Center), Seattle, WA 98109 $10-$15 Sunday, January 3, 2016
