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The Roses Now Playing, State Theater
Director Jay Roach (Trumbo, Austin Powers International Man of Mystery, and Meet The
Parents) helms The Roses, a remake of the 1989 film War of the Roses. Olivia Coleman
and Benedict Cumberbatch take on the roles originally played by Michael Douglas and
Kathleen Turner, as a couple with a seemingly picture-perfect marriage, successful
careers, and great kids who wind up hating and viciously competing with each other. A
dark comedy, from a novel by Warren Adler, The Roses focuses more on the verbal
barbs than the cartoonish violence of its predecessor and makes the couple much more
relatable to the average viewer. Reviews are mixed but the performances by two of the
most respected and interesting actors of their generation is surely worth seeing.
Also starring Kate McKinnon, Andy Samberg, and Allison Janney.
Twinless Now Playing, Michigan Theater
A comedy-drama about two young men who meet in a twin support group and form a
deep friendship. Both Roman (Dylan O’Brien) and Dennis (James Sweeney) search for
solace and identity now that they no longer have their twin halves. They quickly become
inseparable, and it’s revealed to the audience that all is not what it seems with Dennis
who, amongst other things, had an affair with Roman’s brother. Billed as a dramady,
some have noted Twineless has some thriller elements as well. James Sweeney, who
plays Dennis, also wrote and directed the film.
Also Starring Lauren Graham and Aisling Franciosi.
Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues 9/14, State Theater
A sequel forty-one years in the making, it seems like perfect timing for Spinal Tap 2 with
bands like The Rolling Stones and The Who doing farewell tours at over 80 years old.
This is Spinal Tap remains groundbreaking in the mockumentary genre and part two
deals with estranged bandmates David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls
(Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer) who are forced to reunite for
a final tour. Rob Reiner is back both as the director of the film and in the role of Marty Di
Bergi, the fan turned documentarian who tries to capture his metal gods as they face
their own mortality. Real life legends Paul McCartney and Elton John show up to offer
some authenticity. Can Spinal Tap put the band back together one last time to solidify
their place in music history?
Also starring Fran Drescher and Questlove.
Eleanor the Great 9/26, State Theater
Eleanor the Great is the feature film directing debut of Scarlett Johansson, with 94-year-
old June Squibb (Nebraska) in the title role. When Eleanor’s roommate and best friend
Bessie dies, she goes to live with her family in New York City. She quickly discovers the
family is too busy for the kind of togetherness she hoped they’d have. At a local Jewish
Community Center Eleanor joins a holocaust survivors’ group and meets student
journalist Nina who has lost her own mother and is researching survivors for an article.
They quickly form a bond, but trouble starts when it’s revealed Eleanor’s story may not
be her own. Strong supporting performances from Erin Kellyman as Nina and the
always wonderful Chiwetel Ejiofor as her father.
Also starring Rita Zohar and Jessica Hecht.
Special Screenings
Waiting For Guffman 9/20, Michigan Theater
Christopher Guest (This is Spinal Tap) directed this cult comedy from 1996 about an
aspiring director and his marginally talented cast of small-town Missouri locals who want
to put on a musical about the history of their city. Things go off the rails when they hear
that a big Broadway producer might be coming to see their show. This ranks as one of
the most hilarious, underseen, and quotable films of the 90s. The cast is a who’s who of
former SCTV greats like Eugene Levy (who co-wrote the script with Guest) and
Catherine O’Hara, indie greats Parker Posey, Fred Willard, and Bob Balaban. The
movie spawned two more mockumentary style films with most of the cast featured in
this film. For everyone who’s ever been or known a theater kid!
Also starring Lewis Arquette, David Cross, and Michael Hitchcock.
Videoheaven 9/26, Michigan Theater
Alex Ross Perry’s documentary explores how VHS's 1980s rise transformed how
people watched movies. Using diverse footage and Maya Hawke’s narration, Alex Ross
Perry examines video stores' crucial role in film culture
