Extra Pulp
Akira
More than 30 years after release, Akira still stands as one of the greatest achievements in animation.
It’s a cyberpunk fever dream that pushed the limits, and became an essential introduction to the world of animated films that most definitely aren’t for kids.
Akira plays at various times January 6-12. Tickets.
The Fifth Element
It only felt natural to pair Akira with a second, wildly imaginative science fiction film. The Fifth Element came out in 1997, and depending who you asked it was either the best or worst film of the year. As time went on, more and more people came around to the film’s oddball comedy and maximalist art direction, until the film earned its place in the cannon of classic of science fiction.
The Fifth Element plays at various times January 6-12. Tickets.
BrainSmasher… A Love Story
In November, we were saddened to learn that director Albert Pyun (Dollman, Cyborg) passed away at the age of 69. He was an enthusiastic and supportive filmmaker we would have loved to meet.
We spent a little time thinking about which of Pyun’s films to play. His biggest hits were Sword and the Sorcerer and Nemesis, but they seemed a little too grim. VHS night is a celebration, and we wanted something lighthearted, where the joy of filmmaking came through.
In the end we chose Brainsmasher… A Love Story. It’s a wild, pulp-cinema ride. It’s also set and filmed in Portland, and it’s loaded with city landmarks past and present. (Including a brief cameo from the Music Box and Fox theaters). It was only released in the U.S. on VHS and fell into obscurity, but movies like that are what VHS Night is all about.
Brainsmasher plays at 10:00, January 6.
VHS Trailers start at 9:30. Tickets.
NOTcool Presents: Inside Llewyn Davis
Starting this month, we’ll be turning “NotCool Presents” into a regular feature. On the second Sunday of each month, friend of the theater and sticker maker extraordinaire NotCool will host a matinee and art market. We’ll have mimosas, coffee, OJ and donuts on hand to round out the lazy Sunday experience.
Inside Llewyn Davis plays at noon on January 8. Tickets.
