COMING ATTRACTIONS - 12.22 - RALPHIE, ELLA & MARTY

MON DEC 22 - A CHRISTMAS STORY @ 2, ELLA MCCAY @ 4:30 & 6:45
TUE DEC 23 - A CHRISTMAS STORY @ 2, ELLA MCCAY @ 4:30 & 6:45
WED DEC 24 - A CHRISTMAS STORY @ 2, ELLA MCCAY @ 4:30 & MARTY SUPREME @ 6:45
THU DEC 25 - MARTY SUPREME @ 1,4,& 7
FRI DEC 26 - MARTY SUPREME @ 1,4,& 7
SAT DEC 27 - MARTY SUPREME @ 1,4,& 7
SUN DEC 28 - MARTY SUPREME @ 1,4,& 7
MON DEC 29 - MARTY SUPREME @ 1,4,& 7
TUE DEC 30 - MARTY SUPREME @ 4 & 7
WED DEC 31 - MARTY SUPREME @ 1,4,& 7

And so we bid adieu to 2025. I will post a recap of every film we screened at the HLT next week in the final podcast of the year, which will double as an Oscar cheat sheet. I would love to be able to say that it was a great year filled with harmony, peace and joy, but it was anything but. Maybe if we all simply lose 5% of the hatred preached by the newly established police state we could get closer to the desired model of freedom and justice for all. That is my resolution for ’26, more kindness. And more art. Please join me.

COMMENTARY. As I made the rare FB post last night, our tribute to ROB REINER, the screening of the pair of films I felt most exemplified his distinguished career; A FEW GOOD MEN & THE PRINCESS BRIDE (representing all aspects of the Four Quadrants - Male, Female, Young & Old) was, as always, a marketing test. After all, would the male adult audience at 7 on Friday, out perform the female adolescent crowd at noon on Saturday? As announced live from the stage, the 191-167 result was met with uproarious approval by the victorious PRINCESS BRIDE throng. Lastly, as I have long championed AFGM as a flawless film, it struck me late Friday night that Dawson & Downing should star in the Part Two film entitled AFGM redux: The Appeal. After all, Chaffee successfully (and dramatically) nailed Jusup & Kendrick, so why discharge (dishonorably) the two Marines who were (as argued) just following orders of two officers above them, now facing serious time? More lives ruined here other than poor Willie Santiago.

ELLA MCCAY is proving to be more and more like black licorice with every screening. This, in the sense that not everyone likes black licorice, but those that do, REALLY like black licorice. My exit polls suggest that it remains a 50/50 split, begging the question, which are you? Only five screenings remain in which to vote.

MARTY SUPREME. My anticipation for this film by Josh Safdie feels like OPPENHEIMER. Based on the buzz (95% RT, 4.8/5 IMDB) and the legend of Marty Reisman (1930-2012), it looks to be every bit as solid as Nolan’s most recent and Safdie’s earlier jewel, UNCUT GEMS. Your Yule schedule and family tradition permitting, please join us for the sneak preview Christmas Eve at 6:45 - and then every day till the New Year.

UPCOMING AND NOTEABLE. NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATION of FILM & MUSIC. JAN 9&10. Local filmmakers Michael Murphy and Cicilesta Eberle present their award-winning doc UP FROM THE STREETS on Friday night and then we host The Real LADY A and her band on Saturday night. Tickets for both are on-sale now. Hope to see you there!

All for today folks, thank you sincerely for your support of our programming, experimental and otherwise, (Rob Reiner being a fairly safe bet) because without you voting by your presence, the feedback loop is broken, and it is my firm belief that our community, those who support, participate and celebrate the arts and humanities, are an important component of the overall health and vitality of our neighborhood>island>state>country>world>universe. As you can still have honor without a patch on your arm. Kindness & Good Art. Merry Christmas. 

Ciao, Kevin

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