Spitball Army

I live in the Crestwood neighborhood of Birmingham. There is a movie theatre down the street from me called The Edge 12. I can walk there from my home, if I so desire. This theatre has twelve screens. They frequently show films of great merit. They also show films for everyone else. We all get to choose.

(photo: spitballarmy.com)

Four new films open at The Edge 12 today:

Cave of Forgotten Dreams (2010)
Directed by Werner Herzog.
Rated G.

Cave of Forgotten Dreams follows an exclusive expedition into the nearly inaccessible Chauvet Cave in France, home to the most ancient visual art known to have been created by man. It’s an unforgettable cinematic experience that provides a unique glimpse of the pristine artwork dating back to human hands over 30,000 years ago – almost twice as old as any previous discovery.

Cave currently has an astonishing 96% critics rating at Rotten Tomatoes. This film was shot in 3D but The Edge 12 is screening it in a 2D version which Movie Brit describes as losing “nothing within the confines of the dark cave, where images leap out from the scratched rock walls with every movement of the crew’s light panels.”

I recommend buying a ticket to this fascinating documentary while waiting for the crowds at the new Harry Potter film to subside. Cave of Forgotten Dreams will likely be at The Edge 12 for just one week.

Delhi Belly (2011)
Directed by Abhinay Deo.
Unrated.

Three struggling room-mates unknowingly become potential prey of a ruthless gangster. Hmm…Does this sound like a Bollywood version of The Hangover? It does to me. And I’m certain of it, after watching the trailer (below). To its credit, this film has been discussed in various comment threads on the web as breaking many Indian cinematic taboos, primarily those against tasteless scatological humor (the film’s poster contains the tagline, “Shit Happens.”). As a result, it is being hailed by some as groundbreaking. Knock yourselves out.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 (2011)
Directed by David Yates.
Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon, John Hurt.
Shown in 3D and 2D.
Rated PG-13.

The final chapter in the Harry Potter series begins as Harry, Ron and Hermione continue their quest of finding and destroying the Dark Lord’s three remaining Horcruxes, the magical items responsible for his immortality. But as the mystical Deathly Hallows are uncovered, and Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle begins and life as the young wizards know it will never be the same again.

Clearly, this is the must-see film of the week. In his review, Roger Ebert says: “This movie is impressively staged, the dialogue is given proper weight and not hurried through, there are surprises which, in hindsight, seem fair enough, and “Harry Potter” now possesses an end that befits the most profitable series in movie history. These films will be around for a long time.”

Winnie the Pooh (2011)
Directed by Steven J. Anderson and Don Hall.
Voice talents include Craig Ferguson and John Cleese.
Rated G.

Oh, bother. It’s a typical day in the Hundred Acre Wood, and Winnie the Pooh – that bumbling, but lovable, bear with the protruding tummy – sets out to find some honey. Misinterpreting a note left by Christopher Robin, Pooh convinces Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo and Eeyore that their young friend has been captured by a creature named “Backson” and they set out to save him.

This film is based on three stories from the classic A.A. Milne book, but also pays homage to the possibly more classic Disney shorts from the 1960s and ’70s. This is the first big-screen appearance by Winnie the Pooh in 34 years.

The following eight films have been extended for another week:
• Bad Teacher
• Cars 2
• The Green Lantern (3D)
• Horrible Bosses
• Larry Crowne
• Super 8
• Transformers: Dark of the Moon (3D)
• Zookeeper

The following three films ended their current run this week:
• The Hangover, Part II
• Midnight in Paris
• Monte Carlo

The Edge 12 has some ongoing promotions. Tuesdays have been dubbed “$5.00 Tuesdays”: most films can be seen for just a $5.00 admission ticket. And, on Fridays, The Edge 12 offers free popcorn at all shows.

The Edge 12 Theatre is located at 7001 Crestwood Boulevard. A recording detailing all movie times can be accessed by telephoning (205) 795-3500; a real live human answers the phone at (205) 795-3595. Showtimes can also be found on the MovieTickets website. The theatre has a Facebook page under the name The Edge 12 Birmingham and tweets under the handle @Edge12Bhm.

Information in the capsule summaries above might have been provided, in varying degrees, by IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes and Wikipedia.