The Grand Seduction film contest. This year’s theme was “outer space.” 7:30 p.m. for reception and other films; shorts screen at 9:15 p.m. Thu., July 10. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. www.2mff.cmoa.org . $10 PROGRESSION. Gab Cody and Sam Turich’s locally produced new ensemble comedy was shot entirely in Lawrenceville, and relates the various travails that occur over several courses of a progressive dinner. 8 p.m. Thu., July 10. Regent Square. Tickets at www.showclix.com. ZOMBO’S GREATEST SCHMO ON EARTH. The centerpiece of this laugh- and fun-packed evening is Schmo Business, local DJ Zombo’s new 70-minute documentary that catches up with some survivors of the 1980s standup comedy scene. (BYOB, or Bring Your Own Brickwall.) The evening also includes live comedy from Davon Magwood and Shannon Norman, plus surf music from Vertigo-go and free beer. 7 p.m. Fri., July 11. Hollywood. $10 FATEFUL FINDINGS. Neil Breen directs this new paranormal thriller about a computer hacker, who has a decidedly off method of uncovering government secrets. The film — described as “hilarious campy fun” — is making the rounds as a new potential cult classic. 9:15 p.m. Fri., July 11. Harris THE BREAKFAST CLUB. A little sad, a little happy is one way to sum up this 1985 dramedy about high school from John Hughes. You don’t need me to re-tell the plot (five kids from different cliques discover they have plenty in common). So, whether you’re a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess or a criminal — just be there when the bell rings. 10 p.m. Fri., July 11, and 10 p.m. Sat., July 12. Oaks SEVEN CHANCES. In this 1925 silent comedy, Buster Keaton portrays a young single lawyer who will inherit $7 million at 7 o’clock on his 27th birthday — if he is married. Naturally, he is besieged with offers. Live musical accompaniment provided by Dale Abraham on theater organ and Tom Roberts on piano. 3 p.m. Sat., July 12. Hollywood THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY. When a dead body is discovered in the woods outside a sleepy New England town, much consternation and several cover-ups ensue — though perhaps not what you’d expect. John Forsythe and Shirley MacLaine star in Alfred Hitchcock’s breezy 1955 comedy, which is closer to a slamming-door stage farce than a murder thriller. Continues a month-long, Sundaynight program of staff favorites. 8 p.m. Sun., July 13. Regent Square (AH) AS HIGH AS THE SKY. In this new comedy from
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Nikki Braendlin, a jilted bride finds solace in compulsive housecleaning. Then, her estranged sister and her child turn up unannounced, throwing her order into disarray. The film stars Caroline Fogarty, a Pittsburgh native, who will introduce the film. 7 p.m. Sat., July 12. Hollywood COHERENCE. In this new sci-fi-ish brain-twister and relationship drama, eight friends at a dinner party find “reality” coming apart. Written and directed by James Ward Byrkit. Co-star Nicholas Brendon will be on hand. 7:30 p.m. Tue., July 15. SouthSide Works STAND BY ME. Rob Reiner directs this coming-ofage dramedy about four boys who go in search of a dead body. Adapted from a Stephen King novella, the 1986 film stars Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Jerry O’Connell. 7:30 p.m. Wed., July 16. AMC Loews. $5 DON’T LOOK IN THE BASEMENT. A young female nurse takes a new job at an isolated psychiatric facility where there has been a murder. S.F. Brownrigg directs this low-budget horror thriller from 1973. 7:30 p.m. Thu., July 17. Hollywood ANDY WARHOL FILMS. Many of Warhol’s films and video works are available for personal viewing in the Warhol’s new multimedia room. Ongoing. Free with museum admission. Andy Warhol Museum, N orth Side. www.warhol.org
ONGOING BEGIN AGAIN. In 2006, filmmaker John Carney had a surprise hit with Once, a low-budget, Irish, sort-of musical dramedy starring nonprofessional actors; it later became a stage musical. In his generically titled new film, Carney asks: What if I made a film something like Once, but with famous people? Lightning rarely strikes twice, and Begin Again definitely lacks the ragged, bitterweeet charm that won Once fans. Begin is not a bad movie, but the effort to appear effortless shows, and it takes a lot of suspended disbelief to process these well-known actors as struggling musicindustry denizens. Keira Knightley plays a tentative singer-songwriter in whom washed-up music exec Mark Ruffalo sees potential. Her ex-boyfriend (Adam Levine) has become a big star, and left her behind in New York city to pen wispy heartbreak songs. So Knightley and Ruffalo put together a band of misfits and then, quite magically, record an LP live on the streets of Manhattan. (Adorable!) It’s an enjoyable enough fantasia, and there are plenty of indie-pop songs to keep things bouncing along. You could do worse this summer at the cineplex, but don’t be surprised if this tune has left your head by the time you get home. Manor (AH)
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