Indie-films: Where to Find Them in Their Natural Habitat

If blockbusters strike fear into your heart or you would simply like to clean your cinematographic pallet, as it were, prior to descending again into their patented shock and awe, you should check out the Grand Illusion Theater. This small 50-person theater located in the U-district offers a wonderful selection of independent, classic and cult films in its one-room, tin-ceilinged screening room. In my opinion, this is the best place to see a quality film on a medium-sized screen; it makes up for in personality what it lacks in magnitude. The folks at the Grand illusion add in a healthy dollop of tender loving care by beginning each show with a short, in-person introduction, bringing you up to date on relevant film history and influences. This in itself is worth the price of admission.

Otherwise, if you are brave, you can choose mix a possible ghostly encounter with your film outing at the Harvard Exit Theater located just off of Broadway on Capital Hill. Be sure to show up a little early (preferably on a stormy night) to give you ample time to wander about the lobby of the Harvard which resembles a formal sitting room with requisite grand piano and fireplace; the décor is fitting as it was originally built to house The Woman's Century Club in 1925. While waiting for your show to start you can read all about the resident ghostly film buffs, which have been apparently haunting its hallowed halls since its first hours of operation. For more details on these otherworldly theater patrons visit this site .

If you would rather cast yourself adrift on the tides of cinema as opposed to be haunted by them, try the Neptune .
located on 45th Ave in the University District. This historic theater offers a lot of charm while always keeping its chosen sea god at heart; purchase your vittles from the sea-worthy concessions counter and then while you wait for the film to wash over you in the 800-person auditorium you may pop your popcorn under Poseidon’s watchful gaze.

When Blockbusters Attack

We have officially entered blockbuster movie season, which depending on your perspective, is either a vast wasteland of sequels or the mother load of entertainment-packed film going. If you, like me, harbor a secret and self-depreciating love of large scale action films of a certain caliber the only place to see Superman (or similar large scale cult film – like say Pirates of the Caribbean) would be the Cinerama Theater . There you will join equally enthusiastic filmgoers in watching your movie of choice unfold on the huge 90 foot-long screen while surrounded by an impressive audio system. All of this state-of-the-art moviegoing splendor is to be found in Paul Allen's recently renovated theater that still honors it 1967 origins. The one detractor from this Theater's perfection is the lack of stadium seating, although, the sparkly, star-like ceiling does assuage the offense to some degree. Thus, my other preferred theater for blockbusters of this ilk is the Boeing I-Max Theater . There you descend into an underground theater nestled like a half-buried spaceship in the heart of the Pacific Science Center. The I-Max offers a satisfyingly unobstructed view of its immense screen with my preferred stadium seating, which in this case, balances out the somewhat corporate atmosphere of the theater as a whole. If ever you get the chance, go see a movie offering at the I-Max in 3-D; it will return you with delight to your wonderstruck childhood - and you get to wear cool goggles.

Cars: A Nostalgic Trip

This weekend I made my way over to the Crossroads Mall in Redmond to take in Pixar’s latest animated feature. Though I am what is known in lay terms as an “adult” I still throw off the shackles of responsibility and hunker down to cartoons with immense enjoyment. Say what you will, but they can be a wonderful pairing of technology and storytelling. And for all of you macho, wouldn’t-be-caught-dead-watching-mere-cartoons, folks out there, you might just be surprised how much CGI putty is filling in the budget gaps of your favorite action films.

All this to say, that I was looking forward to Cars and was a bit crestfallen to discover that it merely alludes to the previous glory of Pixar films like Toy Story and the Incredibles. I did enjoy Owen Wilson playing the film's protagonist, the egomaniac racecar, Lightening, whom we discover has many life lessons to learn, oh yes. Wilson's character is reassuring as an animated version of his cheeky and charming self.

That is about as much praise as I can muster for the character development found in Cars. I am not certain if the use of automobiles to populate this little cartoon world was somehow more difficult than say bugs, toys or monsters, but they are lacking something in the personality department. The writers seem to have fallen back on tired stereotypes in many cases rather than fleshing out actual characters. Within Cars there is also a strong nostalgic yearning for the older, better and simpler times, times when know-how and relationships beat out money and fame. This kind of approach to delivering that message always makes me a little nervous. Especially when the time in question is that special decade in the middle of last century, which we insist upon glorifying: the '50's. Still, Cars is an enjoyable ride down the nostalgia highway, and will perhaps strike better notes with NASCAR moms and dads everywhere.