Theatre shows cult films during midnight screenings
A few years ago, the Tivoli Theatre in the Delmar Loop started a summer tradition of midnight screenings of popular films. The films shown, however, were not new releases, nor were they necessarily box office successes.
No, they were cult classics, like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and films that drew an audience with their reputation for being notoriously awful, like Tommy Wiseau’s “The Room.”
This fall, the Tivoli has decided to extend Reel Late at the Tivoli for a couple more months.
For just $6, moviegoers can attend the film-watching events, which might include an assault of plastic spoons in mockery of “The Room.”
Here is a preview of some of the classic (and not-so-classic) films in the line-up:
“Casablanca” – Aug. 19 & 20, 26 & 27
It is difficult to say anything about this 1942 Humphrey Bogart classic that has not been said before. “Casablanca” is one of the all-time great films, winning the Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay in 1944. Co-starring Claude Raines and Ingrid Berman, “Casablanca” is sure to appear on any list of greatest American film. A touching and funny romance, “Casablanca” is worth a look, especially for those who have never seen it before. “Here’s lookin’ at you, kid.”
“Pink Floyd: The Wall” – Aug. 26 & 27, Sept. 2 & 3.
Written by Roger Waters and based on the Pink Floyd album by the same name, this musical drama won two British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTAs) film awards and gained cult status through its soundtrack. The film chronicles a troubled rock star and his decent into madness, and is one classic rock fans cannot miss.
“The NeverEnding Story” – Sept. 2 & 3, 9 & 10
Through the pages of his bedtime story book, a little boy is transported into a fantasy world. Magical adventures ensue. “The NeverEnding Story,” directed by Wolfgang Petersen (“Poseidon,” “The Perfect Storm,” “Troy”), is one of those trippy 1980s films that haunt the childhood memories of twenty-to-thirty somethings. Tune in for a dose of childhood terror, or some good old-fashioned nostalgia.
“The Room” – Sept. 9 & 10.
A mainstay at Reel Late at the Tivoli, this nightmare of a film written, directed, produced and starring the enigmatic Tommy Wiseau, is self-described as “a drama with the passion of Tennessee Williams.” Actually, some might call it the worst film ever made. It is so bad that it is funny, and many filmgoers return for more giddy fun. Interested parties should attend “The Room” armed with plastic spoons to hurl in the air after each of the many appearances of spoons in the film.
“Aliens” – Sept. 16 & 17, 23 & 24.
James Cameron’s sequel to Ridley Scott’s “Alien” finds Sigourney Weaver fighting the outer space monsters once again, this time with the help of an over-the-top Bill Paxton (“Big Love,” “Twister”). Exciting, thrilling and gory, “Aliens” qualifies as one sequel that might be better than the original.
“The Princess Bride” – Sept. 23 & 24, 30 & Oct 1.
Another call back to the 1980s, “The Princess Bride” is a delightful epic romance. Magical and swashbuckling, this comedy follows Westley on his quest for Princess Buttercup, his true love. Co-starring Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn and Billy Crystal, Rob Reiner’s comedy is instantly quotable. Did you ever wonder where “My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die,” came from? Or why people might say “inconceivable” with a lateral sibilance? Now you will.
“Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil” – Sept. 30 & Oct. 1, 7 & 8.
The Tivoli screening is the St. Louis premiere for this genre mash-up film. When Tucker and Dale vacation in their cabin in the woods, they are suddenly attacked by a group of over-sexed teenagers. This comedy pulls the rug out on horror films and promises to be “a perfect love story…with a high body count.” Alan Tudyk (“Death at a Funeral,” “Dodgeball”) and Katrina Bowden (“30 Rock”) star in this film.
“The Human Centipede II: The Full Sequence” – Oct. 7 & 8, 14 & 15.
Following the horror shock-fest of the first film (“The Human Centipede: The First Sequence”), this is the second film in British director Tom Six’s trilogy about psychopaths who join humans together to create a human centipede. While the first film, unrated and disgusting, was more atmospherically disturbing than downright assaulting, the second film has been banned by the UK Film Board, and the Tivoli will not let anyone under the age of 18 in. Viewers beware, this film is not for the weak stomached.
