YOU JUST FOUND THE MARBLE IN THE OATMEAL!
Somehow, this year is the 25th anniversary of the cinematic release of "UHF," Weird Al Yankovic's attempt to expand his media empire. The film came out on Blu-ray this month, but even better,you can see the movie on the big screen this weekend at the Loft Friday and Saturday as part of their Late Night Cult Classics series. Famous of the Wheel of Fish and Michael Richards' finest hour as janitor-turned-children's show host Stanley Spadowski, more people will likely see the movie at the Loft this weekend than saw it during its original run in theaters, but like so many things, it's found extended fame over time.
If you want to go even deeper into the world of Channel 62, including the insights of Roger Callard, the guy who played Conan the Librarian, The Dissolve has an oral history of the movie online now (http://bit.ly/11mtcWd), which is a peculiar and interesting read.
"UHF" shows Friday, Nov. 21 at 10 p.m., and on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets are $6, a buck less for Loft members.
THE TURTLE IS NATURE'S SUCTION CUP
In other news about movies you can't possibly afford to miss at the Loft this week, Roger Corman's "Attack of the Crab Monsters" is the Mondo Mondays pick on Nov. 24 at 8 p.m. Somehow, as what seems to be a running theme with these films, Russell Johnson, the professor from "Gilligan's Island" is in this cinematic classic, one of the first movies to use the "Attack of the ... " title. In the 1957 release, a group of scientists head to a remote Pacific island to investigate what happened to a previous team that disappeared. I imagine you could likely piece together where it goes from there. Tickets are a bargain at $3 (or $2 for Loft members). More info at loftcinema.com.
I LIKE THE SPATULAS SO MUCH, I BOUGHT THE COMPANY
There are a few shows at Exploded View this week, so be sure to check out their Facebook page or webpage (explodedviewgallery.org). Filmmaker Jon Behrens stops by their space on Toole Ave. on Sunday, Nov. 23 to show a selection of his films and videos. Behrens has done a little of everything from filming the Clash's first visit to Seattle to soundscapes and heavily experimental work. Admission is $5.
OKAY, WEAVER, LISTEN CAREFULLY
If you're looking to see the latest "Hunger Games" film (which looks great, based on the trailers, although I do have the advantage of having not read the books, I suppose, so the events are still a surprise), keep in mind that it'll be at Roadhouse Cinemas on Grant and Swan as well. Might keep some of the kids out of your hair, with their texting and whatnot, plus there's the opportunity to get a beer as well.
Also at Roadhouse, their guy flicks free movie series on Tuesdays continues this week with "Fight Club," Nov. 25 at 7:15 p.m. (although you might want to check with the theater on the time). You can get tickets starting two hours before showtime, but it's limited to one ticket per person (so you can't send someone to grab enough for your group.) More info at roadhousecinemas.com, including the chance to vote for December's free films (themed around "chick flicks.")
DON'T YOU KNOW THE DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM?
The opportunity to see operas from the Met in New York City continues this week with a broadcast of Rossini's "Il Barbiere di Siviglia," better known as the "Barber of Seville." Containing some of the most recognizable melodies in opera history (thanks, Bugs Bunny!), if you're a newcomer to opera this would be an excellent chance to introduce yourself to the artform. Isabel Leonard, Lawrence Brownlee and Christopher Maltman star, who I'm sure are all very good at the singing. As far as I can, the broadcast is available at all three of the Cinemark locations (El Con, Oro Valley, Park Place) at 10:55 a.m. on Sat. Nov. 22. Tickets are a little pricer than your average film at $22 for adults, but hey, you're supporting the arts, right?