Grand Illusion Cinema

80s gross out monster buddy comedy LITTLE MONSTERS plays Oct. 5 & 6!

LITTLE MONSTERS tells the story of Brian (Fred Savage), a sixth-grader who's recently moved to a new town and made friends with Maurice (Howie Mandel) -- the monster who lives under Brian's bed! Maurice introduces Brian to the world of monsters, where junk food rules, adults aren't allowed, and the fun and games never end. But when Brian's brother is kidnapped, it's time for Brian to get serious and fight the monsters on their turf in this zany cult favorite.

Part of our annual horror series All Monsters Attack!

“Little Monsters is a part of that kids movie period where the movies aimed at young audiences didn’t patronize or water everything down… a very entertaining and sweet little buddy comedy that adds a dimension to the monsters under the bed myth… a definite gateway title for blossoming horror fans.” Felix Vasquez, Cinema Crazed

Saturday, Oct 5, 2024, 3:45pm
Sunday, Oct 6, 2024, 2:00pm

https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/little-monsters/

16MM PRINT! The Lotus Cat Food Company has hit major financial trouble and is on the verge of closing, until the owners realize they can use bodies from the local graveyard to fill their tins. As their latest product hits the shelves, it’s revealed to have an unintentional result: every cat that eats it is transformed into a bloodthirsty brute with an unending hunger for human flesh!

A legendary cult favorite from the director of THE DOLL SQUAD, THE CO**SE GRINDERS is a horror classic crammed full of jaw-dropping twists, mind-scrambling surprises and a self-aware sense of humor that became one of filmmaker Ted V. Mikels’ trademarks. Co-written by Arch Hall Sr. (EEGAH) and Joseph Cranston (THE CRAWLING HAND).

Part of our annual horror series All Monsters Attack!

Friday, Oct 4, 2024, 9:30pm

“…an entertaining little flick that feels as if Ed Wood directed a script by Herschell Gordon Lewis.” Alex DiVincenzo, Broke Horror Fan
https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/the-corpse-grinders-in-16mm/

95th anniversary! Anna May Wong stars in E.A. Dupont's PICCADILLY, the mesmerizing silent masterpiece about a maid who overcomes her station to become the toast of London. As his nightclub suffers to a convoluted love triangle among the staff, Wilmot (Jameson Thomas) has a chance encounter with scullery maid Shosho (Wong) and enlists her talents as both a beauty and a dancer to reignite the club's spark. This rediscovered classic also stars Gilda Gray as the enchanting dancer Mabel, who shines alongside Wong, and Alfred Junge's astonishing set design looks better than ever thanks to brilliantly restored footage by the British Film Institute.

Featuring an in-person Q&A with Katie Gee Salisbury, author of the new biography, Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong. Ms. Salisbury will be signing copies of her book, which will also be available to purchase after the screening.

“[Director] Dupont transforms the stuff of melodrama into a compelling tragedy of passion with a theme of racial injustice and exploitation.” Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

“Wong is the kind of gorgeous that burns right through a camera lens, and the kind of mesmerizing that seems without effort or end.” Janice Page, Boston Globe

Sunday, Oct 6, 2024, 7:00pm

https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/piccadilly-with-anna-may-wong-biographer-katie-gee-salisbury/

Silents Synced pairs classic silent movies with epic rock music. This special screening pairs two of Radiohead’s most atmospheric and experimental albums, KID A and AMNESIAC, with F. W. Murnau's horror masterpiece NOSFERATU.

“Watching NOSFERATU is like standing in the same room as death itself.” Rob Humanick, Slant Magazine

Saturday, Oct 5, 2024, 1:30pm

https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/nosferatu-with-radiohead-a-silents-synced-film/

ABRUPTIO is a first-of-its-kind, surrealistic thriller/horror performed by fleshy, lifesize puppets! Featuring the talents of Jordan Peele, Robert Englund, James Marsters, Hana Mae Lee, Christopher McDonald, and Sid Haig. See it Oct. 4-13 at the Grand Illusion!

Les Hackel (Marsters) is a guy down on his luck who wakes to find an explosive device has been implanted in his neck. He must carry out heinous crimes in order to stay alive while trying to identify the mastermind manipulating the now twisted and strange world around him.

Part of our annual horror series All Monsters Attack!

“The phrase, ‘You’ve never seen anything like this,’ tends to be grossly overused in movie reviews. But I can assure you, in this case, it’s objectively true… With impressive creativity and craftsmanship, Abruptio is astonishing — a film full of puppets that probes the depth of humanity. It will draw many viewers in on the strength of its unique gimmick. But rest assured; it’s far from a one-trick pony.” Stephanie Malone, Morbidly Beautiful

Friday, Oct 4, 2024, 7:00pm
Saturday, Oct 5, 2024, 6:15pm
Sunday, Oct 6, 2024, 4:30pm
Monday, Oct 7, 2024, 7:30pm
Thursday, Oct 10, 2024, 9:15pm
Saturday, Oct 12, 2024, 4:30pm
Sunday, Oct 13, 2024, 8:15pm

https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/abruptio/

“The Exorcism of Saint Patrick relies on real-life terror to exact its timely messaging, and it’s so uncomfortable (and infuriating) to watch, you’ll no doubt squirm in your seat.” Bee Delores, Horrorverse

One night only, this Friday, Sept. 27 at 915pm. Writer/director Quinn Armstrong scheduled to be in attendance for a post-show Q&A!

A pastor takes a young gay teen to a cabin to perform conversion therapy. When the pastor's harsh tactics bully the teen into taking his own life, the ghosts of the conversion camp's many victims return for vengeance.

https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/the-exorcism-of-saint-patrick/

“One of the most famous of silent films, and one of the most truly silent, because it does not even use printed intertitles. Silent directors were proud of their ability to tell a story through pantomime and the language of the camera, but no one before Murnau had ever entirely done away with all written words on the screen (except for one sardonic comment [towards the end]). He tells his story through shots, angles, moves, facial expressions and easily read visual cues.” Roger Ebert

One of the crowning achievements of the German expressionist movement, Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau’s THE LAST LAUGH (Der letzte Mann) stars Emil Jannings as an aging doorman whose happiness crumbles when he is relieved of the duties and uniform which had for years been the foundation of his happiness and pride. Through Jannings’s colossal performance, THE LAST LAUGH becomes more than the plight of a single doorman, but a mournful dramatization of the frustration and anguish of the universal working class. 100th anniversary!

Screens on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 6pm in celebration of National Silent Movie Day and part of our 20th Anniversary Celebration Series!

35MM PRINT! RAVENOUS compares American colonialism and capitalism to the insatiable bloodlust of cannibalism! When Captain John Boyd (Guy Pearce) investigates reports of missing persons at Fort Spencer in 1840s California, he finds frostbitten survivor Colqhoun (Robert Carlyle)—but can Colqhoun's mad story about a bloodthirsty Colonel Ives be trusted? Co-starring Joseph Runningfox and Sheila Tousey, and remixing vampire tropes alongside stories of the Donner Party, "Colorado Cannibal" Alferd Packer, and the Algonquian Wendigo, RAVENOUS is a smart and bloody good cult classic in its own class. Directed by Antonia Bird and featuring a delectable score by Michael Nyman and Damon Albarn.

25th anniversary! Part of our annual horror series All Monsters Attack!

“In an age of fast-food horror films, Ravenous is that rare and well-seasoned meal that leaves you hungry for more. Eat it up.” Joe McGovern, Entertainment Weekly

“A gourmet dish for midnight movie ghouls.” Geoff Andrew, Time Out

“It’s one crazy-ass movie…” Paul Tatara, CNN.com

Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024, 7:30pm
Wednesday, Oct 2, 2024, 7:30pm
Thursday, Oct 3, 2024, 7:30pm

https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/ravenous-in-35mm/

Two more screenings of the new 4K restoration of AMADEUS this week! Tues & Thur at 7pm.

“A grand, sprawling entertainment… Mozart sings the music of God, Salieri schemes and screams in tragic register, and the film keeps humming merrily along with them both.” Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine

https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/amadeus-new-4k-restoration/

SLEEP follows newlyweds Hyun-su (Lee Sun-kyun, PARASITE) and Soo-jin (Jung Yu-mi), whose domestic bliss is disrupted when Hyun-su begins speaking in his sleep, ominously stating, “Someone’s inside.” From that night on, whenever he falls asleep, Hyun-su transforms into someone else, with no recollection of what happened the night before. Overwhelmed with anxiety that he may hurt himself or their young family, Soo-jin can barely sleep because of this irrational fear. Despite treatment, Hyun-su’s sleepwalking only intensifies, and Soo-jin begins to feel that her unborn child may be in danger.

In Korean with English subtitles.

“A phenomenal debut, a movie that rises to an incredible climax that should have people talking.” Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com

“Jason Yu crafts a twisty delight that leaves you doubting what you’re seeing and wondering what to believe right till the last moment.” Alissa Wilkinson, Vox

“The smartest debut film I’ve seen in ten years.” B**g Joon-Ho

Friday, Sep 27, 2024, 7:00pm
Saturday, Sep 28, 2024, 2:30pm
Saturday, Sep 28, 2024, 7:30pm
Sunday, Sep 29, 2024, 3:45pm
Sunday, Sep 29, 2024, 8:15pm
Monday, Sep 30, 2024, 7:30pm

https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/sleep/

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE TO GO BACK IN THE FOREST - 6th encore screening added!

In this 19th century, supernatural winter epic, a drunken applejack salesman must go from zero to hero and become North America’s greatest fur trapper by defeating hundreds of beavers.

Created by Mike Cheslik and Ryland Brickson Cole Tews, the duo behind the modern cult hit LAKE MICHIGAN MONSTER (2018).

“Starts strange, gets stranger, and yet remains resolutely adorable… embraces the defiant glee of art cinema and distills it into something so thoroughly pure and sincere that it is surely hard not to fall in love with it.” Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Alliance of Women Film Journalists

“It’s sure to develop a significant cult following with its unique mix of silent-era slapstick, animation elements, theme-park-style critter costumes, and general air of inspired absurdity.” Dennis Harvey, Variety

“Steroidally swollen with gags and smarts.” Guy Maddin

https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/hundreds-of-beavers/

In this A24 release from acclaimed documentarian Lana Wilson, a group of New York City psychics conduct deeply intimate readings for their clients, revealing a kaleidoscope of loneliness, connection, and healing. LOOK INTO MY EYES opens tomorrow.

Crystal balls, neon signs leading into candle-lit rooms, ladies in caftans: these images of psychics fill the popular imagination. But throughout New York City, in minimalist and homey settings, a community of sensitive, tuned-in individuals, with their own stories of loss and love, offer bridges to the beyond for sincere seekers. Director Lana Wilson (AFTER TILLER, MISS AMERICANA) turns her eye for intimacy and revelation on sessions between psychics and clients: a doctor wants assurance about the young girl who died in her care; an adopted young woman inquires about her birth parents; a pet medium channels an anxious dog’s concerns. Equally absorbing are the questions the psychics ask themselves: Am I really helping people? Do I have a true gift? Does it matter?

Please note: The showing on Saturday, September 28th, will be presented with open captions.

“Wilson doesn’t solve the mysteries of the universe, but she does do something remarkable: unveiling the very human desires and drives that motivate us to reach out for something bigger than ourselves.” Alejandra Martinez, TheWrap

“With a cozy but respectful camera, a considerate tone and a profound understanding of urban alienation, Wilson puts forth something that will make every New Yorker—or anyone who’s ever sat with unprocessed grief and suffering—feel a little less alone.” Tomris Laffly, Harper’s Bazaar

Sunday, Sep 22, 2024, 6:00pm
Monday, Sep 23, 2024, 7:15pm
Wednesday, Sep 25, 2024, 7:15pm
Saturday, Sep 28, 2024, 5:00pm

https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/look-into-my-eyes/

FRESH KILL is a highly stylized and satirical attack on neo-liberal reality. See a new 35mm print at the Grand Illusion with with director Shu Lea Cheang in attendance!

The child of a young le***an couple living on Staten Island mysteriously vanishes after consuming radiated fish. The battle to find the missing child and the culprits responsible for the disappearance is joined by a group of cyber-warriors. Everyone finds themselves ensnared in a vast conspiracy involving a ghost ship of nuclear refuse, ominous media messages, and deadly cat food!

This presentation is part of a 20-city road trip across America in which Shu Lea Cheang is traveling with a new 35mm print of her film, accompanied by two young filmmakers, Los Angeles-based Jean-Paul Jones and New Orleans-based Jazz Franklin. Read more about this 30th anniversary tour, the movie, the print, and the filmmakers in the official press release here.

Named one of “The 100 Greatest New York City Artworks” – Alex Greenberger, ARTnews

“Fresh Kill, a celebration of multicultural diversity with as much humor as seriousness, suggests that love may be the only defense in a world whose existence is endangered by conglomerates, ever expanding and polluting the mind as well as the planet.” Kevin Thomas, The Los Angeles Times

Wednesday, Oct 9, 2024, 7:30pm

https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/fresh-kill-in-35mm/

LOOK INTO MY EYES explores the world of New York psychics and their ongoing search for connection. From award-winning filmmaker Lana Wilson (Miss Americana). Opens Sept. 22 at the Grand Illusion!

Crystal balls, neon signs leading into candle-lit rooms, ladies in caftans: these images of psychics fill the popular imagination. But throughout New York City, in minimalist and homey settings, a community of sensitive, tuned-in individuals, with their own stories of loss and love, offer bridges to the beyond for sincere seekers. Director Lana Wilson (AFTER TILLER, MISS AMERICANA) turns her eye for intimacy and revelation on sessions between psychics and clients: a doctor wants assurance about the young girl who died in her care; an adopted young woman inquires about her birth parents; a pet medium channels an anxious dog’s concerns. Equally absorbing are the questions the psychics ask themselves: Am I really helping people? Do I have a true gift? Does it matter?

“Wilson doesn’t solve the mysteries of the universe, but she does do something remarkable: unveiling the very human desires and drives that motivate us to reach out for something bigger than ourselves.” Alejandra Martinez, TheWrap

Sunday, Sep 22, 2024, 6:00pm
Monday, Sep 23, 2024, 7:15pm
Wednesday, Sep 25, 2024, 7:15pm
Saturday, Sep 28, 2024, 5:00pm (presented w/ open captions)

https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/look-into-my-eyes/

Two more shows of the 4K restoration of REAR WINDOW. Tuesday at 715pm and Saturday at 6pm. Part of our 20th Anniversary Celebration Series!

“It’s one of Alfred Hitchcock’s inspired audience-participation films: watching it, you feel titillated, horrified, and, ultimately, purged.” Michael Sragow, The New Yorker

https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/rear-window-4k-restoration/

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress - The Movie is back for three shows this week!

Fantasy A, real-life autistic Seattle rapper, suffers trials and tribulations from total creeps as he attempts to become a superstar. After being kicked out of his group home onto the grim summer streets, Fantasy A sets off on an odyssey to achieve fame and find a good mattress to sleep on in this ensemble comedy filmed entirely on location in Seattle.

The legend himself, Fantasy A, will be present to introduce the screenings, and he and the filmmakers will also take part in post-show Q&As!

FANTASY A GETS A MATTRESS captures Seattle like no other movie before it. With its bright, vivid colors and glorious cinematography, you can practically feel the city’s summer sun simmering from the screen.

“…a truly original Seattle story overflowing with homegrown creativity and humor… the history of Seattle film has a new chapter that, while still being written, begins and ends with Fantasy A.” Chase Hutchinson, The Seattle Times

Thursday, Sep 19, 2024, 7:30pm
Saturday, Sep 21, 2024, 8:45pm
Sunday, Sep 22, 2024, 8:30pm

https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/fantasy-a-gets-a-mattress/

Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, AC/DC, Bon Iver, Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey and Olivia Rodrigo are just a few of the many artists who have recorded at the historic Electric Lady Studios. ELECTRIC LADY STUDIOS: A JIMI HENDRIX VISION chronicles the creation of the studio, rising from the rubble of a bankrupt Manhattan nightclub to state-of-the-art recording facility inspired by Hendrix’s desire for a permanent studio. The film features exclusive interviews with Steve Winwood, Experience bassist Billy Cox, and original Electric Lady staff members who helped Hendrix realize his dream. The documentary includes never-before-seen footage and photos as well as track breakdowns of Hendrix classics such as “Freedom", "Angel” and “Dolly Dagger” by recording engineer Eddie Kramer.

“One of the strengths of John McDermott’s film is that it breaks the rock-doc mold by not relying on a starry roster of talking heads… [and] more than makes up for its lower glamour quotient with a compelling story.” Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter

Monday, Sep 16, 2024, 7:30pm

https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/electric-lady-studios-a-jimi-hendrix-vision/

Milos Forman's lush, rollicking AMADEUS screens at the Grand Illusion Sept. 20-26 in a brand-new 4K restoration!

Winner of eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Director, Milos Forman’s entertaining drama explores the mysteries of creativity and divinely-bestowed genius, as well as jealousy, addiction, and disapproving dads. In a remote asylum, elderly composer Antonio Salieri (a riveting, Oscar-winning F. Murray Abraham) regales a priest with the story of his long-ago frenemyship with the legendary Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Oscar nominee Tom Hulce). Flashing back to 18th-century Vienna, the pious and pompous Salieri eagerly anticipates meeting Europe’s greatest musical genius—only to discover that Mozart is also crass, immature, and deeply annoying. Knowing that the talent of a “dirty-minded little creature” far surpasses his own drives Salieri to teeth-grinding aggravation and, ultimately, an obsession to destroy his rival. 40th anniversary! New 4K restoration by The Academy Film Archive of the original theatrical cut!

Part of our 20th Anniversary Celebration Series!

“Amadeus is a magnificent film, full and tender and funny and charming.” Roger Ebert

“A grand, sprawling entertainment… Mozart sings the music of God, Salieri schemes and screams in tragic register, and the film keeps humming merrily along with them both.” Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine

“With Mozart’s magical music swirling around them, Hulce and Abraham share a dual triumph in a film that stands as a provocative and prodigious achievement.” Peter Travers, People Magazine

Friday, Sep 20, 2024, 7:00pm
Saturday, Sep 21, 2024, 2:30pm
Sunday, Sep 22, 2024, 2:30pm
Tuesday, Sep 24, 2024, 7:00pm
Thursday, Sep 26, 2024, 7:00pm

https://grandillusioncinema.org/film/amadeus-new-4k-restoration/