Kenny's Korner

Each Thursday for the past decade, I have put out a commentary on the week's films, Vine happenings and fun information in the form of Kenny's Korner.  This has been in our weekly email newsletter.  Please sign up for this newsletter to get my commentary, and the best information about the Vine.  Below is this week's Kenny Korner - enjoy!

 

Hello all,

This was such a tough week with the passing of the amazing Dolly Parton.  I was not even a huge fan of her music, but she is such an icon in so many areas that her sudden and unexpected passing really hurts.  Whenever we lose greats in Hollywood, I am always asked if we are showing a film to honor them.  We did reach out to the studios about potentially playing 9 to 5 or Steel Magnolias to honor Dolly, but both films were immediately taken “off service” for 30 days because of her passing.  But, I found the above, amazing picture of Dolly in 9 to 5, and had include it this week!

Tonight, we are screening AMERICAN GRAFFITI at 7pm.  We have sold almost 200 tickets for this screening already, so this WILL sell-out.  Please get your tickets in advance if you plan on coming.  Remember to come early and check out some of the classic cars that will be across the street.  Thank you to everyone with the Altamont Cruisers and the other car groups that are contributing to this fun event!

Next Thursday, September 3rd at 7pm we have another event that may sell out - MAMMA MIA Sing-Along!  Mamma Mia! is one of the best sing alongs, because most of the songs are so upbeat and fun!  The movie does not take itself too seriously, and it genuinely looks like everyone is having “The time of their life!” If you are looking for a FUN time out with some friends, please consider coming to this event!  Tickets are now on sale below, or on our website, or Fandango or even at the box office!  (I know, just too many options!)

We had just one week to fill this week so I am bringing in two films that I will bet most of you have never heard of!  (Great business decision, right!)  Well, they are both excellent films, and are very highly reviewed, so I am hoping many of you will “Take a chance” on one or both of them.

WILD INSIDE is a documentary about Flaco the owl who escaped from the Central Park zoo in February of 2023.  This is a documentary how Flaco sets off on a magical odyssey through the island of Manhattan. Flaco overcomes his years of captivity and lack of survival skills to answer the call of the wild – and discovers he was wild inside all along. 

You HAVE TO WATCH the trailer for this one – it is really strong:  Wild Inside Trailer

Also coming is THE RIVALS OF THE AMZIAH KING starring Matthew McConaughey and Kurt Russell.  This thriller/drama also looks very good, and has received excellent reviews – 90% on RottenTomatoes.

Synopsis:  Deep within the backwoods of rural Oklahoma, charismatic and musically gifted Amziah King herds a bluegrass-playing band of misfits while overseeing the premier honey-making operation in town. When Amziah’s estranged foster daughter unexpectedly returns, Amziah leaps at the possibility to renew connection and create a family business. But the honey game is ruthless, and Amziah’s rivals threaten to destroy everything he has built.

We continue on the other screen with TONY for a second week.  TONY stars Dominic Sessa who was a standout in the 2023 comedy THE HOLDOVERS starring Paul Giamatti.  TONY has received stellar critics reviews at 96% on RottenTomatoes, as well as fantastic audience reviews at 94%.  It also stars Antonio Banderas who is getting high praise for his role as Ciro, Tony’s mentor.

Synopsis: TONY follows a 19-year-old Anthony Bourdain during a formative summer in Provincetown, where a restaurant job under a demanding chef,  challenges and reshapes his ambitions.  Rather than covering his fame, the film focuses on his coming-of-age in the rough, high-energy world of kitchen life, exploring themes of mentorship, identity and passion.  Before the books. Before the television shows. Before the world knew Anthony Bourdain… there was one summer that changed everything.

We lost another great this week with the passing of Tim Curry, best known for his iconic role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.  But, he was also in other films such as Annie, Clue, Home Alone 2 and IT, including countless television shows.

We are proud to be able to bring back The Rocky Horror Picture show for three screenings during the week of September 4th -10th.

Finally, also during the entire week of September 4th – 10th we will feature STAR WARS: EMPIRE WEEK!  We are so excited to be able to offer you MULTIPLE screenings of three of the most popular and acclaimed science fiction films of all time!  

In 2005’s Star Wars Ep. III: Revenge of the Sith we see the rise of Darth Vader and the rise of the Empire.

In 1980’s Star Wars Ep. V: The Empire Strikes Back we see the height of the Empire’s reign.  This film is widely considered the best Star Wars film ever created, and will be prominently featured this week.

And in 1983’s Star Wars Ep. VI: The Return of the Jedi we see the fall of the Empire, and the final film of the original three Star Wars films.

I was able to sit down with MEL McKAY of TV30’s “Conversations” a few weeks back!  They were kind enough to have us back to discuss our 70th Anniversary, and history of the Vine Cinema!  The spot will be airing all throughout August, but you can also week it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smiH1Dejp50

Our 70th anniversary t-shirts are a hit!  They are on sale in all sizes from small to 3XL at the Vine Box Office!

We hope that you will continue to spread the word that the Vine Cinema & Alehouse is the valley’s only movie theatre showing independent films and classics, while serving beer, wine and food.

 

Kenny