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Cinema Chat: 'Hello My Name Is Doris,' 'Remember,' 'Batman V Superman,' And More

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WEMU's Spring Pledge Drive just wrapped, so why not celebrate with a flick?  In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Theater executive director Russ Collins talk about the film business and all the movies coming to the big screen this weekend.

Opening Downtown

"Hello My Name is Doris"

When Doris (Sally Field) meets John (Max Greenfield), her company's hip new art director, sparks fly - at least for Doris.  In the cluttered house she shared with her late mother, Doris mines the Internet for information on her one-and-only.  Her guide to, for Doris, the baffling digital/Internet age is the 13-year-old granddaughter of her best pal Roz (Tyne Daly).  When Doris begins showing up at John's regular haunts, she wins over his Williamsburg friends. Her new life brings Doris a thrilling perspective, but also creates a rift between her and her longtime friends and family, who believe she's making a fool of herself over a guy half her age.  Doris throws caution to the wind and follows her heart for the very first time.  “Hello My Name is Doris” opens Friday at the Michigan.

"Remember"

This film tells the story of Zev (Christopher Plummer), a 90-year-old struggling with memory loss who is living out his final years in a retirement home.  A week following the death of his beloved wife, he suddenly gets a mysterious package from his close friend Max (Martin Landau), containing a stack of money and a letter detailing a shocking plan.  Both Zev and Max were prisoners in Auschwitz, and the same sadistic guard was responsible for the death of both their families.  Max is wheelchair-bound but in full command of his mental faculties; with his guidance, Zev will embark on a cross-continental road trip to bring justice once and for all to the man who destroyed both their lives.  “Remember” opens Friday at the State.   – Rotten Tomatoes certified “Fresh”  78% positive audience reactions!

"Aferim!"

This film was submitted by Romania for Academy Award consideration.  Set in early 19th century, gendarme Constandin and his son search for a gypsy slave who has run away from his nobleman master and is suspected of having an affair with the noble's wife.  While the unflappable Costandin comments on every situation with a cheery aphorism, his son takes a more contemplative view of the world.  On their odyssey they encounter people of different nationalities and beliefs.  And even when the slave Carfin is found, the adventure is far from over...  “Aferim!” opens Monday at the Michigan.  100% positive reviews!!!!!!!!!

Special Screenings Downtown

"My Love, Don't Cross That River"

The life-affirming documentary tells the story of a Korean couple known as the “100-year-old lovebirds.”  They dearly love each other and still fall asleep hand in hand.  However, death quietly sits between them like a thief. This film starts from this moment and follows the couple until the last moments of their 76-year marriage.  “My Love, Don’t Cross That River” plays Saturday March 26 at 2 PM as part of the Korean Cinema Now film series.  Admission is free.

"Coriolanus"

This film finds Ralph Fiennes following in the footsteps of Olivier, Welles, and Branagh by both helming and starring in this adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy.  Set in a modern, alternate version of Rome, this is the story of Caius Martius, aka Coriolanus (Fiennes), an arrogant and fearsome general.  Pushed by his ambitious mother (Vanessa Redgrave) to seek the position of consul, Coriolanus is at odds with the masses.  When a riot results in his expulsion from Rome, Coriolanus seeks out his sworn enemy, Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler). Together, the pair vow to destroy the great city.  “Coriolanus” plays Monday, March 28 at 7 PM at the Michigan as part of The Bard Film Series.

"Salam Neighbor"

Seven miles from war, 85,000 Syrians struggle to restart their lives inside Jordan’s Za’atari refugee camp.  For the first time in history, two filmmakers fully embed themselves in the camp, providing an intimate look at the world’s most dire humanitarian crisis.  Presented by Tuggand the UUAA Immigration Action Coalition, “Salam Neighbor” plays Tuesday, March 29 at 7 PM at the Michigan.

"Thermae Romae"

Ancient Rome is interpreted through the unique literary lens of manga.  The architect Lucius strives to create the ultimate public bathhouses for the city and does so by unknowingly traveling through time-to modern day Japan-to accomplish his goals.  “Thermae Romae” plays Wednesday, March 30 at 7 PM at the State as part of the CineManga Film Series.

Opening at the Multiplex

"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice"

Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs.  And with Batman and Superman at war with each other, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it has ever known before.  Starring Ben Affleck andHenry Cavill, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” opens Friday.  34% positive reviews.

"My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2"

Parenting and marriage is becoming tougher and tougher for Toula (Nia Vardalos) and her husband Ian (John Corbett).  Not only has their relationship lost some of its spark, but they're also dealing with a rebellious teenage daughter who clashes with Greek traditions.  When a shocking family secret comes to light, the entire Portokalos clan makes plans to come together for an even bigger wedding than before.  “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” opens Friday.  26% positive reviews.

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— David Fair is the WEMU News Director and host of Morning Edition on WEMU.  You can contact David at734.487.3363, on twitter @DavidFairWEMU, or email him at dfair@emich.edu

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