Sunday, December 31, 2017

Poltergeist (2015)


To paraphrase Dr. Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park, too many filmmakers are so preoccupied with whether or not they could remake a film that they don't stop to think if they should.  The Ghost House Pictures remake of Poltergeist is a perfect example.  Sure, the original is over 30 years old and the urge to start a new franchise with "brand" recognition must be tempting.  But the end results show that no one involved in the production bothered to wonder whether remaking such a classic was a good idea.  Much like a park loaded with dinosaurs, this production showed the hubris of filmmakers attempting to revive something from the past. 

The story starts out the same as the Hooper/Spielberg original.  The Burke family moves into a new home, only this time, the father, Eric (Sam Rockwell) is unemployed.  The mother, Amy (Rosemarie DeWitt) is a writer (at least so we are told, but we never see her in front of a computer), and Eric doesn't want her to find a job and give up working on, I don't know, the Great American Novel or something. 

As expected, the house is the center of some supernatural activity and the youngest daughter, Madison (Kennedi Clements) is pulled into the spirit realm.  Her brother Griffin (Kyle Catlett) feels guilty for abandoning her just before the ghosts get her, and the oldest daughter Kendra (Saxon Sharbino) does very little other than react to the ghostly events and introduce us to Carrigan Burke (Jared Harris) a YouTube ghost hunter brought in by a paranormal research team to find Madison and help the spirits find the light.

And, as expected, mayhem ensues.

Well, maybe not real mayhem, 
but we've got lots of puzzled looks and lackluster effects.

The story isn't deep, but to be fair, neither was the original.  As expected, this version hits all the expected notes, including a scary clown doll, a evil tree and a closet portal to the spirit world.  It's mentioned the housing development is located on a graveyard that was moved, someone mentions an ancient Indian burial ground, and we get ghosts communicating with Madison via a big screen television.

But the script runs into problems almost immediately.  How the family can buy a new home without an income and maxed out credit cards is hard to fathom, even if you go with shady mortgage practices employed in recent decades.  I'm certain this plot point was an attempt to update the characters and make them more relatable to modern audiences, but any theme of Eric's financial despair and powerlessness as a provider are dropped early one.

Additionally, the script spends very little time developing the family before the haunting starts.  Unlike the Freelings in the Hooper/Spielberg version, the Burkes just seem like dull stereotypes used to move the story to the action scenes.  And we don't get any interactions with their neighbors, a major part of the original's first act.  Sure, the couple does attend an awkward dinner party as part of Eric's attempt to find employment, but it seems the Burkes are the only family living on the block.  Even at the conclusion, the neighborhood is surprisingly deserted while the home is torn apart.  While the isolation set up by their financial situation could bring the characters to life, David Lindsay-Abaire's script doesn't seem interested in moving any further than the next effects scene.

Yet even those moments fall flat.  The first film was an amazing roller coaster ride, full of practical effects that hold up today.  But here, the CGI effects look painfully cheap, even by television standards.  The tree attacking Griffin is more funny than scary and the scary clown doll, so effective in the original, isn't given enough of a build up to make it effective.  And though the film brings us into the spirit realm, it's about as eerie as a Resident Evil game on the PS2.

Oh, come on!
We're SCARY!!
Right?

Adding to the problem with the effects are the lack of quiet moments of the supernatural activities.  Sure, the Hooper/Spielberg film is full of scary moments, but the filmmakers also include scenes that are quiet and full of wonder.  These breaks, missing from the remake, allow the audience a moment to relax while builds expectations on what is coming later.

The remake has no time to develop tension, instead trying to hammer the audience into being scared.  In the original, the creepy clown doll is introduced in a way that unnerves the audience, before the figure dials up the evil past eleven in the climax.  In the remake, it attacks early on with no payoff, no character moment of attacking one's fears.  Maybe the filmmakers felt the scary clown cliche is overplayed, but I suspect waiting a bit before it attacks would have worked better by playing on audience expectations.

No need for any build up, I'm a scary clown doll!!
What, why is everyone yawning?

Okay, time to address the CGI issue.  I have no problem with horror films using such effects.  If done right, it can bring amazing creatures to life and create settings that are truly otherworldly.  But in this case, the filmmakers relied too much on computer artists to deliver thrilling effects on a very limited budget.

Again, it goes back to the characters.  In the original, we got to know, and like, the Freelings before the ghostly happenings.  In the remake, the family and ghost investigators are little more than pawns to be maneuvered into a position that the scary moments can happen.  But if a script treats its characters with such apathy, so will the audience and that will lessen any sense of tension or dread, regardless of the antagonist.

It's always a tall order when one tries to remake a beloved film.  But I suspect had the filmmakers spent more time thinking if they should, they might have realized what made the original Poltergeist so special and possibly spent a bit more time on a script that would do justice to the story.  Or decided it wasn't worth trying and abandoned the remake.  Either way, the audience would be the winner.

Next time, listen to Malcolm.
He knows what he's talking about.

Friday, December 29, 2017

It might be the final Weekly Update for 2017, Pacific Northwest Horror/Sci Fi/Fantasy Fans, but more is coming in the New Year!


Sorry for this late edition of the Weekly Update, Pacific Northwest Horror/Sci Fi/Fantasy Fans, but I managed to get the worst gift of all this holiday season.  Yep, the Christmas Crud struck at The Shadow Over Portland office, and I spend the last few days in bed, wishing for the curse of holiday ghosts rather than feeling like I was about to join them.

Yeah, that's about how I felt, though Vincent Price
looks much more suave than I.

But the upcoming New Years weekend has some great events that need sharing, and the following week features some great films as well.  If you're in Portland, OR, check out the Spaghetti Fest at the Clinton Street Theater.  In Vancouver, BC, the Rio Theatre has some great films showing on New Years Day.  Next weekend, the Kiggins Theatre in Vancouver, WA, is hosting a toy sale AND a FREE screening of The Bride of Frankenstein.  And The Shape of Water is continuing its run in local theaters.

As for the rest of 2018, I'll be adding more movies, conventions and events to the Horror/Sci Fi/Fantasy Calendar as details become available.  Rest assured, The Shadow Over Portland will keep you posted on all the great events coming to the Pacific Northwest!

If you'd like your event listed on the site, it's easy and FREE!  Just email me at shadowoverportland@live.com with the details and any promotional artwork, and I'll do the rest!!

And please, if you attend any of these events, let the organizers know you read about it at The Shadow Over Portland!

Ongoing

Well, it's December and that means Die Hard will be screening in local theaters across the Pacific Northwest.  But this year, the Funhouse Lounge (2432 SE 11th Ave in Portland, OR) is going a bit further by presenting Die Hard: The Parody Musical Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm through December 30 (with Thursday shows starting on December 21).  Oh yes, it's the movie adapted for the stage, with 15 original songs!  Yippee-Ki-Yay, MF!!!  For more details and advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

UPDATE: Another two days have been added to the run of Die Hard: The Parody Musical.  Tickets are on sale for Friday and Saturday, January 5 and 6, and you'll want to purchase them early, as the show has sold out most of its run.

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The Second City's A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens opens tonight at the Portland Center Stage at The Amory (128 NW Eleventh Ave in Portland, OR) on the US Bank Main Stage.  The show runs through December 31.  This improvisational show is recommended for ages 14 and up, as it contains mature content, explicit language, strobe lighting, theater haze, a single use of a (tobacco-free) e-cigarette and "a Dalek on a conquest for universal extermination."  For more details and advance ticket sales, visit the PCS website.

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Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water continues to show at Cinema 21 (616 NW 21st Ave in Portland, OR).  Visit the Cinema 21 website for more details. 

The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) will also continue showing The Shape of Water.  For showtimes and advance ticket sales, visit The Hollywood Theatre website.

The Salem Cinema (1127 Broadway St NE, #170, in Salem, OR) begins showing The Shape of Water on Thursday, December 21.  For showtimes, visit the Salem Cinema website.

The Shape of Water opens on Friday, December 22, at the Darkside Cinema (215 SW 4th St in Corvallis, OR).  Visit the Darkside Cinema website for more details. 

The St Johns Twin Cinema and Pub (8704 N Lombard St in Portland, OR) is now showing The Shape of Water.  For more details, visit the St Johns Twin Cinema website.

December, 2017
Friday, December 29

The Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC) presents Mary Harron's screen version of American Psycho tonight at 11 pm.  For more details and advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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The Historic Everett Theatre (2911 Colby Ave in Everett, WA) presents a Silent Movie and Pipe Organ Night with a screening of Nosferatu at 7:30 pm.  For more details and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

Saturday, December 30

John Carpenter's chilly classic The Thing screens at 10:30 pm tonight at the Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC).  For more details and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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Chilly horror tales seem to be taking over the Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC) tonight, as the theater screens Stanley Kubrick's The Shining tonight at 7:30 pm.  For more details and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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Weird Elephant and First Night Tacoma present a special, FREE showing of The Road Warrior at 11 pm tonight at The Grand Cinema (606 S Fawcett Ave in Tacoma, WA).  Seating starts at 10 pm and is first come, first serve.  Of Course, you can purchase a button and be seated first when the theater opens.  For all the details, visit the Facebook Event Page.

January, 2018
Monday, January 1

The Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC) starts out the New Year with an animated classic, My Neighbor Totoro.  Showtime is 2:45 pm.  For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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When I first saw this film, all I could think was it was like H. R. Pufnstuf on crack.  Not as a negative, mind you, but the film's visuals are just, well, stunning and extremely strange.  The Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC) give you the chance to check this surreal masterpiece on the big screen as the theater shows House (Hausu) today at 5 pm.  Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, or go for a triple feature for $18 advance, $22 at the door, and catch The Big Lebowski and Mad Max: Fury Road while you're there.  For more details and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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The Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC) ends New Years Day with a shiny, high octane blast, Mad Max: Fury Road, tonight at 10 pm.  For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.  If you want watch the New Years triple feature, including House (Hausu) and The Big Lebowski,click on the link above for House for more details and advance ticket sales.

Tuesday, January 2

The Horror Brew Pub Quiz! starts a new year at 7:30 pm tonight at Home, A Bar (719 SE Morrison St in Portland, OR).  Get your team together to win a gift certificate, or a cool horror prize during the raffle.  For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.

Wednesday, January 3

The Rio Theatre (1600 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC) will screen Blade Runner: The Final Cut and the recent sequel, Blade Runner 2049, starting at 6:15 pm tonight.  You can buy tickets for just one film, or pay a little extra and see both!  For more details and advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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Episode One of The X-Files: Season 11 screens at the McMenamins Mission Theater and Pub (1624 NW Glisan in Portland, OR) tonight at 8 pm.  Doors open at 7:30 pm  For more details, visit the Mission Theater website.

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Weird Wednesday at The Joy Cinema and Pub (11959 SW Pacific Highway in Tigard, OR) starts the New Year with another edition of Monster Roulette.  Once again, an unlucky audience member will pick the film shown, which will feature a monster.  You won't know if the film will be good, or something truly awful, but you'll find out at 9:15 pm.  Be sure to support The Joy's efforts to keep Wednesdays WEIRD by stopping at the concession stand before the show for some tasty treats and beverages.  Remember, monsters of all types get upset with patrons bringing outside food and drink into the theater!  For more details, visit The Joy Cinema website.

Friday, January 5

The Spaghetti Fest at the Clinton Street Theater (2522 SE Clinton St in Portland, OR) screens Lucio Fulci's Lizard in a Woman's Skin tonight at 10 pm.  Due to the film's sexual content and scenes of violence, you must be 18 or older to attend.  For more details on the screening and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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The Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC) kicks off the Friday Late Night Movie series with the Jim Henson classic Labyrinth tonight at 11:15 pm.  For more details and advance ticket sales, visit the Rio Theatre website.

Saturday, January 6

The Kiggins Theatre (1011 Main St in Vancouver, WA) will screen The Bride of Frankenstein today for FREE!  Hosted by Vancouver Toy Junkies, the theater will open at 10 am for a mini vintage toy show, with the movie starting at noon.  For more details, visit the Kiggins Theatre website or the Facebook Event Page.

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The Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC) will screen all three extended cuts films in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings Trilogy, starting at noon.  Come in costume, or wear something comfy, as it's going to be a long day!  For more details and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

UPDATE: Advance tickets are SOLD OUT.  A few tickets will be available at the door.   If you want to make sure to see these films, check out the repeat showing on January 21 below.

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Spaghetti Fest continues at the Clinton Street Theater (2522 SE Clinton St in Portland, OR) with a screening of The Fantastic Argoman (AKA Argoman the Fantastic Superman), a 60s mix of Eurospy thriller and superhero adventure.  For more details and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

Sunday, January 7

The Spaghetti Fest at the Clinton Street Theater (2522 SE Clinton St in Portland, OR) presents the Gothic-style giallo Night of the Scorpion (AKA La Casa De Las Muertas Viventes/ The House of the Living Dead) tonight at 8:30 pm.  For more details and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Hope your holiday season is merry and bright. But if you need a break from it all, The Shadow Over Portland is here to help!


Well, the holiday season is almost over and I hope you all have plans full of family gatherings, glad tidings and cheer planned over the coming week.  But, if you're at the breaking point right now, the Weekly Update is here to help you find a interlude in the holiday hoopla.  You'll find plenty of films, stage events and happenings listed below to help you ride out the merriment of the next week, and a few events to get you past it all.


If you feel like a flaming, raging gingerbread person,
we here at the office understand.
We're here to help.

If you are more interested in planning for the upcoming New Year, be sure to check out the Horror/Sci Fi/ Fantasy Calendar, as I've found some great events to share with you all.  But it's not just for the season, as The Shadow Over Portland will continue spreading the good news into 2018 and beyond!

Remember, if you are hosting, or know of an event, that would interest genre fans in the Pacific Northwest, it's easy to post it at this site.  Just email me at shadowoverportland@live.com with the details and promotional artwork and I'll do the rest.  And as always, listing an event is FREE!

And should you attend any of the events you see at this site, please help spread the word by telling the organizers you read about it at The Shadow Over Portland!!

Ongoing

Well, it's December and that means Die Hard will be screening in local theaters across the Pacific Northwest.  But this year, the Funhouse Lounge (2432 SE 11th Ave in Portland, OR) is going a bit further by presenting Die Hard: The Parody Musical Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm through December 30 (with Thursday shows starting on December 21).  Oh yes, it's the movie adapted for the stage, with 15 original songs!  Yippee-Ki-Yay, MF!!!  For more details and advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

---------------

The Second City's A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens opens tonight at the Portland Center Stage at The Amory (128 NW Eleventh Ave in Portland, OR) on the US Bank Main Stage.  The show runs through December 31.  This improvisational show is recommended for ages 14 and up, as it contains mature content, explicit language, strobe lighting, theater haze, a single use of a (tobacco-free) e-cigarette and "a Dalek on a conquest for universal extermination."  For more details and advance ticket sales, visit the PCS website.

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The Peculiarium (2234 NW Thurman St in Portland, OR) invites you to take a selfie with Krampus through Christmas eve.  And while you're there, be sure to browse the store for some terrific gifts and stocking stuffers!  Check the Peculiarium Facebook Page for more details. 

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Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water continues to show at Cinema 21 (616 NW 21st Ave in Portland, OR).  Visit the Cinema 21 website as opening day approaches. 

The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) will also continue showing The Shape of Water.  For showtimes and advance ticket sales, visit The Hollywood Theatre website.

The Salem Cinema (1127 Broadway St NE, #170, in Salem, OR) begins showing The Shape of Water on Thursday, December 21.  For showtimes, visit the Salem Cinema website.

The Shape of Water opens on Friday, December 22, at the Darkside Cinema (215 SW 4th St in Corvallis, OR).  Visit the Darkside Cinema website for more details.  

December, 2017

Wednesday, December 20

WYRD WAR brings director Karen Arthur's "terrifying love story" of two sisters and their depraved relationship, The Mafu Cage, to the Laurelhurst Theater (2735 E Burnside St in Portland, OR) tonight only at 9 pm.  For more details and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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A Radio Christmas Carol, a live radio adaptation of the classic Dickens novel, takes place at 7 pm tonight at the Kiggins Theatre (1011 Main St in Vancouver, WA).  For more details and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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Weird Wednesday gets into the holiday spirit tonight at The Joy Cinema and Pub (11959 SW Pacific Highway in Tigard, OR) with the Mexican film Santa Claus tonight at 9:15 pm.  From his space city orbiting the Earth, Santa's surveillance equipment, the envy of Homeland Security, makes sure the children of the world are being good.  But when Satan sends one of his devils to tempt children, and mess with Santa, will Christmas be ruined?  As always, admission is FREE, but you must be 21 or older to attend.  And remember to support The Joy's efforts to keep Wednesdays WEIRD by stopping at the concession stand before the film for some tasty treats and beverages.  Only naughty boys and girls try to bring outside food and drinks and, don't forget, SANTA IS WATCHING YOU.  ALWAYS!!  For more details, visit The Joy Cinema website.

Thursday, December 21

The Museum of Pop Culture (325 5th Ave N in Seattle, WA) presents a Gotham Christmas Story when the Sky Church Theater screens Tim Burton's Batman Returns tonight at 7 pm (doors open at 6 pm).  This Cinema Campout presentation is for those 21 or older, and includes admission to the Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction and Scared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Film exhibits.  For more details and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the MoPOP website.

Friday, December 22

The Olympia Film Society Janus Essentials series presents Kwaidan, a Japanese horror anthology, in GLORIOUS 35mm tonight at 6:30 pm.  The film will also show at 9 pm on Saturday, December 23 and at 5 pm on Sunday, December 24.  All screenings take place at the Capitol Theater (206 5th Ave SE in Olympia, WA).  For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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The Pickford Film Center (1318 Bay St in Bellingham, WA) will show Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone through Christmas Day.  For showtimes and advance ticket sales, visit the Pickford Film Center website.

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The holiday horror film Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, screens at the Dragonfly Cinema (822 Bay St in Port Orchard, WA) through December 26. This Finnish horror tale is rated R, as these Santas aren't jolly old elves and don't dress in the traditional suit...  Well, they don't dress at all!  Just letting you know if you haven't seen this film yet.  For more details, including showtimes (to be posted on the week of December 18), visit the Facebook Event Page.

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The Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC) screens the holiday classic Die Hard tonight at 11 pm.  For more details and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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The Joy Cinema and Pub (11959 SW Pacific Highway in Tigard, OR) kicks off the holiday weekend with a Holiday Sing-Along Extravaganza, hosted by Community Movie Night tonight at 9 pm.  To start, sing along with the Jim-Jams as they perform holiday favorites, than settle back for the campy Christmas classic Santa Claus Conquers the Martians!  I bet you'll be welcome to sing along to the opening credit song as well!!  Admission for the event is $8.  For more details and advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

Saturday, December 23

You have one last chance to get a photo with the Christmas demon!  Photos with Krampus - 3rd Annual takes place from 2 to 7 pm at World Class Athletics (6332 SE 82nd Ave in Portland, OR).  A quality photo folder of you and Krampus is just $10, each additional only $5.  The event is hosted by Michael Gary Photography.  For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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Before warming the hearts of movie goers with the story of a young boy's quest to get a BB gun for Christmas, Bob Clark made the holidays feel scary and full of fright with Black ChristmasThe Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC) screens this holiday slasher classic tonight at 10:30 pm.  For more details and advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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If you're still without a gift for the comic fan in your life, head to Cosmic Monkey Comics (5335 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) for the Cosmic Monkey Gift Idea Signing from noon to 2 pm.  Several local comic creators will be on hand to personalize copies of their books and comics.  For more details and a list of signing guests, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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Yippie-Ki-Yay, Tacoma!  Weird Elephant is hosting a screening of the holiday classic Die Hard at 11 pm tonight at The Grand Cinema (606 S Fawcett Ave in Tacoma, WA).  For more details and a link for advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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The Zymoglyphic Museum (6225 SE Alder St in Portland, OR) is open to the public today from 11 am to 4 pm.  For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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The dark Finnish holiday movie, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, plays today through Christmas day at the Darkside Cinema (215 SW 4th St in Corvallis, OR).  Visit the Darkside Cinema website for more details. 
Sunday, December 24

The Analog Theater and Cafe (720 SE Hawthorne Blvd in Portland, OR) hosts A Burlesque Nightmare Before Christmas, the perfect spicy treat for the holidays.  This tribute to the films of Tim Burton will show Sunday afternoon (doors open at 2 pm) and Christmas evening (doors open at 7 pm).  For more details and links to advance ticket sales for both performances, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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The holiday season in Portland isn't complete without a screening of the Christmas classic Die Hard!  The McMenamins Mission Theater and Pub (1624 NW Glisan in Portland, OR) shows the film tonight through Wednesday, December 27.  For more details and showtimes, visit the Mission Theater website.

Friday, December 29

The Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC) presents Mary Harron's screen version of American Psycho tonight at 11 pm.  For more details and advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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The Historic Everett Theatre (2911 Colby Ave in Everett, WA) presents a Silent Movie and Pipe Organ Night with a screening of Nosferatu at 7:30 pm.  For more details and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

Saturday, December 30

John Carpenter's chilly classic The Thing screens at 10:30 pm tonight at the Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC).  For more details and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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Chilly horror tales seem to be taking over the Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC) tonight, as the theater screens Stanley Kubrick's The Shining tonight at 7:30 pm.  For more details and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.

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Weird Elephant and First Night Tacoma present a special, FREE showing of The Road Warrior at 11 pm tonight at The Grand Cinema (606 S Fawcett Ave in Tacoma, WA).  Seating starts at 10 pm and is first come, first serve.  Of Course, you can purchase a button and be seated first when the theater opens.  For all the details, visit the Facebook Event Page.