From Shazam to Selena to Khalid, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Montecillo has a busy April planned for movie and music fans alike.
Khalid Mania is spreading across the country as anticipation for the pop sensation’s upcoming second album builds, and that love of all things Khalid originated right here in his hometown.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Montecillo is here to help spread Khalid Mania with exclusive screenings of KHALID: FREE SPIRIT, a companion film celebrating the multi-platinum singer’s upcoming sophomore album, “Free Spirit.”
Also in April at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, check out special screenings of beloved favorites from Japan’s Studio Ghibli, including PROCO ROSO, SPIRITED AWAY and MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO. There’s also all-you-can-eat cereal during the SHAZAM! Cereal Party and don’t miss screenings of PRETTY IN PINK and FAST FIVE.
As if that’s not enough to make your heart go “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Montecillo will celebrate the Queen of Tejano music, Selena Quintania-Perez, with the annual SELENA Movie Parties to commemorate her birth month.
The parties will feature sing-alongs and a custom pre-show with her music videos, interviews and more.
Last but not least, grab your tickets now as we welcome a live guest appearance from actress Lynn Lowry for a special screening of director George A. Romero’s cult classic THE CRAZIES, along with our friends from El Paso Comic Con.
To buy tickets, go online.
PORCO ROSO (with subtitles)
Monday, April 1 – 7:30 pm
This month, we’re showcasing several of Studio Ghibli’s classic tales of magic, wonder, and human connection with DISPATCHES FROM THE DREAM FACTORY. Check out what else we have in store here. First up is PORCO ROSSO.
Though he was once one of the best pilots in the Italian Air Force during WWI, Porco Rosso, a man-like pig, now makes his living as a freelance bounty hunter, often fending off attacks from a gang of air pirates. Porco is typically victorious when battling the air pirates, but a visiting American pilot named Donald Curtis challenges Porco in an airborne skirmish that causes him to crash far from home.
STEVIE NICKS: IN YOUR DREAMS
Monday, April 1 – 7:15 pm
The documentary follows legendary Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks as she begins writing and recording her first solo album in nearly a decade.
Champagne Cinema: PRETTY IN PINK
Tuesday, April 2 – 7:30 pm
Wear pink and come raise a glass with us (or two… or three) to surviving teenage suck-dom with our themed cocktail menu. As far as we’re concerned, PRETTY IN PINK is the definitive guide to the classification of high school boys.
Sure, fashion and hairstyles have changed (was Andrew McCarthy’s hair ever cool?), but the universal truth of the film remains: if you’re a teenage dude, you’re either a Duckie or a Blane. Fortunately, PRETTY IN PINK channels that suck-age through Molly Ringwald, light of our lives, and wraps it all up in a fabulous ’80s package.
The music! Iona’s wardrobe! Iona’s hair! James Spader! The prom dress! Ok, well, not so much the prom dress. Slip on your finest pink ensemble (bonus points if you sew it yourself) and start practicing your Otis Redding lip synch routine now!
KHALID: FREE SPIRIT
Wednesday, April 3
7 pm; 7:15 pm; 9:50 pm
FREE SPIRIT is an exclusive celebration of the highly anticipated new album by El Paso’s own pop sensation Khalid. Multi-platinum award winning global superstar Khalid celebrates the upcoming release of his highly anticipated sophomore album “Free Spirit” with a special companion short film, which will be screened as a one-night event in movie theaters worldwide.
This special fan event will include the big screen premiere of “Free Spirit” followed by an exclusive early listen of the album. FREE SPIRIT is a short film conceived and created by Khalid and Emil Nava. It’s a direct creative parallel to his new album, using the new music to tell the stories of the beauty and the pain of growing up as Khalid has always done in his work.
The event night will begin with a special intro to fans, followed by the screening and will conclude with the album listening featuring never-before seen commentary from Khalid.
Film Club: Carpernaum
Wednesday, April 3 – 7:30 pm
Nadine Labaki’s Cannes Jury Prize-winner arrives at last. Acclaimed Lebanese director Nadine Labaki (CAMEL) won Cannes 2018’s jury prize for her ambitious, sweeping portrait of life on the edge of society, CAPERNAUM. Starring non-professional actors, CAPERNAUM is the tale of an angry young boy named Zain (Zain Al Rafeea) fighting to get by. The Village Voice’s Bilge Ebiri calls it “gripping.”
SHAZAM!
Premieres Thursday, April 4
Like a combination between SUPERMAN and BIG, SHAZAM! is a goofy, lovable, family-friendly twist on the superhero genre. It’s a refreshing reminder that as much as we love watching films about dark, brooding, morally compromised crusaders; comic book films can also be bright, bold, and just plain fun.
In the film, a mysterious being chooses foster kid Billy Batson (Asher Angel) as a vessel for its extraordinary powers. When Billy says this being’s name, he transforms from a 14 year-old boy into the grown-up superhero Shazam (Zachary Levi, THOR: RAGNAROK). SHAZAM! manages to give us something we haven’t seen from superhero cinema in far too long – a funny, action-packed adventure film that the whole family will love.
Alamo Encore: CLUE Movie Party
Friday, April 5; Tuesday, April 9; Thursday, April 11
7:30 pm
Mr. Boddy personally invites you to a killer party. A mysterious invitation brings six strangers to a secluded mansion for an unconventional dinner party where each guest receives a pseudonym. As they learn more about their host, Mr. Boddy (Lee Ving, FLASHDANCE), via his butler, Wadsworth (Tim Curry, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW), the group quickly realizes that Boddy has a devious plan in mind for all of them. And that’s when people start to die.
And because this is a Movie Party, we’ll provide you with fun props like a flashlight, cap revolver, and all sorts of blunt objects (that you didn’t realize were weapons until your mom had to explain that you can actually kill anyone with basically anything) so that you can get in on all the murderous mayhem (note: please don’t murder anybody). You’ll have so much fun, you’ll feel fl– flame– flames! On the side of your face!
SHAZAM! Cereal Party
Saturday, April 6 – 10 am
Your ticket includes an all-you-can-eat cereal buffet, which is available throughout the entire film. Pajamas are encouraged! Initially created as a Superman knockoff called Captain Marvel (it’s a long story), Shazam was the most popular comic book character of the 1940s. And it’s easy to see why – the premise is perfect for kids. Instead of merely being a superhero’s sidekick, imagine you could actually become a superhero.
MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO
Saturday, April 6 (Dubbed) – 4:15 pm
Monday, April 8 (Subtitled) – 7:30 pm
This month, we’re showcasing several of Studio Ghibli’s classic tales of magic, wonder, and human connection with DISPATCHES FROM THE DREAM FACTORY. Check out what else we have in store here. There may be no film that better captures the balance between how big and scary, yet also how wondrous, that the world can be than MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO.
Young sisters Satsuki and Mei move with their father to an old house in the country in order to be closer to their mother, who is in the hospital with a long-term illness. Almost immediately, the girls encounter all sorts of magical creatures, including the friendly, fuzzy Totoro, who provides aid and comfort to the girls during hard times.
From Studio Ghibli and master filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO is a film that is small in scale but epic in its emotional scope. Whether you’re seeing it for your first time or your fiftieth, this masterpiece is guaranteed to make your heart swell.
Film Salon: I KNOW WHERE I’M GOING
Saturday, April 6 – 6:30 pm
A young Englishwoman goes to the Hebrides to marry her older, wealthier fiancé. When the weather keeps them separated on different islands, she begins to have second thoughts.
THE FIFTH ELEMENT Movie Party
Saturday, April 6 – 7 pm
Nothing tops a cocksure-as-ever Bruce Willis as a retired elite commando that’s been pulled out of retirement to defend the Earth from ABSOLUTE EVIL. But then we’ve got Gary Oldman in one of his wackiest performances ever, Chris Tucker in a rare non-RUSH HOUR role, and Milla Jovovich as an ass-kicking heroine/ultimate weapon of destruction.
So strap on your electric-orange suspenders, matching pageboy wig, and come prepared to LIVE the Skittle-colored action at this interactive celebration of director Luc Besson’s sci-fi joyride. With cap guns for shooting along, your very own (temporary) “Element” tattoo, and more! Guaranteed to be the most fun you can have this side of Fhloston Paradise! Just don’t forget your mul-tee-pass!
Fist City: FAST FIVE
Sunday, April 7 – 6 pm
If you’ve never seen a FAST & FURIOUS movie before, you may be thinking, “How will I possibly understand the intricacies of FAST FIVE’s expertly crafted plot or connect with its ensemble of dynamic characters?” Don’t be intimidated. If you’re with Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), Olive Garden rules apply: when you’re here, you’re family.
FAST FIVE welcomes you into the world of Toretto’s crew, whether you’re a die-hard fan or merely furious-curious. Dom and his makeshift family (including Paul Walker, Gal Gadot, and Tyrese Gibson), are in Brazil with a plot to steal several million dollars. With a DSS agent (Dwayne Johnson) trying to catch them and a local crime lord trying to kill them, the crew is going to have to figure out how to survive by doing what they do best: driving cars really fast.
PONYO
Saturday, April 13 (Dubbed) – 10 am
Monday, April 15 (Subtitled) – 7:30 pm
This month, we’re showcasing several of Studio Ghibli’s classic tales of magic, wonder, and human connection with DISPATCHES FROM THE DREAM FACTORY. Check out what else we have in store here. The ocean is full of wonders, teeming with creatures both beautiful and frightening. But none of them are quite like Ponyo, a goldfish-like creature who lives in an undersea realm run by Fujimoto, a formerly human wizard who has turned his back on mankind.
Yearning for freedom, she leaves her smaller sisters behind and escapes, eventually ending up on land where she meets Sosuke, a five year-old boy who instantly loves her. Director Hayao Miyazaki has always been adept at capturing the world through a child’s eyes, making audiences feel the awe and magic of discovery as the world opens itself up to his characters. In many ways, PONYO epitomizes that perspective.
PENGUIN HIGHWAY (Subtitled)
Saturday, April 13 – 4 pm
Budding genius Aoyama is only in the 4th grade, but already lives his life like a scientist. When penguins start appearing in his sleepy suburb hundreds of miles from the sea, Aoyama vows to solve the mystery. When he finds the source of the penguins is a woman from his dentist’s office, they team up for an unforgettable summer adventure!
Champagne Cinema: SAY ANYTHING Movie Party
Saturday, April 13 – 7:30 pm
Come raise a boombox and/or glass to Lloyd Dobler. Sure, he might not have the preppy looks of Andrew McCarthy or the real genius of Val Kilmer, but Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) is special. He wears a trench coat! He drives a blue Chevy Malibu! He kickboxes, which everyone knows is the sport of the future! He’s great with kids!
He watches COCOON with old people for goodness sake! And, as if all of those amazing qualities weren’t enough, here’s the kicker (literally): he will always, without fail, protect you from broken glass on the street. In other words, Lloyd Dobler is perfect. And at this Movie Party edition of Champagne Cinema, we’ll give him the celebration he deserves. Join us for a night of love, heartache, and, of course, songs about Joe. Keys will be collected, boom boxes will be provided, and pens will be given.
THE CRAZIES (With actress Lynn Lowry)
Saturday, April 13 – 9 pm
Thanks to our friends at EPCon, we are beyond excited to have Lynn Lowry live, and in person at our screening of THE CRAZIES (1973)! Come early to check out Lynn’s merchandise table and snag a pic and autograph! Its code name is “Trixie,” an experimental government germ weapon that leaves its victims either dead or irreversibly insane.
When the virus is accidentally unleashed in Evans City, Pennsylvania, the small community becomes a war zone of panicked military, desperate scientists and gentle neighbors turned homicidal maniacs. Now a small group of citizens has fled to the town’s outskirts where they must hide from trigger-happy soldiers while battling their own depraved urges. But even if they can escape the madness of this plague, can they survive the unstoppable violence of THE CRAZIES?
Afternoon Tea: GREAY GARDENS
Sunday, April 14 – 3 pm
High society dropouts and reclusive cousins of Jackie Onassis, mother and daughter Big and Little Edie live in a decaying mansion where they while away the days singing, dancing, and feeding loaves of Wonder Bread to the raccoons in their attic. However, the two manage to thrive together amid the decay and disorder of their East Hampton mansion, making for an eerily ramshackle echo of the American Camelot.
An impossibly intimate portrait, this 1975 documentary by the legendary Albert and David Maysles (GIMME SHELTER), co-directed by Ellen Hovde and Muffie Meyer, quickly became a cult classic and established Little Edie as a fashion icon and philosopher queen. Whether you’re new to this film or you know Little Edie’s philosophical musings by heart, don’t miss this opportunity to feast your eyes on this gorgeous restoration while savoring our tea and treat service.
Your tickets come with three servings of tea and a Pâté Finger Sandwich, Blue Cheese Cracked Pepper Croissant and Hazelnut Shortbread With Chocolate. Vegetarian option available.
GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES (Subtitled)
Sunday, April 14 – 6 pm
This month, we’re showcasing several of Studio Ghibli’s classic tales of magic, wonder, and human connection with DISPATCHES FROM THE DREAM FACTORY. Check out what else we have in store here. All Seita and Setsuko have is each other. Set in Japan during WWII, GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES follows these two siblings as they try to survive without their father, who is in the navy, and their mother, who dies tragically during an air raid.
As the oldest of the two, Seita bears a heavy burden, not only ensuring that his little sister has food and shelter, but also doing his best to keep the harsh reality of their lives from robbing her of her childhood. Be forewarned: though this may be an animated film about children, GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES deals directly and unflinchingly with death and the horrors of war.
A beautiful, heartfelt, emotionally wrenching film from Studio Ghibli and director Isao Takahata (THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA), GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES is an unforgettable film that, according to Roger Ebert, “belongs on any list of the greatest war films ever made.” You might want to bring some tissues to this one.
SELENA Movie Party
Tuesday, April 16; Friday, April 19; Saturday, April 20 7:30 pm
Sunday, April 21 – 6 pm
Come pay tribute to the legend with us. She was the “Queen of Tejano Music.” Tom Brokaw called her the “Madonna of Mexico.” But to so many of us, she was simply called Selena. Selena Quintanilla-Perez was an American singer, songwriter, spokesperson, actress, and fashion designer who, tragically, was taken from this world far too soon.
Join us for a special screening of the1997 film SELENA, starring Jennifer Lopez and Edward James Olmos. At this Movie Party celebration, we’ll provide themed props to use during the film, including a handy lyric sheet to make it easier to sing along (even if you already know the songs by heart). Also, don’t forget to arrive early for a custom pre-show completely dedicated to Selena with her music videos and rare, hard-to-find interviews.
LIFE OF BRIAN Movie Party
Thursday, April 18 7:30 pm
Always look on the brighter side of life. Regardless of our religious beliefs, most of us know the story of the Messiah, born in a manger to a virgin mother who then grows up to become the savior of all mankind. This is not that story. No, this story is about another, relatively unexceptional, occasionally very naughty non-Messiah boy named Brian (Graham Chapman), who is born a few doors down.
As a grown man trying to lead a normal life, Brian finds himself in the terribly uncomfortable position of being worshipped as a Messiah. No matter how hard he tries, he can’t get people to stop believing in him, sending him on a series of adventures. And if that doesn’t sound wild enough on its own, remember that this is a Movie Party! So we’ll provide you with some fun props, including balloons to stone your neighbors, a Big Nose stress ball, and more, that’ll make you want to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
SPIRITED AWAY
Saturday, April 20 (Dubbed) 10 am
Monday, April 22 (Subtitled) 7:30 pm
This month, we’re showcasing several of Studio Ghibli’s classic tales of magic, wonder, and human connection with DISPATCHES FROM THE DREAM FACTORY. Check out what else we have in store here. Moving to a new place can be difficult for anyone. Leaving behind familiar settings, favorite restaurants, and, most importantly, close friends requires a great deal of emotional courage regardless of one’s age.
In SPIRITED AWAY, director Hayao Miyazaki, with his usual insight and delicacy, explores this simple, deeply relatable human emotion and infuses it with wonder and magic.Full of mystery and spectacle, SPIRITED AWAY is a transcendently beautiful film about the fears and joys of discovering new places that will resonate with kids and grown-ups alike.
Free Victory Screening: ALL THAT JAZZ
Tuesday, April 23 7:30 pm
This screening is free for Alamo Victory members with the purchase of a $5 Food and Beverage voucher. Doesn’t that just make you want to *snap*… *snap*…. *snap*… *Fosse neck *…. *jazz hands*…. *KICK*?
KIKI’S DELIVERY SERVICE
Saturday, April 27 (Dubbed) 10 am
Monday, April 29 (Subtitled 7:30 pm
This month, we’re showcasing several of Studio Ghibli’s classic tales of magic, wonder, and human connection with DISPATCHES FROM THE DREAM FACTORY. Check out what else we have in store here. The transition into adulthood is an experience that is both fraught and exhilarating, full of mistakes, new adventures, and a burgeoning sense of self.
For young witches, this transition begins around the age of 13, when they leave their home and go off to a new town to develop their magical abilities and build their self-confidence.Tranquil but never dull, simple but never slight, KIKI’S DELIVERY SERVICE is a shining example of writer/director Hayao Miyazaki’s singular brilliance: his ability to create stories that are full of conflict and adventure while also championing peace, serenity, and human fellowship.
PRINCESS MONONOKE (Subtitled)
Tuesday, April 30 7:30 pm
This month, we’re showcasing several of Studio Ghibli’s classic tales of magic, wonder, and human connection with DISPATCHES FROM THE DREAM FACTORY. Check out what else we have in store here. Prince Ashitaka lives a peaceful life in his small village. But that tranquility is brought to an abrupt, violent end when a ravenous boar god attacks his home. Ashitaka kills the boar, but not before his right arm is corrupted by the mysterious creature.
The corruption gives him superhuman strength, but it is also destined to consume the rest of his body and eventually kill him. Though this may sound like a classic tale of good against evil, director Hayao Miyazaki (SPIRITED AWAY) is far too empathetic a storyteller to make things so simple. He labors to ensure that we see and understand the motivations of all the characters who are caught up in this battle, resulting in a nuanced adventure that’s as moving as it is thrilling.
El Paso Herald-Post El Paso News & Opinion
It is no wonder that 20 years after her death there has been a resurgence of the Tejano Queen of Tex-Mex, La Reina, Selena.
