The Pitch (July 28 - August 4)

With Where The Crawdads Sing, Paws of Fury, and Top Gun: Maverick playing at The Civic, as well as a variety of films playing at our new 20-seat Shoebox Theatre, it's a great week to be a movie lover. Be sure to visit the What's On page to find showtimes, programming information and ticket sales for both theatres. Now, without further ado, here's a rundown of everything playing at The Civic this week.

‍

There has been no shortage of book-to-movie adaptations over the past two decades. In some cases, the filmmakers manage to deliver a cinematic experience which stays faithful to its source material. Other times the film adaptation departs from the original story so much so that fans are left with a sour taste in their mouths. Where the Crawdads Sing recreates everything fans loved about its literary predecessor. The story on screen is near identical to that on the page, much to the satisfaction of devoted fans. Following a young girl named Kya who lives by herself in the marsh, Where the Crawdads Sing is a tragic tale of heartbreak and abandonment. The local town has an innate fear of Kya, and when the corpse of a young man is discovered in the depths of the swamp she is made the prime suspect. Kya, now deemed the Marsh Girl, must fight for her life amidst the chaotic aftermath of the murder. Kya’s heart-wrenching situation is made to feel all the more hopeless by a dreary atmosphere and setting. With the ambience and backdrop a crucial part of the story itself, the filmmakers went to great lengths to find the perfect shooting location. Director Olivia Newman eventually settled on the sodden bayous on the outskirts of New Orleans. Where the Crawdads Sing features the talented Daisy Edgar Jones, co-star of 2022’s Fresh, as well as Taylor Jones Smith of Shadow In The Cloud. From a thrilling story that does not stray far from its source material to an expertly crafted atmosphere, there is no doubt that Where the Crawdads Sing will provide an enjoyable viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike.

‍

‍

Animated movies are a cornerstone of cinema. They allow filmmakers to pursue their wildest ideas without the worry that they'll seem too far-fetched or ridiculous. After all, anything is possible in animation. Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank is the newest addition to the genre, blending elements from a variety of beloved animated films to create a viewing experience enjoyable for anyone. The film is a loose adaptation of Mel Brooks' 1974 western Blazing Saddles. Fittingly enough, Brooks plays a major role in the film. The story follows a feeble dog named Hank (Michael Cera) who must train to become a samurai, as the safety of an innocent village of cats relies on him. A fearsome warlord by the name of Ika Chu (Ricky Gervais) has his sights set on the village, and is dead set on its destruction. A wise, no-nonsense samurai called The Waco, played by Samuel L. Jackson, reluctantly agrees to teach Hank to fight. There’s only one hiccup: the village Hank is working so hard to protect does not take too kindly to canines. The film is under the creative control of director Rob Minkoff, who worked on iconic animated films such as Stuart Little and The Lion King. Perhaps the most impressive feat of the film is its animation style. Thick shadows, beautiful lighting, crisp movement. Paws of Fury evokes the masterpieces that came before it, such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Kung Fu Panda, while also putting its own unique spin on the classic tropes within the genre. 

‍

‍

Looking for details about Top Gun? Programming director Jason Asbell has got you covered! Click on The Pitch (June 16 - 22) for everything you need to know about the high-flying hit.

‍

‍

The biggest announcement of the week is the grand opening of the Shoebox Theatre! Starting Friday, come to 225 Hall street and watch a variety of incredible films. Passengers of the Night, Everything Everywhere All At Once and Hit the Road will be the featured films for opening week. Wanting to see your favourite movie on the new screen? The Shoebox Theatre is available for rent! Choose a movie from Reo's 18,000+ titles, kick back with some friends, and enjoy! Rates and details are located on the Private Screenings page.

‍

‍

‍