Friday Night at the Movies becomes Sunday Matinees

Friday, May 15
7:30 p.m.
Safford Home Theatre

We conclude our 2014-2015 series, The Pastor Picks, with a gem of a film. The Rev. Peg Schultz will present The Apostle, a 1997 drama written and directed by Robert Duvall, who also stars in the title role. Roger Ebert could not say enough positive things about this movie, giving it his top four-star rating. Duvall, who was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actor, plays Sonny Dewey, a charismatic Southern Pentecostal preacher, based in Texas. But Sonny is also a man, a deeply flawed one at that. When a series of events cause his life to be turned upside down, he flees to Louisiana, where he changes his identity and becomes The Apostle E.F.  Also starring Farah Fawcett, Billy Bob Thornton and June Carter Cash, this is a film that, in the words of Ebert, “deals honestly with a subject both spiritual and complex.”  We’re sure to have an excellent post-film discussion.

To sign-up now stop by the church office or call 630.968.7120.  A $2 donation is suggested; snacks, soft drinks, and dessert will be served

January 16
7:30 p.m.
Safford Home Theatre

Greta McDonald will kick off the new year with The Way Way Back, a 2013 dramedy that made its debut that year at the Sundance Film Festival. It’s a coming of age story about Duncan, a 14-year-old introvert who must accompany his mother, her overbearing boyfriend and the boyfriend’s obnoxious daughter on a summer vacaion at the beach. Feeling that he does not fit in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend who helps him find his place in the world. The film stars Toni Collette, Steve Corell, and Allison Janney, plus other well-known actors you will recognize and enjoy.

Call or drop in at the church office to sign-up. A $2 donation is suggested, and refreshments will be served.

November 21
7:30 p.m.
Safford Home Theatre

Continuing The Pastor Picks series, John Smoke will present Her, a 2013 film billed as “a science fiction, fiction, romantic comedy-drama.”  Wow, something for everyone! Spike Jonze wrote and directed this highly acclaimed movie, which stars Joaquin Phoenix as Theodore Twombly, a lonely writer nursing a broken heart after the break-up of his marriage. But then Theodore falls in love with “her.” It’s romance 2025-style, and a little different than what we’re used to, but heartwarming nonetheless. Her garnered many awards, including five Academy Award nominations and an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. 

Soft drinks, popcorn, dessert and coffee will be served; a $2 donation is suggested. Sign-up now in the church office, 630.968.7120; attendance is limited to 20 people. See you on the 21!

Friday, October 17
7:30 p.m.
Safford Home Theatre

The Pastor Picks theme continues with a dramedy offering by Jim McDonald. Don Jon, a 2012 release written and directed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, stars Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Tony Danza, and Gordon-Levitt himself in the title role. You have probably seen Gordon-Levitt before in such diverse roles as Robert Todd Lincoln in the film Lincoln and Tommy Solomon in TV's Third Rock from the Sun among many others. In his writing and directorial debut, Gordon-Levitt explores such themes as family and romantic relationships, fantasy versus reality and sexual addiction.

We had a full house and a waiting list in September, so sign-up as soon as possible in the church office, as space is limited to 20 people. Popcorn, soft drinks, coffee and dessert will be on hand as usual; a $2 donation is suggested.