Marketplace Cinema kicks off the fall Critic’s Choice Series today with an invitation-only reception at 4 p.m. and the premiere of the first of the 12 weekly films at 5.
Theater owner-operator Nancy Jo Smith picked the first four films in the series, which focuses on independent and art-house films that usually wouldn’t make it to the big screen in a city as small as Henderson. Series patrons will vote to select the final eight films.
“This is truly a series directed by its patrons!” Smith wrote in an e-mail message.
Each weekly selection will be shown at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday.
The first four films happen to be documentaries, but they address widely different subjects. Smith provided the following descriptions:
* “Mad Hot Ballroom” (PG), today through Saturday, is about inner-city 11-year-old learning ballroom dancing — reluctantly at first, then with passion as they enter a citywide competition.
* “March of the Penguins” (G) provides a real-life look at emperor penguins. It is said to be absolutely stunning. It will run as a regular feature at Marketplace starting Friday; Critic’s Choice Series tickets will be honored during the usual times for the series Sept. 5 to 10.
* “Murderball” (R) is about the sport of quadriplegic rugby. It tells the story of men who, from a variety of causes, have limited use of their extremities but engage in a dangerous and demanding sport.
* “Rize” (PG13) delves into the world of “krumping,” a dance style from inner-city Los Angeles that offers an alternative outlet for frustration, anger and desperation. The dancing is so fast that it warrants a disclaimer at the beginning of the film stating it has not been sped up.
You may purchase a regular matinee ticket for any of Critic’s Choice series film for $5, or you can buy a season ticket for $36. Season ticket holders not only get one admission per week for the 12 weeks, but also a $2 discount off any concession order over $5 during Critic’s Choice Series showtimes.
Tickets are on sale at the Marketplace Cinema box office. For more information, visit www.marketplacecinemas.com.
“Who says Henderson doesn’t have cultural activities?” Smith wrote. “Join us for a series of independent, thought-provoking, controversial and/or just plain entertaining films.”