Welcome to "On the Big, Big Screen," where film columnist Benjamin McElroy recommends five screenings happening this month at Iowa's independent movie theaters. Also included is a round-up of special screenings, events and movies of note, many of which are unique to our local cinemas.
Wednesday, Mar 5, 10 p.m., Late Shift at the Grindhouse: Pulp Fiction, FilmScene
The movie that put Tarantino on the map. Show up early to try the Pulp Fiction pinball machine before a SpareMe pinball tournament at 6 p.m.
Friday, Mar 7, 10 p.m., Late Shift at the Grindhouse: The Forest Through the Trees, FilmScene
Writer/Director and inaugural Refocus Film Festival guest, Jason Pitts (Voorhees: Night of the Beast) presents his new tale of horror and survival.
Mar 15-20, Babe: Pig in the City, FilmScene
"That'll do Pig. That'll do." And cue the tears. Part of FilmScene's "The Picture Show" series, free for kids.
Friday, Mar 21, Late Shift at the Grindhouse: THRUST! The Punk Cut, FilmScene
Writer/Director Victor Bonacore and producer Bork Torkleson join FilmScene to present the VHS "Punk Cut" of this post-apocalyptic exploitation film where girl gangs rule.
Wednesday, Mar 5, 7 p.m., Domita's Renaissance - A Film by Domita Sanchez, Fleur Cinema
A special screening of Des Moines drag queen Domita Sanchez's Pride productions from 2022 and 2024, complete with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.
Sunday, Mar 9, 1 p.m., National Theatre Live: Vanya, Varsity Cinema
Andrew Scott brings multiple characters to life in Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, filmed live in West End, London.
Mar 13-16, Metro9, Fleur Cinema
Metro9 is a unique restoration and retelling of the seminal 1927 sci-film, Metropolis.
Tuesday, Mar 25, Ex Machina - A Science on Screen Presentation, Varsity Cinema
A screening of the 2015 sci-fi film with pre-show talk by Martin Roth, Professor of Philosophy at Drake University, discussing artificial intelligence.
Wednesday, Mar 26, Reel Rock 19, Fleur Cinema
Reel Rock 19 showcases three world-premiere climbing films spanning disciplines, characters and continents.
Friday, Mar 28, Films That Inspire Me - Legends of the Fall, Fleur Cinema
Fleur's "Films That Inspire Me" series welcomes Iowa filmmaker and production sound mixer Chase Stine, who will also be debuting his short film, The Valley of the Devil.
Mar 7-13, The Host, The Last Picture House
Bong Joon-Ho's creature-feature by way of family drama.
Mar 8-12, Rear Window, The Last Picture House
The classic Hitchcock thriller about a wheelchair bound photographer who believes he has witnessed a murder.