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Ryan Eashoo
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State Supporters,
Tomorrow, on Christmas Day, we are proud to present the northern Michigan premiere of what may be the Best Picture of 2008, "Slumdog Millionaire." This is perhaps the most uplifting movie I have seen in a long time, and God knows we could all use a good uplift right now. Many people I know in Hollywood are convinced "Slumdog Millionaire" is the movie that will win this year's top Oscar.
And I can see why. "Slumdog" is that rare movie that reaches deep into your heart and soul, a movie that will not leave your mind for days (or weeks), a film that has you exiting the theater with a burst of joy, a joy that reaffirms why we so love going to the movies.
Here's what film critic Lou Lumenick of the New York Post had to say about "Slumdog Millionaire:"
"Four stars simply aren't enough for what just may be the most entertaining movie I've ever labeled a masterpiece in these pages. Great movies transport the audience, and this one left me floating on air after two viewings. It's actually one of those movies that are best approached with as little advance knowledge as possible, [but] it's a soaringly romantic, uproarious comedy-drama with Dickensian overtones: Jamal is a highly successful contestant on the Indian version of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.' He has qualified to answer a question that could bring him 20 million rupees, but the show's unctuous host is jealous of his popularity and deeply skeptical of Jamal's knowledge. How can Jamal, an orphan from Mumbai's slums who works as a tea server at the phone company, possibly know the answers to questions that stump learned professionals? So he turns Jamal over to the cops, and they begin torturing our hero to confess that he's somehow cheating. This summons forth a remarkable series of memories from Jamal, each story illustrating how Jamal is able to answer the questions."
Last year at Christmas we brought you the sleeper hit of the year, "Juno." The State was packed with incredible energy, day after day, night after night. This year, on Christmas Day, we do it again with what I assure you will be the most-talked-about movie come Oscar time. And instead of having to wait weeks or months to see it in Market #586 (aka, Traverse City, Michigan), we now get to see it and other movies at the State when everyone else in America does, thanks to all of you who have backed and supported this wonderful movie palace. Come see "Slumdog Millionaire" -- you won't be disappointed!
(BTW, "Slumdog" is rated "R" because of the police interrogation and a couple of scenes that show the harsh life for kids in Mumbai. We believe teens -- and some pre-teens -- should see this movie. The final decision is up to you parents, but we don't believe this film should be R-rated.)
Of course, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" has now transformed to "Who Wants to Keep Their Job?" or "Who Hopes Their Pension Will Still Be There?" Who wants to a billionaire? Just look at the line of bankers and investment schemers snaking out the door of the Capitol Building. The partying is coming to an end, and the guests at the party are quickly hiding the silverware in their pockets on the way out the door.
Which brings me to the character who has been gracing our screen at the State this week, Mr. George Bailey of "It's a Wonderful Life." George was an honest guy who ran the local bank. He was there to help everyone in town. He was decent and compassionate. The rich man down the street with the bigger bank liked to foreclose on people. George was willing to take a loss if it meant helping his neighbor.
We haven't seen many George Baileys of late. What we do see is more and more of our neighbors in serious need of a break. I have, sadly, watched and chronicled this for far too long. Twenty years ago today, on Christmas Eve, 1988, I shot the final scene of my first film, "Roger & Me." We went with Deputy Fred as he evicted a family for being $150 behind in their rent. The parents, their small children, the Christmas tree and presents were all put out on the curb in the freezing cold, and the house was padlocked.
My crew and I couldn't stand by and witness this cruelty, no matter how powerful a scene it might be in our movie. We pooled together $150 and told the deputy to stop the eviction and take our money for their rent. He warned us that offering money to a deputy sheriff constituted a crime, and told us to put it away. The moment was so heartbreaking we were simply reduced to tears. We sat in our van, unable to shoot any more.
To try and cheer everyone up I said, "Hey, why don't we drive down to Detroit and see what Roger Smith is doing for Christmas!" We headed down I-75, and when we got to GM's world headquarters, much to our surprise, Chairman Smith was holding a Christmas party in the building's lobby! We snuck in and I asked Smith if he would come to Flint and see the human cost of his layoff decisions. He refused, and we were escorted out.
That's where the movie ends, but that's not where the day ended for us. We drove back to Flint and saw a bunch of cop cars and ambulances racing down Fenton Road. We followed them to a restaurant where Buick was holding their Christmas party. A Buick vice president had walked into the party, pulled out a gun, and killed his girlfriend. He then ran out in the parking lot, put the gun in his mouth, and did the same to himself. A loudspeaker outside the restaurant was playing a Muzak version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" when we arrived.
This would be the last day I would film for "Roger & Me." The layoffs, the foreclosures, and the bankruptcies were destroying my hometown, and I was trying to figure out how to make a movie. I had this crazy belief that a movie (a movie!) could warn people about an out-of-control auto industry that didn't have a clue, and an economic system that was unfair, unjust, and undemocratic. I believed it would lead to change. Twenty years went by with GM continuing its death march while I got to make more movies. I'm still hoping that the movies will inspire, enlighten, infuriate. And we're still watching our neighbors being thrown out of work, and some being thrown out to the curb.
No room at the billionaire's inn, slumdogs can sleep in the barn.
Where have you gone George Bailey, a nation turns its lonely eyes to you...
Merry Christmas, everyone. A better day is ahead. See you at the State.
Yours,
Michael Moore
P.S. Our two holiday classics, "White Christmas" and "It's a Wonderful Life," unspool for their final times today (Wednesday).
P.P.S. On the Saturday after Christmas, we're bringing what may be the greatest family film of all time, "The Wizard of Oz," back to the big screen at the State Theatre, and it's just 25 cents! Then on New Year's Eve day, we're showing the screwball classic "Some Like It Hot" with Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon for 25 cents at 11 am. And in the evening, on New Year's Eve, join us for our annual New Year's movie and party. This year we're showing the thoroughly enjoyable, sing-along edition of "Mamma Mia!" (rated PG-13) at 10 pm. Here's your chance to ring in the new year singing Abba songs with Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, and your neighbors. Immediately afterwards, we'll switch over to coverage of the ball dropping. We'll have party hats and favors and lots of good cheer and high hopes for 2009.
P.P.P.S. If you need an inexpensive and easy last-minute gift today, stop by the State for gift certificates and memberships.
CHRISTMAS WEEK STATE THEATRE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, December 24
Holiday Inn (Not Rated) 11:00 am
It's a Wonderful Life (Not Rated) 1:00 pm
White Christmas (Not Rated) 3:30 pm
Thursday, December 25
PREMIERE! Slumdog Millionaire (Rated R) 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:30 pm
Friday, December 26
Slumdog Millionaire 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:30 pm
Saturday, December 27
The Wizard of Oz (Not Rated) 10:30 am
Slumdog Millionaire 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:30 pm
Sunday, December 28
Slumdog Millionaire 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:30 pm
Monday, December 29
Slumdog Millionaire 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:30 pm
Tuesday, December 30
Slumdog Millionaire 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:30 pm
Wednesday, December 31
Some Like It Hot (Not Rated) 11:00 am
Slumdog Millionaire 2:00, 5:00, 7:30 pm
New Year’s Eve Party* 10:00 pm
*Mamma Mia! Sing Along (Rated PG-13) followed by the Ball Drop
Thursday, January 1
Slumdog Millionaire 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:30 pm
View "Slumdog Millionaire" Trailer
http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight/slumdogmillionaire/
Buy State Theatre Tickets
http://www.statetheatretc.org/?page=buytickets
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Flint Michigan Resident, Tax Payer, Flint Nutt - Local REALTOR - Activist. www.FlintTown.com |
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Wed Dec 24, 2008 2:22 am |
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Ryan Eashoo
F L I N T O I D
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Look at what Michael Moore & Friends are doing where people love and appreciate him!
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Flint Michigan Resident, Tax Payer, Flint Nutt - Local REALTOR - Activist. www.FlintTown.com |
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Wed Dec 24, 2008 2:24 am |
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