3 new movies in the Weston Theater

Looking to shake off the winter blahs? How about taking in some great movies at the Lane Library? Due to a generous gift from the estate of Dick Weston, we now offer movies free of charge as they were meant to be seen, in widescreen and with great sound.

First up in the new downstairs Weston Theater is the sci-fi hit District 9, showing on Saturday January 16th at 2:30 PM, and Thursday, January 21st at 6:30 PM. A surprisingly thoughtful take on the "aliens invade the Earth" theme, director Neill Blomkamp weaves his South African background into an action-packed tale of extraterrestrial refugees, apartheid, and corporate greed. (Reviews). Parents should note that the film has been rated 'R' for violence and language, and that viewer discretion is advised.

Next up is the family movie Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs on Monday, January 18th at 10:30 AM. Inspired by the beloved children's book of the same name, this movie follows the adventures of inventor Flint Lockwood and brainy weathergirl Sam Sparks as they try and figure out why the rain in their little town has stopped and food is falling in its place. Featuring the voices of Bruce Campbell and James Caan, the film's "quirky humor, plucky characters, and solid slapstick make this family comedy a frenetically tasty time at the movies." (Reviews) We request that parents who bring small children (3rd grade and under) remain with their child for the duration of the movie.

Finally comes the enchanting and emotional Japanese film Departures, winner of the Best Foreign Language Film award at the 2009 Oscars. Showing on Thursday, January 28th at 6:30 PM, and Saturday, January 30th at 2:30 PM, Departures is "the gentlest, sweetest movie about death that you will ever see" (Amazon.com). Daigo Kobayashi is a young married cellist who has just lost his job and moved back to his mother's home in the country. He answers a classified ad entitled Departures thinking it is an advertisement for a travel agency only to discover that the job is actually for a "Nokanshi" or "encoffineer," a funeral professional who prepares deceased bodies for burial and entry into the next life. Sometimes comical but always deeply moving, the film follows Daigo as he grows into his new profession as gatekeeper between the living and the dead. Highly recommended! (Reviews).