Movies & Screenings
Friday Film - "The Greatest Movie Ever Sold"
Written by Barbara T. on 09/18/2011
Friday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m. -- THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD (2011) Documentary Feature from director Morgan Spurlock; Rated PG-13; 87 minutes
Morgan Spurlock brings a comedic documentary about branding, advertising, and product placement that is financed and made possible by brands, advertising, and product placement.
"Spurlock says he's not selling out, he's buying in. I'm buying into Spurlock. As ever, he makes you laugh till it hurts." -- Peter Travers - Rolling Stone
"Spurlock comes off like a new and improved Everyman, familiar but smarter and funnier than the average Joe." -- Claudia Puig, USA Today
"Even more amusing than 'Super Size Me,' the documentary that put Mr. Spurlock on the moviemaking map..." -- Stephen Holden - The New York Times
For more information, please watch the film's trailer.
For the schedule of Friday Night Films in September, please click here.
Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen’s).
Friday Film - "Meek's Cutoff"
Written by Erin S on 09/17/2011
Friday, October 7 at 7:30 p.m. -- MEEK'S CUTOFF (2010) Starring Michelle Williams, Bruce Greenwood, Will Patton, Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan; Rated PG; 104 minutes
The year is 1845, the earliest days of the Oregon Trail, and a wagon team of three families has hired the mountain man Stephen Meek to guide them over the Cascade Mountains. Claiming to know a short cut, Meek leads the group on an unmarked path across the high plain desert, only to become lost in the dry rock and sage. Over the coming days, the emigrants must face the scourges of hunger, thirst and their own lack of faith in each other's instincts for survival. When a Native American wanderer crosses their path, the emigrants are torn between their trust in a guide who has proven himself unreliable and a man who has always been seen as the natural enemy
"Visually stunning and extraordinarily textured. A real movie-movie, with star performances and literal life-or-death stakes." -- Karina Longworth, Village Voice
For more information, please watch the film's trailer.
For the schedule of Friday Night Films in October, please click here.
Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen’s).
Wednesday Matinee - "Some Like it Hot"
Written by Barbara T. on 09/16/2011
Wednesday, September 21 at 2 p.m. -- SOME LIKE IT HOT(1959) Starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon; Not rated; 129 minutes
SOME LIKE IT HOT whirls through the flamboyant settings of Chicago and Miami Beach in 1929. Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe) is a ukulele-playing vocalist in an all-girl band. Two musicians (Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon) on the run from the mob join Sugar’s traveling troupe by hilariously donning make-up and dresses to hide their identity.
"Wilder's 1959 comedy is one of the enduring treasures of the movies, a film of inspiration and meticulous craft." -- Roger Ebert, The Chicago Sun-Times
For more information, please view the film's trailer.
For the schedule of our Wednesday Matinee Films in September, please click here.
Friday Film - "The Beaver"
Written by Erin S on 09/15/2011
Friday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m. -- THE BEAVER (2011) Starring Mel Gibson and Jodi Foster; Rated PG-13; 91 minutes
This film is an emotional story about a man on a journey to re-discover his family and re-start his life. Plagued by his own demons, Walter Black was once a successful toy executive and family man who now suffers from depression. No matter what he tried, Walter can’t seem to get himself back on track … until a beaver hand puppet enters his life.
"A brilliant film. A+" -- Richard Roeper
"This heartfelt, often painfully funny movie has the power to sneak up and floor you." -- Rolling Stone
For more information, please watch the film's trailer.
For the schedule of Friday Night Films in October, please click here.
Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen’s).
Friday Film - "The Trip"
Written by Erin S on 09/10/2011
Friday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m. -- THE TRIP (2010) Starring Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon, and Claire Keelan; Not rated; 107 minutes
When Steve Coogan is asked by The Observer to tour the country's finest restaurants, he envisions it as the perfect getaway with his beautiful girlfriend. But, when she backs out on him, he has no one to accompany him but his best friend and source of eternal aggravation, Rob Brydon. As the brilliant comic duo, freestyling with flair, drive each other mad with constant competition and showdowns of competing impressions (including dueling Michael Caines, Sean Connerys and Al Pacinos), the ultimate odd couple realize in the end a rich amount about not only good food, but the nature of fame, relationships and their own lives.
For more information, please watch the film's trailer.
For the schedule of Friday Night Films in October, please click here.
Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen’s).
Friday Films in September
Written by Barbara T. on 08/31/2011
Friday, September 2 at 7:30 p.m. - WIN WIN (2011) Starring Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Jeffrey Tambor, Burt Young, and Bobby Cannavale; Rated R; 106 minutes
Dishearted attorney Mike Flaherty, who moonlights as a high school wrestling coach, stumbles across a star athlete through some questionable business dailings while trying to support his family. Just as it looks like he will get a double payday, the boy's mother shows up fresh from rehab and flat broke, threatening to derail everything.
For more information, please watch the film's trailer.
Friday, September 9 at 7:30 p.m. -- X-Men: First Class (2011) Starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, and Kevin Bacon; Rated PG-13; 131 minutes
Before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Before they were archenemies, they were closest of friends, working together, with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. In the process, a rift between them opened, which began the eternal war between Magneto's Brotherhood and Professor X's X-MEN.
For more information, please watch the film's trailer.
Friday, September 16 at 7:30 p.m. -- THE CONSPIRATOR (Shown at left) (2010) Starring James McAvoy, Robin Wright Penn, Kevin Kline, Danny Huston, and Tom Wilkinson; Rated PG-13; 122 minutes
In the wake of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, seven men and one woman are arrested and charged with conspiring to kill the President, Vice President, and Secretary of State. Against the ominous back-drop of post-Civil War Washington, newly-minted lawyer, Frederick Aiken, reluctantly agrees to defend the lone female defendant before a military tribunal. As the nation turns against her, Surratt is forced to rely on Aiken to uncover the truth and save her life.
For more information, please watch the film's trailer.
Friday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m. -- THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD (2011) Documentary Feature from director Morgan Spurlock; Rated PG-13; 87 minutes
Morgan Spurlock brings a comedic documentary about branding, advertising, and product placement that is financed and made possible by brands, advertising, and product placement.
For more information, please watch the film's trailer.
Friday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m. -- THE BEAVER (2011) Starring Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster; Rated PG-13; 91 minutes
This film is an emotional story about a man on a journey to re-discover his family and re-start his life. Plagued by his own demons, Walter Black was once a successful toy executive and family man who now suffers from depression. No matter what he tried, Walter can’t seem to get himself back on track … until a beaver hand puppet enters his life.
For more information, please watch the film's trailer.
All films are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen’s).
Wednesday Matinees in September - A Whole Lot of Something(s) Going On!
Written by Barbara T. on 08/31/2011
We're beginning the fall with a whole lot of something(s)! In September at the Library's Wednesday matinees, something's borrowed, gonna' give, and be talked about. We hope that you'll be talking about them all, including our classic for the month, "Some Like it Hot." Please join us for a month of matinees where the SOME-total equals fun!
Wednesday, September 7 at 2 p.m. -- SOMETHING BORROWED (2011) Starring Kate Hudson, John Krasinski, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Colin Egglesfield; Rated PG-13; 112 minutes
Rachel is a talented attorney at a top New York law firm, a generous and loyal friend and, unhappily, still single…as her engaged best friend Darcy is constantly reminding her. But after one drink too many at her 30th birthday party, perpetual good girl Rachel, unexpectedly ends up in bed with the guy she’s had a crush on since law school, Dex, who just happens to be Darcy’s fiancé. When Rachel and Darcy’s lifelong friendship collides with true love, it leads to unexpected complications and potentially explosive romantic revelations.
For more information, please visit the film's website.
Wednesday, September 14 at 2 p.m. -- SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE (2003) Starring Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, Amanda Peet, and Keanu Reeves; Rated PG-13; 128 minutes
New York City music executive Harry Langer is a successful older businessman who has always dated younger women. When he has a heart attack while visiting the mother of his latest trophy girlfriend he must contend not only with his surprising feelings for her but with the competing affections of the young doctor called in to take care of him.
For more information, please visit the film's website.
Wednesday, September 21 at 2 p.m. -- SOME LIKE IT HOT(1959) Starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon; Not rated; 129 minutes
SOME LIKE IT HOT whirls through the flamboyant settings of Chicago and Miami Beach in 1929. Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe) is a ukulele-playing vocalist in an all-girl band. Two musicians (Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon) on the run from the mob join Sugar’s traveling troupe by hilariously donning make-up and dresses to hide their identity.
For more information, please view the film's trailer.
Wednesday, September 28 at 2 p.m. -- SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT(1995) Starring Julia Roberts, Dennis Quaid, Robert Duvall, Gena Rowland, and Kyra Sedgwick; Rated R; 106 minutes
Southern headstrong beauty Grace’s (Julia Roberts) seemingly charming husband Eddie (Dennis Quaid) is cheating on her. So Grace leaves him and joins her cynical sister Emma Rae (Kyra Sedgwick) and parents (Gena Rowland and Dennis Quaid) back at the family ranch in this wonderful character-driven piece about Southern horse-raising women and the colorful men in their lives.
For more information, please view the film's trailer.
Please join us every Wednesday at 2 p.m. for our Wednesday Matinee Film Series.
All films are free and open to the public.
Wednesday Matinees in August
Written by Barbara T. on 07/28/2011
Wednesday, August 3 at 2 p.m. - LOVE IS NEVER SILENT (1985) Starring Mare Winningham, Cloris Leachman and Sid Caesar; Not rated; 100 minutes
A young woman struggles with her own need for independence and the obligation she feels for her deaf parents in this depression-era drama. A friend sees her turmoil and tells her she must find happiness on her own. However, the initial joy she finds in marriage starts to strain under the guilt she feels for deserting her parents and the bitterness they express towards her.
Click here for more information about the film.
Wednesday, August 10 at 2 p.m. - DEATH AT A FUNERAL (2007) Starring Matthew Macfayden, Peter Dinklage, and Ewen Bremner; Rated R; 90 minutes
A dysfunctional British family gathers for the patriarch's funeral. Chaos ensues when a man arrives saying he's the dead man's gay lover and threatens blackmail. What was supposed to be a solemn event spirals out of control.
To watch the film's trailer, please click here.
Wednesday, August 17 at 2 p.m. - THE PERFECT GAME (2008) Starring Clifton Collins, Jr., Cheech Marin, Moises Arias; Rated PG; 118 minutes
In 1957 a rag-tag group of poverty stricken kids from Monterrey, Mexico shocked the world by winning the Little League World Series in the only perfect game ever pitched in the Championship. One of the boys had discovered a member of their community who was a former major leaguer and he and their priest coached the boys to victory in this true story which captured the hearts of both nations.
Click here to watch the film's trailer.
Wednesday, August 24 at 2 p.m. - JANE EYRE (2011) Starring Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, and Jamie Bell; Rated PG-13; 121 minutes
In this romantic drama based on Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel, Jane Eyre flees Thornfield House, where she works as a governess for wealthy Edward Rochester. As she reflects upon the people and emotions that have defined her, it is clear that the isolated and imposing residence – and Mr. Rochester’s coldness – have sorely tested the young woman’s resilience, forged years earlier when she was orphaned. She must now act decisively to secure her own future and come to terms with the past that haunts her.
You can watch the film's trailer by clicking here.
Wednesday, August 31 at 2 p.m - CAPTAIN HORATIO HORNBLOWER (1951) Starring Gregory Peck, Virginia Mayo, Robert Beatty, Moultrie Kelsall, and Terence Morgan; Not rated: 117 minutes
Gregory Peck stars as Captain Hornblower of the British Navy. He is sent on a mission in 1807 to divert the Spanish allies during the Napoleanic Wars by starting a revolution in South America. The Captain is a strong, courageous leader who is plagued by self-doubt. He must hide any internal fears when some unexpected complications occur that force him to change his plans. This film features fantastic sea battles and incredible adventures.
To watch the film's trailer, click here.
Please join us every Wednesday at 2 p.m. for our Wednesday Matinee Film Series.
All films are free and open to the public.
Friday Night Films in August
Written by Barbara T. on 07/28/2011
Friday, August 5 at 7:30 p.m. - PUZZLE (2011) Not Rated. Run Time: 90 minutes. In Spanish with English subtitles.
In PUZZLE, Maria del Carmen is a forty-something housewife whose only concern over the past twenty years has been the well-being of her husband and of her now grown-up kids. But when she is offered a puzzle for her birthday, she suddenly discovers she has a very special gift: she can assemble puzzles very fast. It’s not long before she takes on a training partner, a suave millionaire who opens her eyes to her gifts. Maria’s family has no idea about her new passion since it means nothing to either her husband or her sons. But before long, her puzzle mania becomes a serious testing ground, and Maria must decide how much she can expect from her men.
(This is a Darien Library Get Puzzled! event.)
Please click here to watch the film's trailer.
Friday, August 12 at 7:30 p.m. - WHITE WEDDING (2011) Rated PG-13; 98 minutes; 2011
Set against South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, WHITE WEDDING is a high-spirited modern day road comedy about love, commitment, intimacy, friendship, and the unbelievable obstacles that can get in the way of a fairy-tale ending. Ayanda is just days away from her wedding but her husband-to-be is 1,000 miles away. The journey home proves more difficult and eye-opening than anyone could have imagined.
(This is a Darien Library Adult Summer Reading event.)
To watch the film's trailer, please click here.
Friday, August 19 at 7:30 p.m. - SOURCE CODE (2011) Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga; Rated PG-13; 93 minutes
When decorated soldier, Captain Colter Stevens, wakes up in the body of an unknown man, he discovers he’s part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. In an assignment unlike any he’s ever known, he learns he’s part of a government experiment called the Source Code, a program that enables him to cross over into another man’s identity in the last eight minutes of his life. With a second, much larger target threatening to kill millions in downtown Chicago, Colter re-lives the incident over and over again gathering clues each time, until he can solve the mystery of who is behind the bombs and prevent the next attack.
You can learn more about the film and watch the trailer by clicking here.
Friday, August 26 at 7:30 p.m. - THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED (2011) Starring Lou Taylor Pucci, J.K. Simmons, and Julia Ormond; Rated PG; 105 minutes
Based on a case study by Dr. Oliver Sacks, and featuring music from Bob Dylan, The Beatles and Grateful Dead, The Music Never Stopped chronicles the heartwarming journey of a father and son adjusting to cerebral trauma and a lifetime of missed opportunities through the music that embodied the generation gap of the 1960s.
To watch the film's trailer, click here.
All films are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen’s).
Friday Films in July
Written by Barbara T. on 06/29/2011
Friday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. - THE COMPANY MEN (2011) Starring Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper, Kevin Costner, and Tommy Lee Jones; Rated R; 109 minutes
Bobby Walker is living the American dream: great job, beautiful family, shiny Porsche in the garage. When corporate downsizing leaves him and co-workers Phil Woodward and Gene McClary jobless, the three men are forced to re-define their lives as men, husbands, and fathers. Bobby soon finds himself enduring enthusiastic life coaching, a job building houses for his brother-in-law which does not play to his executive skill set, and perhaps the realization that there is more to life than chasing the bigger, better deal.
To watch the film's trailer, please click here.
Dr. Martin Harris awakens after a car accident in Berlin to discover that his wife suddenly doesn’t recognize him and another man has assumed his identity. With the help of a young woman he sets out to prove who he is.
Friday, July 8 at 7:30 p.m. - UNKNOWN (2011) Starring Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn,and January Jones; Rated PG-13; 109 minutes
Click here to watch the trailer.
Friday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. - THE CONCERT (2009) Starring Aleksei Guskov, Melanie Laurent, and Dmitri Nazarov; Rated PG-13; 119 minutes (In French and Russian with English subtitles)
In this new comedy Andrei Filipov, a once celebrated Russian conductor of the Bolshoi, has hit rock bottom and is now working as a depressed custodian who drinks too much. But when he intercepts an invitation meant for this former orchestra to perform in Paris, Andrei masterminds a plan to pose as the leader of the group in order to make a triumphant return to the music scene. Andrei sets off for Paris to fulfill his destiny and return to his glory as a great conductor. Along the way, he will reunite with a young, beautiful violin virtuoso who holds the key to his past and to his future.
You can watch the film's trailer by clicking here.
This film screening is part of You're Connected!, our 2011 Adult Summer Reading program.
Friday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m. - THE LINCOLN LAWYER (2011) Starring Matthew McConaughey, John Leguizamo, and Marisa Tomei; Rated R; 119 minutes
In this gripping thriller a slick, charismatic Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Michael “Mick” Haller operates out of the back of his Lincoln Continental sedan. Having spent most of his career defending petty, garden-variety criminals, Mick unexpectedly lands the case of a lifetime; defending a rich Beverly Hills playboy, who is accused of attempted murder. However, what initially appears to be a straightforward case with a big money pay-off swiftly develops into a deadly match between two masters of manipulation and a crisis of conscience for Haller.
Click here to watch the film's trailer.
Friday July 29 at 7:30 p.m. - MY DOG TULIP (2011) An animated feature, starring the voices of Christopher Plummer, Lynn Redgrave, and Isabella Rossellini; Not rated; 82 minutes
The distinguished British man of letters, Ackerley hardly thought of himself as a dog lover when, well into middle age, he came to adopt Tulip, a beautiful yet intolerable 18-month-old German shepherd. To his surprise, she turned out to be the love of his life, the 'ideal friend' he had been searching for in vain for so many years. In vivid and sometimes startling detail, the film reveals Tulip's sassy, often erratic behavior.
To watch the film's trailer, please click here.
This film screening is part of You're Connected!, our 2011 Adult Summer Reading program.
All films are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen’s).
Darien Library, 1441 Post Road, Darien, Connecticut, 06820-5419 · 203-655-1234Directions and Contact Information. Twitter: darienlibrary. AIM & Y!M: deweydarien.