Plimoth Cinema returns from its holiday break Jan. 15, opening its third year of bringing independent film to Plymouth.
Let’s look back at some of the films screened in Plymouth last year.
The five top grossing movies were Rachel Getting Married, Food, Inc., Doubt, Happy Go Lucky and The Class. Two of these films, Rachel Getting Married and Doubt, were shoe-ins featuring famous actors. Food Inc. did well when partnered with a food exposition at the Plantation. People turned put for the over-the-top joy of Happy Go Lucky. And Cannes and Cesar awards assured good attention for The Class.
Several films were underappreciated.
I confess I had little interest in seeing an Ivy League football documentary called Harvard Beats Yale, 29-29, but was pleasantly surprised and found the 91 percent national critics rating right on the mark. Critical opinion and attendance were down for Boy in the Striped Pajamas, but it really was a most compelling movie. Beaches of Agnes, in spite of a 97 percent rating, drew few patrons – perhaps as a filmmaker’s film it was a bit abstruse. Surprisingly, Departures, which won the Academy Award for best foreign film placed only ninth among Plimoth’s offerings. The Class, winner of the Cannes Palm d’Or, placed fifth.
There were three films on fashion – September Issue on Anna Wintour, Valentino and Coco Before Chanel – and they all did well.
Though the Cinema’s films come from all over the world, in 2009, there were an unusual number from France (nine). There was also an unusual number of strong documentaries, eight of which enjoyed national critics ratings over 90 percent. Most of the year’s documentaries came from the U.S., and the subjects ranged from social justice (American Violet), to fashion, music, dance and art (Fados, Every Little Step and Herb and Dorothy).
Plymouth had hopes of being on the other end of the camera this year and went down to the wire as a location for Adam Sandler’s new film Grown Ups, featuring Sandler, Chris Rock, David Spade and Kevin James. Plimoth Cinema toured Columbia location scouts through a dozen potential pond-front locations but, disappointingly, Essex narrowly edged out Plymouth.
The new season opens with An Education, running Jan. 15-28.
Special note: The Plymouth Local Foods Winter Market will be held in the Visitor’s Center at Plimoth Plantation on the third Thursday of the month through May. The next market is scheduled for 2:30-6:30 p.m., Jan. 21. Occasionally, there will be a special film offered at the Cinema on market day.
Regular Plimoth Cinema screenings are offered Friday and Saturday at 4:30 and 7 p.m., and Sunday through Thursday at 4:30 only. Check film times by calling 508-746-1622, ext. 8877, or check Plimoth Cinema’s film listings and sign up for e-mail notices of upcoming films at www.plimoth.org.
All films are screened in the Linn Theater in Plimoth Plantation’s Visitor Center. Food, beer and wine are offered each Saturday. General admission is $9.50, $7.50 for Plantation members and seniors. Plimoth Cinema Club Cards, valid for the 2010 season, cost $10 and entitle one person to $1.50 off admission to any film shown at the Cinema.
