What’s showing this week at the Oriental Theatre, Downer Theatre, Marcus Theatres, AMC Mayfair Mall, Avalon Theater, Rosebud Cinema, Times Cinema and more
Will your year be fun or tragic? TikTok trend predicts your future.
Can a new TikTok trend predict your 2025? All you have to do is find out which movie topped the box office on your 10th birthday.
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What do this week’s new movies have in common? Heroes with a particular set of skills — or in the case of Porky Pig and Daffy Duck, lack of skills.
Here’s what’s new in Milwaukee-area theaters starting Friday, as well as some of the new movies available on streaming and on demand this week.
‘Black Bag’
Short version: Married spies Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett face the ultimate relationship test when he is tasked with finding out who stole some secrets and she’s on the list. Steven Soderbergh (“Ocean’s Eleven”) directed and Pewaukee native David Koepp (“Jurassic Park,” “Panic Room”) wrote this stylish thriller, with a cast including Pierce Brosnan, Regé-Jean Page and Naomie Harris.
Where you can see it: AMC Mayfair Mall; Marcus Theatres’ Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas; Oriental Theatre; Silverspot Cinema.
‘Novocaine’
Short version: When his dream girl is kidnapped, a guy incapable of feeling pain (Jack Quaid) will go through anything to get her back in this dark and violent action comedy.
Where you can see it: ACX Cinema/Bayshore; AMC Mayfair Mall; Avalon Theater; Marcus Theatres’ Bistroplex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas; Silverspot Cinema.
‘Opus’
Short version: A young writer (Ayo Edebiri) gets a chance to go to the isolated compound of a pop superstar (John Malkovich) who, 30 years after dropping out of sight, has resurfaced, surrounded by sycophants and journalists eager for his story — if that’s what he’s going to give them. Tony Hale and Juliette Lewis co-star in this twisty drama.
Where you can see it: ACX Cinema/Bayshore; AMC Mayfair Mall; Downer Theatre; Marcus Theatres’ Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Ridge, South Shore cinemas; Silverspot Cinema.
‘The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie’
Short version: With Earth facing a deadly alien invasion, the planet’s best hope is … Daffy Duck and Porky Pig, in the first Looney Tunes feature-length movie since 2021’s “Space Jam: A New Legacy.”
Where you can see it: ACX Cinema/Bayshore; AMC Mayfair Mall; Marcus Theatres’ Bistroplex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas; Silverspot Cinema.
‘Eephus’
Short version: In a New England town in the 1990s, two recreational baseball teams play one last game at their beloved stadium before it’s torn down, in a seemingly never-ending contest with more meaning than any of the players expected. Among the players in this indie dramedy is former big leaguer and baseball savant Bill “Spaceman” Lee.
Where you can see it: Oriental Theatre.
‘October 8’
Short version: This documentary explores the rise of anti-Semitism in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza.
Where you can see it: AMC Mayfair Mall; Marcus Theatres’ North Shore Cinema.
‘The Last Supper’
Short version: The events leading up to and including the meal that Jesus has with his apostles before his arrest and crucifixion are related in this new faith-fueled drama from the production company behind the “God’s Not Dead” movies. (This movie is not to be confused with Season 5 of “The Chosen”; the latest episodes in the popular series on the life of Jesus, subtitled “Last Supper,” start running in movie theaters March 28.)
Where you can see it: Marcus Theatres’ Hillside, Majestic, Ridge, South Shore cinemas; Silverspot Cinema.
Local H movie ‘Lifers’ with Q&A with singer-director Scott Lucas
Scott Lucas, singer-guitarist with Chicago-area rock stalwarts Local H, wrote and directed “Lifers,” which captures in not-quite-documentary fashion a night at a Local H concert shot in real time. Lucas will be on hand for a Q&A about the movie as it makes its local premiere at 7 p.m. March 19 (rescheduled from Feb. 12). Tickets are $13. Info: mkefilm.org/oriental-theatre.
‘Bridesmaids’ at Times Cinema
Yes, part of it is set in Milwaukee (don’t blink, you’ll miss it), but there’s more than hometown pride to look for in “Bridesmaids,” one of the most influential (and fan-beloved) comedies of the past 15 years. It’s back on the big screen at 6:30 p.m. March 15-16 at the Times Cinema. Tickets are $10. Info: ntg-wi.com.
Marcus Theatres’ ‘Fan Faves’
For the windup to the summer movie season, Marcus Theatres is bringing back 10 popular classics on Sundays and Mondays through May 19. Tickets for the “Fan Faves” movies are $6, with a passport good for four movies in the series going for $18. This week’s pick: the original “Top Gun,” showing at Marcus’ Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Ridge and South Shore cinemas at varying showtimes March 16-17. Info: marcustheatres.com.
‘Tremors’ at Avalon Theater
Monster-size worms turn a small Nevada town upside down in “Tremors,” the 1990 horror/monster comedy that’s become a cult favorite, spawning five sequels and a short-lived TV series. Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross and Reba McEntire star. It gets a rare big-screen showing at 7 p.m. March 19 at the Avalon Theater. Tickets are $11. Info: ntg-wi.com.
Milwaukee Film celebrates editor Thelma Schoonmaker
Thelma Schoonmaker ranks among Hollywood’s best film editors; if you’ve ever seen a Martin Scorsese movie, you’ve seen her mastery at work. Milwaukee Film is celebrating her career in March at the Oriental Theatre with some of her (and Scorsese’s) best. Showing this week: “Casino,” at 6 p.m. March 18. Tickets are $13. Info: mkefilm.org/oriental-theatre.
Pam Grier tribute at Oriental Theatre
Actor Pam Grier, a defining movie star of the 1970s, gets her due in March at the Oriental Theatre with a three-movie tribute to “The Iconic Pam Grier.” Showing this week: “Jawbreaker,” the 1999 dark teen comedy with Grier as a cop on the case, 9 p.m. March 14-15; and the blaxploitation classic “Coffy,” 9 p.m. March 20. Tickets are $13. Info: mkefilm.org/oriental-theatre.
Milwaukee Film’s Let’s Dig In series
Let’s Dig In, a six-month-long series of movies on environmental issues, continues with “The Grab,” a documentary exploring who and what really controls food and water resources around the globe, at noon March 15. Screenings in the series include post-movie discussions and even a farmers market in the lobby of the Oriental Theatre, where it’s taking place. Tickets are $13. Info: mkefilm.org.
What’s showing at UWM Union Cinema
Highlights this week at the UWM Union Cinema, inside the student union at 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd., include: two movies from indie filmmaker Gregg Araki’s 1990s “Teenage Apocalypse” trilogy,” “The Doom Generation” at 8 p.m. March 14 and 5 p.m. March 15, and “Nobody,” 6 p.m. March 14 and 7 p.m. March 15. Admission is free. Info: uwm.edu/union/cinema.
New movies on demand
“Endless Calls for Fame”: This documentary tells the story of the New Rising Sons, a band at the heart of New York City’s 1990s indie music scene. Available March 14.
“Borderline”: A stalker breaks into the home of a ‘90s pop star intent on marrying her, but not if she and her bodyguard can help it. Ray Nicholson and Samara Weaving star in this thriller that’s the directorial debut of “Cocaine Bear” writer Jimmy Warden. Available March 14.
“High Ground”: A border-town sheriff faces an onslaught from a cartel after a mysterious prisoner winds up in his jail. Charlie Weber, Katherine McNamara and Jon Voight star in this thriller. Available March 18.
“I Did It My Way”: In this Hong Kong action movie, an undercover cop (Gordon Lam) takes on a mysterious drug lord, who turns out to be his old friend (the legendary Andy Lau). Available March 18.
New movies on streaming services
“The Electric State”: In an alternative-history 1990s world where technology has laid waste to the land, an orphaned teenager (Millie Bobby Brown) and her robot set out to find her long-lost brother with help from an unlikely smuggler (Chris Pratt). “Avengers: Endgame” directors Joe and Anthony Russo directed this action adventure, with a voice cast including Woody Harrelson, Ke Huy Quan and Alan Tudyk. On Netflix March 14.
“The Twister: Caught in the Storm”: This documentary looks back at the monster tornado that ripped apart Joplin, Missouri, in 2011, from the perspective of a group of teenagers who were celebrating their graduation the night the storm hit. On Netflix March 19.
“O’Dessa”: In this rock musical set in a post-apocalyptic future, a farm girl sets out to retrieve an heirloom and rescue her true love. Sadie Sink, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Murray Bartlett and Regina Hall star. On Hulu March 20.
Recent releases newly available on streaming services: “Anora,” Hulu March 17; “Exhibiting Forgiveness,” Hulu March 18; “The Outrun,” Netflix March 18; “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera,” Netflix March 20.
