The Weekend In Movies

By Scott Smith in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 18, 2005 4:09PM

As we quietly nurse away the after-effects of last night’s Happy Hour, it seems appropriate that we discuss a film about the dangers of alcoholism.

Duane Hopwoood stars Northwestern grad and Lookingglass Theatre gadfly David Schwimmer as a man who fights to keep his life and family together as he struggles with his addiction to booze. The Trib’s Michael Wilmington draws the inevitable comparison to The Weather Man in a 2 ½ star review while Ebert raves about all the little details the film gets exactly right. The film was directed by Matt Mulhern, who might be familiar to you as Swykowski from the movie Biloxi Blues. It’s playing at Piper’s Alley this weekend.

Also this weekend is a free screening of Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price. Ever since we read Nickel and Dimed in grad school, we’ve been suspicious of most big box retailers and there’s debate on both sides as to whether Wal-Mart helps or hurts smaller communities. Wal-Mart has offered some counterarguments to the film’s charges but both the film and Wal-Mart seem to be massaging the facts to support their own views. Michael Moore would be proud. The screening takes place at Polvo (1458 W. 18th St.) tonight at 7 PM.

Finally, two of the most anticipated studio films of the year hit theaters this weekend: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Walk The Line. We know that’s a tired-ass cliché but we’re still a bit sauced so cut us some slack. Besides, it’s true! Who hasn’t been eagerly awaiting the chance to see Johnny Cash compete in the Triwizard Tournament or watch Harry Potter struggle with the demons of drug and drink as he finds fame in the world of country music?

Er…God, we need coffee.