This Week in Maine Cinema: June 27 - July 3
F1 is here + Spaceballs + Tatami + more!
Y’all, I’m pretty damn excited about this weekend. Why this weekend you may ask? Well, it’s the ultimate culmination of two of my favorite pastimes: film and Formula One. That’s right, F1: The Movie is out today! If you’re reading this, you’re probably all ready to go watch the drama and emotions that Brad Pitt will bring to the screen. However, if you don’t watch the sport regularly, you might get lost by some of the terms and phrases used during the film. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here’s a brief list of terms and phrases used by drivers and teams before, during, and after races:
DRS (drag reduction system) - a little flap on the rear wing of the car that can open up and reduce the drag of the car thereby increasing its speed and helping passing. In order to prevent overuse, DRS is only available to a driver when they are within one second of the car in front of them
“Box, box” - this is what a driver’s engineer will say to the driver over the radio to tell them to come into the pits and, usually, change their tires
Halo - it’s the little ring around the top of the cockpit that protects the driver’s head if the car flips
Parc Fermé - the period of time after qualifying when the teams are not allowed to work on the car before the race unless they choose to receive a penalty
“****ing idiot” - a very common phrase said by drivers when they make a mistake near another driver, attempting to pass blame to someone else
“My tires are gone!” - another common phrase said by drivers when they are having trouble going fast, usually because they aren’t good at racing on the current track
Car - the type of vehicle used during races, typically with four wheels unless something went horribly wrong
And now you’re ready to enjoy the movie! It’s gonna be a wild ride (I’m so sorry, I know I promised no more puns a few weeks ago). There are a number of other great movies being shown this week, so let’s get to it. Welcome to The Maine Playweek!
F1
All week | Apple Cinemas IMAX, Westbrook; Black Bear Cinemas, Orono; The Gem, Bethel; and pretty much everywhere else in Maine
Dubbed “the greatest that never was,” Sonny Hayes was F1’s most promising phenom of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, he’s a nomadic racer-for-hire when he’s approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes, owner of a struggling Formula 1 team that is on the verge of collapse. Ruben convinces Sonny to come back to F1 for one last shot at saving the team and being the best in the world. He’ll drive alongside Joshua Pearce, the team's hotshot rookie intent on setting his own pace. But as the engines roar, Sonny’s past catches up with him and he finds that in F1, your teammate is your fiercest competition—and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone. - ’s Pick of the Week
Tatami
All week | Maine Film Center, Waterville
Leila, an Iranian judo athlete, is thrust into political danger when she is told by her government to fake an injury and withdraw from the World Judo Championships to avoid facing an Israeli rival in the finals in fear of angering the Israeli government. Forced to question what she is willing to give up and fighting for freedom and her dignity, Leila faces a decision that puts her life, as well as the lives of her family and her coach, in grave danger as she aspires to bring home Iran's first gold medal. - ’s Pick of the Week!
The Gullspång Miracle
Friday, June 27 at 2pm; Saturday, June 28 at noon; Wednesday, July 2 at 12:30pm and 3pm; Thursday, July 3 at 1pm | PMA Films, Portland
Two pious sisters buy an apartment after having witnessed a divine sign - only to realize that the seller of the apartment looks identical to their other sister, who committed suicide some thirty years before.
Women’s Adventure Film Tour
All week at 2pm (except Saturday) and 6pm | Magic Lantern Theater, Bridgton
The Women’s Adventure Film Tour® (WAFT) returns for its 9th year, celebrating extraordinary women and their thrilling adventures. Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled showcase of courage and triumph that will ignite your spirit. Don’t miss this unforgettable adventure! Every year, our unique films are carefully chosen to show awesome women achieving their personally adventurous goals. Being adventurous doesn’t always mean being the fastest, going the highest, or doing the most extreme things. Adventure for most of us is stepping outside our comfort zone and climbing our own Everest. The films showcase real stories about women from a variety of cultures and sports around the world.
The Passenger
Saturday, June 28 at 3pm; Sunday, June 29 at noon | PMA Films, Portland
David Locke is a world-weary American journalist who has been sent to cover a conflict in northern Africa, but he makes little progress with the story. When he discovers the body of a stranger who looks similar to him, Locke assumes the dead man's identity. However, he soon finds out that the man was an arms dealer, leading Locke into dangerous situations. Aided by a beautiful woman, Locke attempts to avoid both the police and criminals out to get him.
Scandal
Wednesday, July 2 at 7pm | Kinonik, Portland
A handsome, suave Toshiro Mifune lights up the screen as painter Ichiro, whose circumstantial meeting with a famous singer is twisted by the tabloid press into a torrid affair. Ichiro files a lawsuit against the seedy gossip magazine, but his lawyer, Hiruta, is playing both sides. A portrait of cultural moral decline, Scandal is also a compelling courtroom drama and a moving tale of human redemption.
Spaceballs
Saturday, June 28 at 7pm | Colonial Theatre, Belfast
Wednesday, July 2 at 7pm | Nickelodeon Cinemas, Portland
In a distant galaxy, planet Spaceball has depleted its air supply, leaving its citizens reliant on a product called "Perri-Air." In desperation, Spaceball's leader President Skroob orders the evil Dark Helmet to kidnap Princess Vespa of oxygen-rich Druidia and hold her hostage in exchange for air. But help arrives for the Princess in the form of renegade space pilot Lone Starr and his half-man, half-dog partner, Barf.
Drive-In Roundup
Bridgton Twin Drive-In - F1 b/w Final Destination: Bloodlines | June 27 & 28 at 8:55pm
Skylite Drive-In (Madawaska) - Karate Kid: Legends | All week at dusk - ’s Pick of the Week!
Other Things We Like That You Should See
A River Runs Through It - Friday, June 27 at 4:15pm; Sunday, June 29 at 1pm; Thursday July 3 at 4:15pm | Eveningstar Cinema, Brunswick
Pulp Fiction - Sunday, June 29 at 9:30pm | Leavitt Theatre, Ogunquit
Clueless - Sunday, June 29 at 1pm and 7pm; Monday, June 30 at 7pm | Flagship Cinemas, Falmouth - ’s Pick of the Week!
Magic Farm - Monday, June 30 at 7pm | SPACE Gallery, Portland
The Notebook - Monday, June 30 at 5:30pm and 8:30pm | Leavitt Theatre, Ogunquit
Independence Day - Thursday, July 3 at 2pm and 7pm | Lincoln Theatre, Damariscotta