MICHIGAN THEATER SCREENING FREE HOLIDAY MOVIES IN DECEMBER!

Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor is screening (FREE) every Sunday this December a holiday classic.

Their annual tradition of showing your all-time holiday classics returns to the Michigan Theater.

The Holiday Classics series offers a unique opportunity to see these movies the way they were intended, in a movie theater with hundreds of other people who can quote just about every line (no shame).

Remember, the community is an essential part of the holiday season, so let's celebrate that by gathering together once a week to laugh, sing, and cry (we're looking at you It's a Wonderful Life) along with our favorite holiday movies.

Holiday Classics Film Series is FREE general admission. Seats are first-come, first-served. All movies will be in the main auditorium (1600 seats), except A Christmas Story on 12/8 will be in the screening room (200 seats).

If you're really feeling festive, get your tickets for the White Christmas Sing-Along happening on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 5:00 PM.

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas 
Sunday, Dec. 1 at 1:30 PM

In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children's tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen).

A Christmas Story
Sunday, Dec. 8 at 1:30 PM

Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who spends most of his time dodging a bully (Zack Ward) and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a "Red Ryder air rifle." Frequently at odds with his cranky dad (Darren McGavin) but comforted by his doting mother (Melinda Dillon), Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact.

Elf
Sunday, Dec. 15 at 1:30 PM

Don't be a cotton-headed ninny-muggin and miss out on this screening.' Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. Sadly, you can't purchase spaghetti and syrup at concessions (we do have pop).

MICHIGAN THEATER HONORS THE MILITARY: FREE ADMISSION JULY 4 WEEKEND!

Ann Arbor, Mich. – The Michigan Theater is pleased to recognize the contributions to our country by members of the U.S. military. From Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, military veterans and active personnel will be admitted FREE to all regular film screenings at the Michigan Theater and State Theatre, thanks to a generous grant from the Merton & Regina Allen Memorial Fund. In addition, veterans are eligible for a discount price of $8.00 per ticket all year round at both venues.

The veterans’ free admission program is made possible by a generous grant from the Merton & Regina Allen Memorial Fund. The primary purpose of the fund, established through the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, is “to support programming, events and special initiatives for United States Armed Forces veterans, with preference to disabled veterans and those who served in action, at the Michigan Theater (a Code Section 501©(3) organization).”

Films playing on 7/3-7/5 include:

MICHIGAN THEATER:

THE GREAT ESCAPE at 1:30 on Saturday, July 4. Originally released on the 4th of July in 1963, This movie is based on a true story of Allied prisoners of war who managed to escape from an allegedly impenetrable Nazi prison camp during World War II.

The prisoners, led by Richard Attenborough as the British soldier who masterminds the plan, develop a scheme to will leave the camp by building three separate escape tunnels. Attenborough’s motley squad features Charles Bronson, James Garner, Donald Pleasence, and Steve McQueen. 1963. 172 minutes. Part of the Kerrytown Market and Shops Summer Classic Film Series.

I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS: In this heartfelt film, a widow and former songstress discovers that life can begin anew at any age. With the support of three loyal girlfriends, Carol (Blythe Danner) decides to embrace the world, embarking on an unlikely friendship with her pool maintenance man, pursuing a new love interest (Sam Elliott), and reconnecting with her daughter. Also stars Rhea Perlman, Jane Squibb, Malin Akerman and more. Comedy/Drama, 92 minutes, Rated PG-13.

A LITTLE CHAOS: A romantic drama following Sabine, a talented landscape designer, who is building a garden at Versailles for King Louis XIV. Sabine struggles with class barriers as she becomes romantically entangled with the court’s renowned landscape artist. Directed by Alan Rickman and starring Kate Winslet. World Drama/Romance. 117 minutes. Rated R.

THE OVERNIGHT: In an attempt to acclimate to Los Angeles, a young couple spends an increasingly bizarre evening with the parents of their son’s new friend. With Adam Scott, Taylor Schilling and Jason Schwartzman. Comedy. 79 minutes. Rated R.

STATE THEATRE:

ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL: Winner of both the Grand Jury and the Audience Award at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, this film is a poignant coming-of-age tale peppered with hilarious graphics and enchanting performances from its mostly young cast. Greg Gaines is an awkward, self-deprecating high school student determined to coast through his senior year as anonymously as possible.

Avoiding social interactions like the plague, Greg spends most of his time remaking wacky versions of classic movies with his only friend, Earl. Greg’s well-meaning mother intervenes, forcing him to befriend Rachel, a classmate who’s been diagnosed with leukemia. Comedy/Drama. 105 minutes. Rated PG-13.

DOPE: A critical hit and audience favorite out of the Sundance Film Festival, this film tells the story of Malcolm, who is carefully surviving life in a tough neighborhood in Los Angeles while juggling college applications, academic interviews, and the SAT. A chance invitation to an underground party leads him into an adventure that could allow him to go from being a geek, to being dope, to ultimately being himself. Comedy/Drama. 103 minutes. Rated R.

LOVE AND MERCY: this film is an unconventional portrait of Brian Wilson, the mercurial singer, songwriter and leader of The Beach Boys. Set against the era defining catalog of Wilson’s music, the film intimately examines the personal voyage and ultimate salvation of the icon whose success came at extraordinary personal cost. Stars John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks, and Paul Giamatti. Biography/Drama. 121 minutes. Rated PG-13.

Visit michtheater.org for more information and showtimes.

About the Michigan Theater: Now celebrating its 88th year, the Michigan Theater is Ann Arbor’s award-winning non-profit historic center for fine film and performing arts. The Michigan Theater welcomes more than 250,000 visitors each year to its art house films, concerts, lectures, live theater, and special programs such as Sundance Film Festival USA and Cinetopia International Film Festival.

The Michigan Theater also owns and operates the historic State Theater located just up the street at 233 State Street. The Michigan Theater is located in downtown Ann Arbor at 603 East Liberty Street. Visit michtheater.org or call the 24-hour information line at (734) 668-TIME for schedule and ticket information.