Odeon Films in English, March 19 – 30

A scene from ‘Licorice Pizza’

The adventures of Batman in the latest version of the Gotham City hero continue in the last half of March.  Then for a bit of 1970s melancholy, Licorice Pizza, has received rave reviews for a nostalgic coming of age story, filled with humor and surprises.

Saturday, March 19 (5:30 and 9 pm) and Sunday, March 20 (5 and 8:30 pm): BATMAN

Director Matt Reeves presents the first film of the new Batman trilogy with adventures of the Caped Crusader.  The vigilante detective of Gotham City and his alter ego, the reclusive billionaire Bruce Wayne, face a city overcome by corruption in the highest positions of power.  As the city is preyed on and controlled by criminals Batman seems to be the only one striving to achieve justice.  Joined by actor Paul Dano in the role of The Riddler, a sadistic serial killer who stalks and kills elite figures, Cat Woman (Zoe Kravitz) and Colin Farrell as The Penguin, Batman continues to thrill fans of all ages.

Thursday, March 24 (9 pm), Friday, March 25 (6 and 9 pm), Friday and Saturday, March 26 and 27 (3:30, 6:15 and 9 pm) and Wednesday, March 30 (6 and 9 pm): LICORICE PIZZA

Set in 1973 San Fernando Valley, this love-at-first-sight tale, filled with quirks and surprises, comes across as pure nostalgia.  When having his high school photo taken 15-year-old Gary Valentine borrows a mirror and comb from photographer’s assistant Alana Kane, is smitten with her and states, “this is the girl I’m going to marry someday.”  The attraction, oddly mutual due to a 10-year age difference, persists through the years with a waterbed business begun together, navigating the 1970s gas crisis and many intriguing situations.  With an ensemble cast of Sean Penn, Tom Waits and Bradley Cooper, the film received three Academy Award nominations including Best Picture.  Newbie actors Cooper Hoffman as Gary and Alana Haim as the object of his affection, have received praise for their performances skillfully directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.  (rita kungel)