The local Garland Theater shows weekly films ranging from contemporary to classics. Primarily showing weekend screenings, and occasionally a few throughout the week, they prioritize accessibility to seeing movies on the big screen. This includes low prices, compared to competing chains. Regal’s average cost for one ticket is around $11, as opposed to Garland’s $5 price point. From March 4 to 10, they are playing “Night at the Museum” (2006, directed by Shawn Levy), “Big Trouble in Little China” (1986, directed by John Carpenter) and “Escape from New York” (1981, directed by John Carpenter).  

“Night at the Museum” stars Ben Stiller and is directed by Shawn Levy. It is a heartwarming tale of a man, Larry Daley, who acquires a job working the night shift at a natural history museum. During his first shift, he discovers that the artifacts around him come to life when the sun sets. Larry must learn how to navigate and connect with the lives around him as he works to contain the chaos that he encounters. This film is rated PG, mainly catering to an audience of kids, but the plot and development of the characters make this film enjoyable for any age group.  

Kurt Russell plays the lead role in both “Big Trouble in Little China” and “Escape from New York.” In “Big Trouble in Little China,” he is Jack Burton, a lowly truck driver who finds himself in a conflict with supernatural powers in Chinatown, San Francisco. This film is an action comedy from the 1980s, so expect to see what could be considered outdated rhetoric. This movie is rated PG-13 and is catered to an audience of adults.  

In “Escape from New York,” which has the same director as the other Kurt Russell film that is showing at the Garland, it takes place in a dystopian future where Manhattan is now a maximum-security prison. After a plane crash leads to the President being taken hostage, Russell’s character, Snake Plissken, is brought in by the government to engage in a rescue mission. This R-rated flick would be best seen with a critical eye to catch on to the criticisms of politics and crime.  

On March 8 and 9 at 2 p.m., the Garland has free admission to see “Night at the Museum.” On March 9, “Big Trouble in Little China” is playing at 5 p.m. At 6 p.m. on March 10, they are playing “Escape from New York.” See their full schedule on their Movie Club website. Stay tuned for reviews of these films in next week’s edition.  

*At the time of editing, showtimes and admission information were correct. Please visit the Garland Theater’s official website for the most recent details and any possible schedule changes.