Gire, Benson to explore the classic comedies
Join me and James Bond novelist Raymond Benson as "Dann and Raymond's Movie Club" resumes to look at classic comedies from the silent era up through the 1950s, with clips from "The Philadelphia Story," "Some Like It Hot" and more. Free admission! Go to stdl.org or call (847) 985-4000.
Facts: 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg.
Promoting "The Promotion"
The Midwest Independent Film Festival shows Chicagoan Steve Conrad's comedy to celebrate its DVD release. Chicago actors John C. Reilly and Lili Taylor join Seann William Scott in a comic look at two chain-store managers vying to manage a new Chicago outlet. Conrad joins producer Steve Jones for a Q & A. Admission: $10. midwestfilm.com.
Facts: 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Century Centre Theater, 2828 N. Clark St., Chicago.
"Sixty Six"
Paul Weiland's modest little domestic drama puts a 12-year-old London lad into the precarious position of hoping that England gets bounced from the 1966 World Cup so his bar mitzvah, scheduled during the final championship, won't have any competition. It's an effective if formulaic tale that oozes with goodwill and honest laughs. Gregg Sulkin plays the pivotal role of Bernie with open-wound emotionality. Helena Bonham Carter almost looks like a working-class mom. PG-13 for language, sexual situations, brief nudity. 94 minutes.
Opens today at the Northbrook Court and Pipers Alley, Chicago.