Win free movie tickets

Editor's note: Comment on today's "Cinema Chat" for a chance to win free movie tickets to the Michigan Theater. Some time between now and 9 a.m. Monday, leave a comment on this column, written by the Michigan Theater's Russ Collins. Offer your opinion on a recent movie you've seen, or on anything Russ mentions. A winner will be randomly selected, and we’ll notify that person via the email address they signed up with. They will get two passes to a movie of their choice, courtesy of The Michigan Theater. Full rules here.

“The Company Men” was, in my opinion, one of the best films to come out of the Sundance Film Festival last year. It is a very human story about the downsizing of a major industrial manufacturing corporation.

In the case of “The Company Men” it is a ship manufacturing company in Boston, but the human and business dynamics parallel the downsizing of automobile manufacturing in Michigan. Bobby Walker (Ben Affleck) is living the American dream: great job, beautiful family, shiny Porsche in the garage. When downsizing leaves him and co-workers Phil Woodward (Chris Cooper) and Gene McClary (Tommy Lee Jones) jobless, the three men are forced to redefine their lives as men, husbands, and fathers. The high-flying Bobby uncomfortably finds himself installing drywall for his blue collar brother-in-law (Kevin Costner). Senior executive Phil is driven to the edge. Gene, a long-time key executive with roots planted in the manufacturing floor of the company moves on, with regrets, conflicted about the human cost of capitalism.

The wonderful cast and resonant story make this a compelling film. Owen Gleiberman, native Ann Arborite and senior reviewer for Entertainment Weekly, said, “A shrewd, timely, and terrifically engrossing drama of white-collar reckoning that marks the feature directorial debut of writer-producer John Wells (best known for his work on “ER”).” “The Company Men” opens Friday at the State Theatre.

Special screenings

“The Secret Garden”, the evocative 1993 adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved children's novel, plays Sunday, April 17 at 1:30 p.m. Part of the Michigan Theater’s Family Friendly Film Series.

The U of M School of Art & Design presents animations, stop-motion work and video art created by senior art students. The event is free and open to the public tonight, April 14, at 5 p.m. at the Michigan Theater.

On Thursday, April 21 at 7 p.m., The Jewish Cultural Society Social Action Committee presents the award-winning film “Amreeka” with all proceeds being donated to Doctors Without Borders. To purchase tickets in advance, e-mail info@jewishculturalsociety.org or call 734-975-9872.

Opening at the cineplex

“The Conspirator,” directed by Sundance founder Robert Redford, looks at Mary Surratt (Robin Wright), the lone female charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination trial of Abraham Lincoln. As the whole nation turns against her, she is forced to rely on her reluctant lawyer to uncover the truth and save her life. Richard Corliss of Time Magazine says, “This retelling of a crucial, poorly-remembered chapter of American law and war has enough atmosphere, stalwart acting and suspense to appeal to the mass of moviegoers.” The film also stars James McAvoy and Justin Long. “The Conspirator” opens Friday, which is also the 146th anniversary of the death of President Lincoln.

Filmed in and about Ann Arbor, “Scream 4” brings Sidney Prescott, now the author of a popular self-help book, back to her hometown on the last stop of her book tour. However, her appearance brings about the return of Ghostface, again putting her old friends and her whole hometown in danger. Written by series creator Kevin Williamson and directed by master of horror Wes Craven, the film stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Emma Roberts and Hayden Panettiere. “Scream 4” opens Friday.

The animated film “Rio” is about Blu, a domesticated macaw who never learned to fly. He lives a comfortable life with his owner and best friend Linda. Blu and Linda think he's the last of his kind, but discover, in faraway Rio de Janeiro, Blu's female counterpart. In Rio, Blu and his new mate are kidnapped and Blu has to learn to fly to thwart the kidnappers. Leslie Felperin of Variety says, “Like its flight-challenged parrot protagonist, Rio takes a while to get off the ground but manages to soar by the end.” “Rio” opens Friday.

If you have not yet seen “Win Win” go see it! It is an extremely well written and performed comedy starring Paul Giamatti that you just should not miss — really, do yourself a favor and go.

What to see this week Opening: • “The Conspirator” - Robert Redford and a stunning cast make this a must see for history buffs and cinema fans! • “Company Men” - This Sundance hit comes to the State Theatre for a short run. • “Scream 4” - Just to see the local fruits of the soon-to-fade Michigan filmmaking tax credits. Still playing: • “Win Win” - The Sundance hit continues its run at the Michigan and expands to other theaters. Do not miss it! • “Hanna” - An action film with an art-house flair. I’m getting a “Leon: The Professional” vibe from this one.

There’s a lot to see this week, so see you at the movies!

Russ Collins is executive director of the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. Tune in to the audio version of “Cinema Chat” on WEMU radio (89.1-FM) each Thursday at 7:40 a.m. and 5:40 p.m., or listen to it online at WEMU's web site.