October brings the second month of our monthly film series at The Cube. The screening this month will be on Friday, Oct. 10. Doors open at 6:30pm, and the film starts at 7pm. See the Central Park MCA website calendar for more information and tickets. In addition to the film announcement this month, I offer one review from a recent international film and one quick bit on a TV show.

The film this month in our Cube Cinema Series is Singin’ in the Rain (1952), the classic musical that is much more than you may first think. Yes, there is the famous song and dance number in the film. Yes, stars Gene Kelley, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor are larger than life with ageless performances. And yes, the peek behind the Hollywood curtain is funny, illuminating, and even harsh. There is more to this classic, however, as the film tells the story of one of the most important time periods—and sea changes—in Hollywood history. Join us to discuss all of those things. We hope to see you there for a great film, popcorn, drinks, and discussion.

Singin’ in the Rain

Touch (2024)

An elderly Icelandic man (Kristófer, played by singer/actor Egill Ólafsson) lives a seemingly quiet life in rural Iceland. We see him being told by his doctor to get his “affairs in order” after receiving a terminal prognosis. His most pressing wish is to reconnect with a young woman he met 50 years earlier and with whom he had a short, but intense, love affair. Our journey begins.

We move to 1969 London, where we see young, disillusioned university student Kristófer (now played by Palmi Kormákur in a breakout performance) decide to quit school and work in a Japanese restaurant. There he not only learns to become a chef, but he also meets and falls in love with Miko (played luminously by the actress Kōki), the daughter of the restaurant owner. Soon after the quiet but beautiful affair, Miko and her father close the restaurant and disappear.

Touch

The film then moves between time periods smoothly and organically, similar to how we all see and remember the formative events of our lives. Kristófer remembers his time in London clearly and vividly, so he decides to search for Miko—traveling first to London and then to Japan. We travel the world with him as we traverse his memories with him. Along the way, the film unlocks layers of meaning and layers of context as it winds through the thoughtful narrative.

The cinematography of the film, as well as deft direction by Icelandic veteran Baltasar Kormákur, are just two of the many reasons to love this film. In addition, the subjects and themes are many, making the film both dense and simple at the same time. The Covid time frame—as the world is just shutting down—adds another layer to the thematic depth and visual intricacy. There is a thread running through the Covid subplot that correlates to Miko’s family roots in Hiroshima, Japan, and we see some of that history at various points throughout the film. It becomes important and telling. There is also a (small) reveal toward the end, but I am not going to spoil it. Just know that it ends sweetly and perhaps it leaves us wanting more. In my opinion, it ends perfectly.

Available on Amazon Prime or streaming rental.

Invasion (Apple TV)

The third season of Invasion is now on Apple TV. For Sci-Fi fans, it is must-see viewing, but the first season remains the apogee. Still, it will please its audience.

Vincent Piturro, PhD., is a Professor of Film and Media Studies at MSU Denver. Contact him directly at vpiturro@msudenver.com or follow him on X. For more reviews, search The Indie Prof at FrontPorchNE.com.