Lights, Camera, Action: Unexpected Twists at the Milwaukee-Area Theaters

Reality intrudes in some unexpected ways at the movies this week — including using Legos. From biopics and documentaries to horror and faith-based films, the Milwaukee-area theaters are offering a diverse lineup of new releases and special screenings that promise to captivate audiences.

Unraveling the Untold Stories on the Silver Screen

Reliving the Birth of a Cultural Phenomenon

On October 11, 1975, the first episode of what would become "Saturday Night Live" aired, forever changing the landscape of television and comedy. Writer-director Jason Reitman, who once worked on the show's writing staff, recreates the 90 minutes leading up to that historic telecast in real time in his biopic "Saturday Night." The ensemble cast, including Cooper Hoffman, Gabriel LaBelle, Dylan O'Brien, Finn Wolfhard, J.K. Simmons, Matthew Rhys, Lamorne Morris, and Appleton native Willem Dafoe, brings this pivotal moment in pop culture to life.

Examining the Rise of a Controversial Figure

Sebastian Stan takes on the role of a young Donald Trump in the controversial biopic "The Apprentice," which explores the mogul-in-the-making's early years. Directed by Jeremy Strong, the film also features Strong as Trump's adviser and Mephistopheles, Roy Cohn, in a portrait of the president that was once blocked from theatrical release by Trump himself.

Telling a Life Story Through Lego Animation

In the documentary "Piece by Piece," singer-musician-composer Pharrell Williams collaborates with Oscar-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville to tell his life story using Lego animation. This unique approach promises to provide a fresh and engaging perspective on Williams' journey.

Continuing the Chilling Saga of a Killer Clown

The survivors of Art the Clown's Halloween massacre attempt to rebuild their lives in time for Christmas, but the Clown isn't finished with them in the third installment of the cult slasher-horror series, "Terrifier 3."

Tackling Controversy on the Football Field

In the faith-fueled drama "Average Joe," a retired Marine becomes a high school football coach, but he finds himself at the center of controversy when he gets fired for praying after games. Starring Eric Close, Paul Rae, and Amy Acker, the film is inspired by a true story.

Anime Fans Assemble for the Latest "My Hero Academia" Adventure

The fourth feature film in the hugely popular Japanese manga series "My Hero Academia" arrives, with a high school student squaring off against a villain who imitates a former hero. The film is being shown in both dubbed and subtitled versions.

Celebrating Diverse Voices at the Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival

The four-day Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival kicks off on October 17 at the Oriental Theatre with the documentary "Pain and Peace," which follows the journey of a Bangladeshi immigrant who, after being attacked in a hate crime, begins a campaign of forgiveness for his attacker. The festival, presented by the Muslim Women's Coalition and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, runs through October 20 and showcases a range of films that explore the Muslim experience.

Experiencing the Classics on the Big Screen

Cinephiles in Milwaukee have the opportunity to witness some iconic films in their original glory. The Oriental Theatre is hosting screenings of the silent horror classic "The Phantom of the Opera" with live organ accompaniment, as well as the rare 1965 mystery/melodrama "Bunny Lake Is Missing." Additionally, the Oriental's "Bite Club" series is offering a lineup of vampire-centric movies, including "The Hunger," "Monster Squad," "Blade," and "Daughters of Darkness."

Rediscovering Lost Gems and Forgotten Stories

Fans of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will be thrilled to see the resurfaced documentary "Heartbreakers Beach Party," which was made by Cameron Crowe in the early 1980s but was shelved and considered lost until its recent rediscovery. The documentary has been restored and is now being shown in limited screenings.Additionally, the documentary "Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story," which explores the life and legacy of the "Superman" star, is getting a wider release after a successful two-night run in September.

Embracing the Spooky Season at Local Theaters

As the Halloween season approaches, Milwaukee-area theaters are embracing the spirit of the holiday with a variety of horror-themed screenings. The Avalon Theater and the Times Cinema are both hosting their own "Shocktoberfest" lineups, featuring classics like "Mandy," "Ghostbusters," "The Lost Boys," and "Evil Dead 2."The Milky Way Drive-In, located next to Franklin Field in Ballpark Commons, is also getting in on the action, with a month-long lineup of horror and Halloween-centric movies, including "Beetlejuice," "Annabelle," "Ghostbusters," and "Paranormal Activity."

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the Oriental Theatre

As part of its programming for Hispanic Heritage Month, the Oriental Theatre is showcasing the documentary "Hail to the Breadsticks!," which follows a father and son as they travel the country and discuss the implications of sports team nicknames, including the Washington, D.C. NFL team.

Exploring the Diverse Offerings at the UWM Union Cinema

The UWM Union Cinema is also contributing to the cinematic landscape, with screenings of new European dramas like "Music" and "Something You Said Last Night," as well as the documentary "Direct Action," which follows a militant activist community in France.

Discovering the Latest Releases on Demand and Streaming

For those who prefer to enjoy their movies from the comfort of their own homes, there are a variety of new releases available on demand and streaming platforms. These include the thriller "Bad Genius," the hearing-loss drama "The Silent Hour," the experimental "9 Windows," the serial killer thriller "Depravity," and the documentary "The Last of the Sea Women," which chronicles the lives of the haenyeo divers of South Korea's Jeju Island.Whether you're a fan of biopics, horror, anime, or thought-provoking documentaries, the Milwaukee-area theaters and streaming services have something to captivate every cinephile this week. From the birth of a cultural icon to the exploration of diverse stories and perspectives, the silver screen is alive with unexpected twists and turns.