This week, moviegoers in the Milwaukee area have a rich selection of films to choose from, ranging from thrilling action movies to heartfelt dramas and award contenders. The weekend brings a mix of new releases hitting theaters, as well as streaming platforms offering fresh content. From an acrophobic thriller starring Mel Gibson to a Cannes-winning drama set in India, there's something for everyone. Additionally, special screenings and tributes honor local legends like Bob Uecker, while classic films return to the big screen.
Milwaukee's Cinematic Offerings Unveiled
In the heart of Wisconsin’s largest city, this weekend promises a cinematic feast for film enthusiasts. Among the notable releases is Flight Risk, an intense action thriller directed by Mel Gibson, which explores the high-stakes journey of a U.S. air marshal escorting a fugitive on a small plane. The film stars Michelle Dockery, Mark Wahlberg, and Topher Grace, and can be seen at multiple venues across Milwaukee, including ACX Cinema/Bayshore, AMC Mayfair Mall, and various Marcus Theatres locations.
For those who enjoy deep character studies, Hard Truths offers a compelling domestic drama directed by British film master Mike Leigh. This film delves into the complex relationship between two sisters with vastly different personalities, played by Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Michele Austin. It is available at select Marcus Theatres and AMC Mayfair Mall.
A standout international feature, All We Imagine As Light, presents a poignant story of three women working at a hospital in India. Directed by Payal Kapadia, this film won the Grand Prize at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and is expected to be a strong contender for this year’s Academy Awards. It will be shown exclusively at the Oriental Theatre.
Horror fans will appreciate Presence, a chilling thriller that offers a unique perspective through the eyes of a ghost. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, it features Lucy Liu and Chris Sullivan, and is available at several theaters including AMC Mayfair Mall and various Marcus Theatres.
Adding to the diversity of genres, Brave the Dark tells a faith-based drama inspired by true events, focusing on a teacher’s efforts to help a troubled student. Meanwhile, The Colors Within, a Japanese animated drama, explores themes of connection and self-discovery through a girl who can see people’s true colors. Both films are screening at AMC Mayfair Mall and select Marcus Theatres.
In a touching tribute, Marcus Theatres honors the late Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker with a special showing of the 1989 baseball comedy Major League. The screenings will take place from January 24-30, with proceeds benefiting the Brewers Foundation.
Classic cinema returns to the Oriental Theatre with a screening of Some Like It Hot, one of the most beloved comedies in American film history. Meanwhile, the Times Cinema revives modern classics such as The Shining and Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands.
Streaming services also offer new titles, including You’re Cordially Invited, a comedic clash of two weddings, and Star Trek: Section 31, a spinoff series featuring Michelle Yeoh. For those preferring on-demand options, Night Call and Disfluency provide thrilling narratives.
From blockbuster premieres to intimate independent films, this weekend showcases the breadth and depth of storytelling in cinema.
As a cinephile, the variety of films available this weekend is both exciting and reflective of the diverse tastes within our community. Each film offers not only entertainment but also a window into different worlds and perspectives. Whether you're drawn to the adrenaline of an action-packed thriller or the emotional depth of a character-driven drama, there's a story waiting to be discovered. This lineup reminds us of the power of cinema to connect, inspire, and entertain across all genres and formats.