Twin Cities movies the week of Sept. 11: 'Blues Brothers,' 'Lord of the Rings,' and 'Ninja Scroll'

Dustin Nelson
·4 min read

So many great genre films will be revisited in Twin Cities area theaters this week. We'll talk about five worth your time below, but even beyond those, there are screenings of Splash, The Deer Hunter, Exaclibur, Blazing Saddles, and others. It's a good week.

Here are five films you should track down, plus details on what else you'll find in theaters throughout the week.

Blues Brothers (1980)

Wednesday, Sept. 11 at The Parkway Theater

The Parkway's "We're on a Mission" series collides with its September series of John Candy films. The comedy classic starring Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi requires little introduction. Though, it'll get a good one on Wednesday. The film is preceded by live music from the Matt Herzog Band, and, of course, the Parkway serves drinks if you're making an evening of it. 4814 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis ($9 advance/$12 at the door)

Ninja Scroll (1993)

Wednesday, Sept. 11–Thursday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 15 at various theaters

A fresh run of AX Cinema Nights, a slow-burning series of anime films screened in theaters across the country, gets going with Ninja Scroll. The series features a mix of cult classics and genre pillars like Paprika and Cowboy Bebop. You'll find Ninja Scroll screening at AMC Rosedale, AMC Southdale, AMC Eden Prairie Mall, AMC Inver Grove, CMX Odyssey IMAX, and other area theaters. Theaters and prices vary

Return of the King - extended edition (2003)

Saturday, Sept. 14–Sunday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Emagine theaters

Last week, there were opportunities to see extended editions of the first two Lord of the Rings movies. This week, the short run at Emagine theaters wraps up with the Oscar-winning Return of the King.

While the extended editions can be an endurance test — this one is more than four hours long — they're also rarely on the big screen. It'll be playing at Emagine Willow Creek, Emagine Eagan, Emagine Lakeville, and Emagine White Bear. Theaters and prices vary

Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Monday, Sept. 16 at Heights Theater

Often heralded as one of Wes Anderson's best films, Grand Budapest Hotel is chum for movie lovers who thirst for his heavily stylized films. It has intricate sets, a great soundtrack, an all-star cast, and a lot of heart.

The story of a lobby boy's youth at an immaculate hotel features Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Saoirse Ronan, Edward Norton, Léa Seydoux, Jason Schwartzman, Owen Wilson, and many others. 3951 Central Ave. NE, Columbia Heights ($12)

Seconds (1966)

Friday, Sept. 13–Sunday, Sept. 15 at the Trylon Cinema

Rock Hudson stars in John Frankenheimer's twisting movie about a despondent man, ready to move on from the life he's living. He starts looking into a procedure that fakes his death and gives him a new look and lease on life. You'll be shocked to discover that this doesn't go quite as he plans.

The screening is part of a series of films at the Trylon showcasing the conspiracy-minded films Frankenheimer created in the '60s. 2820 E 33rd St, Minneapolis ($8)

Related: New movie series about politics and conspiracy comes to the Trylon

More movies screening this week:

Related: Anime festival brings classic films like 'Cowboy Bebop' and 'Paprika' to Minnesota theaters over next 7 months

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