The documentaries “Life Itself,” which focuses on the life and work of film critic Roger Ebert, and “To Be Takei,” which follows actor George Takei, open Sept. 12 at Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. Director John McDonagh’s “Calvary” is held over for a second week.
Director Steve James and executive producers Martin Scorsese and Steven Zaillian present “Life Itself,” a documentary film that recounts the inspiring and entertaining life of Ebert, a film critic and social commentator. Based on his bestselling memoir of the same name, “Life Itself” explores the legacy of Ebert’s life from his Pulitzer Prize-winning film criticism at the Chicago Sun-Times to becoming one of the most influential cultural voices in America.
“To Be Takei” is about how the actor and activist journeyed from a WWII internment camp to the helm of the Starship Enterprise and the daily news feeds of 5 million Facebook fans. The documentary follows the star’s playful and profound trek for life, liberty and love.
“Calvary” is about a good priest who is faced with sinister and troubling circumstances brought about by a mysterious member of his parish. Although he reaches out to help members of his church with their various scurrilous moral, and often comic, problems, he feels sinister and troubling forces closing in. He begins to wonder if he will have the courage to face his own personal Calvary.
“Calvary” and “Life Itself” are rated R. “To Be Takei” is not rated. All three films play through Sept. 18.
For more information, go to http://www.theross.org or call 402-472-5353.
