Rich Kids
7:00 pm

Directed by Robert M Young
Written by Judith Ross
Cinematography by Ralf D. Bode
Containing Trini Alvarado, John Lithgow, Kathryn Walker, Jeremy Levy, Terry Kiser, Paul Dooley

Watch the trailer

RiCH KiDS: The Lost Version (1979) Clearly a direct influence on Wes Anderson, Noah Baumbach, Lena Dunham, and Alex Ross Perry, this Robert Altman produced coming of age flick, slipped through the cracks at the time, partly because distributor United Artists blew its publicity budget on Michael Cimino’s HEAVEN’S GATE (1980), but also perhaps due to the film’s surprisingly mature subject matter contrasted with deft screwball comedy elements. Missing from the original VHS, family-friendly TV version and even Olive’s 2016 Blu-Ray release, are “the lost five minutes”, which feature many of the film’s most poignant parts.

Director Robert M. Young (NOTHiNG BUT A MAN) brings out a beautifully nuanced performance by 12-year-old Trini Alvarado in her debut role as Franny, a sassy, yet introverted tween who is stuck in the middle of her parents’ inevitable divorce. Teaming up with her best friend Jamie (Jeremy Levy), these latchkey kids find solace in the grey and brown(stone) upper-west side New York streets, captured gorgeously by cinematographer Ralf D. Bode (DRESSED TO KiLL & COAL MiNER’S DAUGHTER). John Lithgow and Catherine Walker’s parental portrayals are hilariously heartbreaking as the deluded, self-absorbed parents.

This incredibly rare 35mm print (which includes the “lost five minutes”) deserves to be restored and recognized in both our modern-day cinemas and in our deepest subconscious. Rated PG. Hosted by Jesse Hawthorne Ficks of MOViES FOR MANiACS, emphasizing dismissed, underrated and forgotten films for 24 years.

The Garbage Pail Kids Movie
9:15 pm

Directed by Rod Amateau
Written by Rod Amateau, Melinda Palmer
Cinematography by Harvey Genkins
Containing Mackenzie Astin, Anthony Newley, Kevin Thompson, Debbie Lee Carrington, Kaite Barberi

Watch the trailer

THE GARBAGE PAiL KiDS MOViE (1987) is a jaw-dropping live-action musical adaptation of the Topps trading-card’s satirical spin-off of Mattel’s Cabbage Patch Kid phenomenon. The film was pulled from theaters after only one week (for being too terrifying for kids) yet over the years, the film has slowly but surely built a cult following on VHS, DVD and online.

Writer/Director Rod Amateau had initially hoped to incorporate each Garbage Pail Kid as animated characters within a live-action world — which would have pre-dated Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)! Deemed much too expensive, Amateau turned to some truly memorable animatronic costumes which were performed by professional actors, radio-controlled technicians and even the director’s own daughter. Showcasing Sean Astin’s younger brother Mackenzie Astin in his debut role, Anthony Newley (“one of Broadway’s greatest leading men”), and the voice of Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh & Darkwing Duck) alongside Ali-Gator, Greaser-Greg, Messie-Tessie, Valerie-Vomit, Windy-Winston and the unlovable Foul-Phil.

Still ranked as one of the worst films ever made, I double-dare you to come reevaluate this cinematic obscurity (which will be screened from an original 35mm print) and uncover the movie’s surprisingly neo-sincere deeper meaning.

Still ranked as one of the worst films ever made, I double-dare you to come reevaluate this cinematic obscurity (which will be screened from an original 35mm print) and uncover the movie’s surprisingly neo-sincere deeper meanings. Preceded by a gaggle of 1980s kids-flick trailers. Rated PG. *SPECiAL NOTE – All attendees will receive a vintage GPK zine + an original 1980s Garbage Pail Kid sticker!*

Hosted by Jesse Hawthorne Ficks of MOViES FOR MANiACS, emphasizing dismissed, underrated and forgotten films for 24 years.