It’s the weekend again, and that means Film Focus. Here’s Mike Laidman with what’s new in local theaters.




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After growing accustomed to only having Star Wars movies show up intermittently after decade-plus breaks, it’s great to be able to dive back into the rich universe so soon again after last year’s The Force Awakens. But, likely wisely, there are no new wide-release English movies hitting screens this weekend, leaving Star Wars to do its thing.

Instead, kick back and enjoy a little bit more of Christmas with the classic Sleepless in Seattle, which is enjoying a few select showtimes this weekend.

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Mike Laidman

Welcome to another edition of Film Focus. I’m Mike Laidman.

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Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016, Gareth Edwards)
The Rebel Alliance makes a move to steal the Death Star plans.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a big move for the franchise, as it’s the first in a group of planned stand-alone films that will help to flesh out the Star Wars cinematic universe. While there have been many, many books and video games that have explored more of the detailed universe, Episodes I - VII are usually what really remain canon for a lot of people.

In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

There’s no denying that Rogue One takes many cues from Star Wars mythology, but it does so while breaking new narrative and aesthetic ground, suggesting a bright future for these stand-alone additions, and for the franchise as a whole.


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Sleepless in Seattle (1993, Nora Ephron)
A widowed man's son calls a talk-show to find his dad a wife.

It’s time to take a trip back to Christmas Eve, 1993, when things were just that much simper.

Radio talk show psychologist Marcia Fieldstone has asked her listening audience what they are wishing and dreaming of during this season of hope. A little boy calls in his wish - a new wife for his widowed father. Meanwhile, all the way across the country, Annie Reed hears the boy, Jonah, and is immediately captivated by him and his selfless Christmas wish. Jonah and his dad are immediately besieged by countless letters from listeners reaching out to help, including thousands of marriage proposals from women across the country. Meanwhile, Annie becomes convinced that it is her destiny to meet Sam, Jonah's lovely dad.

There are some obstacles to overcome, of course, but this is a good chance to check out a romantic oldie on the big screen again.