Sprawling storylines, a star-studded cast, a trio of directors, and a three hour running time.  Does 'Cloud Atlas' work as a film or is it an ambitious mess?  Chris gives Alan his notes on the latest from the Wachowskis on this Spotlight episode.

Joaquin Phoenix is back - slurring his speech and exhibiting troubling behavior. This time it is not in a faux documentary format but as Freddie Quell in Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film "The Master". Alan and Chris settle in for a discussion or should I say "processing session" on the film in addition to giving their review of the latest animated Disney offering "Wreck It Ralph". Rounding out this episode are some movie news items and recommendations of two movies you may have missed worth checking out.

Footcandle Film Society is pleased to be partnering with the Hickory International Council to screen "The Intouchables" on December 13th at 7pm at the Carolina Theater in downtown Hickory.  

About the film:

Based on a true story of friendship between a handicap millionaire (Francois Cluzet) and his street smart ex-con caretaker (Omar Sy), The Intouchables depicts an unlikely camaraderie rooted in honesty and humor between two individuals who, on the surface, would seem to have nothing in common.

In 1959 a low budget horror film was made called "The Killer Shrews".  It was a commerical failure but has grown in legend as a cult classic.  Now after more than 50 years a sequel has been made and stars James Best and John Schneider of Duke of Hazard fame.  Best, who lives locally in Bethlehem, thought a special screening of the film would be a fun way to help raise money for Hickory Community Theater which he calls a treasure and notes "some of the talent here is Broadway caliber".

The special screening of “Return of the Killer Shrews” will be at HCT on Nov. 13. All the proceeds will go to the theatre.

For more details visit Hickory Community Theater's website.

Footcandle Film Society will be partnering with Safe Harbor Rescue Mission and the Women's Resource Center to present a free screening of the the documentary "The Line" Monday, November 12th at 7pm at the Carolina Theater in downtown Hickory.  "The Line" is a 40-minute documentary written and directed by Emmy Award-winning producer Linda Midgett that chronicles the very real stories of four people struggling with real poverty in America today.  To learn more about the film and see a trailer visit its web site at www.thelinemovie.com.