This week at the Harbor Theater
"The Friend" - (R; 2 hours) - Naomi Watts delivers a poignant performance as Iris, a solitary New York writer whose life is upended by the sudden death of her best friend and mentor, Walter (Bill Murray). In an unexpected twist, Iris inherits Walter's 150-pound Great Dane, Apollo, despite her small, pet-prohibited apartment and preference for cats. As Iris navigates the challenges of caring for the grieving and unruly dog, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting her own grief and the complexities of her past. Directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, and based on Sigrid Nunez's acclaimed novel, The Friend is a heartfelt exploration of loss, healing, and the unexpected bonds that can lead us back to ourselves. Wednesday, May 7, 2 p.m. (OCAP screening), Thursday, May 8, 7 p.m.
“The work Watts and Murray do (in their confrontation scene) is both emotionally raw and acutely thoughtful, rife with specificity. It’s career-high stuff.” – Glenn Kenny, RogerEbert.com
"The Ballad of Wallis Island" - (PG13; 1 hour, 40 minutes) - Charles (Tim Key), a quirky and reclusive lottery winner, lives alone on the remote Wallis Island. His dream? To host a private concert by his all-time favorite folk duo, McGwyer & Mortimer—now long estranged. He invites Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden), unaware that Herb’s former bandmate and ex-girlfriend, Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan), is also on the guest list—along with her new husband. As the former bandmates reunite under awkward and emotionally charged circumstances, tensions rise and unresolved feelings resurface. When a storm rolls in and traps everyone on the island, the fantasy of a perfect evening begins to unravel. With equal parts heart and humor, "The Ballad of Wallis Island" explores the fragility of nostalgia and the unexpected harmony that can come from facing the past. Opening Friday, May 9, 7 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 7 p.m., Sunday, May 11, 2 p.m. (free popcorn for all moms in honor of Mother’s Day), Wednesday, May 14, 2 p.m. (OCAP screening), Thursday, May 15, 7 p.m.
“The comedy manages to be at once an odd-couple bromance, a showcase for Key's uproarious woolgathering, a quite respectable musical event, a meditation on grief, and an achingly nostalgic look at the harmonies we carry with us through life.” – Bob Mondello, NPR
Free films for Maine's Train Festival - May 9, 10 and 11 - Harbor Theater is joining nonprofits and cinemas across Maine for "Full Speed Ahead," a statewide festival celebrating railroad history with movies and live events in honor of National Train Day (May 10). Locally, Harbor Theater is partnering with Boothbay Railway Village Museum to present three free films and related activities:
Friday, May 9 at noon - "Thomas and the Magic Railroad" (2000) – A special free screening for Pre-K to first graders with train-themed goodies from Amtrak; Saturday, May 10 at 2 p.m. - "The Train" (1964) – A WWII action-thriller starring Burt Lancaster, followed by a reception at the Railway Village with Maine’s historic “Merci Train” boxcar; Sunday, May 11 at 6 p.m. - "Union Pacific" (1939) – A classic Cecil B. DeMille Western epic, featuring trivia and raffle prizes. All activities are free and open to the public, with some events requesting reservations. For more festival details, visit www.mainetrainfest.com.
"A Minecraft Movie" - Family Film Deal! - (PG; 1 hour, 41 minutes) - Two free admissions: 1 adult ticket, 1 child's ticket, and one free large popcorn per family. Additional family members pay regular ticket prices ($10 adult, $8 child).
Welcome to the world of Minecraft, where creativity doesn’t just help you craft, it’s essential to one’s survival! Steve (Jack Black), is a disillusioned office worker who decides to chase his dream of working as a miner. When he axes into a mysterious magic cube, it opens a portal to the Overworld, the blocky world of Minecraft, with its limitless potential for creation. But when a quirky group of misfits from Idaho—former gaming champ Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa); bullied teen Henry (Sebastian Hansen); his protective older sister/guardian, Natalie (Emma Myers); and their no-nonsense real estate agent, Dawn (Danielle Brooks)—who accidentally stumble into the Overworld – unwittingly get their hands on the cube and enter the Overworld, they become caught in a battle for the universe’s survival.
The four must quickly learn to mine, craft, and survive as guided by the legendary builder Steve. They also face off against sinister Piglin Queen Malgosha (voiced by Rachel House), who seeks to harness the power of a mysterious portal-opening orb connecting her world, the Nether, with the Overworld (and Earth). As these unlikely heroes navigate blocky landscapes, do battle against monsters, and unlock their own creative potential, they discover that imagination and teamwork are the keys to survival in Minecraft. Together, their adventure will challenge all five to be bold and to reconnect with the qualities that make each of them uniquely creative… the very skills they need to thrive back in the real world. Offer only valid for opening night: Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. Also playing at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 17 and Thursday, May 22; playing at 21 p.m. Sunday, May 18 and Wednesday, May 21 (OCAP).
“A Minecraft Movie showcases Black’s energy in a way that even some of his bigger animated hits haven’t managed … The resulting film is so funny, lively, and light on its feet…” – Bilge Ebiri, New York Magazine
Harbor Theater is open for 2 p.m. matinees on Wednesday (OCAP – Open Caption Screening) and Sunday (regular screening). Shows are offered Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. nightly. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children under 18. Member prices are $8 for adults and $6 for children under 18. ADA-mandated Audio Descriptive (AD) and Closed Caption (CC) devices are available for the visually and hearing-impaired. Inquire at the concession stand.
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Address
185 Townsend Avenue
Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
United States