A real pain and the activated human

Salina Art Center Cinema

Salina Art Center Cinema is an independent art house cinema in the cultural heart of downtown Salina. It offers a wide variety of programming, including independent films, documentaries, foreign language films, special screening events, Oscar shorts, film discussions and Q&A events with filmmakers.

The cinema, 150 S Santa Fe Avenue, is open Friday through Wednesday at 18.00 every evening. You can watch a film on Saturdays and Sundays either at 14.00 or at 18.00. Tickets at the box office are $8 for SAC members, $10 for students and seniors, and general admission is $12. Tickets are available online or in the box.

A real pain

13-18 December

Benji Kaplan could be described as “a real pain.” Benji is an irreverent, clownish, brash man who thrives on insulting others, but somehow gets away with it through sheer charisma and charm. Played by Kieran Culkin of Succession, Benji’s sharp wit and disregard for social niceties make him a modern day Groucho Marx. His cousin David, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg, is far tougher – a perfect foil reminiscent of Zeppo Marx.

Their dynamic is put to the test when they embark on a “Holocaust tour” of Poland to honor their late grandmother. Eisenberg, who also wrote and directed the film, balances biting humor with poignant emotional moments as the cousins ​​navigate personal and historical trauma.

The film also features compelling performances from Jennifer Gray as a recent divorcee, Will Sharpe as an overly intellectual Oxford scholar, and Kurt Egyiawan as a Rwandan genocide survivor who has converted to Judaism. Eisenberg’s nuanced exploration of grief, guilt and redemption elevates A Real Pain beyond typical family dramas. Cleverly written and superbly acted, this comedy-drama deals with themes of maturity, forgiveness and emotional healing.

Rated R for profanity and some drug use.

For ticket information, click here.

Description and narration by David Cooper
Sponsored by Wedel Financial

The activated man

December 13 | 20:30
14 & 15 December | 10 and 20:30

Don’t miss this rare chance to see Tony Todd in his final starring role on the big screen. A genre-bending supernatural thriller and emotional drama, The Activated Man has garnered critical acclaim and over 40 festival awards.

The film features an ensemble of genre icons including Tony Todd (Candyman), Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th), Sean Young (Blade Runner), Andrew Keegan (10 Things I Hate About You) and Vladimir Kulich (The 13th Warrior ). ), alongside rising stars Jamie Costa and Ivana Rojas.

The Friday the 13th screening pays tribute to Kane Hodder’s legendary portrayal of Jason Voorhees while celebrating the film’s unique blend of heartfelt drama and chilling horror.

Additional viewings: Saturday and Sunday 14 and 15 December at 10.00 and 20.30.

Plot Synopsis: A grieving man, haunted by the loss of his dog and visions of a shadowy figure, uncovers long-buried secrets that force him to confront his destiny through a series of harrowing events.

Rated R | 2 hours

For ticket information, click here.