Here’s an “Election” you’ll actually enjoy, at the Cerrito on Thursday, March 12 at 7:00!

“Election” is director Alexander Payne’s wicked satire of the American electoral process, as seen through the prism of overheated high school life.

Reese Witherspoon plays Tracy Flick, a high school student whose ambition knows no bounds. Right now, she is running for student body president, a position she feels entitled to, and that she sees as an important step in her future career in politics.

Matthew Broderick plays Jim McAllister, one of Tracy’s teachers, seemingly well-liked by all. But he’s got his secrets, and he gives signs of going into the funk of a mid-life crisis. He intervenes in the election by encouraging a dim-witted football star to run against Flick, supposedly with the purpose of ensuring a democratic process. But is that all he’s up to? As the election approaches, and as more people are drawn into the drama, the behavior of those involved gets more and more extreme and unethical.

Both Witherspoon and Broderick play superbly, and their characters (as well as all of the side characters) have complexity that makes the movie a delight to watch.

“Election” will play only once at the Cerrito, on Thursday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m. Moviegoers are strongly advised to buy advance tickets at the box office or online, as the movie may sell out. All seats are $9.50. Arriving early is a good idea, in order to choose your seat and also order delicious food and wine or beer.

Scene

So many tempting choices await you at Scene! They include flatbread pizzas, a charcuterie and cheese sampler, baked sandwiches, “bites,” salads, desserts, and much more. You can enjoy them there, or have them brought to your seat while you watch the movie. The atmospheric food/wine bar is a fun place to hang out, with special wines and beers available. Check it out!

Upcoming Classics

Cerrito Classics almost always play at 7:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month, with a price of $9.50 for all seats.

Coming up next:

• • “Treasure of the Sierra Madre,” Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m.
  • “The Great Dictator,” Thursday, May 14 at 7 p.m.

This is a reminder that Rialto Cinemas Cerrito will be showing “Ninotchka” starring Greta Garbo this coming Thursday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. We’ve been told it will be in the downstairs theater. Tickets are still available for sale at the box office or online. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

Enjoy an unlikely romance with “Ninotchka” at the Cerrito on Thursday, February 13 at 7:00!

A hilarious romantic comedy from 1939 that deftly satirizes the perceived self-righteousness of Stalin’s Communist regime.

It’s a fun, offbeat movie.

Ninotchka, a humorless bureaucrat, has been sent to Paris by her commissar to take over from three comically inept Communists who are on a mission to retrieve jewels seized during the Russian Revolution. Meanwhile, a dashing bachelor, played by Melvyn Douglas, acting from capitalistic motives, intercedes with Ninotchka and sweeps her off her flat-heeled feet, into all the charms offered by Paris in the spring.

Or, as one of the movie’s writers summed it up:

“Russian girl saturated with Bolshevist ideals goes to fearful, capitalistic, monopolistic Paris. She meets romance and has an uproarious good time. Capitalism not so bad, after all.”

This fable is an irresistible confection, with all the talents involved, including of course, Greta Garbo (for the first time ever) in a humorous role. Masterfully directed by Ernst Lubitsch, the creator of the stylish World War II satire, “To Be or Not To Be.” Chief writer was Billy Wilder, who later gave us such comic jewels as “Some Like It Hot.”

A unique and delightful movie.You don’t want to miss it!

“Ninotchka” will play only once at the Cerrito, on Thursday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. Moviegoers are strongly advised to buy advance tickets at the box office or online, as the feature may sell out. All seats are $9.50. Arriving early is a good idea, in order to choose your seat and also order delicious food and wine or beer.

Scene

So many tempting choices await you at Scene! There are flatbread pizzas, a charcuterie and cheese sampler, baked sandwiches, “bites,” salads, desserts, and much more. You can enjoy them there, or have them brought to your seat while you watch the movie. The atmospheric food/wine bar is a fun place to hang out, with special wines and beers available. Check it out!

Upcoming Classics

Cerrito Classics almost always play at 7:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month, with a special price of $9.50 for all seats.

Coming up next:

• “Election,” Thursday, March 12 at 7 p.m.
• “Treasure of the Sierra Madre,” Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m.