Screening Gotham: All-Positive Friday!

As per tradition, some of today's more upbeat movie news of note from around New York:

--The feel-good story of the day is over at In the Company of Glenn, where Glenn Kenny relates the story of a wayward German tourist, Lionel Richie and the Mondo Kim's clerk who helped bring them together. "Without even the smallest hint of sneer or smirk, the cashier said, 'No, we don't carry any Lionel Richie records, but there are a few places around here you can go that probably will.' " Consider that your random act of Kim's kindness for the year; per an in-store memo leaked to The Reeler, no further sensitivity or friendliness is to be demonstrated on St. Marks Place in '07.

--Good news: Spike Lee will adapt a Stalag 17 revival on Broadway in 2008, writes Campbell Robertson in The NY Times. Better news: Spike Lee has never directed a play of any kind, anywhere, ever. For literally the first time in my life, I am considering going to the theater.

--Is the marketing-by-phone of Sicko a tactic lifted from the political playbook or wistfully recycled from Brangelina's salad days? Either way, it's ambitious -- and kind of genius.

--Speaking of genius, the Pioneer Theater is bodysurfing on the cresting wave of Paris Hilton freakdom with its thoroughly educational Women in Prison program. Miss Hilton is invited; if you happen to see her, please pass the news along. Rehabilitation awaits.

--In honor of today's opening of Vitus, check out an encore of our Tribeca-era ReelerTV episode featuring interviews with director Fredi M. Murer and young star Teo Gheorghiu:

Posted at June 29, 2007 10:31 AM