“Little Men,” a film that examines how adult problems impact childhood friendships, opens Sept. 30 at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. Also continuing to show is “The Hollars.”
Directed by Ira Sachs, “Little Men” stars Theo Taplitz as Jake, a 13-year-old boy whose family moves into his father’s old Brooklyn home after the death of his grandfather. There, Jake befriends Tony (Michael Barbieri), whose single mother Leonor (Paulina Garcia), a dressmaker from Chile, runs a shop downstairs.
Soon after the move, Jake’s parents Brian (Greg Kinnear) and Kathy (Jennifer Ehle) ask Leonor to sign a new, more expensive lease on her store. The new rent is untenable for Leonor and ignites a feud between the adults.
At first, Jake and Tony don’t seem to notice as they discover the joy of being young and exploring Brooklyn. While they both aspire to attend the same prestigious art high school together, the two boys cannot avoid the problems of their parents forever and the conflict intrudes on the borders of their friendship.
“Little Men,” which is rated PG for thematic elements, smoking and some language, shows through Oct. 6.
“The Hollars,” which is John Krasinski’s second film as actor-director, tells the story of a struggling New York City cartoonist who is forced to head home to visit his sick mother.
Back in the house he grew up in, John Hollar is immediately swept up in the problems of his dysfunctional family, high school rival and an over-eager ex-girlfriend as he faces impending fatherhood with his girlfriend in New York.
“The Hollars,” which is rated PG-13 for brief language and some thematic material, shows through Oct. 6.
For more information on films at the Ross, click here or call 402-472-5353.
