Brotherhood of the Popcorn

Filmmaker Inda Reid's documentary focuses on eight friends in the Los Angeles area who have been gathering twice a month on Saturday mornings for nearly 35 years to enjoy each other's company while watching old films. Their group is called “The Cliffhangers,” named in honor of the movie serials that are included in their screenings, which are held at the home of Woody Wise, a retired video distributor. New members can only join if a current participant passes away or is no longer able to continue attending. The elderly gang are only interested in viewing films from Hollywood's Golden Era, with Wise commenting, “I guess we're trying to keep the past alive.” The Cliffhangers hail from various professions, and each person is briefly profiled, including an animator who taught himself to draw with his left hand after the onset of Parkinson's disease had produced symptoms in his right arm that threatened to prematurely end his career. But while the men are all charming and never wear out their welcome, the subject matter would be better suited to a documentary short. As it is, it sometimes feels more like an overlong home movie. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)