(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The ShowRoom invites you to celebrate the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Garden State with their "Made in Jersey" film series. This collection spotlights movies filmed in New Jersey and will run for four consecutive Tuesdays starting with Stardust Memories on January 16th, Welcome to the Dollhouse on January 23rd, Clerks on January 30th, and Atlantic City on Tuesday February 6th. All screenings begin at 7:30pm.
The series kicks off right in our backyard with Woody Allen's Stardust Memories. Filmed in Asbury Park, Belmar, Deal, Hoboken, Neptune City, and Ocean Grove, this 1980 classic asks "Can a comedian evolve into a challenging artist?" Not in the public's view, as Sandy Bates learns the hard way when audiences prefer his earlier slapstick comedies over his more recent high-minded work. Invited to attend a retrospective of his work, the former funny man must come to terms with critics, audiences, lovers and, ultimately, himself.
Next in the series is Todd Solondz’s dark comedy sophomore film Welcome to the Dollhouse. Shot primarily in West Caldwell, the 1995 indie hit, and coming-of-age nightmare, has become a cult classic. We follow middle-schooler Dawn Weiner who is teased unmercifully both at school and at home. A middle child, Dawn can't seem to find a place to belong. Although she has a crush on a cute boy, she can only catch the attention of the neighborhood bully. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at 1996's Sundance film festival.
The series continues with Clerks, which will be celebrating its 30th anniversary. Filmed in Leonardo on a shoestring budget, Jersey native Kevin Smith's 1994 debut film has amassed a devoted following and spawned two sequels. Clerks follows Dante, who is called in to cover a shift at his convenience store on his day off. His friend Randal helps him pass the time, neglecting his video-store customers next door to hang out in the Quick Stop. The uneventful day is disrupted by news that one of Dante's ex-girlfriends has died. After attending her memorial service, Dante muses over staying with current girlfriend or reuniting with ex.
The series closes out with Louis Malle's critically-acclaimed 1980 drama Atlantic City. In a corrupt city, a small-time gangster and the estranged wife of a pot dealer find themselves thrown together in an escapade of love, money, drugs and danger. The film documents Atlantic City’s time of transition from seaside resort to glitzy casino mecca. It’s a nostalgic juxtaposition of deterioration and renewal. Nominated for the "Big Five" at the OSCARs, Atlantic City didn't take home the awards, but maintains a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The ShowRoom Cinema, Asbury Park’s home to Movies & More, is located at 707 Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
