Bay Area kids reared on gentle PBS cartoons and vegetarian snacks get a real snootful of violent American culture at the movies, in THX no less. Hey, let’s stick a terrifying CGI dragon in a movie about princesses! Let’s have some great big freaking sharks menace a tiny fish! Hey Hollywood people, d’you think you could make a movie that wouldn’t give my preschooler nightmares for three days running?
Berkeley’s Elmwood Theatre’s this-week-only revival of Mary Poppins is a kinder, gentler option for moviegoers, and a rare chance to see a classic on a big screen — a great big screen in fact, in a theater that hasn’t carved up its space into a multiplex. Enjoy the pristine Art Deco lobby and the nice price for early shows. The main-floor screen is even stroller and wheelchair accessible.
When: Wed.-Fri., 4/30-5/2, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm; All ages; Adults $7.50 for early shows, $9.50 evening show, Kids under 11, $7.
Where: Rialto Cinemas Elmwood, 2966 College Ave. (at Ashby), Berkeley, 510-433-9730, rialtocinemas.com.