John Waters films and slasher flicks amid May movie special events in Wichita

Spring is finally in full bloom! And with it comes some, um, kind of dark alternative movie special screenings (but in a good way). Here’s a look at the offbeat and odd movies coming this month (titles, times and dates are subject to change).

ORPHEUM THEATRE

200 N. Broadway, https://wichitaorpheum.com/

Anniversary Film Series: “Serial Mom” (1994) Writer/director John Waters coaxed star Kathleen Turner’s most delicious performance in years (at the time) as the perfect all-American parent: A great cook and homemaker, a devoted recycler and a woman who will literally kill to keep her children happy. Mother of the year! Showing at 7 p.m. May 16. Tickets are $8, $7 for students, seniors and military.

EMILY BONAVIA TALLGRASS FILM CENTER

120 E. First St. (Unit 113), https://tallgrassfilm.org/tallgrass-film-center/

“The People’s Joker” (2023) A law-breaking comedian who is grappling with her gender identity forms a new anti-comedy troupe and finds herself battling a fascistic caped crusader. 7 p.m. Friday, May 3, $10 plus taxes and fees; 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4, $6 plus taxes and fees; and 6 p.m. Sunday, May 5, $10 plus taxes and fees.

“Left Hook” (2020) This locally-made animated feature follows a reluctant loan shark who is forced into an underground, bare-knuckle boxing tournament after he and his partner screw up a deal for their boss. On top of his dangerous work life, he must also learn to cope with his broken family. Multi-tasking! 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7, $10 plus taxes and fees.

“Halloween” (1978) The John Carpenter original that birthed the whole “slasher flick” genre follows deranged mask-wearing Michael Myers, who escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Ill., to go on a killing spree. This made a young Jamie Lee Curtis a star — and the “scream queen.” Presented by Madame Mae Horror Frights. 7 p.m. May 10, $15 plus taxes and fees.

“Honey We Shrunk Ourselves” (1997) This comedy sequel to “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” picks up with an absent-minded scientist (Rick Moranis) whose troublesome invention accidentally shrinks him, his brother and their wives so effectively that their children think they’ve completely disappeared. Presented by Harmons and Hollywood. 7 p.m. May 11, $10 plus taxes and fees.

“Cecil B. Demented” (2000) John Waters writes and directs this wild tale about a young lunatic director (Stephen Dorff) and his devoted cult of cinema terrorists who kidnap a Hollywood movie goddess (Melanie Griffith) and force her to star in their radical underground movie. Presented By Reel Cultured ICT and The Record Ship. 7 p.m. May 17, $10 plus taxes and fees.

“Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974) Charity Dinner Event Director Tobe Hooper’s horror classic follows a group of five young friends who face a night of torment at the hands of a depraved Texas clan. Presented by Madame Mae’s Horror Frights, this is a charity event, and each ticket purchased will benefit people in Wichita who are in need of food. The night starts with a three-course BBQ dinner, prime seating for live entertainment, and the first 30 people will also receive an access pass to the screening of the movie after dinner. 7 p.m. May 24, $65 plus taxes and fees.

“Desperate Living” (1977) Writer/director John Waters helms this tale of a neurotic society woman who murders her husband with her maid’s help, and afterward they escape to a homeless community ruled by a fascist queen. Presented by Reel Cultured ICT and Gate Record Store. 7 p.m. May 18, $10 plus taxes and fees.

“Hairspray” (1988) Writer/director John Waters’ buoyant/topical tale made a star of Ricki Lake, who plays a “pleasantly plump” teenager who teaches 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration after landing a spot on a local TV dance show. Presented by Reel Cultured ICT. 2 p.m. May 19, $6 plus taxes and fees.

VHScape presents “Galaxy Quest” (1999) This hilarious comedy follows the alumni cast of a space opera TV series who have to play their roles as the real thing when an alien race needs their help. The spot-on cast includes Tim Allen, Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver, Sam Rockwell and Tony Shalhoub. 7 p.m. May 25, $5 plus taxes and fees.

“Fantastic Planet” (1973) On a faraway planet where blue giants rule, oppressed humanoids rebel against their machine-like leaders. Presented by Spektrum Muzik. (In French with English subtitles) 4 p.m. May 26, $6 plus taxes and fees.

“Nowhere Special” (2020) A 35-year-old window cleaner dedicates his life to bringing up his 4-year-old son after the child’s mother dies after giving birth. When he is given only a few months left to live himself, he attempts to find a new, perfect family for his son, hiding his condition. 7 p.m. May 31, $10 plus taxes and fees.

STARLITE DRIVE-IN

3900 S. Hydraulic, https://starlitefun.com

Wichita’s only remaining drive-in theater has re-opened for the season on weekends only (for now). Check website for titles, tickets and showtimes.

FATHOM EVENTS

https://www.fathomevents.com/events/

Check website for showtimes and tickets.

“Jeanne du Barry” (2023) Johnny Depp stars as King Louis XV in this story of the entrancing Jeanne du Barry, a French peasant woman whose meteoric rise through the royal court to become the King’s last mistress creates a scandal of epic proportions. Based on a true story. May 2-6.

“Steel Magnolias” (1989) This 35th anniversary re-release features six icons of the silver screen — Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis and Julia Roberts — who come together in this hilarious and heartwarming story of life, love and loss in a small Louisiana town. May 5 and 8.

“North By Northwest” (1959) This 65th anniversary of Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller classic follows a New York City advertising executive (Cary Grant) who goes on the run after being mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies, and falls for a woman (Eva Marie Saint) whose loyalties he begins to doubt. May 19 and 22.

Reach Rod Pocowatchit at rodrick@rawdzilla.com.