The Stranger

I love Central Cinema—home to beer, pizza, old-school previews, and DVD-projected flicks—so much I'd suggest going there to watch paint dry. So I doubly suggest going there to see Shaft, Gordon Parks's 1971 blaxploitation classic featuring one smooth black detective, the Italian mob, and a classic Isaac Hayes soundtrack. (And don't be scared to drink lots—at Central Cinema, there's always a pee-friendly intermission.) (Central Cinema, 1411 21st Ave, 686-6684. 7 and 9:30 pm, $5, late show 21+.) by David Schmader

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A pair of seriously perverse "Technicolor noirs" from the 1940s, Desert Fury and Leave Her to Heaven are two of the wackiest finds at the Noir City series—a week's worth of $10 double features launching the new year-round SIFF Cinema. Oedipal passions! Gay gangsters! Obsessive love! Dreamboat Burt Lancaster and then icy-hot Gene Tierney! These are not archetypal noirs, but they're dark as night. (SIFF Cinema, 321 Mercer St, www.seattlefilm.org. Desert Fury at 1, 5:05, and 9:10 pm, Leave Her to Heaven at 3 and 7 pm, $10 for two consecutive shows.) by Annie Wagner

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Fido, about domesticated flesh-eaters who act as milkmen, mail carriers, and best friends to lonely little boys in an otherwise prosaic town, is deliciously ridiculous and totally entertaining. The cast, especially Carrie-Ann Moss, injects just enough coy subtlety to balance the rampant camp. (See Movie Times for more info.) by Amy Kate Horn

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The Bush years are coming to a close, Congress is no longer giving him a blank check, and the war is deeply unpopular. We have been under a cloud for most of this decade. As we begin to enjoy the light of the returning sun, we need to fill our lungs with the lightness and laughter of Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, a comedy about a bitter, ineffectual man and his botched attempt to commit murder. (Intiman Theatre, 201 Mercer St, 269-1900. 7:30 pm, $44.) by Charles Mudede

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Did I say gastropod? (That's because I love animals that poop on their heads.) I guess I meant gastropub, which is a word I can't bear. Other stupidities you may encounter at Linda Derschang's new establishment: hipsters, yuppies, crowds. One motherfucking amazing word that will lay you out flat: poutine. Smith's poutine—fries, salty gravy, cheese curds just kissed by the frying pan—may or may not be authentic, but I'm getting faint just wanting it. (Smith, 332 15th Ave E, 709-1900. Poutine until 11 pm, 21+.) by Annie Wagner

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There is only one reason to recommend the Aussie flick Introducing the Dwights: British actress Brenda Blethyn. Her interpretation of a working-class mother is powerful. By night, her character is an old-school entertainer; by day, she works in a cafeteria. There is nothing unusual about the character's flaws (she smothers her sons), hopes (to be famous), and habits (heavy drinking). But there is something unusual about the way Blethyn brings this simple character to life. (See Movie Times for more info.) by Charles Mudede

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