The Stranger

A movie about one fucked-up war produced during a different fucked-up war, Oh! What a Lovely War traverses the events of WWI (in which unfortunate coincidence and brazen foolishness conspired to grind up all of Europe's young men) with deep sarcasm and glossy movie-musical aplomb. It's small wonder that in 1969 America was primed for a sour satire about lots and lots of young people dying for king, country, and almost no reason. The film nearly topples under sludgy symbolism, but the final aerial shot of white crosses by the thousands is a sight worth remembering. (Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave, 329-2629. 8:30 pm, $9.) by Lindy West

Link  |  Post Comment (1)

There is nothing more important to do today than act like a citizen of the motherfucking United States of America as it celebrates the swearing in of its first African-American president. All the rest is politics, but this—this is history of the best kind. Redemptive, regenerative, resoundingly good. Many of your civic-minded friends are holding inauguration-watch parties (sadly, The Stranger's is already sold out), including two free ones at Town Hall and the Paramount. Because sometimes, freedom is free. (Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave, 652-4255, doors at 8:30 am; Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St, 467-5510, doors at 7 am.) by Eli Sanders

Link  |  Post Comment (4)

When I think about Michael Darling's video survey of the Northwest, my mind keeps drifting back to the gorgeous Anne Mathern straightforwardly mouthing along to the classic Italian song "Come Stai" while standing in the back of a moving pickup truck passing across gray-skied farmlands. Her hair blows in the wind—but is that background just stock footage? Is she really in a moving truck? And if all of this is a setup, then why is it so affecting? (Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Ave, 654-3100. 10 am–5 pm, free.) JEN GRAVES

Link  |  Post Comment (0)

The third annual Week of Fun comedy festival starts today, showcasing the best of Seattle's alternative-comedy scene. What exactly does that mean? How should I know? I'M A FUCKING ROBOT! Stranger Gong Show winner Solomon Georgio is scheduled to perform, so isn't that enough? Visit www.weekoffun.com for more info. (Capitol Club, 414 E Pine St, 325-2149. 8 pm, free, all ages.) by REVIEW-BOT 2000

Link  |  Post Comment (0)

Lo-Ball (the Ballard comedy show) allows local performers to stretch their legs and try out new material. Tonight it stretches its own legs into two separate shows! At 9:00 p.m. is Sketchball, where you will see the sketch-comedy duo the Cory and Doug Show, followed by two foreign artists forcing their bad art upon you in the Super Mega Art Show. Then stick around for the 11:00 p.m. Fresh Faces Showcase, featuring some of Seattle's youngest comedians staying up way past their bedtimes. (Live Girls! Theater, 2220 NW Market St, www.weekoffun.com. 9 and 11 pm, $5, all ages.) by Dartanion London

Link  |  Post Comment (0)

Two of Seattle's top improv groups join forces for one night of hilarity and death! Dartmondo blends standup and improv, Blood Squad blends horror and comedy. Tonight we hit the "frappe" button on both. Can I come up with another blender analogy? Sure! Watch as these two groups "break the ice" to "liquefy" your guts into laughter! (Live Girls! Theater, 2220 NW Market St, www.weekoffun .com. 9 pm, $10, all ages.) by Dartanion London

Link  |  Post Comment (0)