FRI 11/11
Though it got under way smack-dab in the middle of a crippling hurricane, the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival never pulled down the shutters on its 200-some movies. In fact, there's still another week and a half left before the final credits run. And if you think the best has already passed, well, try telling that to Cuba Gooding Jr. The versatile (and busy) actor makes an appearance at 7:30 p.m. Friday at AMC Coral Ridge 10 (3401 NE 26th Ave., Fort Lauderdale) for the world-premiere screening of his new film, End Game.
Full to the brim with fight scenes and special effects, End Game is a tale of conspiracy, assassination (of the president!), and a quest for the truth (whodunit?). A thrilling 107 minutes, to be sure, but afterward is when the real party starts. At 9:15 p.m., the FLIFF Beach Party takes over the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa (3030 Holiday Dr., Fort Lauderdale). Tickets to the movie and the party cost $40.
If you're not in the party mood, drop by the theater on Saturday for a 7:30 p.m. screening of Berkeley, a film about the good ol' days of 1968 — back when college students did more to protest war than light up a joint and rent Fahrenheit 911. Call 954-760-9898, or visit www.fliff.com. — Jason Budjinski
Dumb Diners
Maroone over Hollywood
THU 11/10
The Maroone Moonlight Movie Series is no longer just a Fort Lauderdale thing. This Thursday, Hollywood goes, um, Hollywood for a free film screening at Anniversary Park (corner of Hollywood Boulevard and 20th Avenue). The idea is that you can splurge at a downtown restaurant and then catch a flick without further strain on your wallet. So it's appropriate that the first film of the series is called The Dinner Game, a French flick about a group of friends who hold weekly dinner parties, each inviting the dumbest person he or she can find. But karma rears its head as one of the hosts, Pierre, injures himself and has only his bumbling guest as a caretaker. The film begins at 7 p.m. Call 954-921-3016, ext. 19. — Jason Budjinski
