Give thanks for the Magic Lantern

For so many reasons, it's good that Spokane still has the Magic Lantern to depend on. Yeah, the theater is a throwback, especially in these times of plush, reclining seats, big sound systems, etc. But that kind of contemporary comfort matters far less when you're watching a thoughtful exploration into some realm of cinema than when you're just gawking at exploding cars.

So it's nice to know that films such as "The Man Who Knew Infinity" and "The Meddler," whether they appeal to you or not, will get a second chance to attract an audience when the Lantern picks them up for a second run — as it will be doing beginning Friday.

There's no word yet from the Lantern whether it also will pick up the Luca Guadagnino film "A Bigger Splash," though I hope it does. But to be fair, people who want to see it in those much-publicized plush seats have two more chances. The film, which stars Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes, will play today and Thursday at AMC River Park Square before moving on.

I've always been grateful that some of the Spokane area's mainstream theaters choose, on occasion, to screen something other than the latest superhero blockbuster wannabe. One week, though, is hardly long enough for any film to play, even in Spokane. Which is why I'm thankful for the Lantern — and, more and more, for Netflix.