RETRO ROCKS! FILM SERIES
Select Sundays at 2pm in Cinema One | $12 per person.
WEBSITE:
https://carolinatheatre.org/series/retro-rocks-film-series/
January 11, 2026
Stephen Frears’ HIGH FIDELITY
(R, 2000, 104 min)
Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures and rarely allowed to screen nowadays in theatres, this music-driven comedy-drama follows Rob (John Cusack), a Chicago vinyl record store owner obsessed with cataloging every song. When his girlfriend Laura (Iben Hjejle) leaves him, Rob revisits past relationships with friends like Dick (Todd Louiso) and Barry (Jack Black), navigating heartbreak and self-discovery. The soundtrack—featuring The Kinks, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, and Elvis Costello—captures the spirit of the era and fuels Rob’s journey. This rare theatrical experience turns vinyl, riffs, and lyrics into a funny, bittersweet story about growing up and obsession.
TRAILER:
February 15, 2026
Mick Jackson’s THE BODYGUARD
(R, 1992, 130 min)
“Never let her out of your sight. Never let your guard down. Never fall in love.” The Bodyguard features a generation-defining soundtrack, still the best-selling of all time with over 45 million copies sold worldwide. Whitney Houston’s unforgettable hits—I Will Always Love You, I Have Nothing, and I’m Every Woman—power every scene, elevating the romance and tension. Kevin Costner stars as a Secret Service agent assigned to protect superstar singer Whitney Houston, and sparks fly as their professional relationship deepens into love amid danger. The film itself was a massive box office success, earning approximately $411 million worldwide and ranking as the second-highest-grossing film of 1992. Combining suspense, romance, and iconic music, it remains a timeless cinematic and cultural milestone.
TRAILER:
February 22, 2026
Joel Silberg’s BREAKIN’
(PG, 1984, 87 min)
“They’ll take it to the street!” Celebrate the energy and creativity of early hip-hop culture in this electrifying dance film. Two street-savvy breakdancers master foot-stomping, gravity-defying moves, and vibrant battles, inspired by Kelly, a talented jazz dancer who pushes them to the stage. Featuring authentic performances by legendary crews like Ozone and Turbo of the Rock Steady Crew, plus a cameo by future rap icon Ice-T, the film explodes with iconic 80s funk and electro tracks, including the smash hit “Breakin’… It’s a New Rock”. With pulse-pounding choreography and unstoppable street energy, Breakin’ is a joyous, high-octane celebration of dance, music, and youthful ambition that still inspires new generations.
TRAILER:
April 12, 2026
Allan Moyle’s PUMP UP THE VOLUME
(R, 1990, 105 min)
A cult-favorite soundtrack fuels this coming-of-age drama, with alternative and punk tracks that captured the spirit of a generation. Mark Hunter (Christian Slater) is an introverted teen in Arizona who finds his voice as Hard Harry, a pirate radio DJ railing against injustice and hypocrisy. When student Nina (Samantha Mathis) uncovers his identity, and Principal Creswood (Annie Ross) attempts to shut him down, the stakes rise both on-air and off. Packed with raw energy, rebellious riffs, and iconic alternative songs like “Everybody Knows” (Concrete Blonde), “Wave of Mutilation” (Pixies), “Heretic” (Soundgarden), and “Kick Out the Jams” (Bad Brains), this music-driven story of teen angst, resistance, and self-expression remains a defining moment for alt-rock fans and independent cinema enthusiasts.
TRAILER:
May 3, 2026
Albert & David Maysles and Charlotte Zwerin’s GIMME SHELTER
(PG, 1970, 91 min)
Called the greatest rock film ever made, this isn’t your typical doc—it’s a front-row ticket to the wildest tour of 1969. The Rolling Stones storm through America, and at San Francisco’s Altamont Speedway, 300,000 fans collide with Hells Angels in a moment that shattered a decade’s ideals. Legendary performances of Gimme Shelter, Sympathy for the Devil, and Jumpin’ Jack Flash electrify the chaos, turning history into pure rock ’n’ roll adrenaline. It’s raw, intense, and unforgettable—a visceral snapshot of counterculture, rebellion, and the highs and lows of the Love Generation you actually feel in your bones.
TRAILER:
June 14, 2026
Blake Edwards’ VICTOR/VICTORIA
(PG, 1982, 132 min)
“The Disguise Surprise Comedy of the Year!” Nominated for multiple Oscars, including Best Actress for Julie Andrews, the musical-comedy brims with razor-sharp wit, over-the-top laughs, and a playful, unforgettable soundtrack. Victoria (Andrews) is flat broke in 1930s Paris until cabaret performer Toddy (Robert Preston) hatches a wild plan: she’ll perform as a man. As “Victor,” she dazzles audiences with jazzy, show-stopping numbers like Le Jazz Hot and The Shady Dame from Seville, leaving Chicago gangster King Marchand (James Garner) completely flustered. Its daring gender-bending premise continues to inspire performers today, particularly in drag culture, making it a joyous, music-driven romp that blends humor, romance, and campy show-stopping flair.
TRAILER:
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