There was a time when comedies ruled the box office. Starting in the ‘80s, hits like “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Ghostbusters,” “The Hangover,” “Dumb and Dumber,” “Sister Act,” “Anchorman,” and “Bridesmaids” weren’t just funny—they were cultural events.
But in the last decade, major studios have shifted their focus. Big-budget action and franchise films dominate theaters, while comedies have been quietly redirected to streaming. And while there is nothing wrong with laughing on your couch, it robs these movies of the depth that comes with seeing them with a crowd. Comedy thrives on community—the shared energy, the collective release, the feeling of being in on the joke together.
That is part of what made “Bad Shabbos” such a hit with our audiences over Memorial Day weekend. This offbeat comedy—extended for another week at The Triplex due to popular demand—follows a high-stakes Shabbat dinner that spirals into chaos when a dead body shows up.
“Bad Shabbos” is sharp, specific, and very funny. It is a wry sendup of Jewish family dynamics on the Upper West Side, a reminder that Cliff “Method Man” Smith should be in way more movies, and a great example of what we lose when we stop watching comedies together.
When we laugh in the dark, side by side, we find something bigger than ourselves. We find relief. We find connection. And sometimes, we find that the things that scare us the most are easier to face with a little laughter—and a full house.
Now Playing
“The Killing Fields”
Sam Waterston in person this Saturday!
A powerful piece of cinema that remains relevant over 40 years after its release, we are honored to have Sam Waterston join us to discuss his Oscar-nominated role in Roland Jaffe’s “The Killing Fields” on June 7!
When the U.S. Army pulls out of the Cambodian Civil War in 1975, interpreter Dith Pran (Haing S. Ngor, in an Oscar-winning role) decides to remain to help American reporter Sydney Schanberg (Waterston) and photographer Al Rockoff (John Malkovich) report on the arrival of the Khmer Rouge. As the regime takes hold, the trio struggles to survive while finding a way through the violence sweeping the country.
After the movie, Sam will sit down with Triplex board member Matthew Penn to discuss the film, how its message resonates with the modern political climate, and his legendary 60-year-long career on the stage, screen, and television.
June 7, at 3 p.m.
“The Phoenician Scheme”
A madcap caper from Wes Anderson.
The story of a family, their family business, and the complications it causes, Wes Anderson’s “The Phoenician Scheme” comes to The Triple this week!
Packed to the brim with an ensemble led by Benecio Del Toro and featuring Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Willem Dafoe, Riz Ahmed, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, and many more, “The Phoenician Scheme” follows Del Toro’s businessman Zsa-zsa Korda as he appoints his only daughter, a nun (Threapleton), as sole heir to his estate, making them the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins.
Starts Friday.
“Pavements”
A meta-documentary about the iconic indie band.
A “semiotic experiment” that combines elements of documentary, biopic, and spoof, Alex Ross Perry’s “Pavements” is unlike any other band movie you have seen. Incorporating interviews with Stephen Malkmus and other members of the seminal ’90s indie rock group with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a fictional film adaptation of their lives and a jukebox musical titled “Slanted! Enchanted! A Pavement Musical,” Pavements is the perfect tribute to the last band that you would ever expect to have a biopic.
Part of our Limited Engagement Series, “Pavements” plays for one week from June 6 to 12.
“Lilo & Stitch”
When Stitch, AKA experiment 626 (voiced by series creator Chris Sanders), escapes the clutches of the United Galactic Federation, he hides from his would-be-captors by posing as the rescue dog of Lilo, an outcast little girl struggling to fit in following the passing of her parents. Starring newcomers Maia Kealoha and Sydney Elizebeth Agudong alongside a cast that includes Zach Galifnakis, Courtney B. Vance, and Billy Magnussen, “Lilo & Stitch” is a whirlwind adventure that celebrates the messiness of family.
Ends Thursday!
Coming Soon
A “Mamma Mia!” Celebration!
Sing, dance, and shout along with our “Mamma Mia!” Celebration on June 14! Each ticket includes a celebration packet of confetti, glow sticks, and other themed items along with a cue sheet to create a one-of-a-kind interactive event celebrating the sublime experience of watching Meryl Streep sing ABBA.
June 14, at 8:30 p.m.
“How To Train Your Dragon”
Set a course for the Isle of Berk next Friday when “How To Train Your Dragon” comes soaring into The Triplex! The live-action adaptation of the beloved animated franchise follows young viking Hiccup as he defies centuries of tradition by befriending Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Along with their friends, Hiccup and Toothless confront a world of fear and misunderstanding while taking on an ancient threat that endangers humans and dragons alike.
Starts June 13.
“Friendship”
Should men have friends? If “Friendship” has anything to say about it, the answer is “no.”
Writer-director Andrew DeYoung creates the perfect star vehicle for Tim Robinson’s jump to the big screen from cult TV classics “I Think You Should Leave” and “Detroiters” in this nightmarish look at suburban Craig’s (Robinson) fascination with his charismatic new neighbor (Paul Rudd) that threatens to derail both their lives.
Closing out our Winter + Spring Limited Engagement series, “Friendship” comes to The Triplex for one week starting on June 13!
