Magic Lantern offers a bit of world flavor Friday

Above : The Hong Kong crime thriller “Raging Fire” opens Friday at the Magic Lantern Theatre. (Photo/Well Go USA Entertainment)

From the mean streets of Hong Kong to the bright lights of Broadway, the Magic Lantern on Friday promises to bring a bit of the larger world to this part of the Inland Northwest.

If some of us still don’t feel comfortable enough to travel, at least we can experience it on the big screen. Small comfort, yes, but I’ll settle for any kind of comfort these days.

The Lantern’s scheduled Friday openings are as follows:

“Raging Fire” : A young Hong Kong cop admires his veteran colleague until circumstances put them on the opposite sides of the law. Directed by the late Benny Chan.

Richard Kuipers , Variety: “The familiar story of an honest cop colliding with a former colleague-turned criminal is raised several notches above the ordinary by intricate plot details, a high quota of outstanding set-pieces and excellent performances by Yen and co-star Nicholas Tse as the cold-blooded villain.”

Anna Smith , Deadline Hollywood Daily: “ ‘Raging Fire’ is an accomplished visual feat with detailed fight choreography and strong physical performances. But it’s definitely for those more swayed by guns than gags, and by action than character.”

“On Broadway” : In a time when Broadway shows are threatened by the current pandemic, this documentary captures the energy that goes into producing such performances. Directed by Oren Jacoby, it includes interviews with the likes of Hugh Jackman, Helen Mirren, Christine Baranski, Alec Baldwin and Ian McKellan.

Joe Morgenstern , Wall Street Journal: “This smart and spirited film reminds us that there’s still nothing in American entertainment like the Broadway ritual of hundreds of live, superbly talented performers playing to thousands of live, rapt theatergoers six nights a week.”

Maya Phillips , New York Times: “ ‘On Broadway’ sure knows how to work a theater-lover’s heart.”

In addition, the Lantern will bring back “Nine Days,” a film that initially opened at the theater Aug. 6.

That’s it for Friday. So go. See a movie. Be safe and enjoy.