‘Apples’ plus cats makes the Magic Lantern meow

Above : The Greek film “Apples” opens Friday at the Magic Lantern Theatre. (Photo/Cohen Media Group)

It’s got to be frustrating to run a movie theater, especially an independent movie theater that specializes in screening non-mainstream films.

Especially in Spokane.

But that’s the challenge that the Magic Lantern Theatre has faced since its founding in the early 1970s. Yes, the place has closed from time to time.

Still, it’s rebounded again and again. And it’s been going … well, not strong but regular at its current location since 2007, thanks to the charity of the owners of the Saranac Building .

I write all that to explain why the place – which once specialized in showing French-language films to small but appreciative audiences – is playing “Top Gun: Maverick” on Friday. In short: It needs the money.

The Lantern will open two other films as well:

“Apples” : This Greek-language feature explores the life of a man (played by Aris Servetalis) who gets afflicted by a pandemic in which people lose their memories.

As Justin Chang wrote for NPR, “It all sounds bizarre on paper. But Apples, the first feature from the director and co-writer Christos Nikou, unfolds with an understated deadpan wit that makes even its weirder touches seem plausible, even logical.”

“CatVideoFest” : The 2022 version of this film features ever more cute videos of cats and their owners. Proceeds go to help support local shelters.

Imagine cats riding along with Tom Cruise. That movie would make millions.