Still waiting? Try two at the Magic Lantern

Above : Michelle Williams stars in “Showing Up.” (Photo/A24)

If you’re paying attention, something I do on occasion, you’ll notice that the two movies opening Friday at the Magic Lantern Theatre are already playing elsewhere.

If you haven’t yet seen either, however, you might consider doing so at the Lantern. The popcorn there is pretty good.

Anyway, while I’ve already written about both, let me just add a few facts.

One, both are getting better than average scores from the critics. As of this writing, Rotten Tomatoes is giving “Beau Is Afraid” a 70 percent Tomatometer rating, while “Showing Up” stands at an admirable 88 percent.

And two, both offer something different from your average mainstream movie.

Of Kelly Reichardt’s “Showing Up,” Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “Audiences need to meet it halfway, with their eyes, minds and emotions open. Those that do will have a fulfilling and memorable experience.”

And of Ari Aster’s 3-hour-long “Beau Is Afraid,” Peter Travers of ABC News spoke for many other critics when he wrote, “You’ll either love it or hate it as director Ari Aster tasks Joaquin Phoenix with his most challenging role as a total loser trying to get home to his mom (Patti LuPone). It’s not for everyone, except those starved for originality in copycat Hollywood.”

Now it’s time to go, see a movie. And (try to) enjoy.