Escape into fantasy films at OKC theaters in May

Last Updated on May 2, 2023, 8:45 PM | Published: May 2, 2023

Rather than May flowers, a wet, rainy April in Oklahoma tends to bring a stormier, more volatile May to bring forth the summertime.

But instead of weathering the storms or sweating the rapidly approaching heat, why not partake of some seriously wild escapism with a selection of fantastical, whimsical, and outright strange films playing all over town this month?

Featuring everything from family-friendly fare to classics both iconic and cult-like, the magical fantasy options in OKC theaters this month are offering something for every imagination.

‘Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman’ – Oklahoma City Museum of Art – May 5th through 7th

A man’s spirit wandering boundless and body-less like a cloud, a wish-granting stranger, a human-sized, talking frog, and a missing cat.

Blend them all together with a pinch of whimsy and a big spoonful of post-disaster melancholy and you’ve got the makings of this innovatively animated adaptation of the works of Japanese magical-realism master Haruki Murakami.

Rather than attempting a straightforward adaptation of any one of Murakami’s famously inscrutable and emotionally challenging works, filmmaker Pierre Foldes weaves a number of the author’s short stories into a new, interconnected narrative following a collection of lost souls navigating Japan in the wake of the 2011 tsunami.

Murakami’s unique brand of hyper-modern ennui has been captivating audiences worldwide recently like never before, and “Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman” might just serve as something of a perfect primer for the uninitiated.

Fair warning, though: Don’t be fooled by the animation and anthropomorphized animals. This is a very mature, adults-only affair.

For showtimes, tickets, and more information, visit okcmoa.com.

‘Ponyo’ – Cinemark Tinseltown – May 7th, 8th, and 10th

If you’re still in the market for some magical Japanese animation involving tsunamis, but are wanting something significantly more fun and family-friendly, you can always count on the work of Hayao Miyazaki and his legendary Studio Ghibli.

As part of 2023’s ongoing, worldwide Ghibli-Fest, Tinseltown is presenting 2008’s “Ponyo,” Miyazaki’s vibrant, charming, and daringly environmentalist take on “The Little Mermaid.”

Transporting the tale to a seaside Japanese fishing town, and focusing on the childhood innocence at the story’s core, “Ponyo” is often hailed as one most delightful and accessible of Studio Ghibli’s offerings, though no less effective or masterful.

And with an English-dubbed voice cast featuring Liam Neeson, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Tina Fey, and the incomparable Betty White, how can you go wrong?

For showtimes, tickets, and more information, visit cinemark.com.

‘Lisztomania’ presented by VHS & Chill – Blue Note – May 10th

If you’re wanting to get way out into the wacky fantasy weeds this month, then local cult curators VHS & Chill have got your back with one of the most “out there” forgotten weirdo masterworks perhaps ever made.

In between freak-film classics “Tommy” and “Altered States,” writer/director Ken Russell crafted this unprecendentedly odd, surrealist look at the life of 1800s musical phenomenon Franz Liszt, whose rebellious reputation and irrepressible sexual appeal arguably helped to create pop-culture as we now know it.

Starring The Who’s Roger Daltrey as Liszt, Russell’s cinematic insanity is in full swing like never before, with exploding grand pianos, naked sword fights, pipe organ spaceships, and more, all accompanied by a soundtrack from prog legends Yes.

And if that’s not enough, Ringo Starr plays the Pope. You can’t beat that.

It’s totally free and the show starts at 9:00pm, but for more info, visit facebook.com/vhsandchill.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ – Seemingly everywhere all month long

For some reason, “The Wizard of Oz” is playing all over town throughout May.

It’s not celebrating any particularly special anniversary this year, like it did in 2019 when it was screened nationwide to commemorate its 80th year.

It’s not in special memory of star Judy Garland, like it was in June of last year, when it was released across the country again in honor of what would have been her 100th birthday.

I honestly can’t find any specific reason why, but this absolute, undisputed cinematic landmark is playing in no fewer than four area theaters during a one-week period this month. including:

-Cinemark Tinseltown: May 12th

-Flix Brewhouse: May 12th through 14th

-ShowBiz Cinemas Edmond – May 14th & 17th

-Harkins Theaters Bricktown – May 16th

Whatever the reason, there’s never a bad time to revisit one of the most important, enduring, and straight-up infinitely enjoyable films ever released, especially if you’re needing the kind of fantasy daydream escapism that Dorothy’s adventure nails better than any other.

And if you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing this immortal magical masterpiece on the big screen, then do yourself a favor and don’t miss this chance.

For showtimes, tickets, and more information, visit cinemark.com, flixbrewhouse.com, showbizcinemas.com, or harkins.com.

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