THURSDAY 7/26
Film: Reel Risks
When Christian Bale’s Batman leaps off a parapet in The Dark Knight Rises, he’s “doing his own stunts” in the sense that the actor is wired beneath a crane that deposits him gently on the sidewalk below, where he can rescue Catwoman from Bane’s henchmen. All traces of the safety equipment are removed by CGI. But Buster Keaton really did his own stunts in Seven Chances and Steamboat Bill, Jr., the silent movies tonight beginning the 10-film retrospective Into the Vaults: Celebrating the Library of Congress. From childhood, when he worked as an acrobat, Keaton took his own lumps and bruises. If, with his signature stone face, he wasn’t a true movie actor, he became a movie star because of his stoic physical presence and daring. In Seven Chances (1925), in which Keaton will inherit a fortune if he finds a wife in one day, the rocks in the famous rolling-boulder sequence may be papier-mâché, but in his final race to the altar (to marry the girl he actually loves), his physical dexterity is on full display: He slides beneath a car, races in front of a train, leaps a chasm, somersaults down a sand dune, and jumps off a cliff onto a treetop at the precise instant it’s being felled by a logger. Try that, Batman. For the silent titles in the series, pianist Donald Sosin will perform live musical accompaniment. Screened on 35mm prints, movies run through Sunday at both the Uptown and SIFF Film Center. SIFF Cinema Uptown, 511 Queen Anne Ave. N., 324-9996, siff.net. $5–$10. 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. BRIAN MILLER
FRIDAY 7/27
Dance: Graduation Dance
Way back when you went to summer camp, you probably came home with a lanyard and a collection of salacious new lyrics to popular songs. The dancers at Strictly Seattle do much better in the takeaway department. This summertime-intensive workshop, which concludes with two performances, features the best of local contemporary dance. This weekend’s showcase performances are a great slice of Seattle style. Dancemakers includes Kristin Hapke, Tonya Lockyer, Amy O’Neal, Zoe Scofield, Mary Sheldon Scott, and Kate Wallich, and the student dancers range from wide-eyed beginners to those in the professional world. Altogether, it’ll be a great evening in the theater—even better than a duct-tape wallet. Velocity Dance Center, 1621 12th Ave., 351-3238, velocitydancecenter.org. $12–$28. 8 p.m. Fri. (Repeats Sat.) SANDRA KURTZ
Arts & Crafts: Picasso on a Budget
Sure, there are trendy biennales in Venice and Art|Basels in Miami Beach and Hong Kong, but who has time, money, and a babysitter for those? Closer to home and celebrating its 66th year, Bellevue’s ARTSfair features more than 300 artists, vendors, and craft makers offering their wares at sub-Warhol prices. Food, dance, art-making demos, and children’s activities are also part of the draw. Docent tours at BAM will guide you through the current Shaker and quilt exhibits. And all weekend, artist Gabrielle Abbott will create a huge chalk mural copy of Picasso’s A Girl Before a Mirror. There’s no passport required, and ample parking for the minivan. Also remember: BAM offers free admission during the fair, and events spill over to Northeast Sixth Street and Bellevue Square, where you can also eat and shop in air-conditioned splendor. (Through Sun.) Bellevue Arts Museum, 510 Bellevue Way N.E., 425-519-0770, bellevuearts.org. Free. 9:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. BRIAN MILLER
SATURDAY 7/28
Pets/Festivals: Poop and Circumstance
The Northwest is famously canine-friendly. Boutique owners offer complimentary dog treats, many bars welcome Fido, and dogs can even ride on Metro with their owners. Accordingly, Kirkland’s Go, Dog Go! Canine Festival & Dog Walk offers sundry games and activities for your four-legged family member, including agility demos, a flyball competition, and a qualifying round for the Skyhoundz Disc Dogathon (aka Frisbee catching). Along with music, food (for both dogs and masters), and pet paraphernalia, entertainment will include the Emerald City K9 Freestyle Dancers—yes, that means human/dog choreography. The two-mile dog walk begins at 10:30 a.m. (participation fee $20); expect to see many dogs (and owners) in costume. Bring your pooch and, please, some little plastic bags. Juanita Beach Park, 9703 N.E. Juanita Dr., 425-587-3336, kirklandwa.gov/gdg. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. ALLISON THOMASSEAU
Film: There’s Something About Harry
The Movies at the Mural series is always a summer favorite for picnicking families. Tonight, Rob Reiner’s charming 1987 adaptation of William Goldman’s The Princess Bride is sweet, funny, and well-played down the line for both parents and kids. Cary Elwes and Robin Wright Penn are the handsome, occasionally quarrelsome lovers; Wallace Shawn, Mandy Patinkin, and the late André the Giant help get them together after many amusing adventures. But the real news is the entire eight-part Harry Potter series, beginning next weekend and being screened Saturdays and Sundays in chronological order. Our three wizardly protagonists will age over a decade (from 2001 to 2011) as the themes gradually darken from PG to PG-13. By the time Harry, Ron, and Hermione graduate from Hogwarts, your kids will almost be ready for school to begin. (Through Aug. 26.) Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater, 684-7200, seattlecenter.com. Free. Dusk. BRIAN MILLER
