The Current

Great Music Lives Here ®
Listener-Supported Music
Donate Now

Movie Maven: 'Rich Hill'; Swayze Daze of Summer

  Play Now [5:56]

by Stephanie Curtis

August 15, 2014

rich hill film still
'Rich Hill' is an honest look at what it's like to be poor in America.
Tracy Droz Tragos and Andrew Droz Palermo

MPR's Movie Maven Stephanie Curtis joins Steve Seel and Jill Riley to talk about a new documentary and about an event that benefits the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's PurpleRideStride 2014.

Rich Hill is a new documentary by filmmakers Tracy Droz Tragos and Andrew Droz Palermo. It follows the lives of three boys from three different families, all living in the town of Rich Hill, Mo. (population 1,396). The film provides a look at the boys' lives over the course of a year. Stephanie says it's an honest look at what it's like to be poor in America and how people get by. "The film is heartbreaking but beautifully filmed," Stephanie says.

Then, on Saturday, Aug. 16, the Theatres at Mall of America celebrate the work of Patrick Swayze at "Swayze Daze of Summer." The event comprises a double-feature of Swayze films, with Dirty Dancing screening at 7 p.m., followed by a screening of Road House at 9:30 p.m. Proceeds from this event benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's PurpleRideStride 2014.

Listen to the full audio above to hear Stephanie's review of Rich Hill and to hear about Jill's fondness for the two featured Swayze films.

Rich Hill is unrated and is screening at the Landmark Lagoon Cinema in Minneapolis.

MPR's Movie Maven, Stephanie Curtis, joins The Current's Morning Show to talk about films every Friday at 8:30 a.m.