Is going to the movies about popcorn escapism or sitting in discomfort? Plus, “Karate Kid: Legends” brings back Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, together. 

A new independent film festival begins next month featuring local talent from Memphis and Mississippi, an avenue for filmmakers to present their work.

“There was a time when drive-in movie theaters — Bellevue, Jaxon, Sky-Vue — were all around town. But you have to be of a certain age to remember where they were.”

As temperatures rise, June comes with new art exhibitions across Memphis that explore the Ghost River, blend Southern culture with iconic Japanese imagery and highlight metal artistry.

If you’ve seen each of the previous seven installments of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, which first descended — from cables into a CIA vault — there’s no way you won’t be completing the mission.

With concessions curated by the chefs at Kinfolk, Hard Times Deli and Comeback Coffee, photo installations and a 40-foot screen, there’s a new club in town, and it’s all about bringing the community to the movies. 

Other movies making a comeback this week are “North by Northwest,” “The Wiz” and “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.” 

The owners of Union Centre changed the iconic blue dog art in late April. Only one blue dog painting remains on the building. 

Also notable, “Shadow Force,” an action thriller about an estranged couple who are former special ops soldiers who go on the run with their son, is a new release this week.

Chalkfest drew hundreds to the Brooks Museum of Art in Overton Park, as Memphians took advantage of a sunny afternoon to have fun at outdoor events around town.

In May, Memphis art exhibitions are showcasing youth and Asian American and Pacific Islander artists.

Also, comedy classic “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” returns for a 50th anniversary big screen revival at several local theaters. 

“Some people, their goal in life is to be their authentic selves. Most people never get there,” said a longtime friend. “(Lamar Sorrento’s) gotten there and gone past it, I think.”

Believe the buzz; “Sinners” demands to be seen with the best sound and image quality you can find.

The Renasant Convention Center is putting the work of local artists on display to its 450,000 annual visitors.

Born Winston Conrad Martindale on Dec. 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, Wink Martindale began as a radio DJ, but became famous hosting TV game shows like “Gambit” and “Tic-Tac-Dough.”

Advance word on “Sinners,” which incorporates the contributions of many Memphis-area musicians, is very strong.

“Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler and actor Michael B. Jordan collaborate again in “Sinners,” where blues music and Memphis musicians play a major role.

The newly renamed Orion Financial is the Mid-South’s largest credit union with 70,000 members and more than $1.2 billion in assets. 

At the “New Works by Marion Malone and Alicja Trout” exhibit at Church Health, art by mother and daughter artists merge into one show.

Indie Memphis announced Friday it was “pausing” programming, but the organization is adamant the “intermission isn’t goodbye.”

April artists on view in Memphis include Dolph Smith, Colleen Couch, April Bey, Joel Parsons, Brian Jobe, Kiersten Williams, Yancy Villa, and many more.

What were the odds English-Irish actor Steve Coogan would grace local screens twice this week? Strangely, pretty good.

The exhibit features paintings and an interactive gallery that immerses visitors in community, history, love and reflection. 

After updating “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid” in a semi-live-action style, Disney goes back to its theatrical roots with “Snow White.”