WEDNESDAY JANUARY 19TH/FRITZ' LANG'S METROPOLIS / FOX THEATRE / 9PM
Two weeks ago I advised you to see the animated film inspired by Fritz Lang's science fiction masterpiece. This week you have the chance to see the original work, with an additional 25 minutes of material deemed lost for over 80 years. Its a long night, 148 minutes, but well worth it, especially for the gorgeous original score). Tickets are $10 for non-members, members pay $7 and can be purchased at the theatre.

THURSDAY JANUARY 20TH/RUE MORGUE MAGAZINE PRESENTS HOLOCAUST 2000 / BLOOR CINEMA / 9:30PM
Rue Morgue does it again, this time with a genuine 35mm print of a film eerily reminiscent of the Omen, except starring Kirk Douglas and a whole lot crazier. When the 'global energy crisis' leads a company to lobby to build a nuclear power plant in a 'sacred cave' in the Middle East, the son of a diplomat starts indicating that the end of days coming and all hell breaks loose. Want to know what kind of gore you're in for? Check out this scene. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the theatre, or in advance at Eyesore Cinema, Suspect Video or the Rue Morgue House of Horror.

FRIDAY JANUARY 21ST / CINSSU FREE FRIDAY FILMS PRESENTS THE DECLINE OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE / INNIS TOWN HALL / 7PM
A comedic drama as best told by a French Canadian, this film follows a group of professors as their political discussions lead into conversations about sex, primarily their multiple infidelities even with each others spouses. Imagine what would happen when their partners meet to have the same type of conversation? Hilarious and touching at times, this is a must see of the Canadian film canon. The screening is free, so there are no tickets, but first come first serve.

FRIDAY NIGHT BONUS: When you are done watching The Decline of the American Empire, head down to the Royal to see The Room at 11:30pm because it will be a film watching experience you won't soon forget. Sorry Rocky Horror, you don't know movie mayhem until you get hit in the eye with a plastic utensil during a spoon fight. You have to do it at least once to really understand.

SATURDAY JANUARY 22ND / CANADA'S TOP TEN PRESENTS CANADA'S TOP SHORTS PROGRAM A & B / TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX / 6:30PM & 9:30PM
Sometimes less is more, and Canada's Top Ten screening showcases the best in Canadian short films as seen at festivals such as TIFF and the CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival. Highlights include /The Legend of Beaver Dam/ and /Lipsett Diaries/ in Program A at 6:30 and /Vapor/ and /On the Way to the Sea/ in Program B at 9pm. Tickets for adults are $18 for the double bill of both programs or $12 for one screening. More info from TIFF.

SUNDAY JANUARY 23RD / LA DANSE: LE BALLET DE L'OPERA DE PARIS / BLOOR CINEMA /1:30PM
Relax on Sunday with a matinee screening of Frederick Wiseman's Le Ballet de L'Opera as he goes behind the scenes to the ballet rehearsals at the Paris Garnier as they stage rehearsals, staff meetings and final performances of classics and modern dances. Not just your average dance documentary, the sumptuous music and atmosphere will sweep you up, forgetting all about the winter chill. Tickets can be bought at the theatre and are $9 for non-members for matinees which gets you a membership to the Bloor as well.

MONDAY JANUARY 24TH/CANADA'S TOP TEN PRESENTS LAST TRAIN HOME / TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX / 9PM
Start the week with the fantastic debut documentary of Montreal filmmaker Lixin Fan as he chronicles the voyage of migrant workers in cities as they travel by the millions to their home towns for the only holiday they are allowed to have, Chinese New Year. One of the best reviewed docs of the last year, I highly recommend seeing it. Tickets are $12 for adults and $9.50 for students/seniors and can be bought in person, on the phone or on the web.

Photo by wvs in the blogTO Fickr pool.