Hey folks, welcome back to Little Big Screen: On the Big, Big Screen, where film columnist Benjamin McElroy recommends five screenings happening at Iowa’s independent movie theaters. Keep scrolling for the full list of this month’s big screenings.
The Puppet Masters (1994)
Directed by Stuart Orme
Iowa is ground zero for this invasion of B-team Body Snatchers. The hive of gross little stingray guys is headquartered inside Des Moines City Hall. The building looks nothing like the real thing — the exterior was shot in Fresno, California — but that doesn’t mean this movie is “technically set” in Iowa. All the crazy helicopter stuff that follows was actually filmed above Des Moines. Donald Sutherland’s stunt double almost crashes into 801 Grand! Also, Keith David does say “Des Moines” in that voice of his.
FilmScene, Iowa City, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 10 p.m.
Blue Moon (2025)
Directed by Richard Linklater…