“Évian is ‘naïve’ spelled backward.”

In the 25 years (!) since its release, director Ben Stiller‘s Gen-X-flavoured romantic comedy REALITY BITES has taken on a life of its own and become a beloved cult-classic touchstone/time capsule for anyone who came of age (or, didn’t) during the 1990’s. Infinitely quotable and with one seriously killer soundtrack, the film stars Ethan Hawke, Winona Ryder, Janeane Garofalo, and Steve Zahn as four close friends and recent graduates who discover how difficult it is to find a decent job and true love after college. With Swoosie Kurtz, Anne Meara, Renée Zellweger, John Mahoney, Dave Pirner, Evan Dando, Andy Dick.

“Ryder and Hawke bring crucial authenticity to their roles with effortless appeal. You’ll find yourself wanting more of these characters than the movie gives you.” (Seattle Times)

“Ryder is luminous. She can crack a joke one minute and crush your heart the next without breaking character or letting the acting show.” (Rolling Stone)

“Turns out the 1994 movie was prescient about many things, including the rise of reality television and the fall of the post-collegiate job market. But thanks to Janeane Garofalo’s spot-on performance as Vickie Miner, it also gave us the prototypical example of that still-thriving movie staple: the quirky best female friend.” (Vulture)

Thursday, June 27
Doors 6:15 pm | Movie 6:45 pm
Tickets $10.50 advance HERE | $12.50 at the door

*Minors welcome in the balcony. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
**Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK! Please redeem at the door.

REALITY BITES (Ben Stiller, 1994 / 99 mins / 14A) After college, Lelaina films a documentary about herself and friends as they flounder in their attempts to forge relationships and begin careers. Vickie works retail, has an endless string of one-night stands and awaits the results of her HIV test. Sammy tries to come out to his parents. Lelaina gets involved with yuppie Michael while maintaining a love-hate relationship with Troy, who’s undergoing an existential crisis.