At the Liberty:"Thelma"

DAYTON — “Thelma” is based on a real-life experience of writer/director Josh Margolin’s grandmother. When 93-year-old Thelma Post (Oscar nominee June Squibb) gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she sets out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her. This is a story exploring aging, family, and autonomy (and uniquely inspired by action movies like “Mission: Impossible.” This marks June Squibb’s first leading film role of her 70+ year career.

“Thelma” is highly rated by critics and audiences, with 99% and 84%, respectively on the Rotten Tomatoes website. Critics at that website summed up their review as “A stellar showcase for the talented June Squibb, ‘Thelma’ avoids cheap laughs as it finds the lighter side of some serious issues.” It is rated PG-13 for strong language, and it has a runtime of 97 minutes.

The Liberty Theater free summer movie series for children continues with “Lego Batman” on July 16 and 19 at 1 pm. A small popcorn and a small beverage are available for only $2. The movie summary is as follows: There are big changes brewing in Gotham, but if Batman (Will Arnett) wants to save the city from the Joker’s (Zach Galifianakis) hostile takeover, he may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up. Maybe superhero sidekick Robin and loyal butler Alfred can show him a thing or two. Rated PG for rude humor and some action. Runtime is 1 hour 46 minutes. This movie is highly rated on the Rotten Tomatoes website (90% and 80% for critics and audiences). Then, showing on Tuesday, July 23, and Friday, the 26th, the children’s movie will be “Paddington 2.” It is rated PG.

Also, on July 30 and August 2, from 2 to 5 p.m., there will be free cast sign-ups for the Missoula Children’s Theater presentation of “Treasure Island.” Rehearsals will be every day from August 5 to 9, and performances will be Friday, August 9 (7 p.m.) and again on Saturday at 3 p.m.