News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Tuesday December 30th 2025
“High-Rise”
BY HOWARD MCQUITTER II
Howardsmoviecorner.com                                                  howardmcquitter68@gmail.com
*** of Five Stars
Action/Sci-Fi/Drama
From the beginning of Ben Wheatley”'s “High-Rise,” the signs of a disturbing venture are in store for the viewers. Just minutes into “High-Rise,” the setting backs of three months earlier when a doctor Robert Laing (Tom Hiddleston) after recently losing his sister moves into a spacious apartment on the 25th floor of this futurist high-rise (would be in the 1970s here).
(J.G. Ballard”'s 1975 novel adapted to silver screen by Ben Wheatley with the same title.)Â Laing goes on to say he feels he”'s living in the future that has already taken place. Whether or not, Laing is aware of what is about to take place in his new surroundings is uncertain. That is, the brutal reality of his other rich neighbors on the upper floors where he joins them starting with frivolous decadence (orgies, drunkenness, drugs, etc.)… Read the rest ““High-Rise””
Stay or Go?
HOBT seeks community
input, stories, as it faces difficult decision
By Lindsey Fenner
In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre is reevaluating its occupancy of the Avalon Theater at 15th and Lake in Midtown Phillips. HOBT, founded in the Powderhorn Park neighborhood in 1973, produces the annual MayDay parade and festival, stages original productions at the Avalon and throughout Minnesota, and collaborates with community through artist residencies and workshops.
The theater company has made the historic Art Deco theater its home since 1988. However, badly needed repairs and updates, and lack of space, will force HOBT to make the difficult decision in the next year to stay in the Avalon or find a new home.
HOBT is in the early stages of this process, and is seeking community input in making its decision. About 60 community members attended a community listening session on May 17, and approximately 300 people have completed an online survey on the theater company”'s website. The survey asks for stories about participants”' experience with the Avalon, and HOBT Executive Director Corrie Zoll is hoping for more: “We already have more than a dozen pages of wonderful stories, and hope to share these when we can.… Read the rest “Stay or Go?”
Keep citizen journalism alive!
