The five spot: Our five faves of the moment

Article by: Star Tribune staff
Updated: July 17, 2011 - 5:07 PM

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1 We're just wild about Harry and his anti-"Transformers" finale. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2" is high adventure with heart and soul to spare, a triumph of spectacle and well-earned sentiment. The "Harry" franchise has captured the imagination of an era like no cultural event since Beatlemania. And this final chapter ends with an epilogue that puts a lump in your throat and makes you want to watch all the "Harry" movies again from the beginning. That's the definition of a classic.

2 The most fascinating thing about the documentary "Foo Fighters: Back and Forth" (now out on DVD) is how it makes one of rock's most humorous and likable frontmen, Dave Grohl, seem not so funny or likable. The dude made some hard decisions to take his band higher, including canning a drummer and guitarist along the way. Twin Cities rock fans will also dig the footage of two ex-pats: Foo string player Jessy Greene and guest singer Bob Mould, who is in one of the few laughable scenes. Go figure.

3 The sensory experience at the Vali-Hi Drive-In Theatre is nothing like what you get at today's all-digital, 3-D, VIP multiplexes. On a hot summer night in Lake Elmo, car exhaust fills the air, kids run around like maniacs and the so-so concessions are priced accordingly. But that's all a part of what makes this drive-in experience special, nostalgic and overall, pretty great. Plus, how can you argue with a triple feature for $8? www.valihi.com

4 Theatre Pro Rata's production of "Waiting for Godot," which features a terrific portrayal of Pozzo by David Tufford, could not have been staged in a better location. The Hollywood Theatre in northeast Minneapolis is disheveled and ragged (and not air-conditioned) -- the perfect setting for Beckett's meditation on post-apocalyptic existence. www.theatreprorata.org.

5 The old patio at It's Greek to Me is the most underrated in the Uptown-LynLake area. It's not a rooftop, it doesn't have a view -- and the restaurant itself is a little dated. But this stone oasis -- with its stately fountain and bountiful seating -- is a beautiful gem hidden away at one of Minneapolis' busiest intersections. www.itsgreektomemn.com