What: “Crash” (2004)

When and where: 8 p.m. Thursday in the Pioneer Room of the Memorial Union; 8 p.m. Friday in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union

Sponsored by: SUB Films

Director: Paul Haggis

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Thandie Newton and Brendan Fraser

Length: 113 minutes

Rating: R for language, sexual content and some violence

Awards: Six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay; Directors Guild, Writers Guild and Golden Globe nominations; Screen Actors Guild winner for Outstanding Cast

Why you should see it: “Crash” uses interlocking stories to explore racial tensions and prejudices. It deals with a controversial subject and conveys its message without being too opinionated.

With a cast that includes Cheadle, Dillon and Bullock, it’s a triple-threat of talent, characters and a story that’s powerful and emotional.

What: “Waiting” (2005)

When and where: 6:30 and 9 p.m. Friday in room 101 of the College of Design Building

Sponsored by: Free Friday Flicks

Director: Rob McKittrick

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Anna Faris

Length: 93 minutes

Rating: R for strong crude and sexual humor, pervasive language and some drug use

Why you should see it: “Waiting” is a comedy about the horrors of the restaurant business as seen through the eyes of the young employees. Starring Reynolds and Faris of teen comedy fame as some of the colorful, misfit staff, the movie shows what really goes on when the customers turn their backs.

– Jill Blackledge