Movies Al Fresco

Summer 2012

By Joyce Heid
My dad used to talk about taking his brothers to the movies; for a nickel, they would watch Hopalong Cassidy all day long. That was in the 1930s; today a trip to the movieplex can cost between $10 and $15, and don’t even think about trying to spend the entire day in the theatre! For a family of four, the final tally can exceed $50 by the time you add in the popcorn.
Fortunately for frugal families, there is another option during the summertime as many local organizations sponsor outdoor films.
Be aware, not all movies are appropriate for all ages. If you are concerned about the content or rating, visit www.imdb.com for an in depth listing of language, violence, sexuality, and ratings for a specific movie. And if a movie is not appropriate for the entire family, it could make a great date night for parents. Either way, pack lawn chairs or a blanket, along with some snacks to settle in under the real stars and enjoy a show!
In Fell’s Point enjoy Films on the Pier, which shows new releases at dusk at the end of Broadway, Wednesdays in July and August, starting at 8:45 pm. www.fellspointmainstreet.org/news.html
July 18, “Bridesmaids”
July 25,  “Safe House”
August 1, “Crazy Stupid Love”
August 8, “Drive”
August 15, “30 Minutes or Less”
August 22, “The Hunger Games”
August 29, “Moneyball”
The American Visionary Arm Museum invites your family to watch a great film selection inspired by the AVAM's current exhibition ALL THINGS ROUND: Galaxies, Eyeballs & Kamra!  The Hughes Family Outdoor Theater features seating for more than a thousand on the natural amphitheater formed by Federal Hill before a 30-foot wide screen held from above by a Giant Golden Hand. To top it off, the museum is open and free between 5pm and 9pm on flick nights! In case of inclement weather, the movie will be shown inside the AVAM. www.avam.org/news-and-events/events/flicks-from-the-hill.shtml
Schedule:
July 19, “Breaking Away”
July 26, “Vertigo”
August 2, “High Anxiety”
August 9, “Triplets of Belleville”
August 16, “Blue Hawaii”
August 23, “Citizen Kane”
You can try Cinema al Fresco at a Little Italy’s famous Open Air Film Festival. One of Little Italy’s more popular events, the film fest is in its 15th year! Many of the local restaurants offer carryout and/or movie night specials. Movies are projected on the outside wall of Ciao Bella Restaurant. A handful of folding chairs are provided on a first-come first-served basis, but it’s a good idea to arrive early and bring your own. There is live music starting at 7 pm and the movie begins at 9pm. Best of all? Free popcorn! www.littleitalymd.com/activities.htm
Schedule:
July 20, “From Here To Eternity”
July 27, “Buona Sera Mrs. Campbell”
August 3, “Letters To Juliet”
August 10, “Come September”
August 17, “The Talented Mr. Ripley”
August 24, “When In Rome”
August 31, “Cinema Paradiso”
The Bel Air Downtown Alliance hosts Outdoor Movies at Shamrock Park. The event is held on Friday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30pm twice a month through August and features pre-movies entertainment, face painting, free popcorn, children’s activities, and a variety of food vendors. www.downtownbelair.com/events/detail/out2
July 27, “Despicable Me”
August 3, “Cars 2”
August 17, “Puss in Boots”
The Wine Bin on Main Street in Ellicott City hosts outdoor summer movies on Saturday nights through September. The parking lot closes an hour before show time. For those who are old enough to partake, the Bin offers  a wine tasting before each movie and has coolers of ice to chill your beer and wine. Popcorn and bottled water are available for purchase with the proceeds benefiting Voices for Children of Howard County. Movie starts at 9pm. www.winebinec.com/summer-movies.php
July 21,  “Johnny English Reborn” 
July 28,  “Vertigo”
August 4,  “Jumanji”
August 11, “Up” 
August 18, “Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure”
August 25, “Never Been Kissed”

In September, movies start at 8pm.
September 1, “Groundhog Day” 
September 8, “Psycho” 
September 15, “American Graffiti” 
September 22, “Chicago” 
September 29, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”

©Baltimore's Child Inc. July 2012