Sometimes, there’s nothing you’d rather see more than an 8-foot-tall projection of Matthew Broderick’s 20-something face smirking down at you in public.
Maybe I’m only projecting my own desires on the masses. Then again, if that weren’t the case—if not with Matthew Broderick then with another household celebrity actor—the concept of an outdoor movie wouldn’t be so widely beloved.
There have been many outdoor film series across the country, such as “Screen on the Green” in Washington, D.C., and “Rooftop Films” in New York. Clearly, many people enjoy the communal experience of enjoying cinema in the warm outdoors.
Harrisburg now will have its chance, too. This summer, Friends of Midtown presents a series of films that will be projected in the parking lot of Midtown Cinema. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring the community together for a free event, enjoying a good film and each other’s company.
“We want to provide something enjoyable for individuals and families of Midtown and to just make it a more fun place to live,” says Shawn Westhafer of Friends of Midtown. “That’s our obvious goal, but outreach, of course, is too. We’re always looking to reach out to more people, always trying to do things that will cause us to reach new folks.”
Six films will be played throughout the summer, from June to August, with two per month. The movies were chosen for their widespread popularity and family-friendly content, as well as being suitable for summer fun.
One of the films (“Plan 9 from Outer Space”) will combine the Outdoor Film Series with another Midtown Cinema series, “Down in Front!” in which improv comedians make fun of atrocious movies. “Plan 9,”directed by Ed Wood—a filmmaker some regard as the worst director of all time—will be a fun change from the more mainstream movies that will grace the outdoor screen.
So, pull out your lawn chairs and blankets and join the fun. The films will start at dusk, but make sure to come early. It’s going to get pretty crowded!
Outdoors Film Series
June 5: “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark”
June 26: “Batman”
July 10: “Plan 9 From Outer Space”
July 24: “Labyrinth”
Aug. 7: “The Princess Bride”
Aug. 28: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”
All movies start at dusk in the parking lot of Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg.
Midtown Cinema
June Events
Midnight Matinee Series
“The Matrix” (1999)
Saturday, June 6, 11:45pm (BYOB)
Contemporary Digital Theatre Series
“Showboat” w/Bill Irwin
Sunday, May 31, 4pm
“NTL’s Man and Superman” w/Ralph Fiennes
Sunday, June 7, 4pm
presented by Open Stage of Harrisburg
Classic Film Series
“Singin’ in the Rain” (1952)
Sunday, June 14, 6pm
3rd in the Burg $3 Movie
“Clueless”
Friday, June 19, 9:30ish (BYOB)
Family Film Series
“The Neverending Story” (1984)
Saturday, June 20, noon
Sunday, June 21, 2pm
MOVIATE Night
Sunday, June 28, 7pm
