2008 AIA Summer Outdoor Film Series

Film Schedule:

For more information about the film series, contact Paul Burk at burkpaul@hotmail.com.

Film Summaries:

Hairspray
In 1962 Baltimore, ample, energetic teen Tracy Turnblad (Ricki Lake) wants nothing more than to get on hip local TV dance program THE CORNY COLLINS SHOW. When she finally gets her way, her lively dance moves and bubbly personality are met with unexpected popularity, along with the ire of a fellow dancer, scheming Amber Von Tussle (Colleen Fitzpatrick). Furthermore, when she witnesses firsthand the terrible state of race relations in Baltimore, Tracy becomes an outspoken advocate for the desegregation of the show. John Waters' first PG-rated film is also his most sweet-natured and accessible. Based on his appreciation of the real-life 1960s Baltimore dance program THE BUDDY DEANE SHOW, Waters' affection for the era and attention to authenticity shines through.
Sunday, May 25, 8:30pm

Dr. Strangelove
Stanley Kubrick's Cold War masterpiece. Convinced that the Russians have infiltrated America's "vital essence," Gen. Jack D. Ripper gives the go code to the 843rd bomb wing to attack Russia, setting in motion a series of darkly hilarious vignettes involving gung-ho soldiers, wacky generals, spying Russians, drunken premiers, battles with soda machines, fights in the War Room, and the Russians' top-secret Doomsday Machine. Sterling Hayden, George C. Scott, Slim Pickens, Keenan Wynn, and Peter Sellers (in three roles) give exceptional performances in what may be the funniest, most poignant black comedy ever made, a vicious satire on the farcical aspects of the military and the cold war.
Friday July 4th, 8:45pm

The Triplets of Belleville (PG-13)
This 2003 French-Belgian concoction is an animated film that may appeal more to adults than to children. Filled with inspired, twisted imagery, this nearly dialogue-free film is a crowd-pleaser of unusual power, with the strange, measured pacing of a dream, and a great soundtrack of bizarre, alternate-reality '30s jazz. TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE is a very strange, very loving, and very French salute to obsession, affection, and persistence.
Note to Parents: please be aware that this film is rated PG-13 for a brief scene at the beginning featuring a topless female dancer
Friday July 11th, 8:45pm

Duck Soup
DUCK SOUP was the fifth film by the Marx Brothers, and by most estimates, their best. The plot has Groucho becoming the leader of Freedonia, and quickly frustrating his cabinet and offending the aggressive neighboring country to the point of war. Chico and Harpo, sent by the rival country, spy on Groucho and try to steal his battle plans, but when war does come, loyalties become muddled all around. The visual gags are first rate (especially the famous broken mirror sequence), and the one-liners fly through the air like the bombs exploding in the hysterical battle scene. DUCK SOUP is a classic movie that truly stands up to the test of time. Pure comic anarchy at its best.
Friday July 17th, 8:45pm

Rear Window
In director Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 classic, Jimmy Stewart plays L.B. Jeffries, a globe-trotting photojournalist confined to his Greenwich Village apartment after suffering a broken leg. Bored and restless, he passes the time watching his neighbors through their open windows. He begins to suspect that the man opposite may have murdered his wife. Jeff enlists the help of his high-society girlfriend Lisa Freemont (Grace Kelly) and his nurse Stella to investigate. REAR WINDOW is not only a gripping story of murder and suspense, it is a celebrated allegory on the nature of film itself, a story in which the audience watches Jefferies watch the story unfold. One of Hitchcock’s best.
Friday July 25th, 8:30pm

The Straight Story
For those who never thought they’d live to see a G-rated David Lynch movie. Based on the true story of Alvin Straight, a 73-year-old Iowa man determined to visit his estranged brother – despite the fact that his only means of transportation is a John Deere riding mower. Filmed along the same route that Mr. Straight traversed in 1994 from Laurens, Iowa to Mt. Zion, Wisconsin, "The Straight Story" chronicles Alvin's patient odyssey and those he meets along the way. Director David Lynch ("Blue Velvet," "The Elephant Man") is at his most direct and understated here, weaving a lyrical, meditative story that perfectly matches the sublime performance of Richard Farnsworth in the title role.
Friday Aug. 1st, 8:30pm

The Wizard of Oz
Deservedly one of the most beloved films of all time, the 1939 MGM classic is also reported to be the most viewed film ever made. And no wonder with it’s superb cast, peerless musical numbers, and exuberant set design. In the nearly 70 years since its release, the film has lost none of its power to enchant young and old. The scene in which  Dorothy opens the door of her black-and-white Kansas world to behold the Technicolor-saturated Land of Oz is still a breathtaking moment in film. A milestone in both the history of cinema, and of popular culture itself.
Friday Aug. 8th, 8:15pm

Ratatouille
In this 2007 Pixar release, a rat named Remy dreams of becoming a great chef despite his family’s wishes and well…being a rat. When fate places Remy in the city of Paris, he finds himself ideally situated beneath a restaurant made famous by his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau. There, Remy forms an unlikely partnership with Linguini, the garbage boy, who inadvertently discovers Remy’s amazing talents. They strike a deal, ultimately setting into motion a hilarious and exciting chain of extraordinary events that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.
Friday Aug. 15th, 8:15pm

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Steven Spielberg's warmhearted classic tells the story of an alien creature, E.T., mistakenly left behind on Earth. When a young boy, Elliott (Henry Thomas), finds E.T. and hides him in his home, both their worlds are changed forever. E.T. teaches Elliott and his two siblings (Drew Barrymore and Robert MacNaughton), about caring and love while the children must protect E.T. from the malevolent world of grown-ups. An uplifting and enduring coming-of-age story.
Friday Aug. 22nd, 8:00pm

The Muppet Movie
Jim Henson's Muppets made their film debut in this charming story that chronicles their rise to fame. Setting off to seek his fortune in Hollywood, Kermit the Frog meets fellow Muppets Fozzie the Bear, the Great Gonzo, Miss Piggy, and an odd assortment of others who join him on his song-filled journey. THE MUPPET MOVIE is a lovingly made, touching story for kids of all ages. The film includes clever, very funny cameo appearances by Milton Berle, Mel Brooks, Bob Hope, Cloris Leachman, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, Telly Savalas, and Orson Welles.
Friday Aug. 29th, 8:00pm

Happy Feet
This animated 2007 feature follows the adventures of Mumble, the only Emperor Penguin in Antarctica who can’t sing – but can tap dance! When he is cast out of the community for being different, he finds acceptance with an outcast band of penguins - the Adelie Amigos. Together, they set off on an epic adventure, along the way learning the importance of being true to one’s self. HAPPY FEET is a charming fable that will entertain both children and adults.
Friday Sept. 5^th, 7:45pm

The Sound of Music
Shot in Salzburg against the majestic Bavarian Alps, THE SOUND OF MUSIC is considered one of the greatest screen musicals ever made. Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director (Robert Wise), the film, based on a real family and their true events, tells the story of a young postulate, Maria (Julie Andrews), who, after proving too high-spirited for the Mother Abess and other nuns, is sent off to work as a governess to seven unruly children. She gradually wins the children over with her warmth, courage, and resourcefulness and by teaching them the joy of singing. Blessed with a score full of infectious songs and Julie Andrews’ relentless charm, THE SOUND OF MUSIC continues to delight and inspire.
Friday Sept. 12^th, 7:45pm