Summer at the movies
Austin's favorite summer movie series raises curtain on blockbuster lineup
The Paramount Theatre's Summer Classic Film Series is returning for another year, bringing more than 100 movies to the big screen. On May 16, organizers revealed the blockbuster lineup, which ranges from classics like Wizard of Oz and Midnight Cowboy to cult favorites like This is Spinal Tap and Selena.
Now in its 44th year, this year's series runs May 27 through August 31, and kicks off in style with an opening night screening of Casablanca.
One of the most special things about the Classic Film Series (besides watching movies in a 100-year-old theater) are the curated special screenings. For example, the first weekend, May 24-26 is dubbed "Crazy in Love," and features screenings of When Harry Met Sally, Moonstruck, It Happened One Night, His Girl Friday, and My Fair Lady.
Other themed screenings include the "Family Film Festival," complete with viewings of The Wizard of Oz on May 25, and will include The Secret Garden, The Iron Giant (20th anniversary), The Sound of Music, The Neverending Story (35th anniversary), and more throughout the summer.
And fans of Napoleon Dynamite — make sure to mark July 13 on the calendar. Not only will the Paramount be screening the 15-year-old film (a fact we shudder to think about), but will also host star Jon Heder (Napoleon), Efren Ramirez (Pedro), and Jon Gries (Uncle Rico) for a special conversation.
Throughout the series, fans can also enjoy "Epic Sunday Matinees" with films like Ben-Hur and Seven Samurai; "Play it Again" with screenings of Selena and Purple Rain; and the ever-popular "Martinis and Manicures," which features, you guessed it, martinis, a manicure, and a screening of films like Roman Holiday and Mamma Mia.
Horror fans won't be left out, either. A Nightmare on Elm Street, Gremlins, and An American Werewolf in London are just a few of the scary movies on the slate this summer. (And if Freddy Kreuger doesn't scare you, maybe the Paramount Theatre ghost will give you a spook.)
As mentioned, with more than 100 films in on the docket, it's difficult to name each one, so check here for the full lineup.
Tickets are $12 both online and in advance, with an additional $1 theater preservation fee.
The Paramount also offers a Film Fan package, which is $45 and includes a $4 discount on all movie tickets, among other perks. Or, invest in a Flix Tix pass for $60 and includes 10 admissions good for any combination. After all, summer is almost here, and nothing beats the 100-degree heat like spending the day at the movies.