Your guide to the best film events of the season.
By Malia Bradshaw
MUST-SEE NEW MOVIES
The Heat
Release date: June 28
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy
If you loved the outlandish hilarity of Bridesmaids, you can’t miss director Paul Feig’s next comedy adventure starring Bridesmaids favorite Melissa McCarthy. This time, McCarthy teams up with Sandra Bullock to create the perfect tough and witty cop duo in The Heat. Bullock plays an uptight FBI Special Agent, while McCarthy appropriately takes the role of a foul-mouthed Boston cop. The incompatible characters join forces to bring down a ruthless drug lord. The script, written by Parks and Recreation writer Katie Dippold, aimed to transform the traditional cop comedy genre from male-dominated to female-dominated by allowing two strong, professional women to take the spotlight. This isn’t a story about women needing to fall in love or hoping to be saved. It’s a story about friendship, strength and life’s crazy moments: perfect for a girl’s weekend out. View the trailer here.
Girl Most Likely
Release date: July 19
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Annette Bening, Darren Criss
Originally making its debut at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, indie comedy Girl Most Likely hits the big screens this summer. Bridesmaids star Kristen Wiig is a down-on-her-luck playwright who stages a suicide attempt to win back her ex-boyfriend. This only causes her to be back in the care of her estranged and highly dysfunctional mother, played by Annette Bening. Glee fans will love Darren Criss’ role as singing and dancing love interest to Wiig. This relatable film adds a comedic touch to all the topics we’d love to laugh about in our own lives: broken family, career misfortune and lost love. Now if only we had a smokin’ Glee star by our side to laugh with us. View the trailer here.
Much Ado About Nothing
Release date: June 7
Starring: Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Fran Kranz
Love, passion, jealousy and deceit. All the ingredients for an exciting love story come together in this summer’s modern take on the Shakespeare classic, Much Ado About Nothing. The Avengers director Joss Whedon shot this black and white remake over 12 days at his Santa Monica home during what was supposed to be his month-long vacation. Still utilizing the original Shakespeare prose, Whedon transports the scenes to a modern day California setting. The film has been on the festival circuit since September, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival and screening to highly receptive audiences at the Seattle International Film Festival. Shakespeare fans will enjoy the lovely and lyrical vocabulary of the classic text, while romantic comedy fans will appreciate the lighthearted tone of the film. View the trailer here.
BEST OF THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE’S CLASSIC FILM SERIES
MUSICALS!
Let’s admit it: sometimes there’s nothing that can brighten the day quite like a classic musical. This June 6, let your inner chanteuse take the stage at the Paramount Theatre’s musicals weekend featuring five of the best musicals in history. Watch as Gene Kelley twirls his umbrella under the rain with starry eyes or Julie Andrews runs with arms wide through a hilltop field.
- 42ND STREET – Paramount, 6/6 at 7pm & 6/7 at 9pm
- GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933 – Paramount, 6/6 at 8:50pm & 6/7 at 7pm
- SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN – Paramount, 6/8 at 3:10pm & 6/9 at 7:20pm
- THE GAY DIVORCEE – Paramount, 6/8 at 1pm & 6/9 at 5:15pm
- THE SOUND OF MUSIC – Paramount, 6/8 at 7pm & 6/9 at 2pm
KIDS CLASSICS OPENING DAY
Travel back to relive the good ol’ days of your youth while still entertaining your kids. Every weekend this summer, Paramount will offer family discounts for classic films that will get your kids excited to learn about the history of the movies. Head to the Kids Kickoff Party June 2 for two timeless classics.
- THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD – Paramount, 6/2 at 2pm, 6:20pm
- LOONEY TUNES – Paramount, 6/2 at 4:05pm
FILM STUDIES: GUEST LECTURER AUDREY HEPBURN
When you think of a classy, sassy and sophisticated lady, Audrey Hepburn is the first icon to come to mind. As part of the Film Studies week, held by the Paramount Film Institute, two classic Hepburn movies will be shown during this master class in style, etiquette and living the good life.
- BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S – Paramount, 7/13 at 7pm & 7/14 at 2pm, 6:30pm
- ROMAN HOLIDAY – Paramount, 7/13 at 9:15pm & 7/14 at 4:15pm
For more information about the Paramount Theatre’s Classic Film Series or to purchase tickets, visit austintheatre.org.
AUSTIN SOUND & CINEMA: MUSIC AND MOVIES ON THE LAWN
Summer is the time to enjoy the outdoors. So why not bring your love of film and music together on the Long Center’s scenic City Terrace? As part of the Long Center’s All Summer Long 2013, Do512 and the Alamo Drafthouse team up to present six weeks of unique pairings of live music and some of the most popular movies of all time. Bands will perform a tribute to the movie, followed by the film screening on the Alamo Drafthouse’s inflatable outdoor screen. Head to such food trailers as Frank, Blue Ox BBQ, Whole Foods and many more for a refreshing treat. The event alternates Wednesdays from June 5 to August 21 and is free and open to the public of all ages.
- JUNE 5: Labyrinth featuring live music by Super Creeps, David Bowie tribute band.
- JUNE 19: Smokey and the Bandit featuring songs about the road from Whiskey Shivers.
- JULY 17: Back to the Future featuring live music by Hello Wheels
- JULY 31: School of Rock featuring the Zeppelin Show performed by Will Taylor & Strings Attached.
- AUG. 14: Flash Gordon featuring live music with Magnifico, Queen cover band
- AUG. 21: Jurassic Park featuring live music TBA
For more information, visit thelongcenter.org/event/sounds-cinema.
