Please join us for a special FRIDAY presentation of "The Simpsons Movie" July 8

DATE: FRIDAY, July 8
MINGLE TIME: 8pm
MOVIE TIME: 9:15ish

The Simpson's Movie was released on July 27, 2007--almost four years ago to the day--and if you haven't seen it (or you wouldn't mind seeing it just one more time) Friday's your chance!

After last week's German art film, "Wings of Desire", we thought this would be a good chance to sit back, NOT read subtitles and enjoy some good old American laughs.

Special note: The mosquitoes got a little ravenous around dusk, but for those with good bug spray and a little patience, they eventually gave up (or just became so engorged they could no longer fly).

Remember Lawnchair Theater is FRIDAY NIGHT, not our usual Saturday night showing. We hope you can make it.

Sticking around over the 4th? Join us in celebrating Peter Falk with a showing of "Wings of Desire" July 2nd.

MINGLE TIME: 8:30pm
MOVIE TIME: 9:20ish
DATE: July 2, 2011

"Wings of Desire" (1987, Directed by Wim Wenders) is certainly not a work that Peter Falk will be remembered for. In fact, he's not even the central character of the movie. But I was so impressed when I saw this film when it came out, I always promised myself I'd see it again. And now, Pam and I get to show it to my friends in neighbors in our backyard.

It's described as a "romantic fantasy film" about angels in Berlin who bring quiet comfort to the people of the city. But one angel longs for the things only humans can experience, like love and pain.

No, it's not a real laugh riot like "Cedar Rapids", but we like to mix things up in the back yard. And I feel pretty sure you'll leave feeling good after seeing this film.

Another good thing: The weather looks like it's going to be ideal for an outdoor film. After a couple of days of temperatures flirting with the 100 mark, the movie time temperature will be between 75-78 degrees. Perfect for a night out with friends and a sweet movie.

It's summer (sort of)! Time for some laughs with "Cedar Rapids" June 25.

It's a bit spitty out today, but the weatherman says it'll clear up in plenty of time for our first comedy of the summer: Cedar Rapids!

DATE: Saturday, June 25
MINGLE TIME: 8pm
MOVIE TIME: 9:15pm-ish

Summer days have been tough to come by so far this year, but the laughs come fast and furious in this bawdy, but surprisingly sweet comedy, written by former KARE-11 TV field reporter, Phil Johnston. The movie also includes a cameo performance by a fellow local voice actor (we have the same agent) and my facebook friend, Tracey Maloney as the sensitive flight attendant.

It should be fun!

"True Grit": Out on DVD, so it's out in our backyard, Saturday, June 11

Celebrating St. Louis Park natives Joel & Ethan Coen's latest effort, we present "True Grit".

MINGLE TIME: 8pm
MOVIE TIME: 9pm-ish

It's going to be a bit of a cool night, so don't forget a jacket, sweatshirt or blankie. Pam and I have heard good things about this movie and look forward to sharing it with you.

Finally! Our 17th season begins with the 2006 documentary, "Afghan Star"!

A cold and rainy spring have set back the launch of our 2011 season, but finally beautiful weather has arrived and our movie series can begin again for its 17th year!

We held a vote for our opening film and the documentary "Afghan Star" won. It's the story of the "American Idol"-style singing competition that is trying to bring this country into the 21st Century--but not without some resistance from more traditional members of the society. As the website, afghanstardocumentary.com, says: "After 30 years of war and Taliban rule, Afghan Pop Idol is taking the nation by storm. But this is more than just a TV show. In Afghanistan, you risk your life to sing."

As you'll see in the trailer, a lot of the country is excited about this singing competition. But many of the more traditional Afghans--largely men, it would appear--still think women should stay covered up and out of sight. And if they do sing, they should be killed.

From what I've read, this is a gripping, yet uplifting documentary. At this time, Rotten Tomatoes has given it a 100% rating. So far, no one has written a less than positive review of it. It has 57 "thumbs up" reviews and 0 negatives. Read more here.

Lawnchair Theater returns on Pam's birthday (May 20) with "The Kids Are All Right"

It's been a long time coming, but finally it looks like it's going to be warm enough and (hopefully) dry enough for the first Lawnchair Theater of 2011. And on top of that, May 20th is Pam's birthday! Whoo hoo!

MINGLE TIME: 7pm
MOVIE TIME: 8:30pm
FEATURE: The Kids Are All Right
( Rated R – See Full Rating for strong sexual content, nudity, language and some teen drug and alcohol use)

Starring Annette Benning and Julianne Moore, "The Kids" was one of the top-rated comedies of 2011, according to Rotten Tomatoes. It's the story of two moms whose teenage kids decide to seek out and find their biological father. According to Rotten Tomatoes, "The movie combines comedic surprise with poignant emotional truth in a funny, vibrant, and richly drawn portrait of a modern family." You can see some of the reviews and watch the trailer here.

So join us for some laughs, wish Pam a Happy Birthday and enjoy a fun evening of outdoor cinema on the first showing of our 17th season! We hope to see you Friday night!

Lawnchair Theater presents Disney Pixar's "Up" this Saturday, Sept. 25

MOVIE: "UP" (Rated PG, 1 hr, 36 min)
MINGLE TIME: 6:45pm

MOVIE TIME: 7:30pm

Pack up the kiddies and gramma, it's time for a family film that everyone will enjoy. "UP" is a triumph of storytelling. Minutes into the movie, I had tears running down my face. (But how can this be? It's a cartoon?)

"UP" is one of the highest rated movies on Rotten Tomatoes with a 98% rating. I won't gush on about it, because you've probably already seen it. You may even own the DVD. BUT...have you seen it outdoors on a 12' x 9' screen in surround sound on a September night in Minnesota?

As many of you know, one of the authors of this gem is Pete Docter, a young man from Bloomington, MN. His parents, Rita and Dave, still live there. (I actually invited them to join us for an outdoor showing of their son's masterpiece! Wouldn't that be awesome if they could join us?)

Anyhoo, we don't know how many more Saturdays we're going to be able to enjoy a movie outdoors, but this Saturday looks like a good one (daytime highs near 68!). So grab yourself a warm sweater and a thermos of hot cocoa and join us for a lovely movie. We hope to see you soon! Pam & Gary