A Lawnchair Theater First: A Fundraiser for Gary's softball team, August 20.

Date: August 20, 2011

Party time: 6pm

Movie Time: 8pm

Closing Time: 11pm

Feature: "A League of Their Own"

In a first for Lawnchair Theater, we're turning over the backyard to my softball team, the Minneapolis Titans of the Goodtime Softball League, for a fundraiser to help finance our trip to the Gay World Series in Chicago, August 27-Sept. 1.

The movie, as always, is free, but we will be asking for a small donation of a few bucks to support our efforts. We will also be selling raffle tickets for some prizes, selling popcorn and soda and having an old-fashioned bake sale. Bottom line: We're not looking for a lot from each guest, but every little bit will help.

I love playing softball and the Titans, under the direction of our coach, Jathen, has been the most accepting, encouraging, entertaining team I've ever played for. (Where else can a 53-year-old softball player be seen not as too old, but just one of the guys?) So when we got this opportunity to play in a World Series, I couldn't pass it up. But it's not without it's financial hardship. Everyone is taking a week away from work, traveling to Chicago and paying Chicago room rates for this opportunity. So we all could use a little help to make it happen.

This is going to be a fun and memorable event, so we hope you can make it. The movie is also a real treat, so you won't want to miss that. (If you have any comments or questions, be sure to leave them here.)

Also, if you'd like to watch a short, one-minute video about this event, click here.

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

Come to Lawnchair Theater and see "The Savages" Friday, August 27 (and, while you're there, watch a movie by the same name)

Date: Friday, August 27, 2010
Mingle Time: 7:30pm
Movie Time: 8:30pm

Friday looks like a beautiful night, so we're pulling down the screen and firing up the projector for a screening of "The Savages" (2007) starring Philip Seymour Hoffman & Laura Linney. (Rated R for some sexuality and language)

In brief, it's the story of a family dealing with the failing health (and mentality capacity) of an aging parent. On the surface, that may not sound like a real hilarious topic, but it's dealt with using humor and tenderness in a very believable way.

The LA Times called "The Savages" "one of the best movies of the year...told with uncommon humanity, wit and humor. "The Savages" is singularly funny and seriously moving...It confronts life in all its existential bleakness and finds humor, comfort, even joy in small moments."

The New York Times said, "The Savages...left me with a sense of acute pleasure, even joy. It's the pleasure of a true-to-life tale told by a director and actors who've sunk so deep into their movie together you wonder how they ever surfaced."

We hope to see you Friday!
Pam & Gary

Pam's 50th birthday pick: Elvis in "Blue Hawaii" (1961)

Come join us for our 1st movie of our 16th year of Lawnchair Theater while celebrating Pam's 50th birthday.

Just like Pam, this movie is almost 50 years old and still a swingin' good time.

Date: Saturday, May 22, 2010

Mingle Time: 7:30pm

Movie Time: 8:30pm

We've shown a lot of different movies over the years, but this is our first old timey musical comedy and it should be a hoot and a half. The weather is predicted to be pretty good as well, although perhaps a bit coolish, so bring a jacket, sweater or blanket as the sun goes down. Also, we're hoping it's still to early for mosquitoes, but we'll have bug spray on hand just in case.

Hope to see you Saturday!

Gary & Pam

Lawnchair Theater hosts Monday Night Football, Oct. 5

It's not a movie, but so far the Vikings season has been a Cinderella Story for former NY Jets quarterback, Brett Favre. That's why Lawnchair Theater will be hosting an Armchair Quarterback Theater event--the live airing of the Vikings vs. the Packers in all it's big screen glory.

Game Time: 7:30pm

Temperature: 50's (so dress warm!)

Bring your own lawnchair and beverages or snacks if you want them.

See you then!

Patrick Coyle presents his new movie "Into Temptation" to a rapt (and packed) house.

On Saturday, July 11, 2009, a record crowd of over 80 film lovers packed our backyard for a sneak preview of writer/director/actor Patrick Coyle's great new film, Into Temptation. The film stars Kristen Chenoweth, Jeremy Sisto, Brian Baumgardner and a host of talented Twin Cities actors. It opens in select theaters this fall and will be available on DVD October 27, 2009. But those lucky few on the Lawnchair Theater list got to see it here first!

Local cast members and crew in attendance included Mr. Coyle, Lola Lesheim, Gene Larche, Peter Thoemke, Dawn Brodey, James Bokkom, John Skelley, Deborah Fiscus, Barbara Shelton and Kathryn Criston.

To see dozens of photos from the event, taken by photographer Andrea Murrill, click here.

If you were there and would like to share your own comments about "Into Temptation" with Patrick and his great cast, please click on the "Comments" button below. We'd love to hear from you!

Special thanks also go to:

Sparky & Tom Eisenstadt and their friends Mark, Robin & Jennifer Strangis--for all the time and effort they put into their exquisite refreshment stand. You made a special night even more so!

Kate Bisek, Pam Wagner, Nancy Cuesta, and Karen Bihrle who brought yummy treats to share (sorry if I missed anyone!)

Tony Doyle for his willingness to man the video camera and help us make the most of a cameraman's lighting challenge.

And Tom Larson, Kate Bisek and Deb Gallagher for helping man my A/V department and then helping tear down all the gear at the end.

We couldn't have been more pleased and proud of this special event and want to thank Patrick for sharing his terrific movie with us. We also encourage those who saw the film to watch for it in Twin Cities theaters this fall and encourage your friends to buy tickets and GO SEE IT!

July 11 Top Secret "Sneak Preview" of new Minnesota-produced film could be Lawnchair Theater's biggest night yet!

Date: Saturday, July 11

Mingle Time: 7:30pm

Movie Time: 9:00pm

Q & A: 10:30pm

FEATURE: TOP SECRET NEW FILM!

Billed as a reunion of the local cast and crew, this Minnesota-made movie is so new, it won't be in theaters until this fall. But for the lucky few on the Lawnchair Theater email list (as well as invited cast, crew and their agents) this will be your opportunity to see it here first on July 11th.

The genius behind this exceptional film--its writer/director and one of the movie's stars-- will be on hand to introduce the film and lead us in a Question & Answer session afterwards.

Who is this masked man or woman? Sorry, we can't tell you until you get there. But we can say this: He's an amazingly gifted individual who's already made history when his last movie (okay, he's a guy) was the first Minnesota film to make it in the Sundance Film Festival a few years back. His newest film, the one we'll be taking a sneak peek at, just earned a distribution deal for DVD, On Demand and theatrical release.

And the cast is terrific. The film's lead actor, a national talent, was just named "Best Actor" in a major film festival for his work in this film. The movie's lead actress, recently had a biography on the New York Times Best Seller list. And one of the other main actors is a regular character on NBC's "The Office". What's more, there are a lot of terrific local actors who round out the cast--many of whom have been invited to join us for their first experience with Lawnchair Theater.

Yes, this is a big time movie. And somehow Lawnchair Theater got lucky enough to host this sneak preview. This is one you won't want to miss!

Final note: For those not familiar with Lawnchair Theater or how it works, please check out this earlier post from May 31, 2008 called "Pam & Gary's Lawnchair Theater: A Primer".

It's almost time for 2009! Do you have any movie requests?

Well, it's April in Minnesota and you know what that means.  It's going to snow this weekend! But just as importantly, it's almost time for another fun season of Pam & Gary's Lawnchair Theater.  

So far, we've got one VERY big surprise lined up--a TOP SECRET screening of a brand new movie created by a brilliant local actor/writer/director.  (More on that later.)  And we're also considering a Minnesota short film festival (sound intriguing?).  Plus, we're "in negotiations" with last year's "Indique" host, Simone Ahuja, to help us pick a good Bollywood classic for India Night, part 2.  And, of course, it would make our year to have St. Paul Pioneer Press critic Chris Hewitt return and lead another discussion group on a movie of his choice.

But right now, we're looking for your feedback.  Got any movies you'd like to see on our big outdoor screen? Or maybe you know a movie star who would like to do a Q & A for one of their films in our back yard.  Let us know by clicking on the word "Comments" directly below this entry. We may not be able to screen every suggestion, but we'd love to hear your ideas.  We're always looking for new and interesting ways to use our unique venue.

Thanks for stopping by Pam & Gary's Lawnchair Theater.  As long as you're here, why not leave a comment?  See you soon!

Movie Critic Chris Hewitt leads the discussion at Lawnchair Theater

Saturday night, Sept. 20, Pam and I were pleased to welcome back Chris Hewitt for his second straight year as our special guest for Lawnchair Theater. Chris introduced the film "Children of Men" and then lead us in a discussion about the movie afterwards.

It was an intense, intriguing, decidedly dark film. But it was also a movie of great texture and depth. Thanks to Chris' insights and some of the revelations of our over two dozen guests, there was plenty to talk about.

Chris tells us he watches an average of seven movies a week for his job, so we feel particularly grateful he was willing to sit through one he's already seen to enhance the viewing experience for us.

There are no scheduled showings for the rest of September, but we hope to try and squeeze in one (or two) more before the weather turns on us.

Thanks to all who have attended this year and to all our special guests who made Lawnchair Theater to memorable this year.

"Fly Away Home" a big hit with young and old. Next Saturday (August 23): "E.T."

Our friend, Deb, picked Saturday's movie, "Fly Away Home" and it was well-received.  The story of a young girl who finds meaning and a sense of purpose helping an orphaned gaggle of geese grow up and leave home was both touching and engaging.  And the weather was perfect.  Calm winds, hardly a mosquito and temperatures comfortably in the 70's made for a fun and memorable night.

Saturday, August 23, it's "E.T. The Extra Terrestrial"

Mingle: 7:00pm

Movie: 8:15pm

Fireworks: After the show

I haven't seen this movie since it came out TWENTY-SIX YEARS AGO (can you believe it?), but I'm told it holds up well.  Hopefully we'll see you there!

So far, this summer's events have leaned toward the educational, artistic and sometimes serious.  Those in attendance have told us they've been some of the best nights in our backyard yet.

Still, we don't want to leave out the kiddies, so we're showing a classic film that's going to look and sound great on our big screen and our more than adequate stereo sound system (just ask our neighbors).  Thanks for being so great, Marcia & Matt. We promise we'll be quiet this winter!

Mark your calendars now for our fun family movie night:

FEATURE: "E.T." (1982)

DATE: August 23

MINGLE: 7pm

MOVIE:  8:15pm

(LEGAL) FIREWORKS: After the show

Don't forget to come early and meet our other friends and neighbors (who are quickly becoming your friends as well).  For many of our regulars, the mingle time is one of the most essential and enjoyable parts of Lawnchair Theater.  Also, free free to linger afterwards.  On warm summer nights, it's nice to just hang out and chat after the show...assuming you don't have kids to get to bed.

Hope to see you soon!

Documentarian Dawn Mikkelson offers a thought-provoking look at the complex reality of renewable energy in "Green Green Water"

Our special guest on August 2, filmmaker Dawn Mikkelson, once described herself to me as a person who "tells sad stories".  No question, the message behind "Green Green Water" is as dark and murky as the ravaged rivers that run through it.  The indigenous Cree of Northern Manitoba have had their way of life, their livelihood and their once beautiful land decimated for "the greater good"--that is, modern civilization's desire to have plentiful, affordable, and readily available electricity.  

Fortunately, Ms. Mikkelson's film didn't leave us completely sullen and bereft.  The conclusion offered hope that the tribes were taking back some of their power by closing the floodgates on further dam development.  And Dawn opened our eyes to another way we can show our support for less destructive and controversial renewable energy: by supporting Xcel Energy's Windsource Program.  Windsource is a encouraging initiative (although poorly publicized) that allows residential customers to buy all of their electricity from clean, renewable wind power. While this electricity is a bit more expensive, Xcel guarantees the power you're buying will be generated by their wind farms (they have 31 wind turbins) in southwestern Minnesota.  To learn more click here.

We were also able to learn more about Dawn's next documentary, which she'll be completing later this month called "The Red Tail".  It's the story of a lifelong Northwest airline mechanic who goes on strike with his union and, after the 444 day walk off comes to an end, learns that not only will none of his fellow mechanics be rehired, but their jobs are being outsourced to China.  In the film, Dawn travels to China with this ex-Northwest mechanic to meet the man who is now doing the mechanic's job.  Heavy stuff and, after watching Dawn's teaser promo, we can't wait to see more!

By the way, if you'd like to support Dawn's effort to finish this documentary, click here.  Fund raising is Dawn's least favorite part about making these films (who can blame her?), so if you appreciate what she's trying to do to help "the little guy", please give her a hand.

Pam and I would like to thank everyone who attended and supported our special events this summer.  While there is no movies scheduled at this point, rest assured we'll be showing several more films this summer and fall, including some all ages shows so you can bring your kiddies.  See you soon!

Sweet Land Writer/Director Ali Selim joins us for an insightful, enjoyable evening. Up Next: Documentary "Green Green Water" Aug. 2.

We were honored on Saturday to be joined by Writer/Director, Ali Selim, and Executive Producer Tom Lieberman for a pre-show discussion of this lovely movie.  Ali, who had just returned from Los Angeles to join us, brought along the film's C0-Producer and, as Ali joked, "the woman I'm presently sleeping with" (aka his wife) to tell us what it took to get this special film made.

As Mr. Lieberman explained, making a movie--any movie--is "a long hard slog".  But thanks to many years of persistence and a simple, but powerful story that Ali was committed to getting made, "Sweet Land" eventually found it's way to 300 theaters nationwide and is now available on DVD. (If you didn't get to join us Saturday, don't hesitate to help the cause of these local filmmakers and pick up your own copy today!)

Ali, who said he would really like "in three films to be making 'Iron Man'" was candid about the desire not to be "pigeon-holed" about the type of film maker he is, admitting also that he can't say with certainty he will make another film.  (Obviously, those in attendance would love to see what he might create next.)  Thank you, Ali & Tom for giving us your time!

COMING NEXT FOR LAWNCHAIR THEATER:

"Green Green Water"  A documentary by Dawn Mikkelson

DATE: August 2, 2008

MINGLE TIME: 7:30pm

MOVIE TIME: 9pm

CONVERSATION WITH DAWN: 10:15pm

Simone Ahuja leads Lawnchair Theater in a fascinating discussion of contemporary India.

After a satisfying meal from Taste of India, a gathering of 30 enrapt guests were informed and entertained by the captivating Ms. Ahuja.  Between segments from her Indique series, she answered questions about Bollywood, India's booming wine industry and the fascinating snakeboat races of southern India's state of Kerala.  Also in attendance were Simone's husband, Hari, and her father, Surendra.  

Coming up next: "Sweet Land" Reunion, July 26

Join Director Ali Selim, Executive Producer, Tom Lieberman and as many cast and crew of this beautiful movie who choose to show up.  So far sending their RSVP's: Patrick Coyle and Barbara Kingsley.

Meet & Mingle: 7pm

Ali Introduces Screening: 9pm

Q & A: 10:30-11pm