Every summer Toronto is home to numerous free outdoor film screenings. Here’s a short list of the ones I will definitely be at. Come say hi, but “you can’t sit with us!”
Paul Mercurio & Tara Morice in Strictly Ballroom
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
David Pecaut Square, Wednesday July 8 @ 7:30
One of the earliest live action films I was ever exposed to, Strictly Ballroom has been a personal favorite since childhood. This Australian, ballroom dancing, romantic comedy is the premiere feature from Baz Luhrmann in his Red Curtain Trilogy, that went on to include Moulin Rouge. Strictly Ballroom will have you dancing, laughing, and imitating the Australian accents for days!
John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson & George Clooney in O, Brother Where Art Thou
O, Brother Where Art Thou (2000)
Christie Pits, Sunday July 12, @ Sunset,
I consider this southern odyssey one of the Coen Brothers’ most successful films. It showcases their ability for thrilling drama, as well as carefully scripted and wacky comedy. The cinematography is stunning, and the portrayals of Depression-era outlaws from George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson are flawless, not to mention an outstanding supporting cast. Gopher?
Teri Garr, Peter Boyle, Gene Wilder & Marty Feldman in Young Frankenstein
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Harbourfront Centre, wednesday July 22, @ 9PM
This Mel Brooks hit satire of Frankenstein stars Gene Wilder in his favorite role of his own as the wild eyed, at times hysterical, Doctor Frankenstein in his quest to re-animate. Joined along the way by the perfectly cast Marty Feldman as the aptly named “Igor”, and Teri Garr as his eccentric, German assistant and love. This film is arguably Brooks’ best, tying in his capacity for raucous comedy, while also demonstrating subtlety in characterization and pastiche (in this case monster movies of the 1930’s and gothic stories).
Beyoncé Knowles, Anika Noni Rose & Jennifer Hudson in Dreamgirls
Dreamgirls (2006)
Yonge & Dundas Square, Tuesday July 28, @ sunset
If hearing Jennifer Hudson’s powerhouse voice blasted through Yonge and Dundas square isn’t enough to come see this film, I don’t know what to tell you. Bill Condon brings all the glamour and the energy from the Broadway hit to the big screen in this perfectly cast 2006 adaptation of Dreamgirls. The memorable soul music leads the story, and the 60’s and 70’s sets and costumes are just a visual bonus.
Amanda Seyfried, Rachel McAdams, & Lacey Chabert in Mean Girls
Mean Girls (2004)
Christie Pits, Sunday August 2 @ Sunset
Mean Girls is the quotable Tina Fey masterpiece that became the film anthem of a generation. Any female my age or slightly older has likely seen this film about 20 times and can recite entire hilarious, barb loaded scenes on command. The true testament to this film’s understanding of teenage social politics, is that it is still gaining traction with audiences that were too young to remember when it came out over ten years ago.
Jean Dujardin & Berenice Bejo in The Artist
The Artist (2011)
David Pecaut Square, Wednesday August 19 @7:30
The Artist swept up five Oscars the year it was released, including Best Picture, Director, and Actor. No small feat for a silent film about silent films. Michel Hazanavicius has struck a brilliantly dynamic balance between the visual appeal of old black and white films, while taking advantage of modern cinematography and editing to enhance the frame. Berenice Bejo and Jean Dujardin light up the screen with old Hollywood energy, and the absence of dialogue is soon forgotten in favor of a compelling story, score, and that dance sequence at the end.