Santa Monica, California: Outdoor Movie Festival

Beginning Friday, September 11th the Santa Monica Pier will once again be entertaining movie fans with a month long schedule of Friday night outdoor screenings. Okay, so you missed the first one. But that's no reason you can't take advantage of this great summertime experience set amongst the cool breezes of a Santa Monica evening (Ahhh!).

Next Friday, September 18 the pier will be showing Hairspray (2007). If you missed this one in theaters here's another chance to see it with a movie audience one that's likely to be packed with the cult-like fans this sleeper hit inspires. Although not as entirely family friendly as last week's The Princess Bride , Hairspray is still a sure bet to entertain across generational lines. And how can you resist the opportunity of seeing John Travolta dancing on the big screen once again? The outfit may be a bit different than the one he wore in Saturday Night Fever , but I bet the heels here are just as tall as those platforms. And his hair is just as long as when he was in Pulp Fiction . It's a win/win!

Come Friday, September 25th the pier will be showing Fuel (2009). The winner of the best documentary audience award at Sundance last year has received a lot of outstanding press, praising it as an uplifting and encouraging film. Considered by many to be the most hopeful movie of the year, it's a nice change from most non-narratives that leave audiences unsettled.

The final night of the series, Friday, October 2nd brings Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986). This classic ‘80s comedy from recently deceased writer-director John Hughs bridges the void between today's generations better than any other film currently in existence: Parents love it because they lived it and the kids will love it because they're living it now. It's the perfect film in which to lay the common ground that will allow everyone to sit back, relax and not have to say a word about anything. And that is quality family time!

Gates open at 7pm. Movies start after dusk. Chairs, blankets and kids are welcome. Sorry, no alcohol allowed, but you can get free popcorn and bottled water when you visit the Verizon wireless tent while supplies last.

Tickets are required and available free while supplies last at the following locations: Capital Source Bank, 1242 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 100, West LA. Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau Kiosk, 1400 Ocean Avenue. Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau Cart located on the 1200 block of 2nd St. Promenade between Arizona and Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica Convention Center and Visitors Bureau (main office) 1920 Main St. Vidiots, 302 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.

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