Classic Christmas Movies - Tampa Theatre

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WHITE CHRISTMAS
SATURDAY DECEMBER 6 ~ 3:00PM
SUNDAY DECEMBER 7 ~ 3:00PM

Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, an all-Irving Berlin song score, classy direction by Hollywood vet Michael Curtiz (Casablanca, The Adventures of Robin Hood), VistaVision (the very first feature ever shot in that widescreen format), and ultrafestive Technicolor! Crosby and Kaye are song-and-dance men who hook up, romantically and professionally, with a “sister” act to put on a Big Show to benefit the struggling ski-resort lodge run by the beloved old retired general of their WWII Army outfit. Crosby is cool, Clooney is warm, Kaye is goofy, and Vera-Ellen is leggy. Songs include: “Sisters” (Crosby and Kaye do their own drag version, too), “Snow,” “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” and more. Christmas would be unthinkable without White Christmas.

1954/2:00/musical comedy

 ———————-

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

TWO SHOWS!!!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 ~ 3:00PM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 ~ 3:00PM

Perhaps the most beloved American film, Frank Capra’s masterwork deserves its status as a feel-good communal event, but it is also one of the most fascinating films in the American cinema, a multilayered work of Dickensian density. Earnest do-gooder George Bailey (James Stewart) recognizes his life as wonderful and truly rich, even in its humdrum and bleak nature, only after suffering many hardships, mishaps and fateful trials. He is given encouragement through a fateful meeting with a whimsical, endearing, trainee-angel named Clarence (Henry Travers), who shows him just how bleak the world would be without him. Get out your hankies and listen for ringing bells: this is one family Christmas tradition you don’t want to miss.

1946/2:10/family

E.T. Comes to Tampa

One of Steven Spielberg’s all time classic movies E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, will be coming to Tampa’s own Al Lopez Park November 1st for a free screening.

E.T. captured a generation and has been quoted as “one of the best movies ever.”  It’s one of those movies you can watch over and over again with your family and never get tired of.  I doubt there is anyone that hasn’t seen it, but if you haven’t, its a must see.

The movie is about an alien who crashes to Earth, and desperately tries to get back to his home.  Throughout the way, he finds a family and befriends their young boy (Elliott) who wants to help him get back to his family where ever he came from.  The bond is so strong that they forever are intertwined, which almost kills them both as the Alien Task Force tries to probe the ailing E.T.  Finally, Elliott gets E.T. home by breaking away from the captivity.

The movie defined the 80s, and was the spring board to Drew Barrymore’s successful career.  She was 8, I believe, when she appeared as the sister to Elliott (Henry Thomas), who helps him take care of E.T.

If you want to take your family to this event the information is as follows:

Date:  November 1, 2008
When:  Gates open at 5:00 PM, Film starts at 7:00 PM
Where:  Al Lopez Park - 4810 N. Himes Ave.
Cost:   Free

Sing-A-Long Little Mermaid

Here is a great event for parents with children, Disney’s timeless “Little Mermaid” is coming to Tampa Theatre for a three day sing-a-long event.

Fri., Sept. 12 at 7:30 *
Sat., Sept. 13 at 2:00 & 7:30
Sun., Sept. 14 at 2:00
Doors open 1 hour before showtime

 * Opening Night Special Guest

Sing-A-Long Grease Comes To Tampa Theatre

If you are a die hard Grease fan, then this is a must see event as Danny and the Ridell High School gang take the silver screen for this sing-a-long event with their classic songs like “Grease Lightning, Summer Lovin’ and You’re The One That I want.” Best part is, you get to sing-a-long with them at Tampa Theatre.

Friday, August 22 at 7:30
Saturday, Aug 23 at 2:00 & 7:30
Sunday, Aug 24 at 2:00 & 7:30
Doors open 1 hour before showtime
TICKETS:
$11.50  Adult
$10.50  Student (with ID)
$9.50   Senior, Military

*tickets available at the box office in advance or day of show John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway.

This interactive presentation of the 1978 film has been customized with on-screen lyrics for all the songs so that audiences can sing along!  1978/1:50/musical/35mm.

You’re the star in the Audience Costume Parade!  Come dressed as your favorite characteror in a costume inspired by the movie.

PG - Parental Guidance Suggested Some material may be inappropriate for younger
children.

A Blast From The Past - Tampa Theatre

Sometimes we all wish we could just get into a time machine and go back to the good ole days, forget the present and return to a simpler time. Until they invent such a device, the closest thing we have here in the Tampa Bay area is the nostalgic Tampa Theatre.

Tampa Theatre opened in 1926, and was considered one of the premier theatres in the Tampa Bay area. The designer John Eberson was a master designer of theatres and made only a few around the USA. Having this jewel in our backyard helped put Tampa on the map. 

You’ll see from the moment you step foot inside this theater that it is a work of art. Gargoyles loom around the theater walls, the sky glows stars before the show, the ornate furniture still remains in the theater which is of the time period, and the grand marble steps when you enter will take your breath away. Today it’s one of the only two deck theaters still standing, and one of six John Ebersons still in use. Little has changed since Tampa Theatre opened its doors back in October of 1926.

The theater was built in the silent film era, so it’s no surprise that “Ace of Cads,” a silent film, was the first motion picture on their square silver screen. During the life of Tampa Theatre, Disney bestowed the honor of premiering “101 Dalmations.” Premiers are something every theatre dreams of having at their establishment and Disney, one of the biggest names in entertainment today, chose Tampa Theatre to have one.

Unfortunately with the urban sprawl away from downtown Tampa, and theaters started to have multiple screens in one establishment, Tampa Theatre lost its luster throughout the 1960s and 70s. Within this time, the theatre would close, and remained abandoned for quite sometime. Like most theatres back then, demolition was inevitable, but the citizens of Tampa realized what they had and fought to keep the wrecking ball from destroying this beautiful work of art.

In 1973, the City of Tampa took control over the dilapidated theatre and started to restore the palace back to its original glory. In 1978, the theatre was back to its ways, showing independent and nationally acclaimed movies. It also set a standard on theatre restoration for the rest of the country.

In 1988, Tampa Theatre was deemed a historic landmark, an honor not many places are bestowed and now forever ranks as one of the oldest operating theatres in the US, protected by this historic preservation act. 

Today Tampa Theatre is run by a non-profit organization. They have independent movies and plays and they continue to bring back the old classics that once played on the square screen in their “Summer Movie Classics” series. The mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ, which was recently completely restored, plays before each movie as an added treat for patrons, it really is a sight to see and hear.  Tampa Theatre is good, clean, wholesome fun for the whole family, in a museum-like atmosphere which is a work of art in and of itself.

“Casablanca” Showing at Tampa Theatre

“Play it again, Sam.” one of the classic lines from this timeless movie that helped Humphrey Bogart rise to stardom.  On August 3rd, Tampa Theatre will do as told and “play it again” on the square silver screen the movie debuted on.

If you see only one of the “Summer Movie Classic Series” at the Tampa Theatre this year, this is the one.  Bring your family and friends to watch this classic as they did back when the movie first hit the silver screen.

This movie is so popular there are 2 showings, Sunday August 3rd, at 3:00 P.M. and Monday August 4th, at 7:30 P.M.  Cost of admittance is $8.00 for adults, with discounts available for theatre members.

Tampa Threatre is located on Franklin Street in downtown Tampa.  Parking on the street is free, parking garages and private lots will still cost the fee charged.

Don’t miss seeing this movie as it was intended to be seen.  This opportunity comes around once in a lifetime.

THE DARK KNIGHT

The Dark Knight was one of the most anticipated films of the summer, made obvious by the overwhelming box-office records of the opening weekend. The publicity of the film has been tremendous from teaser trailers to a special edition DVD release of the original, Batman Begins. With previous Batman series sequels having been progressively more and more disappointing, we had to hope that maybe this time around, somebody might get it right… and somebody did. The Dark Knight was the single most satisfying film of the summer and will continue to reel in the crowds, including those who have already seen it.

The plot is seamlessly continued from the first film without dwelling too much into the past. A brief cameo by the Scarecrow brings us up to date and ready to demand payment for the clever cliffhanger left to us in the first: Lieutenant Gordon’s delivery of the Joker card to Batman. Fans of the first film, the comic books, and the Batman legend were squirming in their seats with anticipation. Frank Miller’s newer generation of graphic novels is brought to the screen with as much depth and psychologically twisted chaos as one would expect out of director Christopher Nolan (of Memento fame) in 27 shades of black.

Every cast member holds his own to the monumental storyline presented to us by Nolan and his co-writer and brother Jonathon Nolan. Christian Bale returns as the Dark Knight staying true to his original portrayal, with only a slight lapse in the climax to a certain character’s unfortunate end. We would have expected more from Bruce Wayne, at least. Overall, Bale has come back fierce, stronger and more confident in this role attempted by so many, with a few more impressive stunts.

With Maggie Gyllenhall introduced in the character of Rachel Dawes and the new face of Aaron Eckhart as the District Attorney Harvey Dent and later Harvey Two-Face, we see that adding new talents has not hurt the chemistry at all. Gyllenhaal enters the series fresh, picking up where Katie Holmes left off and leaves what is surprisingly, a good impression. She makes the character her own without reminding us that she is a replacement, despite her starkly different look. Eckhart both charms and disgusts us in his well-played transition from town hero to villain.

Michael Caine as Alfred, Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, and Gary Oldman as Lt. James Gordon all return in their roles, each bringing something familiar and something new to the screen. Each role seems to pick up right where it left and builds as the movie develops. It is a pleasing to go to a movie that keeps us interested in each character’s individual presence and story. Caine provides witty relief and a father-figure presence and with excellent comic delivery. Freeman’s Fox character evolves and challenges Wayne on an ethical level, bringing the story once again into a deeper reality than other comic-book protégés do. Oldman allows us into the character of Gordon and his personal life, affecting that of Batman’s and continuing on with the classic Batman story. We expect greatness out of such experienced actors, and are happy that they do not let us down.

The performance most anticipated however, and for good reason, was that of the late Heath Ledger in the role of the Joker. His portrayal of the Iconic villain has taken a tremendous leap from the goofy prankster of Caesar Romero and creepy funny man Jack Nicholson, and turned it into something far more sinister and far more raw. Ledger steals the screen away from any sense of safety and brings us to the brink of darkness, dangles us over it with a manic laugh, and then plunges us in. What is perhaps the scariest part of this twisted clown and psychopathic criminal mastermind is how real Ledger makes him in both his speech and his mannerisms. Gone are the days of the high pitched madman and here he is now, in all of his chaotic glory ready to take on the Bat. Bale’s and Ledger’s play off of each other is brilliant. They go through stirring stretches to make the villain and hero not just face off, but “complete” each other as the psychotic yin and yang of comic book epics.

Despite the ominous and pleasing shadows cast by the suspense of the movie, it is not without its brief moments of humor and reasons to smile. The theme of humanity is stressed, even in the darkest of times. The more you watch the more you see the two faces of humanity, the dark and the light, and as you watch them both appear in every character you greater appreciate the depth of it all.

On a technical note, Nolan mirrors the emotions of the story wonderfully once again. We were especially struck by the smooth and dark color scheme as well as the master sound mixing that effortlessly pulls the audience in and then takes us on an audio thrill ride of sorts. The simple roar of the Batmobile or crisp effects under Batman’s glider transport us even further into Gotham City and Batman’s legend and leave us with a taste of modern effect capabilities.

What really makes The Dark Knight a great sequel is that it does not overdo it. It is simple and crisp, from lighting and sound to the graphics and the costumes. It is anchored in a gritty reality and underlined with such depth that The Dark Knight makes other comic book movies seem like just Sunday Morning Cartoons rather than modern masterpieces. Nolan takes what we liked about the first movie and elaborates upon it almost nonchalantly. It just fits. There are things for the old fans and for the new fans, from the bat cycle and a whole new arsenal of technology and gadgets to a new villain and a new Commissioner.

This movie is fast paced despite its length, romantic, tragic, and sometimes sadistic and twisted. The only truly disappointing part is that it left us desperately wanting more and not knowing when we will get it or in fact what we will get. As long as the next movie is as fulfilling as this one, we are prepared to wait.

* this review was writen by C. Eversoll and J. Duggan*

Tampa Theatre: Summer Classic Movies

Love old movies? Are you an AMC movie buff? If you are, Tampa Theatre has exactly what you are looking for. All summer long, this historic theatre shows classic movies that captivated audiences for generations, and now they are back on the square screen where they debuted all so long ago.

Tickets can be purchased at the box office for $8.00 for all ages, excluding Sing-A-Long films. Tampa Theatre members get special price discounts.

Tampa Theatre for those who do not know, is located on Franklin Street in downtown Tampa. Parking is free at the meters on Sundays, though parking lots will still charge on Sundays.

Platinum Blonde

7/6 3:00 PM

Ninotchka

7/13 3:00 PM

The Adventures of Robin Hood

7/20 3:00 PM  1938

Indie Films at the Beach Theatre, St. Pete

The Beach Theater and Emerging Pictures are having a three-day film festival featuring 3 films: Married Life, The Counterfeiters, and Paranoid Park ending tonight and tomorrow.

Tickets are available at the door and are $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for students, seniors, and active military. Anyone not familiar with The Beach Theatre, it is located at 305 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach 33706.

Here is the rest of the schedule:

Married Life

Monday, 6/30, 7:30 p.m.

The Counterfeiters

Monday, 6/30, 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 7/1, 3:00 p.m.

Paranoid Park

Monday, 6/30, 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 7/1, 5:00 p.m.

Don’t Mess With The Zohan

This movie is definately not one of his best, but Adam Sandler will still make you laugh in this highly shocking comedy, “Don’t Mess With The Zohan.” The Zohan is an indestructible Israeli Counter Terrorist whose only wish is to make people “silky smooth” as a famous hair dresser. Sandler, known for his crazy roles, clearly tries to create another zonked out charecter with the Zohan, but fails to do so.

Personally, I had my mouth agape watching Sandler walk the narrow line of acceptable and gone too far, just waiting for him to accidentally cross it.  This movie picked fun at the violence in the Middle East which is currently dividing the world.  It made a joke out of the Palestinian Terrorists and the Israeli Counter Terrorists who are currently at war with each other. It doesn’t stop there, it has a rich real estate tycoon, who happens to be white, trying to cause a fight between his Palestinian and Israeli business owner tenants; using the KKK to try to accomplish his goal so he can put them out of business, clearing the way for his downtown mall.

Overall, the movie was a bit slow, mainly due to a bad plot.  Sandler tries to make a joke throughout the movie by putting Hummus on everything he ate; which must have gone over my head because I didn’t find that funny at all.  It gets worse, after each hair style the Zohan completed, he made love to his seasoned aged client, which is something I found to be completely unnecessary.

Sandler brought it all together for the last scene of the movie; the Zohan and his Palestinian terrorist counterpart, “The Ghost” join forces to defeat the KKK, and save their businesses.  The moral of the story, the fighting between these two groups is wasteful and accomplishes nothing in the end, together they could be strong, divided they fall.  Had Sandler not finished the movie this way, the movie would have been a complete catastrophe.

The movie is funny, and if you don’t take things to heart you will mildly enjoy this comedy.  I would rank “The Zohan” as alright for a Sandler movie.  Thank goodness it’s not “Punch Drunk Love, but it’s not Happy Gilmore either.”

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