With Oscar season in full swing thanks to the recent unveiling of the Academy’s nine nominations for Best Picture, it might be tempting to make the trek out to a local theater and catch up on the films which one might have missed.
A handful of the Oscar hopefuls have recently been released nationwide (“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,” “War Horse,” “The Descendents” to name a few) and can be found at just about any movie theater. However, not many of those cinemas feature past greats in a way like award-winning local favorite Penn Cinema.
Located directly across from the Lancaster Airport in Lititz, Pennsylvania, Penn Cinema has made a habit of highlighting Oscar-winners from years and decades past with Monday Night Movies, a tribute to beloved works of film.
The theater gained prominence for the event especially during the holiday season, when families could watch classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Miracle on 34th Street” on the 30 foot by 70 foot screen that only a local multiplex can offer. The praise has been universal since the cinema ran with the idea several months ago.
Leading up to the 84th Academy Awards Show (Sunday, February 26 on ABC), local viewers can catch “The Princess Bride,” “Forrest Gump,” and “E.T. The Extra Terrestrial” all at the cinema with a large bowl of delicious popcorn and Dolby Digital surround sound.
One might recall that “Forrest Gump” earned Best Picture honors with its theatrical release in 1994, not to mention Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay as well.
“E.T.,” widely considered as one of Steven Spielberg’s greatest films, took home four Oscars of its own and was nominated for Best Picture, although it eventually lost out to Richard Attenborough’s “Gandhi.”
Attenborough even expressed shock when he made headlines by declaring: "I was certain that not only would 'E.T.' win, but that it should win. It was inventive, powerful, [and] wonderful. I make more mundane movies."
Also, on the slate for this spring at Penn Cinema are “The Muppet Movie” (March 19), “Saving Private Ryan” (March 26), “The Breakfast Club” (April 2) and “Braveheart” (April 23).
If there is one thing for sure, it’s that film-buffs of all ages can certainly enjoy the cinematic masterpieces of decades past within the comfort of their local (and most likely) favorite theater in town.
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