Wanna catch a flick?
Roger Ebert once called old theaters the “sanctuary of [a town’s] dreams,” and lamented that their experience could never be duplicated because “they remind us of a day when going to the show was a more glorious and escapist experience.” He may have a wistful and nostalgia-laden point there. But you can still have a quality communal watching experience.
Of course, most local film buffs are familiar with the Enzian Theater in Maitland (1300 S. Orlando Ave., 407-629-0054, enzian.org). In addition to getting in more limited release features, the theater hosts several monthly and semiregular series for old flicks, including Cult Classics, Music Mondays and Peanut Butter Matinee. They also organize Popcorn Flicks in the Park, which shows typically family films out at Central Park in Winter Park usually (but not always) on the second Thursday of the month.
But the Enzian isn’t the only venue to catch a movie with some staying power. There are film series at art galleries, bars and more that offer opportunities to meet some like-minded people when it comes to the silver COMMENTARY screen. Below is just a smattering of series to keep on your radar.
One of three local series run by local cineaste Joshua Martin, this monthly course in digestive stress combines the mimosas and pleasant conversation of late breakfast with the artistically relevant movie versions of nails on a chalkboard. Past offerings: “Irreversible,” “Requiem for a Dream” and “Pink Flamingos.” (1 p.m. first Sunday of the month, Will’s Pub, 1042 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, $10-$12, willspub.org)
Another Martincurated collection, this bar night screens double features of dated mainstream movies. Past offerings: “That Thing You Do” and “Cry Baby,” “Twins” and “Junior” and “Weekend at Bernie’s” parts one and two. (8 p.m. first Friday of the month, The Nook, 2432 E. Robinson St., Orlando, free, facebook.com)
The future of this night is up in the air at the moment pending the city’s decision of what do with its current home, The Gallery at Avalon Island. (The building was donated to the city in January.) The two-year-old series offered offbeat art films curated by Martin, Kyle Eagle and gallery curator Pat Green. While no show is currently planned as upcoming, keep an eye on Facebook for news.
Catch up with old favorites in an old theater. Upcoming selection: “The Wizard of Oz.” (7:26 p.m. select Thursdays, next June 28, Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford, $5, wdpac.com)
— The downtown Orlando Public Library hosts weekly movies with a different theme every month. July, for example, will focus on summer camp movies. August is superheroes. (11 a.m. Tuesdays, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, free, ocls.info)