Ugly Hurt People Walking in the Attic

Five movies to choose from for our movie outing on Thursday, August 6th! This selection includes a movie about beautiful people with an ugly name, invading aliens, a movie that you may have already voted for, a new Judd Apatow movie and a movie based on a real life experience with the IRA.

The Ugly Truth

Opens July 24

http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/theuglytruth/

Abby Richter (Katherine Heigl) is a lovelorn TV producer who, despite a long and arduous search for the perfect mate, is hopelessly single. The battle of the sexes heats up when her employers team her up with Mike Chadway (Gerard Butler), an opinionated TV celebrity who plans to put Abby through the wringer to prove his own theories about what makes men and women tick.

Why you want to see it: Eye candy for everyone; Katherine Heigl for those who like the ladies and Gerard Butler for those who like the men!

Aliens in the Attic

Opens July 31

http://www.aliensintheatticmovie.com/

A family vacation is anything but restful when young Tom Pearson (Carter Jenkins), his siblings and his cousins, encounter an invading force of tiny aliens who are bent on conquering Earth. The aliens gain control of sister Bethany's (Ashley Tisdale) boyfriend, Ricky, using an implant in Ricky's brain, and use him to carry out their nefarious plans. When Tom learns that the implant only works on grownups, he sees a chance to fight off the invaders -- but only if the adults are kept clueless.

Why you want to see it: Aliens are invading our very homes! Mind you, this is a kids movie with the tag line, "Be afraid, be sort-of afraid."

Funny People

Opens July 31

http://www.funnypeoplemovie.com/

George is a very successful stand up comedian who learns that he has an untreatable blood disorder and is given less than a year to live. Ira is a struggling up-and-coming stand up comedian who works at a deli and has yet to figure out his onstage persona. One night, these two perform at the same club and George takes notice of Ira. George hires Ira to be his semi-personal assistant as well as his friend.

Why you want to see it: The comedic talents of Seth Rogen and Adam Sandler in one movie, directed by Judd Apatow? Hilarity will ensue. Bonus: Eric Bana using his real (sexy Australian) accent!

Fifty Dead Men Walking

Opens July 31

http://www.fiftydeadmenwalkingmovie.com/

Based on Martin McGartland's shocking real life story, Martin is a young lad from west Belfast in the late 1980s who is recruited by the British Police to spy on the IRA. He works his way up the ranks as a volunteer for the IRA whilst feeding information to his British handler and saving lives in the process.

Why you want to see it: Lots of action and drama. All based on real life events!

The Hurt Locker

July 10, 2009

http://thehurtlocker-movie.com/
Staff Sgt. William James (Jeremy Renner), Sgt. J.T. Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) and Specialist Owen Eldridge (Brian Geraghty) are members of a bomb-disposal unit in Baghdad. As their tour of duty enters its final weeks, the men face a set of increasingly hazardous situations, any of which could end their lives in an explosive instant.

Why you want to see it: This movie has also won four awards at the Venice Film Festival and was nominated for three more at a variety of film festivals.

Wait a minute! Didn't we vote for this one already?!!? Uh... yeah. This movie was featured in the last poll. However, the release date was pushed back so even if it had won, we couldn't have seen it. So it's back up for grabs.

Now it's time to vote. Cast your ballot in the poll below. Poll closes at 9 p.m. on Monday, August 3rd.

Can't see the poll? Go to http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/1798819/

August Movie Outings!

Hey moviegoers; just wanted to give you a quick update after the (wonderful) insanity that was Halifax Pride.

As you may know, Out @ the Movies is a pretty recent invention. So every movie outing is just a bit different as we find what works best for the group. Some things are set in stone (Park Lane - because of its convenient location; early shows so that people aren't getting home too late) while others are a little more flexible. For example, we've gone to a couple different places after the movies. Just trying to find what works best.

For August, we have two movie outings:

August 6th; a Thursday!

August 18th: the classic third Tuesday that started it out.

We'll also be changing the voting process slightly. I'm cutting the lead time down by a few days. For example, for the August 6th movie, the poll will open July 29th and close on the night of Sunday the 3rd. The invitations will be sent out Monday (or probably Sunday night, depending on how much sleep I want to sacrifice).

For the 18th, it'll be much the same. The poll will go up on the Monday, August 10 and close on Thursday, August 13 with invitations being sent out shortly afterwards.

I also want to take a moment and thank everyone who'se attended. I might organize it but if you didn't come, it'd just be me laughing out loud to myself at a lot of these movies.

If you ever have any feedback, comments, requests, suggestions, etc, please send them to halifax.out.movies@gmail.com.

Kirk

Out @ Mamma Mia - CANCELLED

I just head from alFresco that they're re-scheduling Out @ Mamma Mia for Saturday night. You're more than welcome to go tomorrow evening, however there will be no official Out @ Mamma Mia event. It is Pride Day night and I know lots of people have their nights already planned. If you're going tomorrow night, you can RSVP to the official event - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=105209591147

With that said, what are you going to do tonight?
Here are some events going on tonight you may want to consider. I've found them all through http://gay.hfxns.org/LocalEvents.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch - a one-night live performance of this (in)famous rock opera. 7 p.m. at the Paragon Theatre (2037 Gottingen). Tickets are $20. Facebook event - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=110268969807

Under the Big Top Songwriters Circle - 7 p.m. at Garrison Grounds under the Beer Tent. $5 admission. Facebook event - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108732856477

Dana Carly Andrews/My Living Will - 8:30 p.m. at Minstrels (5472 Spring Garden). Free admission. Facebook events - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=122470847322 & http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=103903471686

Madison Violet - Company House (2201 Gottingen). 8 p.m. $14 admission.

Ria Mae and Margot with Natasha Peach - Foggy Goggle (1667 Argyle St). 9 p.m. Facebook event- http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=103967639219

Guerilla Gayfare Halifax - Pride Takeover! @ Bubbles Mansion 11 p.m. Facebook event - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=99638409606

See you at the next movie!

Kirk

Out @ Mamma Mia Update!

I hope you haven't forgotten about this Friday's outing to see Mamma Mia at alFresco filmFesto! Some of the details of our plans have changed, so I'd encourage you to re-check. the Plan below.

alFresco filmFesto will be showing the ABBA-inspired musical on their new inflatable outdoor screen on Friday, July 24th. This will be their first movie of the season and the debut of their new location.

THE STORY
In the past alFresco used the side of Electropolis to screen movies and those watching sat on the dock. However, things have changed with upcoming construction on Electropolis.

Starting this year, they have inflatable screen and will be at Pavilion 20 (right next to the NSCAD port campus). You can Google map it here: http://bit.ly/alFresco.

The best part of the new location is that they have an indoor space to use! So if it rains (and that looks likely at this point), they can go inside.

You can find out more at http://www.atlanticfilm.com/alfresco.

Admission is by donation of $5 and the movie usually starts around 9 (or dusk, whichever comes first). This is an all-ages event so you can bring your younger (or older, I guess) loved ones.

THE MOVIE

It's Mamma Mia. uh... The ABBA-inspired musical that's been a stage sensation across the entire planet and was made into a smash hit movie?

THE PLAN

• 7:45 p.m. - Moviegoers [That's you!] will meet up near Pavilion 20 just before the doors open at 8 so we can ensure we all sit together. How will you know who's with the group? We'll rally near NSCAD (about mid-way through the brown section; see the image on the right). Look for the guy in the Halifax Pride, glasses and orange baseball cap! [That'd be me, Kirk, the organizer.]
• 8 p.m. - The "doors" open and we'll grab some space for our seats and spend some time socializing before the movie begins.
• 9ish - We start singing! [I've confirmed it may be the sing-along version. They have both and will put it up to a vote!]
• 11ish - We head home to get some sleep before the Halifax Pride parade [Or whatever you feel like doing, I'm not the boss of you!]

THE TIPS

First, remember that you have to carry everything you bring in so don't over pack! But here's what you'll need:

• Cash for admission; there is no debit or credit card at these events so you'll want to have cash-in-hand. They always appreciate exact change, of course! Suggested donation is $5.
• Cash for snacks; the infamously long line for popcorn is also a cash event. They also have other snacks and beverages as well. Or...
• Snacks/Beverages; something to munch on during the movie.
• Lawn/Folding chair; preferably one you can carry easily.
• Blanket; not for sitting (though you can try and find a space for that) but because after the sun goes down, it gets cold on the waterfront! You can also bring a warm jacket to fight the cold.

What if it rains?

alFresco filmFesto has juts sent out an e-mail advising that if it rains, they will move it to Saturday night. However, if it's cancelled tomorrow, night there will be no official Out @ Mamma Mia event on Saturday. I know it's Pride Day night and lots of people have plans.

I will post an entry to the blog, and send a message to the mailing list/facebook group if our event is cancelled.

And that's about it. I hope to see you this Friday night!

If you're on facebook, you can RSVP to (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=117240344011).

Looking forward to singing with you!

-Kirk F

Brüno - Your Reviews

Over 20 people came oüt to see Brüno tonight. ...But what did they think of it?

• "Laüghed my Aushwitz off!" - Dianna P
• "I liked it better than I thought I would. It was gütsy, brave and full of camp. I think Cohen is a a real performance artist." - Lisa C
• "Fabulously vülgar!" - M.K.
• "Thumbs üp!" - Jun W
• "Decadent! Vulgar! Smashing! Cohen creates, once again, a crafty satire that pokes fun at pop cülture. Like the groups he's trying to parody, he's shameless with the execution! If you want a good summer romp, give Brüno a chance!" - Mark M
• "Absolütely fabulous! This was the best fashion-themed movie!" - Curtis C
• "Saw it for the second time ünd it was even better!" - Jason
• "I really liked the swinging penis." - Jerry
• "Great! Lots of laughs!" - Terry
• "Brüno rocked! Had a great time, Sacha Baron Cohen was amazing. When is the next movie?" - Rhonda W
• "Great movie. Thanks for inviting me." - Christopher
• "It was great!" - Bonnie
• "If I was Brüno, when the Alabama pastor said 'These lips are for praising Jesüs,' I would have said, 'Jesus? I don't know him but he's a very lucky guy!'" - Yongmin
• "The one thing I like most about Cohen's movies is the uncomfortable feeling he produces in people and the anger he provokes makes the audience (and hopefully the people in the movies, assuming they see it) think about how ridiculous so many of our cultural norms are." - Daniel

Well, it was a great movie and some great socializing at the local Dairy Queen afterwards. Thanks to everyone who was able to make it! See you at the next movie. ...which is actually Friday.... More on that tomorrow.

-Kirk

You're Invited to Out @ Brüno

Halifax Pride is just around the corner and we'll be showing off our pride by heading out to see Brüno!

Brüno won with a signifcant majority of the vote (60%!).

We'll head out to the theatre on Tuesday, July 21st at Park Lane. The movie starts at 7 p.m. We'll rally at the tables and chairs just in front of the arcade starting at 6:30. At 6:45, we head in to get our (reserved!) seats. If this is your first time attending, look for guy in glasses and an orange baseball cap!

After the movie, we'll head to the Dairy Queen for some post-movie desert, discussion and socializing.

Tickets are $8.99; you can purchase tickets online at https://www.empiretheatres.com/empire-express/UNI00246/43/7-21-2009/19:00. Don't forget to check out the Daily Deal (http://www.empiretheatres.com/dailydeals) to see what special offer Empire is making for the day. You do need to be an Empire Insider. Unfortunately, each coupon has a bar code which prevents it from being copied.

What's it all about? Blacklisted after crashing a runway presentation, flamboyant Austrian fashionista Brüno (Sacha Baron Cohen) travels to the United States, where he hopes to launch a celebrity interview show. In his quest for superstardom, Brüno sparks one outrageous situation after another, pushing the boundaries of decorum to the breaking point.

Why you want to see it: Any number of reasons: 1. Funny! 2. Controversial (which should make for some good post-movie discussion) 3. How many other major studio movies are there starring gay characters this summer?4. Remember Borat? Same guy. Sure to offend everyone he can, Sacha Baron Cohen offers an amusing insight into the way people really thing and act.

If you're on facebook, you can RSVP to the event (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=101179692262).

See you on the big screen!

Empire Fan Favourites

Hey Moviegoers!

Are you a night owl? Do you prefer to see movies on the big screen rather than at home? Do you like a good deal on said movies? Well then, Empire Fan Favourites (formerly Empire After Dark) may just be your movie series. It's a film series hosted by Empire 8 Park Lane dedicated to bringing classics back to the Big Screen.

They show the original 35mm versions of several films over the course of the summer. Each date listed below is a Friday and Saturday. They'll play the movie both nights at 11:30 (approximately). Best of all: tickets are just $6.99. Even better: spend an extra three bucks and get a ticket, regular drink and a regular popcorn. All for just $9.99!

So what movies are they playing this summer?

• July 11th - Exorcist (Reissue)
• July 17th & 18th - Close Encounters of the Third Kind
• July 24th & 25th - Old School
• July 31 & Aug 1 - Predator
• Aug 7th & 8th - Grease

Where can you go to find out more? You can check out their facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30134442529) or visit their Web site (http://www.empiretheatres.com/fanfavourites#NS).

Kirk F

I Love Brüno and Harry and the Humpday Locker

It's time for our second movie outing of July! This time, it's July 21st, right in the heart of Halifax Pride. There are five movies on which you can vote:

The Hurt Locker

July 10, 2009

http://thehurtlocker-movie.com/

Staff Sgt. William James (Jeremy Renner), Sgt. J.T. Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) and Specialist Owen Eldridge (Brian Geraghty) are members of a bomb-disposal unit in Baghdad. As their tour of duty enters its final weeks, the men face a set of increasingly hazardous situations, any of which could end their lives in an explosive instant.

Why you want to see it: This movie has also won four awards at the Venice Film Festival and was nominated for three more at a variety of film festivals.

I Love You Beth Cooper

July 10, 2009

http://www.iloveyoubethcoopermovie.com/

Nerdy teenager Denis Cooverman (Paul Rust) harbors a secret crush on Beth Cooper (Hayden Panettiere), the hottest girl in high school. During his graduation speech, Denis lets the cat out of the bag and declares his love for Beth, who, instead of dissing Denis, shows up at his house later that day and promises to show him the time of his life.

Why you want to see it: I think we can all relate to having a crush on someone in high school that we knew we couldn't have.

Brüno

July 10, 2009

http://www.meinspace.com/bruno

Blacklisted after crashing a runway presentation, flamboyant Austrian fashionista Brüno (Sacha Baron Cohen) travels to the United States, where he hopes to launch a celebrity interview show. In his quest for superstardom, Brüno sparks one outrageous situation after another, pushing the boundaries of decorum to the breaking point.

Why you want to see it: Any number of reasons: 1. Funny! 2. Controversial (which should make for some good post-movie discussion) 3. How many other major studio movies are there starring gay characters this summer?4. Remember Borat? Same guy. Sure to offend everyone he can, Sacha Baron Cohen offers an amusing insight into the way people really thing and act.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

July 15, 2009

http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthehalf-bloodprince/

Certain that a momentous battle approaches, Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) calls in his friend Professor Slughorn to help defend Hogwarts against Voldemort, while Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his friends come under attack by rampaging teenage hormones. Harry and Dean Thomas both love Ginny, Lavender Brown fancies Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) simmers with jealously. But one student is unfazed by the romance in the air and he is determined to leave his own dark mark.

Why you want to see it: As the series winds down, the stakes become ever higher. And isn't there something especially intriguing around Pride about a group of young people who have to hide their true identities from the world at large?

Humpday

July 17, 2009

http://www.humpdayfilm.com/

Late into the night at a wild party, two longtime buddies (Mark Duplass, Joshua Leonard) find themselves locked in a mutual dare: to enter an amateur porn contest together. But what kind of boundary-breaking, envelope pushing porn can two straight dudes make? After the booze and 'big talk' run out, only one idea remains—they will have sex together...on camera. It's not gay; it's beyond gay. It's not porn; it's art. But how exactly will it work? And more importantly, who will tell Anna (Delmore), Ben's wife?

Why you want to se it: ...Did you not just read the above description?! Two straight guys decide to make a gay porno together. "Hilarity ensues."

Cast your votes now! Voting closes at 10 p.m. on Monday, July 13th.

Can't see the poll? Go to http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/1693441/.

Out @ Public Enemies - Your Thoughts

Thanks to everyone who was able to make it out to see Public Enemies. We had about a dozen moviegoers see the tale of John Dillinger. But what did people think? Here are some selected comments:

• "Great to see Dillinger's life portrayed on film." - Kim C
• "I almost cried at the end. Likable characters despite the obvious." - Mimi C
• "My expectations were too high. It was too long and the plot seemed to be missing." - Daniel P & Yongmin L
• "...a bad movie can generate a lot of discussion and camraderie amonst its audience." -Kirk F
• "The whole film was in the last 30 minutes." - Patricia
• "It was more of a character study than a movie." - Lisa C
• "Wasn't a fan of the cinematography." - Cathy

A full review:

"Obviously Michael Mann is truly trying to score with Oscar this year. Has anyone told him that documentary-style cinematography went out with the last century? Johnny depp; very good and Marion Cotillard delivers a solid performance against Depp. Christian bale is underused and Billy Crudup is not too bad as J. Edgar Hoover. There are enough cameos to rival 'The Last Action Hero.' 5 out of 10 for a half-assed attempt to tell a half-hearted story." -Mark M

What's next?

A poll will go up on the evening of Wednesday, July 8th. The hint is "I Love Brüno and Harry and the Humpday Locker." Voting will continue until 10 p.m. on Monday, July 13th.

And don't forget the special outing to see Mamma Mia on July 24th.

Until next time,

Kirk F

Flag Wars

Hey Moviegoers!

I just wanted to let you know about a special movie screening coming up. It's not an Out @ the Movies event but I thought it might interest you.

Queer and Rebel Days (http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/CommunitySupport/QueerAndRebelDays) will be hosting a screening of Flag Wars on Tuesday, July 14th at the Roberts Street Social Centre (5684 Roberts St). The event is at 7 p.m; it's free and all are welcome. After the movie, there will be a discussion.

Queer and Rebel Days 2009 is a week of performances, discussions, food, and workshops in Halifax, NS, running from July 10 - 16, 2009. All events are free, trans and queer positive, and childcare is available upon request. You can learn more at their Web site or by sending an e-mail to queer.and.rebel.days.2009@gmail.com.

"Flag Wars" is a 2003 cinema verite documentary that follows the conflicts that arise when gay white professionals move into a black working-class neighborhood. Filmed over a four years in Columbus, Ohio, "Flag Wars" leads viewers on an eye-opening journey into a divided community. You should be advised that the movie has strong content.

You can learn more about the movie here by watching an interview with the directors (see below) or visiting the PBS site for an extended trailer (http://www.pbs.org/pov/flagwars/).

-Kirk F