The Downtown Centre Cinema is showing different classic movies every month this summer.
Photo by Aric Sweeny / Special Contributor - Journalism 201A

By Aric Sweeny
Special Contributor
Journalism 201A

Although the moviegoing experience is one slowly fading into history, Fathom Events is looking to revive the century-old hobby by playing some old greats on the big screen.

The company distributes critically-acclaimed movies, classics, and films celebrating anniversaries to theaters all around the country. The Movie Experience, located in downtown San Luis Obispo, has partnered with Fathom Events, providing local film fans with an option to check out fantastic films not normally seen in theaters.

Different movies are shown each month, with the 2018 calendar already set. Films such as: “Sunset Boulevard,” “The Big Lebowski”, and “The Producers.”

“‘Sunset Boulevard’ is a must see,” said Cuesta College film professor John Arno. Billy Wilder is one of the most critically acclaimed writer/directors from Hollywood’s golden age. Many see “Sunset Boulevard” as his magnum opus.”

“‘The Producers’ is #11 on AFI’s list of the top 100 comedies of all time,” said Arno. “The ‘Springtime for Hitler’ scenes are worth the price of admission alone. Name another movie that spawned a musical, and movie based on that musical.”

With summer quickly approaching, Cuesta students will soon be free from academic stress and enjoying their free time. Going out to the cinemas with friends, family, or alone is always great entertainment.

So, what films should Cuesta students look forward to seeing this summer?

Film Classics

“Sunset Boulevard”
May 13 and May 16
Released in 1951

“Sunset Boulevard” is a spectacular throwback to Hollywood’s “Golden Years”. It’s directed by Billy Wilder, led by William Holden and Gloria Swanson, and tells the tragic love story of two screenwriters.

The film is constructed to be eerie and leave the audience wondering what will happen next, and is capped off with a tragic ending.

This is old-school cinema at its finest.

“The Producers”
June 3 and June 6
Released in 1967

“The Producers” is iconic to Hollywood, and for good reason; Gene Wilder and Dick Shaw make for an incredibly funny duo.

The film was directed by Mel Brooks, who went on to win his first Academy Award for the picture.

Centered around a scheme in the hopes of making themselves rich, Wilder and Shaw deliver a slew of punchlines and classic moments that make for a great film.

“West Side Story”
June 24 and June 27
Released in 1961

“West Side Story” is a notable film and musical in American pop culture with its star-studded cast, brilliant direction and classic story about two members from rival gangs from New York who fall in love.

The film picked up ten Oscars at the 1962 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actress.

Modern Movie Classics

“Big”
July 15 and July 18
Released in 1988If you’ve heard of Tom Hanks, odds are you’ve also heard of “Big.”

After wanting to grow up too quickly, a teenager’s world is turned upside down when he wakes up in the body of an adult.

The movie was Tom Hanks’ first big hit, and while it came after “Splash,” the title that put Hanks on the map, his success largely began with “Big” due to its box office run and his Academy Award nomination.

Hanks shines in the role, which is complemented by stellar direction from Penny Marshall.

“The Big Lebowski”
August 5 and August 8
Released in 1998

“The Big Lebowski” still has a prominent role in American pop culture.

Jeff Bridges is The Dude, and he absolutely owns the role.

While Bridges gives the standout performance, The Big Lebowski’s supporting cast is stacked. Incredible actors like John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and a slew of others round out this stellar film, all backed by the Cohen Brothers.

Studio Ghibli films:

“Porco Rosso”
May 20
Dubbed in English
May 21
English Subtitles

“Pom Poko”
June 17
Dubbed in English
June 18
English Subtitles

“Princess Mononoke”
July 22
Dubbed in English
July 23
English Subtitles