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Vancouver’s Outdoor Movies: The Summer 2011 Guide

By Vancouver Magazine /

West End Downtown
E.T. Mary Poppins
Jaws The Muppet Movie
Pretty Woman The Italian Job
Back to the Future Toy Story
Stand by Me Men In Black
Back to the Future Finding Nemo
 
 
 

Eat in: Stroll to Denman and Robson and take your pick. Take out: Pop by the deli counter at Urban Fare for ready-made picnic offerings like dijon yam and sweet potato salad and whole, roast chicken. Drink this: Try the original Vancouver Cocktail at the iconic Sylvia Lounge.

E.T.

 

August 2

Location: Stanley Park, near the Second Beach pool (Google map)

One of the “100 must-see films of the 20th Century”, this feel-good sci-fi film was inspired by Steven Spielberg’s childhood imaginary friend. Kids and an alien flee detection from government agents and their mother, creating a timeless story of friendship. From 1982.

 

Jaws

 

August 9

Location: Stanley Park, near the Second Beach pool (Google map)

The Spielberg-directed, first ever summer blockbuster continues to scare people to shore and spawned three sequels. From 1975.

 

Pretty Woman

 

August 16

Location: Stanley Park, near the Second Beach pool (Google map)

While this may be an unrealistic look at an unconventional occupation, this romantic comedy proves that money transcends love – no wait, the other way around. From 1990.

 

 

Back to the Future

 

  

August 23

Location: Stanley Park, near the Second Beach pool (Google map)

After some accidental time-travel, Marty McFly needs to get back home but matters are complicated when he wins the attention and flirtation of his teenaged mother. Fun Fact: in the original script, the time travel machine was a refrigerator before they changed it to the, much cooler, DeLorean after concerns were raised that kids would start locking themselves in the fridge. From 1985. 

 

Stand By Me

 

August 30

Location: Stanley Park, near the Second Beach pool (Google map)

What should be a morbid tale is instead a touching and realistic coming of age story that showcases the true friendship between four young boys. You will have the closing credits song stuck in your head for days. From 1986.

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West End Downtown
E.T. Mary Poppins
Jaws The Muppet Movie
Pretty Woman The Italian Job
Back to the Future Toy Story
Stand by Me Men In Black
Back to the Future Finding Nemo

Eat in: Secure an early reservation at one of the new kids on the downtown block. Try the seared weathervane scallops at Hawksworth or hearty mushrooms on toast at Tableau Bar Bistro. Take out: Downtown is a food cart mecca. Pulled pork at Reup BBQ or Philly Cheesesteak at Bada Bing (open until 9pm). Drink this: Take a cappucino on the patio at the Gallery Cafe.

Mary Poppins

 

August 1

Location: Robson Square (Google map)

Julie Andrews made her movie-acting debut in this magical musical and won an Oscar for best Actress. The Academy must have thought it was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, as it won 5 awards, the most won by a Disney film in history. From 1964.

 

Muppet Movie

 

August 8

Location: Robson Square (Google map)

Encounter all of your favourite Muppet characters (Miss Piggy, Big Bird) on the road with Kermit as he searches for stardom in Hollywood. A live action musical and a film within a film. From 1979.

  

Toy Story

 

August 15

Location: Robson Square (Google map)

A pioneer in animated movies that tickle both kids and grown-ups. Pixar’s first feature film was also the first film to be made entirely in CGI and continues to be a fan favourite. From 1995.  

  

The Italian Job

 

August 21

Location: David Lam Park (Google map)

An American remake of the 1969 British heist movie starring Mark Wahlburg and Donald Sutherland. Apparently a sequel, The Brazillian Job (really?), has been in the works for a few years. From 2003.

  

Men In Black

 

August 22

Location: Robson Square (Google map)

Follow a top-secret agent newbie and his veteran partner as they track paranormal activity, wiping memories as they go. Enjoy the visuals– this film won an Academy Award for Best Makeup. From 1997.  

 

Finding Nemo

 

August 29

Location: Robson Square (Google map)

This best-selling DVD of all time follows the epic journey of a clownfish from the reef to captivity, and his father’s valiant effort to save him. Ellen DeGeneres’ forgetful Dory is very funny. From 2003.  

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