Seeing favorite animated characters frolic on the TV screen is one thing. But seeing their antics unfold on the big screen with surround-sound is another.
Columbus mom Sara Guthrie says that’s the way 3-year-old daughter Nora views her chance to see the cast of “Despicable Me 3” at YES Cinema this summer as part of the nonprofit venue’s new Free Family Film Festival Series from June 6 to July 25 at the downtown facility at Fourth and Jackson streets.
“We already watch that film almost on a daily basis (at home),” Guthrie said. “So, being able to go to a theater to see it will definitely be a different experience for her.”
The youngster has been to a theater only once previously.
The local mom, who used to serve as general manager of the now-Regal Seymour Stadium 8, remains a big movie fan.
As part of a single-income family, she’s also heartened by YES’ move to offer free entertainment for those with a more limited budget.
“The fact that they now have a program specifically designed around kids is great for us,” said Guthrie, who, with husband Stephen also has a 1-year-old son, Elliott. “And anytime we can get out and be around other people is something that’s good.”
YES leaders had considered the idea before, including several years ago when its movie booking agent proposed the concept. Diane Doup, community outreach coordinator for the Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center that operates YES, said it can be an important way for families to come together for simple fun.
“From our perspective, being a social entrepreneurship, it’s great to offer our regular movies at reasonable prices,” Doup said. “But sometimes, when families are in a particular pitch financially, maybe they can’t afford even the reduced prices we already regularly have. So this allows there to be no barrier for them to come to this (series).”
Randy Allman, executive director of the neighborhood center, mentioned that the flicks could be popular enough to fill both theaters at YES, which seat a total of 323 people.
“I suspect these will be very well-attended,” Allman said.
He can relate to films being wholesome family-style entertainment for youngsters. He himself spent much of his childhood in Columbus riding his bike to the Crump Theatre downtown for Saturday morning films. Many of those showings included drawings for prizes such as free bikes.
Allman said the series also is another tool to attract newcomers to the theater. YES staff still regularly see ticket buyers discovering the business for the first time, though it has been there for years.
“We think this is another good way for people to get a chance to see how cool our theater really is,” he said.
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All movies begin at 10 a.m. and are free admission. Organizers encourage those attending to purchase items from the concession stand to help cover film expenses.
June 6: “Smurf’s Lost Village”
June 13: “The Emoji Movie”
June 20: “The Boss Baby”
June 27: “Despicable Me 3”
July 4: “Nut Job 2”
July 11: “The Lego Ninjago Movie”
July 18: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul”
July 25: “Captain Underpants”
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