Ryan Gosling, left, and Margot Robbie pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘Barbie’ on July 12, 2023, in London.
Associated Press photo
Call it fun in the reel outdoors.
The Columbus Parks and Recreation Department’s free outdoor Movies in the Park series returns at dusk Saturday at Mill Race Park, 50 Carl Miske Drive in downtown Columbus, with the 2023 summer blockbuster “Barbie.”
The Columbus Park Foundation raises money to cover expenses for the film rights, normally about $300 per flick, for these events, according to organizers. Free popcorn will be available as it always has been.
“That still seems to surprise people,” said the parks department’s Jacob Hendricks, one of the coordinators for the series.
Since the time for darkness changes in the next few months, organizers will announce movie start times on Facebook. Crowds of 100 to 200 attended the flicks last summer, Hendricks said. The most popular showing was “The Super Mario Brothers Movie.”
Usually, attendees bring lawn chairs, blankets or snacks.
He mentioned that the parks staff gets input on possible films to show from local youngsters and others at a range of its events and programs.
“From that, we kind of know what the community wants,” Hendricks said. “Trust me, if you’re going to make a movie recommendation, we’ll definitely be listening.”
A new twist this year, and one new location, will be the showing of the Disney film “Moana” in the pool at the Donner Aquatic Center.
“We’ve wanted to do that for some time,” Hendricks said. “It’s something that has been done all over the country.”
He said that youngsters usually sit within tubes or floaties and watch the movie in the water while parents, grandparents and others generally watch in lounge chairs from the pool deck.
One element of the series may certainly remain, though. Some films in the past have inspired both youngsters and adults to wear outfits or apparel linked to a particular flick. He expects “Barbie” to be one of those films, with plenty of people in the pink.
Organizers remind attendees to bring bug spray to the park.
Here is the schedule:
- Saturday: “Barbie.” The classic doll must travel to the human world in order to understand herself and discover her true purpose.
- June 22: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.” The film follows the Turtle brothers as they work to earn the love of New York City while facing down an army of mutants.
- July 26: “Moana” in the pool at Donner Aquatic Center, 739 22nd St. The plot follows the track of self-discovery and self-realization, as Moana finds her true leadership qualities through her perils.
- Aug 17: “Shrek.” an embittered ogre named Shrek finds his home in the swamp overrun by fairy tale creatures banished by the obsessive ruler Lord Farquaad.
- Oct. 5: “Inside Out 2.” Two groups that don’t get along have to go on a journey together to “save” the character of Riley and annoy one another, but then develop a bond.
