Top Summer Movie Events In The Philadelphia Area

The summer season is blockbuster season, and there's something for every person's tastes -- whether you love comedies, action or family friendly films. Many production companies save their most commercial films for the summer, when the kids are out of school and life winds down a bit. Along with these big films comes movie premieres, and local stores and restaurants sometime offer additional events and activities to tie into the buzz. This summer, there are many outdoor film fests happening in the area where you can enjoy awesome films and the beautiful weather, oftentimes for free.

Screenings Under the Stars
The Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
101 Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-2FUN
www.delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com

Date: Thursdays in July & August

Every Thursday in July and August is free movie night at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing. The majority of films shown are family-friendly and rated G through PG 13. The movie begins at dusk, and typically, there are themed activities beforehand. In 2012, screenings included recently released films: "The Muppets," "Justin Beiber Never Say Never," "Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1" and "The Descendants." On the schedule for this year are "The Dark Knight Rises," "The Hunger Games" and "Silver Linings Playbook."

Family Fun, Sales for Monsters Inc. and Planes
Disney Store at Cherry Hill Mall
2000 Route 38, Space 1035
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
(856) 662-1015
www.stores.disneystore.com

This summer brings a huge event for Disney and Pixar fans with the release of not one, but two anxiously awaited films. Disney and Pixar will put out the prequel to "Monsters Inc." with "Monsters University" on Friday, June 21. This is a long-awaited second film which tells the tale of Scully and Mike when they were in college, before they hit the laugh floor. On August 9 (Friday), Disney will debut "Planes" (the airborne version of Cars) in 2D/3D. All Disney stores have specials and activities when a new film comes out. Expect discounts on merchandise from the film (current selection of "Monsters Inc.") during the time of its preview. And later this summer when "Planes" premieres, expect the same discounts and afternoon activities in the stores for these huge movie events.

Cape May Movies on the Beach
On the beach near Convention Hall
Stockton & Beach intersection
Cape May, NJ 08204
www.capemay.com

Date: Thursdays at dusk in July & August

If you want to get your toes in the sand and enjoy the beach while watching a movie on the big screen, take a trip to Cape May, NJ. This summer, Cape May will have free movies on the beach every Thursday evening (weather permitting) in July and August. You can grab your beach blanket and cozy up to watch "Happy Feet," "Shrek," "Spider-Man," "Jaws" and many others. No beach tags are required.

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After Earth Movie Premiere
The Roxy Theater
2023 Samson St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 923-6699
www.filmadelphia.org

Date: June 7

Local writer/director Director M. Night Shyamalan brings a movie blockbuster event with the release of his latest film. "After Earth" is a sci-fi thriller about a man and son who crash land on an evacuated planet. "After Earth" stars both Will and Jaden Smith, and Will also wrote the story for this film. Catch it in theaters on June 7. You can visit the facebook page for movie trailers and to meet other fans.

Light House International Film Festival
Various Long Beach Island Venues
Long Beach Island, NJ
(646) 245-8400
www.lighthouse festival

Date: June 6-9

This festival will feature many different types of films including documentaries, family films, short films and feature films. There will also be a noted panel of industry experts on site to discuss the films. This festival is three days long and will be held at various locations on Long Beach Island including Harvey Cedars, Love Ladies, Beach Haven and Ship Bottom. Films are currently being accepted, and the final schedule will be available on the website, where you can also purchase passes or tickets.

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Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.