First up on August 9 will be The Wild Robot. This film is an adaptation of a popular book and was extremely popular at the box office as well as being in contention for many awards. The film is about Roz (Lupita Nyong'o), a robot servant who gets stranded on an island inhabited by many wild animal species. While on the island, Roz learns a great deal about life and what is truly precious from her new community. It is a truly inspirational film and will have you reaching for some tissues or, in the case of this event, the edge of your picnic blanket more than once.
Next on August 16 is Metropolis. This is a silent film from 1927 made by master of the craft, Fritz Lang. It’s a story about class struggles, prophets, saviors, and, yes, robotics. If you find yourself on the fence about a silent film, know that this is the most influential sci-fi film of all time. It is an artistic vision unlike many of its time and it will take you places you would not think a film from the earliest eras of filmmaking could. This particular version (because like many seminal works, there are a few cuts) is from the 1960s when it received an updated edit. There will also be a mystery musician at the screening to perform the score.
Finally on August 23 is Real Steel. This is a 2011 film adapted from a 1963 episode of The Twilight Zone called "Steel." The film stars Hugh Jackman as a human boxer sent out to pasture as the fight game has become a robot battlefield. It is an underdog story like you have never seen, except in your imagination as you and your friend perhaps waged war with Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots. This film is pushing the family nature of the event a little by being rated PG-13, but the rating is for "some violence, intense action and brief language," so use your own discretion if you have little ones in tow.
