Monthly Cinema Series Moves to Star Cinema Grill in Arlington Heights
Going out to the movies to see what all the latest hype is about for a new release can be a lot of fun. No matter how big our television screens get or how impressive our surround sound systems are, there's something kind of magical about the movie theater experience. What about those great small screen independent features that don't get wide releases? Or perhaps classics that you never got a chance to experience on the big screen?
The Blue Whiskey Cinema Series (BWC) is the solution to not just one, but both of these questions. Every first Wednesday of the month (excluding January and July for holidays), the BWC will showcase one classic or independent film at their new venue; the Star Cinema Grill (53 S. Evergreen Avenue) in Arlington Heights beginning February 5.
Some of the films featured in months passed include "Airplane!" (1980), "Wet Hot American Summer" (2001) and "Reservoir Dogs" (1992). On February 5, the series will be presenting a wonderful under-the-radar romantic comedy from the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, "Stuck in Love", starring Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Connelly and Kristen Bell. Later this year, you can expect to see such classics as "Glengarry Glen Ross" (1992) on March 5 and "North by Northwest" (1959) on May 7. If you're interested in the schedule of films this season, visit the series website at BlueWhiskeyCinema.com.
How does the programming staff pick the films? Actually, they don't. Attendees pick the films by casting their vote via a simple survey at the end of each event and turn it in on their way out the door. "It's not really our film series as much as it yours," according to the series founder Michael Noens. "Each July, following our annual week-long Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival, we receive a huge amount of feedback from our audiences. And we're proud and excited to say that this series is a product of that feedback."
In addition to the film presentation, the Star Cinema Grill provides every guest with delicious food and beverage options. Arrive fifteen minutes before the show to get a chance to review the menu before the film begins. Feel free to grab a drink before entering the auditorium at the full bar in the lobby. With so many perks already available, the series staff also works hard to provide an extra treat following the film when possible, such as surprise giveaways and occasionally a special Q&A with an actor or filmmaker.
"Stuck in Love" will be kicking off the 2014 series season at the Star Cinema Grill on Wednesday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are available online at BlueWhiskeyCinema.com for only $3.00. Tickets may also be purchased at the door one hour before the event for $5.00. Interested in attending every first Wednesday? Blue Whiskey Cinema VIP Memberships are available for only $25.00, which includes 10 screenings (a one year membership). Visit BlueWhiskeyCinema.com for more details.