Update: Two corrections have been made: Tropic Thunder is now the only June 18 film, and viewers can vote on which film they'd like to see on July 16.
It's finally here.
The 2012 Film On the Rocks summer line-up at Red Rocks Amphitheatre was announced this evening, and many movies that made the cut were picked for the people, by the people. Though carefully curated by the Denver Film Center -- and led by FOTR Program Director Britta Erickson -- if the inclusion of a film like The Notebook rubs watchers the wrong way, look no further than the audience itself:
"It wasn't just because this seems to be the year of Ryan Gosling," says Karla Rodriguez, Audience Development and Social Media Manager for FOTR. "It's because The Notebook has been one of our top five most-requested films consistently since it came out. From crowd surveys to Facebook polls, this is what the people want."
Read more about tonight's announcement and see the full schedule below.
Rodriguez says that Office Space is another fan favorite, but the film was chosen partially out of a desire to introduce a new era of cult films that people who grew up in the '90s hold so dear.
"In this economy, I think Office Space has a lot of relevance; it speaks to being stuck in the 9-to-5 grind." Wayne's World -- another move that's become a favorite over the past fifteen years -- is in the same vein.
But what about The Big Lebowskis, Princess Brides and Top Guns of season's past?
"We rotate our guaranteed sell-out shows every year, but this time, we decided to let some new movies in," Rodriguez says. "People have already been calling the Film Center box office, asking to buy tickets to The Big Lebowski, assuming we're showing it."
She says the film will be back someday, but wanted movies like Bridesmaids to get a fair chance.
Another special incorporation FOTR takes great care in adding to the line-up is a concert film. Wanting to carry on with the audience participatory nature of last year's Talking Heads' concert documentary Stop Making Sense, the Beastie Boys' Awesome; I Fuckin' Shot That! was included for 2012.
"Other than an obvious nod to the loss of Adam Yauch this year, we wanted to give love to his work through Oscilloscope Laboratories (his film distribution company.)"
FOTR is still working on solidifying a charitable collaboration of this screening, as well as some yet-to-be-named special guest stars.
"It feels like I'm announcing the Broncos football schedule," Rodriguez says with a laugh. "But I think when we're dealing with two things people hold dear -- their favorite films and their favorite venue -- it's kind of like an ultimate sweet sixteen party."
The full 2012 Film on the Rocks schedule is on Page 2.
Here's to "Bohemian Rhapsody" being sung at full volume during the Wayne's World sweet sixteen equivalent this summer.
Below is a full season listing of films and accompanying bands. To keep up with the Film On The Rocks conversation and for information on special events happening around each showing, visit the FOTR Facebook page and Twitter, @DenverFilm.
DATE - FILM - HEADLINER - OPENER
Monday, June 4 - Office Space - The Moderators - Otone Brass Band
Monday, June 11 - Iron Man - The McRae - Force Publique
Monday, June 18 - Tropic Thunder - A Tom Collins - Ishe
Monday, June 25 - The Notebook - The Dunwells - N/A
Monday, July 2 - Wayne's World - School of Rock - N/A
Tuesday, July 10 - Bridesmaids - Land Lines
Monday, July 16 - Vote for which film you'd like to see - Joe Sampson's "Kill Our Friends"
Monday, July 30 - Anchorman - Take To the Oars - N/A
Monday, August 13 - Spirited Away - Meiko - N/A
Monday, August 20 - Awesome; I Fuckin' Shot That! - School of Rock - N/A
