Feature

Toward a Smarter Summer

Outside the megaplex (and even outdoors), there are films that do not involve gun-toting guinea pigs and jive-talking robots. Five film options for the more discerning filmgoer.

By Logan Hill
Published Jul 2, 2009

(Photo: Courtesy of Universal (Public Enemies); Everett Collection (Paper Moon))

Skip the overblown Depression crime flick Public Enemies…
…for the charming Depression crime classic Paper Moon at Brooklyn Bridge Park on July 23.

(Photo: Courtesy of Disney Enterprises (G-Force); Courtesy of Animation Block (Animation Block Party))

Skip the corporate CGI of the small rodent extravaganza G Force…
…in favor of the indie showcase Animation Block Party on July 24 at Rooftop Films.

(Photo: Van Redin/Courtesy of Summit Entertainment (Bandslam); Warner Bros/Everett Collection (Purple Rain))

Skip the High School Musical–ish Bandslam…
…and go crazy at the Purple Rain sing-along in Prospect Park on August 6.

(Photo: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures (Transformers Revenge of the Fallen); Courtesy of Sony Pictures Repertory/Film Forum (In a Lonely Place))

Skip the incoherent mayhem of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen…
…and sink into the quiet menace of In a Lonely Place at Film Forum, opening July 17.

(Photo: Alan Markfield/Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures (The Time-Traveler's Wife); Courtesy of the Museum of the Moving Image (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg))

Skip the Lake House–ish romance The Time Traveler’s Wife…
…and delight in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg at Museum of Arts and Design, August 8 and 9.