Whether in a car, sitting on folding chairs, or lying on a blanket on the grass, drive-in theaters and outdoor movies are crowd pleasers and fun family events. Under the enchanting stars – when the heat of the day gives way to cooler nights – you can revel in the nostalgia of beloved blockbusters from the ’80s and ’90s. Everything old is new again, and Gen Z and Gen Alpha love the good old days – maybe because it’s when their parents came of age. These complimentary movie nights kick off at sundown (7 p.m.) in the new Downtown Park, across from the Palm Springs Art Museum. This spring, time-honored favorites like E.T., Jurassic Park, and The Princess Bride were part of a popular series sponsored by the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The last movie in the set – the classic 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off – will be shown on June 11. Directed by John Hughes and starring Matthew Broderick – who was nominated for a Golden Globe in 1987 for his performance – the film has stood the test of time.
In a scenario that is definitely pre-internet and smartphones, a popular high school student hatches a plan to take a day off from school and goes to extreme lengths to pull it off. Old-school truancy with a comedic twist and apoplectic adults ensues. Watching John Hughes’ films with 21st-century tweens and teens can be a challenging but fun exercise. I had to embark on an hour-long explanation of content in the movies The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink with my socially conscious son. He was floored by some of the antics and situations portrayed, but it made for an exceedingly teachable moment, as well as some embarrassing revelations from my youth.
So, bring a picnic or check out the local eateries, and gather with friends and family to enjoy the communal movie-going experience en plein air.
