SAN JOSE, Calif. - Enjoy great movies from the 1980s for free, under the stars, on warm San Jose summer nights, at Starlight Cinemas. Come early and enjoy pre-show fun and games, often as entertaining as the main event.
The eight-movie series produced by the San Jose Downtown Association begins June 14 with the only non-’80s film of the bunch, “Bend It Like Beckham.” That film complements the opening day of World Cup soccer from Brazil, with San Jose sharing in four matches live on a giant television screen at Plaza de Cesar Chavez starting at 9 a.m. Check sjearthquakes.com/summerofsoccer for the full World Cup viewing schedule.
The second film of the series, “Back to the Future Part II,” also follows World Cup action, USA vs. Portugal, from 3p.m.-5 p.m. on June 22. The big screen moves to St. James Park for that viewing.
Starlight Movie Schedule:
June 14 - Bend it Like Beckham (2002/PG-13) - Plaza de Cesar Chavez(following World Cup Viewing at 8 p.m.)
Set in London, Jess dreams of playing soccer like her hero, David Beckham, and will stop at nothing short of her goal. The girl’s independence clashes with her elder sister Pinky, who dreams of a traditional Indian wedding and making perfect meals for her man.
PRE-SHOW: SJ Earthquakes/soccer-related trivia and games
June 22 - Back to the Future Part II (1989/PG) - St. James Park
(following World Cup Viewing at 6 p.m.)
See what 2015 was imagined to look like 20 years ago as Marty McFly and Doc Brown travel forward in time to prevent the future little McFly from going to jail. But Biff gets hold of the time-traveling DeLorean, speeds back to 1955 and rewrites history by making his younger self filthy rich.
PRE-SHOW: “How to make a mini Hovercraft” workshop and movie trivia.
July 16 - Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade (1989/PG-13) - St. James Park
The third movie of the Indiana Jones trilogy, this time with Dr. Henry Jones (Harrison Ford) and his father (Sean Connery) taking up the action. Directed by Steve Spielberg, the Joneses go after the Holy Grail in a race against Nazis.
PRE-SHOW: “Map with no names” as a treasure hunt guide to find the holy grail and Indiana Jones trivia.
July 23 - Ghostbusters (1984/PG) - San Pedro Square Market
Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson and Rick Moranis star as NYC-based "paranormal investigators." After their government grants run out, the former three go into business as The Ghostbusters, ridding The Big Apple of ghouls, ghosts and beasts.
PRE-SHOW: Sing-off of “Who You Gonna Call” theme song; “Build your own” Sta-Puff marshmallow giant contest; movie quotes/trivia contest.
July 30 - Pee Wee’s Big Adventure (1985/PG) - St. James Park
Celebrate a “drive-in” movie experience on bicycle with San Jose Bike Party. Watch as Pee-Wee Herman sets out across the U.S. on the adventure of his life to retrieve his beloved bike, which was stolen from him in broad daylight. This was Tim Burton’s directorial debut and a stepping stone for Paul reubens and composer Dany Elfman.
PRE-SHOW: Tequila dance-off; bike contests; DJ’s on bikes.
August 6 - Pretty in Pink (1986/PG-13) - San Pedro Square Market
John Hughes writes and directs this '80s Brat Pack romance resembling Cinderella. Molly Ringwald survives the wackos around her, including a boy hopelessly in love with her, her father and a record store co-worker to realize her potential
PRE-SHOW: Alice@97.3 radio 18th Anniversary ’80s themed dance night.
August 13 - Gremlins (1984/PG) - St. James Park
These little things are cute as long as they don’t see bright lights, get wet or feed after midnight. So what happens? All three things, and pandemonium ensues. Starring Hoyt Axton, Keye Luke, John Louie, Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Corey Feldman, Judge Reinhold and even the film’s producer - Steven Spielberg.
PRE-SHOW: Rockage Retro Gaming Festival video games; Chiptune DJ; Stripe vs. Gizmo contest.
August 20 - Airplane (1980/PG) - San Pedro Square Market
This spoof of the Airport series of disaster movies relies on hilarious sight gags, groan-inducing dialogue, and deadpan acting -- a comedy style has been imitated for the past two decades. Alcoholic pilot Ted Striker has to land the plane after the captain gets food poisoning. Lloyd bridges and Robert Stack have to talk him down. Leslie Nielsen launches a career as slapstick leading man. Please, don’t call him Shirley.
PRE-SHOW: Comedy Sportz Improv troupe performance.
Movie night details include:
Starlight Cinema Series sponsors and supporters are: San Jose Downtown Association, CINEQUEST, Metro Newspapers, SanJose.com, City of San Jose, Republic Services, McEnery Family, San Pedro Square Market, San Jose Bike Party, and radio partners: KCBS 740 AM, Alice@97.3, Live 105.3 and NOW 99.7
San Jose Downtown Association (SJDA) is a non-profit group of business and property owners working to improve the vitality and livability of downtown San Jose for more than 25 years. SJDA produces events such as Downtown Ice, Starlight Cinemas, Downtown Farmers' Market at San Pedro Square and Dine Downtown. Visit www.sjdowntown.com.
