Free movies in Valentino Park, by Halley Bondy

This August, in association with Pioneer Works, Red Hook Flicks will feature and diverse lineup of new and nostalgic movies for adults and kids alike. Be sure to check out the following films beginning around 8:30 pm on Valentino Pier. Happy viewing!

August 9: RESERVOIR DOGS
Year: 1992
Genre: Crime thriller
Rated: R
Presented by WATERFRONT KITCHENS and PIZZA MOTO
It’s hard to believe that 24 years have passed since Quentin Tarantino released his low budget hit Reservoir Dogs. The quintessential Tarantino film follows a group of tough criminals — with names like Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi), Mr. White (Harvey Keitel), and Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen) – who have to pick up the pieces after a disastrous diamond heist leaves some of them dead or injured.
Reservoir Dogs made waves in the 90s not only for its grotesque violence, but also for its unique attention to dialogue and character development, as well as its unmistakable homage to 70s exploitation films. This screening is definitely not for kids, but adults will enjoy the throwback to an era before Tarantino had Hollywood backing.

August 16: PITCH PERFECT
Year: 2012
Genre: Musical comedy
Rated: PG-13
Presented by MOVERS NOT SHAKERS and RED HOOK LOBSTER POUND
The 2012 sleeper hit, Pitch Perfect is an all-ages a cappella nerd romp. Starring Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson, Pitch Perfect follows the adventures of the Barden Bellas, an a capella troupe from the fictitious Barden University. As the troupe climbs to the national competition level, interpersonal relationships between the singers – and their boyfriends and parents – will be tested.
This is a great choice if you’re into musical theatre, a capella culture, or nostalgic tunes like “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” and “Party In The U.S.A.” Oh, and Adam DeVine (from Workaholics) is hilarious in it.

August 23: LABYRINTH
Year: 1986
Genre: Musical fantasy Rated: PG
Presented by SHARED BROOKLYN and POK POK
Labyrinth was a commercial failure when it was released in 1986, but it became a cult classic when more and more 80s kids discovered just how wacky and affecting it was.
The musical follows Sarah (Jennifer Connelly), an imaginative teenage girl who would rather do geeky roleplay by herself than babysit for her little brother. Angry, she casts her brother to the land of the Goblins – only to find, regrettably, that it actually works. In order to get him back, Sarah has to fight her way through a mystical labyrinth and contend with dark, sometimes gross creatures (puppets by Jim Henson) and the androgynous, spandex-clad Jareth (David Bowie), who rules the dismal land and tries to thwart Sarah’s efforts.
It’s a kid-friendly nostalgia trip, and still an incredible tribute to Bowie’s music and style.

August 30: ALIENS
Year: 1986 Rated: R
Genre: Science fiction, action, horror
Presented by FORT DEFIANCE and DRY DOCK WINE + SPIRITS
In the 1986 sequel to the Alien franchise, we rejoin Lt. Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) after she’s been drifting through space in stasis for 57 years. With memories of a genocidal alien species fresh in her mind, Ripley has to convince a new crew of rag-tag, skeptical marines that yes, they are in terrible danger. Together, they explore a colony that has been nearly wiped out, encountering merciless aliens and destruction along the way.
The action and cataclysm are non-stop, but it’s also heartwarming to see Ripley’s attachment to Newt, a little girl and the sole survivor in the colony. This particular installment is pre-CGI, meaning HR Giger’s alien creations are still original and frightening in all their slimy glory. If you’re looking for one of the best horror/action movies of the 80s, this is a solid bet.
Screenings take place at Valentino Pier. All films will begin at 8:30 pm, or as soon as it’s dark enough for a screening. For more information, visit https://redhookflicks.com/

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