It’s movie time in Maricopa

The city kicks off its Movies in the Park series tonight, and UltraStar Multi-tainment center is preparing its Summer Kids’ Movie Series. Meanwhile, Venture Court Productions is ready to launch its “3-Hour Movie Critic” program.

Maricopa’s Movies in the Park series runs bi-weekly on Fridays at Copper Sky Regional Park. Movies are appropriate for families, are shown on an inflatable screen and usually start between 6:30 and 7 p.m.

The series is free. Bring a picnic dinner or enjoy snacks from local concessions.

The Movies in the Park schedule:
May 8 – Planes: Fire & Rescue, in the gymnasium
May 22 – a movie about master builders, in the gymnasium
June 5 – Big Hero 6, in the outdoor amphitheatre
June 19 – a movie about a heroic little fish, in the Copper Sky pool

For film-goers seeking to share their love of movies and learn insider information about current films, Venture Court Productions has launched “3-Hour Movie Critic,” a unique program showing first-run movies.

Starting May 23, the new program is monthly on Saturday mornings in UltraStar’s luxurious Star Class theaters. Adults age 21 and up are invited to register for this program, which will include a movie introduction session, viewing of the film and a critique/analysis session after the showing. Due to the limited size of the plush-seating theaters, the group size is limited.

“Since everyone loves to be a critic, UltraStar’s theaters are the perfect venue to share that interest with others,” program director and screenwriter/movie critic Roger Gillespie said, “We are choosing first-run movies with popular concepts and appeal for our viewers to discuss.”

3-Hour Movie Critic films scheduled:
May 23 – Tomorrowland, the adventure-mystery-sci-fi film stars George Clooney, Hugh Laurie and Britt Robertson with Brad Bird directing.
June 13 – Jurassic World, the next adventure in the sci-fi adventure franchise stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard.
July 11 – Minions, the spinoff animated comedy has the voices of Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm and Michael Keaton.

The start time of each film will vary, depending on the theater schedule. The $16 fee includes the ticket, Star Class upgrade, and the pre-viewing introduction and post-movie critique sessions.

Advance registration will be required to guarantee a seat for the limited seating. To register and reserve a seat or for questions, contact: [email protected] or call 520-568-0199. Registrants will be notified of the Saturday program start time early the week of the showing.

UltraStar kicks off its annual Summer Kids’ Movie Series on May 25.

The series is Monday through Friday. Doors open at 9 a.m. for the feature screening at 9:30 a.m. All films will be presented in 2D format and are rated G or PG.  

To purchase a movie series pass, guests select the day of the week they would like to attend for the one-time ticket price of $5. Each week, they return on the same day to see all 10 weeks of films. Tickets for individual days (not pre-selected in advance) can be purchased at the door for $1 each. Children 2 and under are admitted for free.

Schedule for Summer Kids' Movie Series:
May 25-29 – Dolphin Tale
June 1-5 – Dolphin Tale 2
June 8-12 – The LEGO Movie
June 15-19 – How to Train Your Dragon 2
June 22-26 – Rio 2
June 29-July 3 – Mr. Peabody & Sherman
July 6-July 10 – Penguins of Madagascar
July 13-17 – The Boxtrolls
July 20-24 – The Lorax
July 27-31 – Hotel Transylvania