Millennium Park Summer Film Series Will Screen 'Hidden Figures,' Chicago Classics This Year

By Stephen Gossett in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 17, 2017 5:16PM

Wayne's World / Paramount

If you couldn't tell from the pushing-80 temps, or the street festival announcements, or all the reemergent al-fresco dining tables lining the sidewalks, it's almost summer. Another herald of those bright days ahead: the folks at the city's Cultural Affairs department just took the wraps off this year's Millennium Summer Film Series.

Catching an outdoor movie in the city's lovely front yard is right up there with pilgrimages to Margie's Candies as far as summer institutions in our minds. Of course, if helps when the lineup is strong; and there are definitely some highlights—and a few curiosities—among the bunch. Chicago staples like The Blues Brothers (June 13) and Wayne's World (September 5), which turned 25 this year, might be sucker cuts, but they're always welcome. There's a rather peculiar double feature of Ghost and The Shining, two decidedly different approaches to the paranormal, on Aug. 8. And if you missed Best Picture challengers La La Land and Hidden Figures on the big screen last year, you can play catch up July 18 and August 15, respectively. And the under-appreciated, timely-as-ever immigration drama El Norte (the series' first Spanish-language selection) is a particularly inspired choice.

Check out the full slate of films below. All movies are free. Screenings begin at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
The Blues Brothers (1980) - June 13
Caddyshack (1980) - June 20
Julie and Julia (2009) - June 27
El Norte (1983) - July 11
La La Land (2016) - July 18
Network (1976) - July 25
Bend It Like Beckham (2002) - August 1
Ghost (1990) and The Shining (1980) - August 8
Hidden Figures (2016) - August 15
Five Heartbeats (1991) - August 22
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) - August 24, at 10am
Wayne’s World (1992) - September 5
The Princess Bride (1987) - August 29