‘Up’: Movie in the Park returns tonight with smash Disney animated hit
September 24, 2010
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
In life being “Up” is the best direction to be headed, and if you want an uplifting experience and fun for the entire family you won’t want to miss Friday’s Movie in the Park.
The City of Santa Paula and generous sponsors are presenting “Up,” the 2009 smash Disney/Pixar animated comedy-adventure on September 24, 7:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park (corner of 10th and East Ventura streets, across the street from City Hall).
The film centers on an elderly widower named Carl Fredricksen and Russell, an earnest young Wilderness Explorer, who together fly to South America. And forget the airplane, as the pair makes the trip in a house suspended by helium balloons.
The film received overwhelmingly positive reviews, won a slew of prizes (Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film) and was only the second animated film to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. It also won an Oscar and other awards for Best Original Score.
Community Services Director Brian Yanez said although he has not seen “Up” he heard “It’s really good and liked by kids and adults.” The Optimist Club will again be serving free popcorn, and hot and cold coffee drinks as well as smoothies will be available for purchase.
Yanez urged families to bring a blanket or seats to enjoy “Up” on the huge inflatable screen, to enjoy the show - and each other. “The magic of an outdoor movie is contagious and brings together people from all walks of life,” said Yanez.
“A movie in a park is fun and a perfect place to sit back and enjoy an evening under the stars. Movie in the Park is one of my personal favorite activities for families, friends, kids and all citizens.”
The Movie in the Park is a “night where the community can come out and meet neighbors, new people and have a fun time.... Plus,” noted Yanez, “it’s free!”
And it’s a rare opportunity to enjoy an uplifting film due to the uplifting generosity of sponsors. Due to budget shortfalls, Yanez said, “This year the Community Services Department cancelled all of the scheduled Movies in the Park until we received a grant from Rotary Club of Santa Paula and donations from Limoneira Company and the Downtown Merchants Association.”
And, Yanez noted, “The Santa Paula Times is our media sponsor and helps us get the word out” so families can attend the popular event. Don’t feel down: “Up” will transport you and your family sky high at a community event that remains one of Santa Paula’s most popular free attractions.
