When Jeff Erickson pens a list of films for the Movies at the Reg series, he looks for quality.
For Reg Lenna Civic Center's fall and winter movie series, that can be hard to determine. In the spring, it's not so difficult.
Erickson, facilities manager, and the Reg Lenna will screen Oscar winners and nominees this spring, beginning with "The Iron Lady" on April 13 and 14. The series will feature "The Artist," "War Horse," "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" and "The Descendants" in the following weeks.
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"We always try to pick films that may not be on the other screens but are critically acclaimed," said Erickson, adding the Reg has the largest indoor screen in Chautauqua County. "They're all big films. This is a particularly strong list."
Erickson pencils in a lineup of films prior to each season, which a committee then approves. The Reg starts the annual spring movie series soon after the theater becomes available. This season's films will screen on five consecutive weekends with each movie getting a Friday and Saturday date.
"I think it's important to screen some of these award-winning films because they don't get a lot of screen time," Erickson said. "Some of these films aren't big until after they win an award. We like to bring different things that people wouldn't normally get in Jamestown."
RECOGNIZING THE FILMS
"The Artist," which will screen Friday, April 20, and Saturday, April 21, won the Oscar for Best Picture and the awards for Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, Best Director and Best Actor. The film received nine Oscar nominations.
"The Iron Lady" brought home two Oscars: Meryl Streep's award for Best Actress and the award for Makeup.
Max von Sydow and "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" won the award for Best Supporting Actor. The Reg will screen the film Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5.
"The Descendants," which will screen Friday, May 11, and Saturday, May 12, won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and received four other nominations.
As a Steven Spielberg fan, Erickson looks forward to screening "War Horse" on Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28, more than any of the other films. The movie received six Oscar nominations.
Erickson expects a bigger turnout for the series' opening film, however.
"People are really excited to see 'The Iron Lady,'" he said. "I've had so many people who have come up to me and said that they are excited that we have it. I think it will be really well-supported."
Support has always been and will continue to be the key for Movies at the Reg, which has been going for many years.
"It's been able to sustain itself due to our patrons' support," Erickson said. "We need that support to continue screening these movies."
Tickets, which will be sold at the door one hour prior to show time, will be $7 for adults and $4.25 for children under 12 and JCC Faculty Student Association cardholders. Ten-ticket movie club booklets can be purchased for $60. Popcorn and candy will be sold during the screenings.
With an upgraded, state-of-the-art sound system, Erickson said the films will sound good. He expects them to look good as well.
"Having the big screen is a real treat," Erickson said. "You can immerse yourself in a film. The Reg takes you back to a different time in a traditional theater setting. Being in a historic theater is a different atmosphere than a cineplex."
Visit reglenna.com for more information.