Abington Journal

More than the movies: ‘Finding Your Feet’ brings audience to its feet

The audience broke into applause at the end of Summer Fest’s Opening Night first feature film, “Finding Your Feet!”

We were all on our feet, inspired by this feel-good film that is all about finding your own way, your own path in life. Then our staff and volunteers went into strawberry shortcake mode, taking to our stations, building everybody’s strawberry shortcake to taste. This favorite dessert has become a tradition for Summer Fest, many stating it is the ultimate dessert. “The best ever!” Our only concern each year is to have enough whipped cream for Hildy Morgan who executes with aplomb her job of topping off the dessert with high peeks. We did it. We had enough and everyone was happy.

The second movie of the evening was “The Seagull,” a magnificent adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s play. Everything about the screenplay adaptation was stunning, pulling the audience into the Russian tale of a summer retreat where everyone is secretly obsessed with ultimately destructive relationships. A tragicomedy beautifully filmed and a must-see for lovers of great dramatic literature.

If you come to see one of its showings at 4:30 p.m. July 26 or July 28 and 30 or at 2 p.m. Aug. 2, don’t be surprised if applause breaks out at the credits when screenplay adaptor Stephen Karam’s name comes up on the screen. Karam has Scranton roots and his many family members and friends are delighted to acknowledge his great success.

I want to tell you about three other Summer Fest films I have seen and loved. I always try to go to the very first film featured the day after Opening Night, so I must tell you about the movie, “The Rider.” It is all about the rodeo culture, something I know almost nothing about. This movie is so honestly filmed, enacted by real rodeo riders, not actors. The amazing realization for me is finding out it has a Chinese director in Chloe Zhao. When she set out to tell the story of the people of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, focusing on Brady Jandreau, the film took another turn when Jandreau was in a life-changing rodeo accident. This film has very tender moments with his disabled sister and his best friend who is also disabled by a rodeo accident. It has stayed with me since I saw it. I recommend it.

“A Bag of Marbles,” another Summer Fest movie showing at 2:15 p.m. July 27 and at 4:15 p.m. July 31 is an incredible story of the Nazi occupation, this time told through the eyes of two young boys. What they endure, where they have to go, is truly unbelievable. The two boys are so clever and courageous and this movie is a truly compelling tale.

You may think you know something about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, but I guarantee you will discover you know almost nothing until you see the Summer Fest movie called “RBG.” I, of course, know of her role on the United States Supreme Court, but I knew nothing about her journey to get there. Please go see “RBG” to realize how much she has done for women’s and men’s rights. Go to see it to learn about the beautiful and supportive marriage she had with her husband Marty. Go to see it to see how you can still be fully functioning and contributing into your 80s. You still have three more opportunities to see this incredible movie at noon July 26, at 4:30 p.m. July 28 and at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 2.

Do you need more information about Summer Fest or the Dietrich Theater? If so, go to www.dietrichtheater.com or call us at 570-996-1500. We hope to see you soon. And often!

Young
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_Margie-Young-2.jpg.optimal.jpgYoung

More than

the movies

Margie Young

Reach the Abington Journal newsroom at 570-587-1148 or by email at news@theabingtonjournal.com.