Pessimists and the cinema have a long and fidgety relationship. The first flickery films show scowls as well as smiles, and the talkies only introduced a parade of vocal, dissatisfied cranks.
This is good and all that. What would dramatic tension be without, well, tension? But the rare movie optimist is a treat and worthy of celebration.
Take Buddy the Elf from, well, "Elf." He answers the phone by asking "what's your favorite color?" and proclaims "I just like to smile! Smiling's my favorite."
So cheerful is the Will Ferrell-in-velvet character that he deserves to be spotlighted outside of the yuletide season, that time when "Elf" reigns. With this in mind, Eat | See | Hear is screening the festive flick on Saturday, July 13 as part of its "Christmas in July" celebration.
The outdoor movie series lands at Paul Revere Middle School in Brentwood that night and it is haulin' along the big box o' Christmas decorations to boot. Meaning the series organizers intend to holiday the heck out of the screening area, with baubles, a Christmas tree, and, yep, Santa Claus.
Of course, Santa Claus in Brentwood in July does not rock the full-on velvet suit. Look for our SoCal Kris Kringle to arrive in beach-ready wear.
Attendees are also invited to wear something Christmas-y. You have some candy cane-laden surf shorts, right? Wear those. Don't second guess 'em.
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Food trucks and other haps will be keeping the night slidin' down the proverbial chimney. No word if nog will be flowing from the trucks, but we'll bet not. Still, should you pack a tin of sugar cookies to snack on? If you're wearing candy cane-laden surf shorts, there's only one acceptable answer.
Most importantly, be sure to bring some used blankets, towels, or canned goods to donate to Best Friends Animal Society Los Angeles, the charity partner to the summer-long film series.
Ho ho ho, summer. Your heat hasn't bested us yet.
