Lakeside Cinema's Picks are Truly "disasTERRACE"

Among many other things, the Memorial Union’s Lakeside Cinema series is one of my favorite local activities during the summer. Take a moment and imagine a warm summer evening in Madison, the orange sun setting over the cool waters of Lake Mendota, big sailboats slowly gliding over the peaceful waters, and the lively union terrace bustling with conversation, card games, and plenty of beer drinking. Now add yourself, a big bag of popcorn, a few friends, and your favorite movie. Now that’s lakeside cinema.

The series is sponsored by the University of Wisconsin student union film committee and features contemporary and classic favorites played on the union terrace Monday nights throughout the summer. I’ve been anticipating this summer's film schedule for quite some time now, and have been checking the Web site regularly for updates. Imagine my disappointment upon learning today that this year’s theme is “disasTERRACE.” Oh, isn’t that clever. There isn’t really one film I want to see—well maybe just one—but seriously, what the hell? What happened to last summer’s perfect picks like Caddy Shack and Ten Things I Hate about You? Now that's good lakeside cinema. Seriously, take a look at the schedule below and try to tell me that a guy didn’t pick every one of these films.

6/11 Twister
6/18 Airplane!
6/25 Space Camp
7/2 Independence Day
7/9 King Kong vs. Godzilla
7/16 Armageddon
7/23 Mars Attacks!
7/30 Dante’s Peak
8/6 Shaun of the Dead

A little disappointed today. But that’s okay, I will bounce back. Maybe I can create my very own outdoor cinema in the backyard and play only my favorites. I will certainly come up with some kind of alternative programming. So back to these awful movies. King Kong vs. Godzilla? What is that? And what is with all of these punctuated movie titles? But, Armageddon–ahhh..., that one brings back some classic memories. I believe that was my first date with my first serious boyfriend in high school. And remember that soundtrack? Aerosmith’s “I don’t want to miss a thing?” Beautiful. And those emotions so real to me at the time as my slighly-older heartthrob was getting ready to go off to college. Loved Aerosmith back then. Back to the movies. Honestly, I might actually end up checking out Shaun of the Dead, only because a friend recently recommended it, but even then I still have my doubts. Overall, I think the picks live up to their name—"disasTERRACE."