Award-winning films showing at Cinema Under the Stars

One of San Diego’s most beloved outdoor theaters, Cinema Under the Stars, has released their winter 2015 schedule, and it’s full of recent award-winning mega-hits.

The winter lineup includes “The Judge” on Jan. 30-31, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Feb. 6-7, “Laggies” Feb. 13-14, “Birdman” Feb. 20-21 and “The Theory of Everything” from Feb. 27-28. Eddie Redmayne recently won Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama at the 72nd Golden Globe Awards for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everything.”

Classic cinema and cult favorites have long made Cinema Under the Stars one of the most popular choices in local outdoor film-watching. Here, you’ll find a heated patio, reclining seats, blankets and twinkling lights that stage a romantic scene. Added bonus: There’s a weatherproof retractable dome for those rare rainy nights.

Other features of the cozy, cuddle-inducing theater include a 20-foot screen with HD projection and single and double zero-gravity recliners, as well as love seat cabanas and deck chair/ottoman option complete with table. Coffee, tea, popcorn and assorted candies are offered at the concession stand located on the premises.

The Patio on Goldfinch, located next door, makes for a perfect spot for pre-movie dinner or post-movie drink.

Details: Online reservations open each week on Mondays at 9 a.m. for members or Wednesdays at 9 a.m. for non-members. The actual box office opens on Thursdays at 6 p.m. for all movies showing that weekend. Films start at 8 p.m. Guests can arrive as early as 6 p.m. to reserve their seats. Tickets cost $14 for members or $15 for non-members. There is an additional $2 fee per seat reserved online.

Cinema Under the Stars, 4040 Goldfinch St. in Mission Hills. (619) 295.4221 or topspresents.com

Winter 2015 Schedule

THE JUDGE

Friday, January 30, & Saturday, January 31 - 8 p.m.

Defend your honor. Hollywood heavyweights Robert Downey, Jr. and Robert Duvall spark emotional fireworks in this brash and gripping thriller. A slick and slippery lawyer (Downey) who defends “the rich and the guilty” is pulled back to his hometown when his estranged father (Duvall), the town’s judge, is suspected of murder. With Billy Bob Thornton and Vera Farmiga. 2014. 141 minutes.

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

Friday, February 6 & Saturday, February 7 - 8 p.m.

The latest cinematic styling from Wes Anderson is a semi-absurdist, twisting tale of conspiracy, theft and murder. Ralph Fienes stars as a concierge who becomes embroiled in the murder investigation of his most loyal client (Tilda Swinton) and the cutthroat race to claim her in fortune. Also starring Jude Law, F. Murray Abraham, Bill Murray, Adrien Brody and Owen Wilson. 2014. 100 minutes.

LAGGIES

Friday, February 13 & Saturday, Feb 14 - 8 p.m.

Growing up just isn’t everybody’s thing. Comic shenanigans erupt when comfortably inert Megan (Keira Knightley) panics at her long-time boyfriend’s marriage proposal and takes refuge at the home of a rebellious teenager (Chloe Grace Mortiz) and her divorced father (Sam Rockwell). 2014. 100 minutes. (PG-13)

BIRDMAN (Or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Friday, February 20 & Saturday, February, 21 - 8 p.m.

Michael Keaton takes flight in this high-flying, hot-blooded black comedy. A has-been movie superhero (Keaton) struggles to mount a Broadway play and resuscitate his career. Also starring Naomi Watts, Emma Stone and Edward Norton. 2014. 119 minutes.

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

Friday, February 27 & Saturday, February 28 - 8 p.m.

His mind changed our world. Her love changed his. Witty, deftly funny and lustrously made, this emotionally charged feature explores the complexities of Love and Science with Oscar worthy performances by Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking and Felicity Jones as Jane Wilde. 2014.123 minutes.

Source: DiscoverSD