Itching for free movies? Old and new favorites projected at Flagstaff Hill

Anyone who wants to enjoy a Wednesday or Sunday evening lying on a grassy hill watching… Anyone who wants to enjoy a Wednesday or Sunday evening lying on a grassy hill watching movies on a big screen has plenty to choose from with this summer’s lineup at Flagstaff. There’s plenty of variety, from family-friendly flicks to classic favorites. Here’s a quick recap of some of the must-sees:

July 12

“The Polar Express”: It’s tough to pass up a movie that features some of the greatest effects in recent cinematic history. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, “The Polar Express” was the first film to receive a simultaneous 3-D IMAX release. The holiday film features a young boy who discovers a train that is headed right for none other than the North Pole. Tom Hanks provides most of the voiceovers, including Santa Claus himself, and the family-friendly Christmas movie is bound to send some holiday cheer even in the heat of summer.

July 26

“Top Gun”: If you’ve had enough of the high dose of kiddie films over those last few weeks, exhilarate yourself with this classic Tom Cruise film. Watching a U.S. Flight School has never been so entertaining, and when you have Tom Cruise, Tim Robbins and Val Kilmer, can you really go wrong? Not to mention that “Top Gun” has one of the most memorable soundtracks of all time.

August 2

“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”: Easily the best film in the series, the fourth installment offers more thrill than any of its predecessors. This time around, Harry finds himself inadvertently participating in the Tri-Wizard tournament, which pins one student from three different schools in a “friendly competition.” With its dragons, deadly mazes and general magical melee, fans of action films or the book series will not be disappointed.

August 16

“Walk the Line”: Anyone who missed this biopic of one of the country’s most beloved singers has another chance to see it on the big screen. Joaquin Phoenix and Academy-Award winner Reese Witherspoon completely embody their roles of Johnny Cash and June Carter. The film follows the life of Johnny Cash, ranging from his life on the road to his memorable performance at Folsom Prison. A must see.

August 23

“Pride ‘ Prejudice”: For anyone who feels the summer lineup is full of kid’s movies or testosterone, Jane Austen is here to help. Keira Knightley stars as Elizabeth Bennet, one of five daughters in a Georgian-era English family. The classic romance separates “Pride ‘ Prejudice” from most of its genre, with plenty of chemistry between the Bennet sisters and their respective suitors. It’s a perfect choosing for couples, although the guys might be a bit less interested.

And there’s plenty more where that came from. Here’s the calendar for the rest of the summer:

July 12:

“The Polar Express”

July 16:

“Zathura”

July 19:

“Bewitched”

July 23:

“Ice Age 2”

July 26:

“Top Gun”

July 30:

“Gandhi”

August 2:

“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”

August 6:

“Raiders of the Lost Ark”

August 9:

“The Legend of Zorro”

August 13:

“Yours, Mine and Ours”

August 16:

“Walk the Line”

August 20:

“Cats and Dogs”

August 23:

“Pride and Prejudice”

August 27:

“Hoodwinked”