Wex Drive-In
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June 16: Lost in Translation (2003), Sofia Coppola’s celebrated follow-up to The Virgin Suicides, follows the budding relationship between an aging actor (Bill Murray) and a recent college graduate (Scarlett Johansson) as both cope with failing relationships and the existential loneliness brought about by a stay in Tokyo (102 mins., 35mm).
July 21 at dusk: Battle in Outer Space (1959), a colorful sci-fi film from Japan, is full of some of the most impressive special effects that the era had to offer. Set in the future (1965!) when Earth is attacked by aliens armed with anti-gravity rays and mind-control, humanity responds by launching two rocketships to attack the alien beachhead on the moon. With inventive space battles (including flying saucers versus lunar tanks), the film is a splendid spectacle that some have seen as an influence on later films, including Star Wars. In Japanese with English subtitles (90 mins., 35mm).
August 18 at dusk: Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) follows Sophie, a hard-working teenage girl, as a jealous witch transforms her into a 90-year-old woman. She seeks refuge in the magical castle of the handsome-but-mysterious wizard Howl, who she works with to bring peace to a war-torn kingdom. This transporting film is full of rich details, spectacular creatures, and imaginative design. This English-language version features the voices of Lauren Bacall, Christian Bale, Jena Malone, and Billy Crystal. There’s no better way to restore one’s sense of wonder than seeing the Hayao Miyazaki film, especially under the stars on a summer night (119 mins., 35mm).










