Summer blockbusters are always a gamble. For every “Spider-Man 2” or “Fahrenheit 9/11,” there’s a “Day After Tomorrow” or “White Chicks” lurking in the shadows. But film buffs looking to satisfy their cinematic jones are in luck thanks to summer film fests and special screenings. Check out some of the highlights–then find the full schedules on metromix.com.
“Showgirls” interactive screening
Don’t miss the one-night-only, big-screen return of neo-cult classic “Showgirls.” Relive the so-bad-it’s-good moments of this 1995 Elizabeth Berkley flop. You’ll hear plenty of campy, NC-17 dialogue–too bad none of it can be repeated here. As you watch Jesse Spano Gone Wild, feel free to pelt the screen with fake money and other props from your free gift bag. Dress up as your favorite showgirl and win mystery MGM prizes, including the recent DVD release of “Showgirls: VIP Edition.” Tickets are required but available for free at www.mgm.com/showgirls. 7:30 p.m. Tues. Landmark Century City Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St. 773-509-4949.
Chicago Outdoor Film Festival
The city’s biggest free film series gets under way in Grant Park every Tuesday at sunset. Classics such as “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (Tuesday), “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (Aug. 3) and “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (Aug. 10) are shown on an outdoor screen that measures in at a whopping 50-by-34 feet. Be sure to bust out your blanket and picnic basket, but keep in mind that no alcohol is allowed. The movie isn’t the only thing that’s free: Complimentary bicycle valet is available during all films at the northwest corner of Lake Shore Drive and Monroe Street. Butler Field, Grant Park, 100 S. Lake Shore Drive, 312-744-3315.
Fifth Annual Silent Summer Film Festival
Find out if you can get shushed during a silent movie at the Silent Film Society of Chicago’s fest. Every Friday through Aug. 27, muted cinematic classics are screened at the Gateway Theater–one of Chicago’s most historic movie venues. Watch Buster Keaton, Clara Bow and Rudolph Valentino provide on-screen action set to live organ music courtesy of the Gateway’s 1,241-pipe organ. “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” is up next, and the classic “Nosferatu” will be shown July 30. 8 p.m. Friday. $8-$17. 5216 W. Lawrence Ave. 773-205-7372.
“Prelude to Four Decades of Discovery” screening series
Isn’t getting out of reading the whole point of movies? Well, no one told that to the Chicago International Film Festival. Catch foreign films in all of their subtitled glory every Thursday through Sept. 23 during this free screening series. See legendary films such as “El Sol del mebrillo” and “Maboroshi no hikari.” OK, so we’ve never heard of those flicks either. However, we’re not ones to shy away from free movies and a little dose of culture every now and then. Thursday, watch Ettore Scola’s “Passion of Love” at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura (500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1450, RSVP: 312-822-9545). Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, although RSVPs are required for a few select screenings. 312-425-9400.
Flashback Weekend Outdoor Drive-In Festival & Convention
Nerds–ahem, horror and science fiction enthusiasts–will converge on Rosemont for this series, which kicks off July 30. While they argue over who’s the better “Star Trek” captain, you can step outside to the parking lot for nightly tributes to the drive-in theater. B-movie classics including “Day of the Dead” and “The Hills Have Eyes” will be screened outdoors in their original 35mm format. Also: Catch live appearances from B-list horror celebs including “Dead” director George Romero and actress Dee Wallace Stone (“Cujo,” “The Howling”). But before you try sneaking in several friends in the trunk of your car, note that this is actually a “walk-in” theater, meaning no cars–just lawn chairs and blankets. Sadly, your chances of steaming up the windows have dropped from slim to none. 5 p.m.-1 a.m. July 30; 11 a.m.-1 a.m. July 31; 11 a.m.-midnight Aug. 1. $10 drive-in movies; $15 convention. Holiday Inn O’Hare International, 5440 N. River Rd., Rosemont, 847-478-0119.
