Free Wex Drive-In Outdoor Films Return June 19 with Wes Anderson's Bottle Rocket

Columbus, OH—Enjoy big-screen works in the great outdoors this summer with the return of the always-popular (and always free) Wex Drive-In series, which kicks off Thursday, June 19 on the Wexner Center Plaza with Wes Anderson’s Bottle Rocket (1996). Owen and Luke Wilson play friends and accomplices who, with the help of their pitiful neighbor and pal Rob (Robert Musgrave), conjure up a cockamamie plan to pull off a simple robbery and go on the run.

The free admission, open-air Wex Drive-In series continues Thursday, July 17 with James Stewart and Grace Kelly starring in the classic Alfred Hitchcock thriller Rear Window (1954). A wheelchair-bound photographer (Stewart) spies on his neighbors from his apartment window and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder. The series concludes Thursday, August 14 with Mars Attacks! (1996). In the comedic science fiction film, director Tim Burton dreams up a world where Earth is invaded by aliens with unbeatable weapons and a cruel sense of humor. All films are shown on 35mm prints.

Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs starting at 8 pm; screenings will begin at dusk (around 9 pm). In the event of rain, the films will be shown in Mershon Auditorium at 9 pm.

Heirloom is open late for each Thursday screening, so guests can visit the café before 8 pm to indulge in their menu and their signature drinks. Guests can also enjoy beer from Columbus-based Seventh Son Brewing Company and snacks from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (with a free scoop for members) and Pam’s Market Popcorn. Mikey’s Late Night Slice will also be on hand serving up pies all night. Attendees at the June 19 screening can stop by the membership table to join and receive a T-shirt and two additional free film/video passes (a $35 value) from the center.

Also be sure to check out the Wex’s international film series A Summer Abroad ’14 for a global escape from the Buckeye state—no passport required. The cinematic world tour, which runs through September, steps off in early July and makes stops in France, Italy, Germany, and Japan. This year’s Summer Abroad line-up includes international science fiction favorites Godzilla—which precedes the Wex Drive-In on July 17—and 2001: A Space Odyssey in 70mm. All of the titles will be on the big screen; many are new or recent restorations.

A full film/video schedule be found at http://filmliveshere.org.

For additional details on the membership deal, call 614-292-1777 or email membership@wexarts.org and mention “Wex Drive-In.”

For images, more information, or photography/videography on-site: Erik Pepple at epepple@wexarts.org or 614-292-9840 (office) or 419-371-3272 (cell), or Jennifer Wray at jwray@wexarts.org or 614-247-6241 (office) or 614-596-7219 (cell).