By Steve Whiteman
After a half hour of commercials and two hours of explosions at the local multiplex, have you ever had the feeling that there must be a better way to spend a Saturday night?
A classic film appreciation group entering its eighth year is looking for congenial people interested in viewing, learning about, and discussing the greatest films of all time. Life is Too Short to Watch Lousy Movies screens classics in a Woodland Hills home theater on the first Saturday of every month. Regular participation with guaranteed seating and space-available participation are both available, and there is no charge for the films or the programs.
Longtime neighborhood resident Steve Whiteman has hosted the group since 2007. The movies are recognized classics, the majority from Hollywood’s Golden Age, the rest from other eras or countries. Regulars are polled to ensure that the films chosen aren’t ones that everyone has already seen. Programs include a cartoon and/or short subject, coming attractions, the feature film, and clips and commentary on personnel and genres, with thoughtful discussion interspersed.
The group is conducted like a friendly, laid-back seminar and is made up of both long-time film buffs and more casual movie fans – a background in film is not necessary. Attendees have ranged from as young as 10 to over 70. The group’s wide-screen, surround-sound home theater seats 15, and typical attendance is a dozen or so. Meetings are moderated by Steve, a long-time film buff with an 11,000-item video library.
Space allowing, meetings are open to all who show up when they say they will, review the (short and enjoyable) reading assignment, and treat the movie and each other with respect. The group is a labor of love, so there is no charge for either the movie or the program, although donations are encouraged to pay for the prizes in the Trivia Contest.
As one of the regulars has said, “There is no better way to spend a Saturday evening in Atlanta!” For more information or to sign up for the mailing list please visit the group’s website at www.ClassicFilmAppreciation.webs.com or email Steve at ClassicFilmAppreciation@gmail.com. To find out more about the members, check out the Facebook page at Facebook.com/ClassicFilmAppreciation.
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