Movies in the Park - July 13, 2011

The crew: Chris, Kristen, Chris, Ashley, Us

Full moon and Ferris

Chi History Museum

Does it get better?

One of the things we've had on our bucket list since we've lived here but have never done is Movies in the Park. This is a genius initiative by Chicago Park District during the summer where they play a series of movies (175 to be exact) at parks all over the city. This is a completely free event to be enjoyed by all, and all movies start at dusk. Reviewing the schedule for July, I saw that they would be playing Ferris Bueller's Day Off (quite possibly the greatest "Chicago" movie) on the lawn of the Chicago History Museum (quite possibly my favorite spot in the city) on July 13. This wasn't a tough decision.

Wendy and I rounded up four of our favorite friends to make a night of it. This was a gorgeous Chicago night: a brisk 70 degrees, refreshing breeze out of the North off the lake, and a full freakin moon. Boom.

This was a great venue as it was multi-leveled with the screen at the bottom. The movie is shown on a giant inflatable frame (think bounce-house) with the screen stretched out in the middle. Our view was partially obstructed, but it was no problem as most of us have seen the movie a hundred times. This was more about the atmosphere....

Ferris was obviously classic, as usual. And I think this is the first time I've watched the movie in its entirety since living in Chicago. So it was a blast seeing some of the spots Ferris hit up that we are now so familiar with. I think most of the crowd, including myself, also forgot that Charlie Sheen makes an amazing cameo. This drew some cheers and a few "winning!" shout-outs.

A great Chicago movie on a great Chicago night at a great Chicago venue. Definitely haiku-worthy.