The final, final installment in the Harry Potter film franchise will play the Palace on Friday, August 12 through Thursday, August 18 at 7 p.m. every night, and Monday, August 14 at 2 p.m.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and a cast of characters who span more than a decade of book and movie magic, including He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, explode (literally) on the big screen in this eighth and last of the series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.”

The Palace will show “HP 7.2” in RealD 3-D for only $3! School is imminent, camps already in session, so I didn’t add in extra showings, but will do if demand so indicates. Watch the website (www.vintonpalace.org) for notice of additional showings.

“HP 7.2” is rated PG-13 for intense scenes of action and violence and frightening images, and runs 131 minutes.

Don’t miss out! Buy your tickets at the theatre or online at www.vintonpalace.org TODAY!

We’re stacked at the Palace this weekend – with G-rated “Winnie the Pooh” and R-rated “The Hangover 2.”

I challenge you to take in both shows! In fact, anyone who catches a double feature in the same evening will be awarded ONE FREE MEDIUM POPCORN. Who’s up for it?

Caveat – you’ll probably forfeit your popcorn if you bring your under-aged child to “The Hangover 2.” The volunteers get very cranky when parents let kids watch inappropriate movies. And yep, the volunteers are in charge.

“Winnie the Pooh” plays Friday, August 5 through Thursday, August 11 at 7 p.m. every evening, and Monday, August 8 at 2 p.m.

Based on the stories and drawings of A.A. Milne, this Disney film brings Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, Owl, Christopher Robin and the Hundred Acre Wood to life. With a running time of just 69 minutes, “Winnie the Pooh” provides a charming introduction to the big screen for our youngest viewers, and will delight our mature audience members with fond memories of days gone by.

Parents, you’ll have more than enough time to pick up a babysitter or drop youngsters at grandma’s, before racing back to watch “The Hangover 2.”

Roger Ebert calls this film “a raunch fest but not an offense against humanity.” Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifinakis are back in basically the same plot (*raunch fest) as the first movie, but this time set in Bangkok, not Vegas.

“The Hangover 2” is rated R for pervasive language, strong sexual content including graphic nudity, drug use and brief violent images.

I have not watched the first movie and find it interesting that everyone thinks I need to watch it, except my four adult children. Hmmmm.

I did watch “Bridesmaids” (the supposed female version of “The Hangover”) and liked it. Well, most of it. I didn’t like watching it with my 24-year-old daughter. I’m probably more of a Pooh Bear girl.

Gerald, who spends more time watching the bottom line, has high hopes for “The Hangover 2.” Incidentally, “Bridesmaids” is the only stacked movie that has actually made money at the Palace. To me, that’s an offense against humanity.

Tom and Julia together again!

“Larry Crowne” plays the Palace on Friday, July 29 through Thursday, August 4 t 7 p.m. every night, and Monday, August 1 at 2 p.m.

Tom Hanks is Larry Crowne, a middle aged man who, when downsized from his job, decides to reinvent himself by taking classes at community college. He quickly befriends his fellow students and catches the eye of his female professor played by Julia Roberts.

In the biz, they call this movie a “dramedy” – a dramatic comedy. Nowhere have I seen it referred to as a chick flick, so men, I think you’re safe. “Larry Crowne” is rated PG-13 for brief strong language and some sexual content.

A note of interest – this is Tom Hanks’ second experience as writer/director. His first, “That Thing You Do,” about a one-hit wonder music sensation in the 1960s is definitely one to rent if you haven’t seen it.

AUGUST

Check out our August calendar online (www.vintonpalace.org) or pick up a hard copy at the theatre.

A patron was laughing last night about needing to catch both movies in the stack the first weekend of August – “Winnie the Pooh” and “Hangover 2.” No explanation necessary.

After that first weekend, we’re back to 3D with the final “Harry Potter” and “Transformers 3.” We wrap up the month with “Cowboys and Aliens,” starring Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig.

Make plans with your friends and buy your tickets online or at the theatre today!

Here you go, kids! “Cars 2” in RealD 3D plays the Palace Friday, July 22 through Thursday, July 28 at 7 p.m. nightly, with added 2 pm matinees on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday, July 23, 24, 25, and 27, and a 9 pm late show on Saturday, July 23.

(Speaking of matinees – we found the matinee sign that was lost in the storm – safe and sound at LaGrange Pharmacy!)

In “Cars 2” Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) takes on more of a leading role, joining forces with Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson). The revved up duo head overseas to battle the Italian driver Francesco (John Turturro). Along for the ride are Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) and Holley Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer).

“Cars 2” is rated G and runs just 107 minutes. (I recall some patrons complaining that the first “Cars” was too long, running over 2 hours.)

The first “Cars” in 2006 was one of the very first movies I worked as manager at the Palace, which means it was my first experience with multiple sold out shows. We broke attendance records with “Cars.”

Not sure if we’ll break any records this time – but we’re ready for big crowds at the theatre. We’ve already sold some tickets online, so check your schedules and talk to your friends and family.

The past week has been a challenge, but Vinton/Benton County residents have demonstrated once again what it really means to belong to a tight knit, selfless and giving community. Here’s what one Palace patron had to say:

I, like many in the area, heard of the devastation in Vinton wreaked by mother nature earlier this week. I am absolutely stunned that you are operating. My amazement comes, not from hearing that you have power, but rather that you have enough volunteers to keep things running, for I would imagine that many of them were impacted by the storm.

What a testament to the caliber of those who work at the Palace, who selflessly give their time so that others may enjoy a brief-yet-greatly-deserved respite from the week’s events. This is yet another reason why the Vinton Palace Theatre will always be my #1 choice for cinematic escapism.

~Larry Trujillo

“Super 8″ is a wonderful film, nostalgia not for a time but for a style of filmmaking, when shell-shocked young audiences were told a story and not pounded over the head with aggressive action. Abrams treats early adolescence with tenderness and affection. He uses his camera to accumulate emotion. He has the rural town locations right. ~ Roger Ebert

“Super 8″ plays the Palace this week, Friday, July 15 through Thursday, July 21, in our regular 7 p.m. show. Or take advantage of added matinees on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday, July 16, 17, 18, and 20 at 2 p.m., and Saturday night late show at 9 p.m.

Directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg, this is one summer blockbuster you won’t want to miss. “Super 8″ is rated PG-13 for action, violence, language and some drug use.

My sister called as she was driving home after seeing the movie to let me know that we needed to get this film. She absolutely raved about it. According to Suzy, you can’t tell by the previews how all-out funny this film is. She said she laughed ’til she had tears running down her face.

Her kids did like it, but did not find it as hilarious, probably because she grew up in the 1970s, and they did not.

In the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town, and the local deputy tries to uncover the truth – something more terrifying than any of them could have imagined.

Joel Courtney, Kyle Chandler, and Elle Fanning all star in this sci-fi action adventure, that according to Suzy is reminiscent of “Goonies” and “Sandlot.”

Set the chainsaws, gloves and rakes aside, and join us in the air conditioning for hot buttery popcorn and 112 minutes of relaxing, non-physical entertainment.

See you at the Palace!

“X-Men: First Class” plays the Palace at 7 p.m. every night, Friday, July 8 through Thursday, July 14, with a 9:30 p.m. late show on Saturday, July 9 and a 2 p.m. matinee on Monday, July 11.

This movie tells the story of the origins of X-Men, a group of about a dozen mutant warriors, starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lawrence, January Jones and Kevin Bacon.

“The movie is high tech and well-acted, with lots of noise and action.” ~Roger Ebert

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some sexual scenes, including brief nudity and language, and running well over two hours, this film is not for our youngest viewers.

PALACE at the PARK

Our friends at VPRD are showing “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” on Friday night, July 8 at Riverside Park. The FREE movie begins at dark. Gerald and I are unable to attend, but Allan Merchant and crew will be manning the Popcorn Roadshow. Don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs.

PALACE VOLUNTEERS

The Palace is in need of two regular concessions volunteers on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Call Marcy at 472-9892 if you’re interested and one of those nights works for you. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, possess a friendly disposition, and enjoy movies and popcorn.

The stack is back!

And, ladies, you can thank one of our favorite Palace volunteers, Rhonda Barron, who left me a note asking for “Bridesmaids.” I passed that request on to Frank the Booker who makes it all happen.

But first – for the kids – “Kung Fu Panda 2,” in fabulous RealD 3D, shows in our Main Feature slot, Friday, July 1 through Thursday, July 7 at 7 p.m. every night, with added matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, Monday, July 4 and Wednesday, July 6.

According to rottentomatoes.com, in a rare instance of solidarity, both critics and viewers give Po, the Kung Fu Panda, high ratings.

~The animation is elegant, the story is much more involving than in the original, and there’s boundless energy.

~The first film was a lot of fun; this sequel is even more fun but also something quite special.

~With an all-star voice cast (Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Gary Oldham, Seth Rogan, David Cross, Dustin Homan), gorgeous animation and a story that both thrills and tugs the heartstrings, it’s as good a ‘toon as we’re likely to see all year.

~The massive amount of artistry that has gone into the cinematography, lighting and design makes this as sumptuous and pleasing a film to behold as Tangled.

Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five. But Po’s new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu.

This PG-rated animated adventure runs 90 minutes – perfect for even our youngest patrons.

“Kung Fu Panda 2” will be especially perfect for our WINNING TUG O’ WAR TEAM – THE FIFTH GRADERS! The special prize private showing for all fifth graders who participated on Saturday at Party in the Park is at 10 am this Saturday morning, July 2. Each fifth grader who participated is invited to attend, and may bring two friends. Admission and popcorn are free! Call me, Marcy Horst, 472-5518, with questions.

Thanks, also, to the other tug o’ war contestants – Kettlebell Advantage, VPRD Lifeguards, and those dirty rotten cheating Kiwanis Club members. Remember, kids – cheaters never prosper!

STACKED FOR THE WEEKEND

“Bridesmaids,” rated R for strong sexuality and filthy language, is not for the faint of heart. Both national critics and local friends who’ve seen this flick call it the female version of “The Hangover.” I haven’t seen “The Hangover” movies, but I did see “Knocked Up,” another Judd Apatow movie. I laughed – a lot – and felt very guilty doing so.

So – expect this girl buddy film about a bride and her bridesmaids to be hilariously hilarious, in an outright crude manner. Yes, girls can tell dirty jokes, too.

For those who want to catch it under the cover of darkness, “Bridesmaids” plays Friday and Saturday, July 1 and 2 at 9 p.m. Those of you who can’t be shamed (or stay up past 9 p.m.) may enjoy the funny ladies on Sunday, July 3 at 2 p.m.

See you at both movies! I promise not to tell!

Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is back – this time without Keira and Orlando! However, word on the street (one volunteer, one regular patron, and my daughter) would have us believe that “Pirates 4” is – dare I say it – as good as the first one!

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” plays the Palace Friday, June 24 and Sunday, June 26 through Thursday, June 30 at 7 p.m. You can also catch this summer blockbuster in 2 p.m. matinees on Sunday, June 26 and Monday, June 27.

Penelope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush, and Ian McShane round out the all-star cast, with Keith Richards (Depp’s longtime family friend) finally making his appearance as Jack Sparrow’s father. “Pirates 4” is rated PG-13 for the usual ghostly, ghastly, scary action, and runs well over two hours. Probably not a good bet for our youngest patrons.

THE PALACE WILL BE CLOSED ON SATURDAY, JUNE 25. Don’t miss the iconic a cappella group, Tonic Sol Fa, at Party in the Park, as well as the Palace Popcorn Roadshow!

And lemon shakes! I placed our order for lemons with Fareway last week. Incidentally, Fareway lemons are impressively larger and juicier than any other area lemons.

JULY

The Palace staff and volunteers are excited about our fantastic schedule for July – beginning with “Kung Fu Panda 2” stacked with “Bridesmaids,” followed by “X-Men First Class,” “Super 8,” “Cars 2,” and finally, Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts in “Larry Crowne.”

Watch for additional Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday matinees, as well as a Saturday late show all month long. Schedules and advance tickets are available online at www.vintonpalace.org, or at the theatre.

“Fast Five” plays the Palace this Friday, June 10 through Thursday, June 16 at 7 p.m. every night, and Monday, June 13 at 2 p.m.

Per the title, this is the fifth in the Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster “Fast and the Furious” (2001) series, including “2 Fast, 2 Furious” (2003), “The Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift” (2006) and “Fast & Furious” (2009).

This is the second week in a row we take you to tropical Rio de Janeiro, but this time we’ll leave the birds behind for lots of fast cars, car chases, hot guys, sexy girls, action and violence. You’ll need plenty of hot, buttered popcorn, and a willingness to suspend reality.

“Fast Five” runs over two hours, and is rated PG-13 forintense sequences of violence and action, sexual content and language.

PARTY IN THE PARK

Two fun opportunities for you and your kids ~ Riverside’s Got Talent and Are You Stronger Than a Fifth Grader?

We’re looking for performers of all ages to enter the talent and tug of war competitions to be held on Saturday, June 25 at Riverside Park.

Riverside’s Got Talent! We’ll accept up to18 acts, aged 13 and under, and up to 18 acts aged 14 and over. Anything goes ~ singing, dancing, instrumental, stand-up comedy, magic, amazing pet tricks ~ you name it!

It’s time for those piano lessons to pay back big time, with prizes for First Place ($100), Second Place ($50), and Third Place ($25). Winners will also perform Saturday night at 8:40 p.m., when Tonic Sol Fa takes their break.

Are You Stronger Than a Fifth Grader? If you think so, enter your Tug of War team, comprised of 3 men and 3 women and tackle the 10-year-olds. Next year’s Vinton-Shellsburg fifth graders think they’re pretty tough. Winners will enjoy a free private showing at the Palace for 100 of their closest friends.

Teams and Fifth Graders sign up at the theatre!