THE MUPPETS and More Set for Rooftop Films Screenings, Now thru 7/28

Rooftop Films has a full line-up city-wide next week, beginning today, July 23, including several free shows starting on Monday with a free screening of The Muppets on Coney Island; a free screening of The Waiting Room in Manhattan on Tuesday, a special free screening of NY premiere of Her Master's Voicein Queens on Wednesday, a free screening of The Natural in Staten Island on Thursday, Animation Block Party in Brooklyn on Friday and finally, Grandma Lo-Fi in Brooklyn on Saturday. Check out full details below.

Tonight, July 23

The Muppets
(James Bobin | USA | 98 min.)
Free Screening: http://rooftopfilms.com/2012/schedule/the-muppets/

On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary and Mary from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets' former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10-million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit the Frog reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways.

On the beach at Coney Island, 3059 West 12th Street, Brooklyn, take the D, F, N or Q train to Coney Island, walk to the beach and make a left. Music and dancing with the Coney Island Dancers begins at 7 p.m. The film begins at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, July 24

The Waiting Room
(Peter Nicks | USA | 80 min.)
Free screening: http://rooftopfilms.com/2012/schedule/the-waiting-room-1/

The American medical system is in tatters, and political arguments often overlook the most fundamental element: human beings' health. Director Peter Nicks knew the problems would be most evident, the drama most poignant, in one place: a low-income, urgent care waiting room. This elegantly crafted documentary has an intimate approach that reveals the myriad systematic failures in a way that is compelling and personal. You can't watch The Waiting Room and still ignore the call for change. Working with The Fledging Fund, the Center for Health Media Policy, and the film's own interactive website, Rooftop Films is pleased to present this event committed to positive health care activism.

Outdoors at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 2nd Ave & E 47th St, take the 4, 5, 6, 7, or S to 42nd Street. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Film begins at 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 25

Her Master's Voice
(Nina Conti | USA | 60 min.)
Free Screening: http://rooftopfilms.com/2012/schedule/her-masters-voice/

In this gutsy and sidesplitting self-examination, conflicted ventriloquist Nina Conti takes the bereaved puppets of her mentor on a pilgrimage to the resting place for deceased performers' puppets. Nina and "Monkey" will appear live!

On the Lawn at Socrates Sculpture Park, 3134 Vernon Blvd. Long Island City, Take the N or W train to the Broadway stop in Queens and walk eight blocks west on Broadway (toward the East River) to the intersection of Vernon Boulevard. Live music begins at 7 p.m., and the film starts at 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 26

The Natural
(Barry Levinson | USA | 134 min.)
Free Screening

A beautifully filmed movie about baseball as myth. Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford), a young man whose gift for baseball sets him apart, finds that trouble dogs him, particularly when it comes to women. In time, as an aging rookie, Roy must fight against his past to lead his team to the World Series and win the woman of his dreams.

Richmond County Bank Ballpark, 75 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, take the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green, the R or W to Whitehall Station, or the 1 to South Ferry, then take 25-minute ride on the historic Staten Island Ferry. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. The film begins at 8:30 p.m.

Friday, July 27

Animation Block Party
Tickets and more info: http://rooftopfilms.com/2012/schedule/animation-block/

Some call it punk rock, some call it grass roots, but labels aside, NYC-based Animation Block Party is the premier animation festival of the East Coast. Film selection will be announced in July, and it's sure to be a blast.

On the Lawn at Automotive High School, 50 Bedford Ave. at North 3th St. Williamsburg Brooklyn, L to Bedford Ave. or G to Nassau Ave. Doors open at 8 p.m., live music begins at 8:30 p.m. and the film starts at 9 p.m., followed by an after-party from 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Saturday, July 28

Grandma Lo-Fi
(Orri Jónsson, Kristín Björk Kristjánsdóttir, Ingibjörg Birgisdóttir | Iceland | 62 min.)
Tickets and more info: http://rooftopfilms.com/2012/schedule/grandma-lofi/

Sigríður Níelsdóttir started making music in her living room at age 70, recording 59 albums and becoming an Icelandic cult hero. It's never too late to do what you love. Filmmakers will be in attendance for a Q and A after the screening.

On the roof at The Old American Can Factory, 232 Third St. at 3rd Ave. Brooklyn, F/G to Carroll St. or R to Union. Doors open at 8 p.m., live music begins at 8:30 p.m., and the film starts at 9 p.m., followed by a reception in the courtyard from 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.