Seattle Center Movies At The Mural Returns This Summer On 8/1, 8/15, 8/22, 8/28, And 8/29

Seattle Center Movies at the Mural returns this summer with a line-up of five outstanding films shown outdoors on a 45-foot screen at Mural Amphitheater at Seattle Center, Saturday evenings, Aug. 1, 15, 22, 29; and Friday, Aug. 28.

The free movies begin at dusk. So arrive early, spread out a blanket on the lawn, and watch while the sun sets and the big screen comes to life. The line-up consists of the top picks of more than 2,000 respondents to a survey conducted earlier this year.

The five featured films offer drama, adventure, nostalgia and fun to delight young and old alike. They make the perfect destination for a gathering of friends and family or casual weekend date. The schedule includes:

Princess Bride, Aug. 1 – PG: In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright Penn) and the dashing Wesley (Cary Elwes) must overcome staggering odds to find happiness. Giants, swordsmen, six-fingered counts, murderous princes, Sicilians, pirates, rodents and even death cannot stop true love from triumphing. Mandy Patinkin and Andre the Giant costar in this modern classic.

Grease, Aug. 15– PG: Director Randal Kleiser's film version of the hit Broadway musical about 1950s teen angst took the country by storm, inspiring a wave of nostalgia and receiving a slew of Golden Globe and Oscar nominations. In between flashily choreographed musical numbers, the film chronicles the romantic entanglements of a group of high school seniors, starting with a summer fling between greaser Danny (John Travolta) and good girl Sandy (Olivia Newton-John).

Iron Man, Aug. 22 – PG 13: After ultrarich inventor and weapons maker Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) escapes from kidnappers using makeshift power armor, he turns his invention to good by using it to fight crime. But when he must face the evil Iron Monger, his skills are stretched to the limit. Based on the Marvel comic, this captivating superhero tale from director Jon Favreau co-stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges and Terrence Howard.

Kung Fu Panda, Aug. 28 – PG: When China's Valley of Peace is threatened, lazy Po the panda (voiced by Jack Black) discovers his destiny as the "chosen one" and trains to become a kung fu hero. Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) and the Furious Five -- Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Crane (David Cross), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu) and Monkey (Jackie Chan) -- impart their knowledge to Po, but transforming this slacker into a brave warrior isn't going to be easy in this Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature.

Mamma Mia!, Aug. 29 – PG 13: Based on the international hit musical featuring the songs of pop superstars ABBA, this charming tale centers on a bride-to-be (Amanda Seyfried) and her plan to uncover her father's identity by inviting three of her mother's (Meryl Streep) former lovers to her wedding. This Golden Globe nominee for Best Picture (Comedy or Musical) also stars Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård and Christine Baranski.

The Movies at the Mural series is produced by Seattle Center Productions, the programming arm of Seattle Center that presents free and affordable arts performances, cultural festivals, family attractions and events throughout the year. Film-goers may enjoy a variety of Center House foods and beverages available for purchase on movie nights. For more information on the series or other Seattle Center events and activities, click on www.seattlecenter.com.

The community gathers for free movies shown under the stars on a 45-foot screen at the Mural Amphitheater on five weekend evenings in August. Movies at the Mural, supported in part by Seattle Weekly, Seattle Center Fund and the City of Seattle, offers drama, adventure, nostalgia and outdoor fun.

Seattle Center draws you in. Its vibrant pulse brings together people of all ages and walks of life to create thousands of extraordinary experiences that enrich millions of lives each year. Entertainment options abound - starting with 63 free and low cost public programs and over 5,000 shows and events annually. The 74-acre campus, with its 17 acres of open space, is welcoming to all - and is home to more than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations. This treasured urban park exists to delight and inspire the human spirit in each person and bring our rich and varied community together. The 12 million visitors to Seattle Center each year generate $1.15 billion in business activity and $387 million in labor income for King County.

For more information, visit www.seattlecenter.com.

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