Steven Spielberg’s classic sci-film reveals that “We are not alone”
Whether you believe in extraterrestrial life or scoff at reports of crop circles and flying saucers, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” has an unmistakable charm.
Steven Spielberg’s family-friendly blockbuster takes a controversial subject — visitors from the stars — and infuses it with warmth and wonder. Like “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,” “Close Encounters” perfectly captures the joy of discovery and the wonder of the unknown.
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” begins as several people discover evidence of alien life.
An electrical lineman (Richard Dreyfuss) sees UFOs whizzing through the summer night. A single mom (Melinda Dillon) witnesses bright lights and mysterious sounds, then watches in vain as her young son is abducted by unseen forces.
Meanwhile, two government researchers (Francois Truffaut and Bob Balaban) discover evidence of extraterrestrial contact across the globe. A lost squadron of World War II planes appears in Mexico. A tanker ship shows up in the Gobi desert. Indian villagers chant a haunting five-note melody they heard “from above.”
One by one, these people find themselves strangely drawn to the same place: Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming.
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” screens at 6:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at The Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $7.50.
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On Saturday, Atascadero’s “Movies in the Park” screening series kicks off with a classic crowdpleaser: “The Muppet Movie.”
As the movie opens, Kermit the Frog decides to leave his humble Florida swamp in search of fame and fortune in Hollywood. He sets off on a cross-country trip.
Along the way, Kermit encounters a cast of colorful characters, including Miss Piggy, Rowlf, Gonzo and Fozzie Bear, while dodging various run-ins with the villainous owner of a French-fried frog legs restraurant chain.
Silly and inspiring, “The Muppet Movie” is simply stuffed with jokes, songs and celebrity cameos including Milton Berle, Mel Brooks, Bob Hope, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor and Orson Welles.
What’s more, Jim Henson’s creations teach audiences about friendship, hope and the importance of following one’s dreams.
“The Muppet Movie” screens at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Sunken Gardens, 6500 Palma Ave. in Atascadero.
The screening, which is free and open to the public, is held outdoors on the lawn. Bring blankets and lowbacked chairs, and dress in layers in case of cooler evening temperatures.
The screening series continues Aug. 8 with “The Sand Lot,” followed by “Shark Tale” on Aug. 15 and “Grease” on Aug. 22.
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There’s more family fun in store on Saturday in Cambria.
The Allied Arts Association of Cambria is hosting a free screening of “The Little Mermaid.”
Disney’s classic tale follows the adventures of Ariel, the youngest daughter of stern King Triton. A curious, impetuous young mermaid, Ariel dreams of trading her underwater kingdom for life and love on dry land.
When she makes a deal with an unscrupulous sea hag, however, the little mermaid discovers that Ursula has a much bigger agenda.
Winner of two Oscars, 1989’s “The Little Mermaid” holds up well today thanks to its beautiful animation, spirited songs and winning voice cast.
Watch “The Little Mermaid” at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Theatre at the Old Grammar School, 1350 Main St. in Cambria. Admission is free but donations are welcome.
Allied Arts’ “Saturday Night Animation” series continues with “Toy Story” on Aug. 8, “The Lady and the Tramp” on Aug. 15, and “Madagascar” on Aug. 22.
She Likes to Watch 
I remember watching “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” for the first time while I was working at the Grand Canyon. It was an era before TVs and America’s Boss Ditch, back when the internet was some sort of fishing device. They showed the movie in the Vets Hall on the South Rim. Movies cost a few bucks. Visitors even attended. The best part was when the movie ended and you walked out into the forest of Ponderosa pines and a black sky that was brightened by the Milky Way.
After “Close Encounters,” I’m pretty sure mashed potatoes will never be the same.
“The Muppet Movie” was one of the first movies I ever saw — and I still think it’s a classic. Great music by Paul Williams (unmatched by any other Muppet movie), plus one of the best cameo casts ever.
Of course, when you watch it now, you can count the number of cameos who are now dead. Let’s see now — Milton, Bob Hope, Orson, Pryor, etc.
Don’t forget Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets! He’s also passed on to that big public television station in the sky.
While CEofthe3K was shooting, I met up with a friend of Richard D.s. For some reason she was driving his car. A small sports car with the top down. I spotted a script entitled “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” laying in the back seat. I asked what it was about. She said it was a love story. This project was supposed to be a secret at the time and Dreyfuss leaves the script on the seat of his open sports car???? So much for secrecy. Still cracks me up.
Spielberg can turn ordinary things like mashed potatoes into something eerie and extraordinary. Dreyfuss is a little too manic in some roles but in this one it is perfect casting.