As an officially registered, certified cheapass (ie, someone who blatantly refuses to pay over $12 for anything) I get easily excited about things plastered with the word "free". However, I'll be the first to admit that some free things suck (cough, I'm looking at you, free 'Stride' gum sample people). Luckily, Vancouver's yearly outdoor movie series is a free activity that kicks ass. Here's why.

First of all, there's the lineup. I'm not sure how the folks at the West End BIA (who are hosting this particular outdoor free movie series, whimsically entitled "Dinner and a Movie") choose 'em, but I'm a fan.

The film schedule is as follows:

July 7th: Mamma Mia
July 14th: The Goonies
July 22nd: Monsters vs. Aliens
July 29th: The Karate Kid

On a side note, because you asked, I will assert my general disgust of everything involving the sugar and estrogen-laced atrocity that was called 'Mamma Mia.' However, as an eighties kid obsessed with anything fantasy/karate-focused/kitschy, my valued opinion is that the other three movies are solid, quality choices. Especially the original Karate Kid. I think it'll quite nicely wash out the bitter taste the new remake is going to leave in my mouth. I mean, if the kid doesn't get beat up while wearing a shower-themed Halloween costume, it's not the real thing.

Each movie will start at dusk at Ceperley Meadow (ie, 2nd Beach in Stanley Park). Groups who make it out are encouraged to bring picnic food (so that those of us who are cheapasses can steal your scraps like rats) and blankets to spread out on the lawn with. I'm going to personally encourage popcorn as well, because throwing it is a fun (and cheap!) way to annoy an over-serious friend sitting in front of you.

Another cool thing about all of this? I didn't go last year, but I heard that watching these movies live is especially entertaining because the crowd goes totally gonzo-style, yelling out key lines, booing at bad guys and generally getting involved and enjoying themselves en masse. Other easily-excited acquaintances I asked also emphasized their general awe at the "massive inflated screens" used to project the movies. One man's boring inflation is another man's epic pre-show, I suppose.

In total, I'm glad the powers that be are still doing this series because Vancouver's summer is the ideal time for free public events. I can't think of anything better than a bunch of happy Vancouverites being brought together outside, eating and laughing over old loved (and hated) flicks we all know the lines to and finding commonalities in a shared public experience.

Did you go last year, perhaps to see the much-loved Princess Bride screening? What did you think? Any opinions on this year's lineup? Share with me in the comments!

Perfect illustrative photo taken by photographer 'Miss Annie C' from the BR Flickr Pool. Thanks, Annie!