Primetime Backyard Movie Series (New Season!): LOST IN AMERICA (1985)

Presenting our fourth year of Primetime's popular Backyard Movie Series, where we'll all get together during good weather armed with our bug spray and lawn chairs to watch a variety of movies. I have the movies. I have the projector. I have a sort of giant (for a backyard at least) 10 foot screen. I even have a long, narrow but semi-deep backyard with a giant oak tree that will silently watch over us as we relive our youth at the drive-in and as we make fun of those making out on the back row.

Albert Lawrence Einstein (really), better known as comedian Albert Brooks, first came to the attention of the world after a series of appearances on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, where he was a favorite. His offbeat, intelligent, and often self-deprecating humor never failed to have Carson rolling on the floor, and his strange studio albums developed a cult following, especially with other comedians. His first foray into acting came as a regular cast member on the PBS variety show THE GREAT AMERICAN DREAM MACHINE (1971), an early precursor to SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (1975-), which introduced the world to no less than such personages as Chevy Chase, Henry Winkler, Penny Marshall, Linda Lavin, Andy Rooney, and Charles Grodin. It was these appearances that led Lorne Michaels to beg Brooks to become an inaugural member of the Not Ready for Primetime Players on the launch of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, but Brooks refused. He did agree to produce a series of comedic short films for the show, all of which have become legendary, and which gave Brooks his start in directing film.

After his first two films (REAL LIFE ((1979) and MODERN ROMANCE (1981)) drew critical raves but zero box office, he scored his first major success with this movie. LOST IN AMERICA (1985), was a modestly budgeted and hilarious sendup of two Yuppie Baby Boomers going through a mid-life crisis and making the biggest mistake of their lives by deciding to drop out of society, buy a 30 foot motor home, and hit the open road trying to find themselves. It was absolutely the perfect setup for Brooks' offbeat comedic style, and audiences finally responded.

Joining Brooks on his existential road trip, and pairing perfectly with him in the film, was Julie Hagerty, best known for her starring role in the AIRPLANE! movies. Penny Marshall's legendary TV producer dad Garry even makes a rare acting appearance.

But this is Brooks' movie, and it practically drips with his trademark sarcasm. As he did in most of his films, and most notably in DEFENDING YOUR LIFE (1991) (my favorite Brooks directed film), he is making fun of himself. But he's also making fun of all of us, and I often think back to this movie whenever I start to get too big of a head on my shoulders. This movie is the best example of how God laughs while we make plans. Fortunately, I'll think you'll be laughing too.

There will be free hot dogs, movie candies and popcorn. Feel free to bring other stuff if you want, including your own lawn chair. I have some spares and some blankets, but not enough for a full house. BYOB. I'll have some soft drinks and water as well.

We'll socialize for about an hour before the movie, which will start promptly at dusk (about 8:15) if not a few minutes before. There will be my usual movie notes and an Alamo Drafthouse style preshow. Preshow will start when it gets dark enough to see the projector. Nights can sometime get a little chilly in late March, so depending on the weather we may have a campfire, s'mores, and some hot chocolate or cider.

RAIN POLICY - I'll post here if we have to reschedule for weather or other unforeseen events. Just check here before you head this way.

CARPOOLS - My parking around here really is limited thanks to overbuilding on nearby lots, so carpooling is encouraged. All carpool drivers will receive a Primetime drink koozie as thanks.