Movies in the Moonlight kicks off July 14

The 17th season of Movies in the Moonlight will kick off on Saturday, July 14, with an evening screening of "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle," at the corner of E. Third and Water streets in downtown Rochester. The event marks the start of a series four consecutive Saturday evening movies in downtown Rochester aimed to provide a free night of entertainment for families in the area. Admission to the movies are free, and attendees must provide their own chairs for seating. "I can't think of a better way for families to spend their Saturday nights under the stars," said Jenna O'Dell, events coordinator for the Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA), which puts on the event. "Movies in the Moonlight is a community staple for many local families." Rochester City Council on Monday, June 25, approved a special event request by the DDA, securing the schedule of movies. The first screening will be Saturday, July 14, of "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle," a 2017 sequel to the popular 1995 film, "Jumanji" that was based on the 1981 children's book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. The 2017 adventure comedy is rated PG-13 and stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan and Nick Jonas. The film was produced by Jacob Kasdan, son of writer-director and Detroit native Lawrence Kasdan. "Wonder Woman," will be shown on Saturday, July 21. The 2017 superhero film is rated PG-13 and stars Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, the Amazon warrior goddess invented by DC Comics as a representation of strong, liberated woman that gained societal power in the 1940s. The character was exceptionally popular in the 1970s Wonder Woman television show staring Lynda Carter. A "Beauty and the Beast" sing along will be shown on Saturday, July 28. The 2017 musical, romantic-fantasy film is a live-action reimagining of the 1991 animated version of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." The movie is rated PG and has an all-star cast, including Emma Watson (Harry Potter), Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey), Tony-winning actor Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Ian McKellan and others. "Despicable Me 3" will be shown on Saturday, August 4. The PG-rated computer-animated, action comedy is the third in a series of the popular Despicable Me movies starring Steve Carell. Movies rated PG-13 are edited versions whenever possible, however, parental guidance is still recommended. Movies begin at dusk, or about 9:15 p.m., with pre-shows starting at 8:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for best seating. Food and drinks are available for purchase, but attendees may bring their own. Pre-show activities include a presentation from the Little Creatures Co., on July 14; dress like your favorite superhero on July 21; a Disney sing-along with Jennifer Kincer and friends on July 28; and a Minion craft on August 4.