By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Weekend Editor

Though we haven't actually been inundated with extra hot weather yet, it is still necessary to seek refuge in air conditioned areas. Some of us enjoy strolling through malls or grocery stores, while others, like this reporter, head directly to the movies. There are plenty of options this summer too, whether you head to the local stadium style theater, the dollar theater, the Fabulous Fox, or the Kedron Aquatic Center.

Despite the looming presence of “Star Wars,” this is the summer for comedies. “Austin Powers 2” had the largest opening for a comedy ever and has already pulled in over $150 million dollars.

“Big Daddy” had a big opening weekend and there is still the “South Park” movie, “Wild Wild West,” and “American Pie” to contend with.

The surprising thing about the majority of the comedies is that they all are opening to critical acclaim. Typically, what one person finds funny, many do not. That doesn't seem to be the case this summer. The stadium style theaters also have many of these films running on more than one screen.

As for the dollar theater, it receives movies that have finished their run at the major theaters. The theater also offers 50-cent shows all day Tuesdays for any show. The concessions are priced like the big theaters but the lowered admission price makes it worthwhile. As more movies come out this summer, the dollar theater will be taking on some of the summer's brightest films.

The Fox Theater in Atlanta is starting its run of classic films and current hits July 5, with Steven Spielberg's war epic, “Saving Private Ryan.” The Fox also will show “Shakespeare in Love,” “Life is Beautiful,” “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” “The Matrix,” a Mel Brooks double feature of “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein,” and a Hitchcock double feature of “Vertigo” and “Psycho” and others to be announced later this summer.

The final and very cool place to go to watch a film is the Kedron Field House and Aquatic Center during its family film nights. The pool is open while a film appropriate for the whole family is shown. Popcorn and drinks are allowed inside the pool area. A movie is shown the third week of every month. Officials do not know what movie until the week they show it.

No matter how old you are, there is a movie out there for you this summer. For the adult crowd, check out Kubrick's “Eyes Wide Shut” or Spike Lee's “Summer of Sam.” For the kids, go see “Tarzan” or “Muppets from Space.

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