FREEDOM FILM SERIES PRESENTS: MEL BROOKS

After taking a month off following the previous National Lampoon series, the Freedom Film Series is returning in April with a series celebrating one of the funniest filmmakers of all time: Mel Brooks.

What can be said that people do not already know about Mel Brooks. The man is a genius and has been making people laugh since The Producers was released in 1968. Nothing has been safe from Mel Brooks' satirical eye and mind. He is one of the few total packages in Hollywood. He writes, directs, and acts in all of his films. Sometimes this combination does not work for people in Hollywood, but Mel Brooks always hits his mark perfectly. Of course he is not without his critics. There are some people who consider some of his humor vulgar and distasteful. In response to some of these detractors, Mel Brooks coined one of his most well-known quotes: "My movies rise below vulgarity."

Those detractors, however, are in the extreme minority. Mel Brooks is widely considered to be one of the greatest comedic minds in film history. From his famous movie and genre parodies to his constant jokes about Nazi Germany and Hitler, Mel Brooks has been making audiences laugh for over 40 years. Even though his focus recently has been mainly on adapting his previous work into Broadway musicals, we have plenty of quality films to draw from for the Freedom Film Series. For this series, we are tapping into the three decades in which he did the majority of his work: the 70's, 80's, and 90's. Through April, we will be taking a look at two movies from the 90's, two movies from the 70's, and one from the 80's.

So, if you've got nothing to do on a Wednesday night in April, come out to Freedom Regional Library and enjoy yourself for two hours courtesy of Mel Brooks. It is especially important in these difficult economic times to find time for laughter and enjoyment. As Mel Brooks himself has been known to say: "Humor is just another defense against the universe." Come and humor yourself with the Freedom Film Series.

All screenings in the Freedom Film Series are free of charge (and there's not much you can get for free these days.) The screenings for this series will take place on each Wednesday night in April at 6:00pm in Freedom Regional's Community Room. There will also be free popcorn for those who attend the screening. Hope to see you there!


Freedom Film Series Presents: Mel Brooks

April 1: Dracula: Dead and Loving It, PG-13

April 8: Spaceballs, PG

April 15: Blazing Saddles, R

April 22: Robin Hood: Men in Tights, PG-13

April 29: Young Frankenstein, PG

**Anyone under 17 must have parental guidance or permission to attend the screening of an R-rated film.**



Until next time....