On Sunday, March 12, for the first time in three years, Rialto Cinemas Cerrito will have a viewing party of the big movie awards show. They haven’t been able to do this for the past couple of years because of you-know-what, so this will be a really special occasion! The event will be a benefit for Contra Costa Civic Theater. In addition to the awards show, there will be food and beverages, a costume contest, games, trivia, and prizes. Our friend Melissa Hatheway will host the event.

The red carpet will start at 4 p.m., and the awards will start at 5 p.m. Tickets are $50.

Please click here for more information, and here to buy tickets on line. You can also buy tickets at the box office. We advise you to buy your tickets early, as the event may sell out.

We’re looking forward to seeing you at the theater!

Rialto Cinemas is starting two new free movies series.

The first is the Free Family Matinee, with kid-friendly movies on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month. They will show at 10 am at Rialto Cinemas Cerrito, and at 11 am at Rialto Cinemas Elmwood and Rialto Cinemas Sonoma County in Sebastopol. The films in this series will be:

• Feb. 4 – 5 Ponyo (2008)
• Mar. 4 – 5, Labyrinth (1986)
• Apr. 1 – 2, Jumanji (1995)
• May 6 – 7, The NeverEnding Story (1984)
• June 3 – 4, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
• July 1 – 2, Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown (1977)

The second series is Free Big Screen Classics, featuring films from the classic era of cinema. They will show on the second Thursday of each month at 1 pm at all three Rialto theaters (the Cerrito, the Elmwood, and the Sonoma County). The films in this series will be:

• Feb. 9 – What’s Up Doc? (1972)
• Mar. 9 – My Favorite Year (1982)
• Apr. 13 – Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
• May 11 – To Catch a Thief (1955)
• June 8 – Victor/Victoria (1982)
• July 13 – Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

More titles will be announced for both series later this year.

No admission fee will be charged for any of these screenings. Tickets will be available beginning the Friday before each screening. More information is available at rialtocinemas.com.

We’re looking forward to seeing you at the theater!

See four holiday classics at no charge!

Good news, everyone! Rialto Cinemas Cerrito will be showing Christmas movies for FREE on the first four weekends in December. This is the perfect opportunity for some holiday fun.

The movies will be:

A Christmas Story (1983) – December 3 & 4, 10 am

Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who spends most of his time dodging a bully (Zack Ward) and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.” Frequently at odds with his cranky dad (Darren McGavin) but comforted by his doting mother (Melinda Dillon), Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact.

The Polar Express (2004) – December 10 & 11, 10 am

Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”; “Cast Away”) reunite for “Polar Express,” an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Elf (2003) – December 17 & 18, 10 am

Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results. Also starring Zooey Deschanel, Jon Favreau, Peter Dinklage, Bob Newhart and Mary Steenburgen.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – December 24, 10 am

In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen). From director Ron Howard.

Tickets will be available in December. Please see the Rialto web site, here, for more information.

NOTE

Rialto Cinemas strongly recommends up-to-date vaccinations for all patrons. They also strongly recommend the use of masks in all lobby and auditorium areas. See here for details.