Free or cheap movies, inside and out: Cheap Trick Thursday

How do you feel about cinema al fresco? Do you love to recline in a beach chair or on a blanket with a picnic in the warm summer air to watch a film, or do you, like this Slate writer, prefer the quiet, enclosed, soundproofed (and airconditioned) viewing experience -- and comfortable seating -- provided by traditional theaters?

I'm of the opinion that not every film lends itself to outdoor viewing. If the film itself is dark (i.e. most of the action takes place at night) it will be hard to see unless presented in a completely dark environment.

Well, Consuming Interests has you covered, wherever your tastes lie.

We'll start with this Baltimore Sun story detailing cinema al fresco opportunities, including the American Visionary Art Museum's Flicks from the Hill and the Little Italy Open Air Film Festival.

Starting July 6, there's also Films on the Pier in Fells Point on the Broadway Pier. Showtime is 8:45 p.m.

If you are looking to escape the weather --- whether it's dreadful daytime heat or rain --- check out the schedule of free movies offered by the Enoch Pratt Free Library, usually at the Central Library or the Southeast Anchor Library. There are films for all audiences (adults, teens, kids) so it's a handy option to remember.

There are also low-cost options for kids and accompaying adults at the Cinemark Egyptian 24 at Arundel Mills. Through the Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse, you can watch a kids' film starting at 10 a.m on select days for $1 per person. Save even more by buying a $5 punchcard for entrance to 10 films (one card per person). Here's the schedule.

You can also enjoy $1 films through Regal's Summer Movie Express at theaters in Bel Air and Columbia at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Are there free or low-cost movie options in your community? Tell us about them in the comments below.