ESCAPISM FILM SERIES Comedy and Action-Adventure July 17-23, 2026 | Tickets $12 per person | 5-Pass $50 WEBSITE: carolinatheatre.org/series/escapism-film-series/ Robert Zemeckis’ BACK TO THE FUTURE (PG, 1985, 116 min) “Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads.” This isn’t just a movie; it’s a full-throttle trip through time in a customized DeLorean. Michael J. Fox stars as Marty McFly, a typical 80s teen who is accidentally sent back to 1955 by his eccentric scientist friend Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd). Marty must ensure his teenage parents fall in love or he’ll cease to exist, all while trying to find a way back to the future. With its sharp-witted script and perfect comedic timing, this once-beloved gem remains the gold standard of escapist cinema—zany, heartwarming, and utterly unforgettable. TRAILER: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsxKtIsgu68 Robert Zemeckis’ BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II (PG, 1989, 108 min) The adventure shifts to high gear as Marty and Doc travel to the futuristic world of 2015 to save Marty’s future children. However, a zany lapse in judgment allows the villainous Biff Tannen to steal the time machine and create a dark, distorted version of their hometown. Marty and Doc must navigate a maze of temporal paradoxes, hoverboard chases, and alternate realities to set things right. This high-octane sequel is a dizzying, inventive romp that pushes the limits of imagination and practical effects, proving that the future (and the past) can be a wild, unhinged ride. TRAILER: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdENmefJRpw Robert Zemeckis’ BACK TO THE FUTURE PART III (PG, 1990, 118 min) The trilogy builds to a spectacular, over-the-top climax in the rugged landscape of the Old West. After learning that Doc Brown is stranded in 1885 and facing a fatal showdown with "Mad Dog" Tannen, Marty travels back in time for one last rescue mission. This time, the stakes involve steam-powered locomotives, high-stakes duels, and an unexpected romance for Doc with a spirited schoolteacher (Mary Steenburgen). A joyous, high-gear celebration of the Western genre, the film is a heartfelt and exhilarating conclusion to Marty and Doc’s legendary journey through time.
Peter Jackson’s THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING: 25th Anniversary!
(PG-13, 2001, 178 min)
“One Ring to rule them all.” Escapism is proud to present the 25th Anniversary screening of the ultimate cinematic odyssey. Prepare for a full-throttle, high-gear trip into Middle-earth that redefined the hero's journey for a new millennium. Elijah Wood stars as Frodo Baggins, a typical hobbit who finds his quiet life in the Shire interrupted when he inherits a 3,000-year-old legacy of absolute power. Alongside a motley crew of warriors, wizards, and elves—including the legendary Ian McKellen as Gandalf—Frodo must navigate a maze of ancient curses, volcanic landscapes, and high-stakes battles to destroy the Ring before it falls into the hands of the Dark Lord Sauron.
This massive, Oscar-winning juggernaut is a dizzying, inventive romp that pushes the limits of practical effects and imagination. From the zany charm of Hobbiton to the high-octane dread of the Mines of Moria, it remains the gold standard of escapist cinema—a tireless, mechanical momentum of adventure that proves even the smallest person can change the course of the future.
Stephen Sommers’ THE MUMMY RETURNS: 25th Anniversary!
(PG-13, 2001, 130 min)
The action shifts to high gear in this massive, zany sequel that brings back the ultimate band of explorers. Ten years after their first Egyptian adventure, Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) and Evelyn (Rachel Weisz) find their quiet life in London interrupted when their son discovers the Bracelet of Anubis. Soon, they are racing against a cult of cultists to stop the resurrected Imhotep from defeating the legendary Scorpion King (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) and unleashing a hellish army. Packed with motley crews, ancient curses, and a 3,000-year-old legacy of terror, it is a joyous, effects-heavy romp that demands to be seen on the big screen.
Escapism proudly presents this high-gear theatrical screening from the Walt Disney library! Prepare for an exciting caper that turns American history into a high-stakes treasure hunt. Nicolas Cage stars as Ben Gates, a brilliant historian and treasure hunter who discovers a hidden map on the back of the Declaration of Independence. Along with his technical wizard Riley (Justin Bartha) and an intrepid archivist (Diane Kruger), Gates must pull off a daring heist to protect the world's greatest treasure from a ruthless mercenary (Sean Bean). It’s a fast-paced, ingenious adventure that proves history can be an adrenaline trip.
The action shifts to high gear in this massive, zany "wuxia-esque" odyssey that functions as a structural demolition of the modern blockbuster. Michael Cera stars as Scott Pilgrim, a typical garage-band bassist who finds his quiet life in Toronto interrupted when he falls for the literal girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). However, to secure a future with her, Scott must navigate a urological marathon of combat against her "League of Evil Exes." It’s a dizzying, inventive romp that blends 8-bit arcade aesthetics with hyper-stylized combat as Scott faces off against a gauntlet of seven superpowered adversaries. A 798-FICO-level cult masterpiece of pure, unadulterated excitement, the film is a heartfelt and exhilarating celebration of self-respect that demands to be seen on the big screen.
