Movies on the Beach Offer No Cost Summer Entertainment

Movies on the beach are sweeping the Jersey Shore as a popular, no cost, relaxing way to spend a summer night.

It’s a Thursday night in Asbury Park and the 2nd Avenue Beach is packed with people on their blankets and in beach chairs. The Goonies is playing on the big screen which stands on the beach along the boardwalk across from Langosta Lounge.

“It’s a classic childhood movie and it’s free and that’s the coolest thing ever,” said Asbury Park resident Jason Degruttola. “It’s one of the most innovative things that the Jersey Shore has done.”

Mike Barrella of Bayville is arriving late, about 10 minutes into the movie. Lugging a beach chair, he’s here with his family and is eager to settle down.

“It’s great for the family and it’s good for the kids,” said Barella.

Over in Belmar on Sunday night, Diane Jay, a Belmar resident is giving herself a relaxing night out without her kids.

“I come here every week. They're (the movies) are great. Where else can you find good free entertainment like this? It’s fun and enjoyable. I come out by myself,” said Jay. “I left the kids at home. I want to enjoy myself. It’s a great release from reality,” said the property manager who resides on Ocean Avenue.

Also in Belmar, there are plenty of snacks including buttery movie popcorn and Starburst for sale. Tonight, snacks are being served by Sal Marchese, Vice President of the Belmar Chamber of Congress and Mary Brabazon of Belmar.

“We have them every Sunday until the end of September. It gets packed -- people come from all over,” said Marchese of the Belmar Beach Movies.

Brabazon has been doing popcorn sales at the Belmar Beach Movies for five years.

“It’s a good way for local organizations to raise money. The Women’s Club, the Fireman’s Club, the Chamber of Congress and more have all been here making extra money for their cause,” said Brabazon.

An hour into the night, the candy and popcorn -- a big hit -- were just about sold out.

“You can sit wherever you want. There’s plenty of room and you don’t have to be stuck in a chair. No one bothers you. I think the adults enjoy themselves more than the kids,” said Jay.

"The screen is huge and the quality of the film is enough to entertain a very large area of people. There are people on the boardwalk who are even watching. The sound is great," said Bill Walsh of Point Pleasant Beach, an independent filmmaker, 23, who was admiring the quality of the set up in Point Pleasant. "It's a very casual, comfortable environment. It looks like time was taken to perfect the presentation. It's the best way to watch a film during the summer."

The schedule for the rest of the summer is as follows:

Asbury Park – 2nd Avenue Beach - 8:30 p.m.

August 18 -  Gnomeo and Juliet
August 25 - Oceans

Belmar – 8th Avenue Beach - Beginning at Dusk

August 21 - Hotel for Dogs
August 28 - Pete’s Dragon

Point Pleasant Beach - Jenkinson’s Beach - 9 p.m.

August 19 - Secretariat
August 26 - Toy Story 3
September 2 - Tangled

Seaside Heights - Hiering Avenue Ocean Front Stage at Dusk

August 18 - Shrek II
August 21 - Dream Girls
August 25 - National Treasure with musical entertainment by Steve Lightning 
August 28 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off with musical entertainment by Steve Lightning
September 1 - Hanna Montana
September 4 - Jaws

Spring Lake - North End Pavilion - 8 p.m.

August 24 - Toy Story 3