When I saw that the Whitaker Center was going to have The Dark Night in IMAX, I was excited for about 3.7 seconds before realizing that my motion sickness would make it nearly impossible to make it through the movie without hurling. That's inconvenient, because The Dark Night has become one of the most hyped movies in memory, and I wanted to at least mention it in this space. Luckily, Winton, a friend of Spotobe, has a much stronger stomach, and graciously agreed to provide us all with a brief report. Here’s what he has to say: “After one failed attempt at purchasing tickets to see The Dark Knight at the Whitaker Center, I finally scored a set of tickets last Sunday. My persistence was worth it, and I’m glad I held out to see the movie in IMAX. After seeing it, I can promise you that there are some scenes that just wouldn't have been as good without the fully immersed experience you get in an IMAX theater. Being that IMAX movies are displayed in a much larger format than your normal movie theater, I recommend arriving early to pick your seats. I sat in the middle of the theater and I wish I had been a few rows further back. If you are late, be prepared to sit in the front row and leave with a sore neck. The first couple of action scenes were a little bit overwhelming where I was sitting, and I imagine that if you had been sitting in the very front it would have taken a while to get comfortable. There’s just so much happening visually that it’s hard to take it all in. Everyone in the theater just sits there wide-eyed. As for the movie itself, The Dark Knight was an excellent addition to the other Batman flicks. From Heath Ledger’s amazing portrayal of the Joker to something as small as Batman’s new gadgets, the movie has got something for everyone. I’d still recommend seeing it even if you are new to Batman all together, because there is no prior knowledge necessary. If you love Batman, you are in for a special treat. Overall, I would highly recommend checking out The Dark Knight at the Whitaker Center. You could always go see it in a regular theater, but I’d make the extra effort to catch it in IMAX.” If you’d like to take Winton’s advice, you can get tickets online here.

Rob Nease, promotions manager for HarrisburgatHome.com, has a few extra passes good for two people to watch the movie screening of Mamma Mia! WHEN? Tuesday, July 15 at 7:30 pm (Arrive early since a pass does not guarantee a seat at the movie – first come, first served.) WHERE? The brand new Great Escape movie theater at Harrisburg Mall WHAT? Movie screening of Mamma Mia!, rated PG-13. If you would like to see this movie and take a friend or special someone for free, please e-mail Rob to request one of the passes. Thanks Rob!

Koons Pool update … The filtration systems has been running for several days; two men were spotted working Saturday and Sunday at the pool; and a few lifeguards that worked at the pool last summer have been asked to help out again. (Photo taken Friday, June 13.) Summertime family fun … Regal Harrisburg Stadium 14 movie theater is sponsoring a Free Family Film Festival on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings this summer. Admission is free on a first come, first served basis for movies that begin at 10 am. Hat tip to Rob Nease of Harrisburg at Home for passing along this tidbit. Mowing update … As most of you know, a lot is riding on the way Linglestown Gazette publisher/editor BB takes care of his lawn this summer because of the Grass Mowing Contest that was launched in April. (I’m up to 14 cuts.) I raised the deck of my mower prior to my last trip around the yard on Friday, June 13. Why? My yard is starting to dry out and having longer grass might keep the lawn greener a little longer than in past years, especially in areas that get a lot of sun. Garden and yard guru George Weigel of The Patriot-News has more tips for summertime mowing in his This Week In The Garden column that was published Thursday, June 12. (Scroll down to section entitled "Mow smart.")

Before I sneak out of town again to the County of Elk, I wanted to make sure ya'll know what's going on this weekend, heat or no heat. Spend the day poolside, and then try one of these:

• My favorite local dance band, The Impact Band, is at Shakey's tonight. Stop in, dance, enjoy.
• If you can bear the scorching sun , the Senators are at home. Check the schedule and enjoy a Spot Dog while you're there. Bring sunscreen!
• Harrisburg's soccer team, the City Islanders, also play tonight at 7:05 p.m.
• Hide in the air conditioning and enjoy some film culture at Midtown Cinema. 
• If movies sound right, Side Street Cinema kicks off tomorrow at 9 p.m.
• Sunday is the Capital Area Greenbelt's 20 mile Tour de Belt bicycle tour- you can still sign up.
• Harrisburg Shakespeare Festival's Free Shakespeare in the Park features Love's Labour's Lost.

Side Street Cinema returns tomorrow night with Dazed and Confused. The outdoor movie series, held biweekly at the corner of Green and Cumberland streets, begin at 9 p.m. A $5 donation is requested and benefits The Salvation Army and Moviate Film Camp and Filmmaker In-Person Series. Also, don't forget to B.Y.O.C. - bring your own chair. Nonna's will provide hot dogs, Italian ice and Boylan's soda for most screenings.

At least, according to Newsweek.  Apparently, when men talk about the movie, we are hateful and angry.  We are vengeful over the fact that the movie is competing with the “good old boys of summer”.  We are poor sports because we hated the movie before it opened.  Men are the only reason the movie has gotten mediocre reviews on IMDB.  Movie critics only gave the movie poor reviews because they’re men.  And yes, the article manages to work in a full paragraph about parallels to Hillary Clinton vs “the Obamaniacs”. Yeah, I think Sex And The City looks really awful. There.  I am now sexist.