Local man hosts free family movie nights
From left, Brian Campbell (wrestler Sledge), Danny Foster, Kyle Foster, Brett Wagner (Texas Chainsaw Massacre Remake: he played Leatherface in a scene) Amy Foster, Riley Foster, Dan Yeager (Leatherface in the Texas Chainsaw 3D) and Jason Turner (wrestler JD Horror).
‘Monster Squad’ hero will co-host event on Dec. 4
–Atascadero resident Danny Foster loves scary movies, and he loves sharing his love of movies with his family – wife, Amy, and sons, Kyle, 6, and Riley, 3 – which led him to hosting viewings of movies in Atascadero for free. His next movie showing will be “Monster Squad,” on Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at Galaxy Theatres in Atascadero.
“I do it because I love Atascadero and the people living within,” Foster said. “I do it because I am blessed to go to these kind of events in Los Angeles from time to time and I wanna share those experiences with the Central Coast.”
In order to allow other local families to make fond memories with their families, Foster is looking to cover cost of the theater for the evening. He’s looking to privately crowd fund the event. He’s offering a $50 sponsorship package that includes two exclusively signed prints from his co-host, Ryan Lambert, who played a hero in the film, “Monster Squad.” Foster has lined up sponsors for giveaways during the event from NECA, Cheap Thrills, Fright-Rags and Cherry Blossom Tattoo.
“We want to pack the theater for our special guest and for the experience as well,” Foster said. “There’s nothing like enjoying a great movie with a packed house.”
He added that he also knows there are people who might not be able to afford a couple of movie tickets, especially with Christmas only three weeks later.
“So I’m pulling my strings, calling in favors, working a bunch of overtime, wheeling and dealing to open the doors of a movie theater for one show where the price of admission is covered,” said Foster, who works at Atascadero State Hospital and his wife is a massage therapist and owns Complete Escape in Atascadero. “It’s not just the movie, it’s the special guest, it’s the fun extras. It’s the memories made, it’s the love shared.”
Danny Foster with his wife, Amy, their sons, yle and Riley and Amy’s brothers and their families.
Foster’s first event was on the last day of summer in September 2013 when he showed “Jaws” on a blow-up screen by the pool at Kennedy Club Fitness. The next year, he hosted “Texas Chainsaw 3D” at Atascadero VFW on Dec. 4, 2014, with the actor who played Leatherface joining the party at a cigar and ice cream social before the movie.
“[I hope the ideas of] ‘hey, I shared ice cream with Leatherface’ debunked any nightmare-ish thoughts later on in life when they watch the movies and have to hide under the covers,” Foster said.
This year’s film was selected by Foster’s oldest son, Kyle. Foster said that “Monster Squad” is a family friendly film that fit the bill of being one that his generation would remember and that Kyle’s would love.
“Just seeing the excitement of getting to watch a ‘safe’ monster movie with his dad my son had on his face, the 90-minute moment was priceless,” Foster said. “It was a definite reliving of my youth, feeling like I was 7 years old all over again – watching the film and enjoying all the twists, turns and monsters with my son.”
Foster graduated from North County Christian School in Atascadero in 1999 and his wife graduated from Atascadero High School in 2001. The couple met in 2001 when Foster worked at Video Palace and Amy at Grocery Discount Center. They married in September 2006 in San Luis Obispo at Fremont Theatres. Foster proposed to Amy on the “Jaws” part of the tram ride at Universal Studios.
Foster said they are “holiday parents,” going all out for each and every holiday, especially Halloween.
“Amy and I have always had fun with Halloween but it really took off with having kids,” Foster said. “Having kids was a total game changer, it gave me a chance to really delve into the absolute amazing-ness of every holiday especially Halloween.”
Their two sons were also born on holidays – New Year’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day.
For more information on the event, go to the Facebook event or email Foster at [email protected]. Reservations are not taken, except for those that opt for a sponsorship package, and are on a first-come, first-come basis.
