The Drake's 2nd year of gastronomic film fun, Movies in the Mess Hall, takes things up a notch tonight with a screening of recent Toronto favourite, This Movie is Broken. A movie about a boy, a girl, another boy and Broken Social Scene is best described as a modern answer to the classic multi-camera concert film. To top it all off, the host this month is none other than the filmmaker himself Bruce McDonald (Pontypool, Hard Core Logo), for a monthly screening that's lodged in the basement, it's becoming a force to be reckoned with.

Nestled in the belly of the beast, the Drake Underground, the film series has had a real time to shine in its sophomore year. Prior to moving to the basement, the series was dubbed the Drake Drive-in and screened outside, but inconsistencies with visibility and sound made a move to the basement a smart option. The Drake Underground is also the home to 'Elvis Monday' the free concert event that has seen many famous faces grace the stage, which also includes a free meal if you show up early enough. The moral of the story? Never judge a basement by its location.

Unlike many of the free summer screenings, this feature can be watched one of two ways, a) with the accompanied dinner options, the event comes out at $15 or b) just the film for $5. But barring any food allergies or preferences, I promise you it's in your best interest to take the food.

The menu for This Movie is Broken includes a Drake Burger with white cheddar, bacon, Russian dressing, a pickle, fries and a sprinkle doughnut. Can't make it tonight? Here's the current list of other screenings this summer.

Sunday July 3rd - Auntie Mame hosted by artist Bruno Billio
Artist Bruno Billio takes on the wonderfully weird film Auntie Mame, about a poor little rich orphan boy, Patrick, who upon his fathers death goes to live with his bizarre aunt in Manhatten who oozes attitude and adventure with each breath. Unfortunately her lifestyle and eccentricities clash with the executor of his fathers will who opposes everything Mame is and stands for. But their relationship won't quit and we follow Mame and Patrick through the ages, as she constantly wills herself to make his life more interesting than he ever thought possible.

Sunday August 7th - A 'Surprise Classic' hosted by the one and only Richard Crouse
This super secret surprise screening is a surprise even to me! I couldn't get it narrowed down by decade, genre, lead actor or actress. I was even considering a game of charades to get this information. Check back closer to the date for clues!

Sunday September 4th - Dirty Dancing hosted by Jen McNeely of Shedoesthecity
What better end to a summer series than a step back to one of the most famous coming-of-age stories of all time? Starring the late Patrick Swayze and his hips, as the free-spirit Johnny who meets petulant little rich girl, Frances (better known as Baby) the summer she learns about swing dancing, heartbreak and that father does not always know best during her last summer before adulthood.

Movies in the Mess Hall is a monthly event at the Drake Underground that runs every first Sunday of the month. Screenings start at 7pm and doors open at 6:30pm.

Image courtesy of Connie Tsang