As Internet- and cable-based movie applications gain more popularity it’s becoming easier to see movies from the comfort of your own home, but the Meanwhile Film Series wants to pull people from the home to watch their favorite films with other people who share a love for quirky cinema.

Every Tuesday night, the Meanwhile Bar and Wealthy Theatre combine efforts to show films that have long-since been pulled from the big screen. According to representatives from the Meanwhile, these films are best enjoyed as a part of a routine that enhances the film viewing experience.

The perfect night begins within the art-filled walls of the Meanwhile Bar on Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids. Most of the artwork is for sale and locally produced by co-owner Jeff VandenBerg. The face of Hunter S. Thompson painted on a repurposed vinyl record stares at bar patrons, encouraging indulgence in some.

The sound of the building is even more distinct than the look. Music pours out of a jukebox filled with albums that have never been on any radio and mixes with the sounds of vintage pinball machines. Somewhere between these noises, discussion of the upcoming film can be heard.

After some time spent at the Meanwhile, it’s time to walk a few blocks down to the historic Wealthy Theatre, erected in 1911.

After the building sat in disrepair for 25 years, the community renovated and reopened the Wealthy Theatre in 1998 to host community events. The theater now continues to host events such as concerts, plays and films.

The films picked for the series share few commonalities. One week “Back to the Future” will play, only to be followed by “The Shining.” The almost-random selection of films keeps fans coming back.

“I love the variety of movies they pick,” said Mike Jones, Grand Rapids resident and Meanwhile Film Festival patron. “Whenever I look at the schedule I say to myself, ‘Man, I haven’t seen that movie in forever.’”

Jes Kramer, office manager of the Wealthy Theatre, said all of the films are picked by VandenBerg.

This week the film was “The Wizard,” the 1989 Fred Savage and Christian Slater movie notable for little besides the few-second long, unaccredited appearance of Toby McGuire sporting an era-appropriate mullet.

One enthusiastic patron commented as he walked in that he was excited to be “delightfully disappointed” by the upcoming show.

Although most wouldn’t consider this movie a classic, the people who went laughed more than most who saw it 23 years ago during it’s original release.

“Seeing these movies makes me feel like I’m in ‘Mystery Science 3000,’” said Keith Kortenhoven, a Wealthy Theater patron. “People crack jokes all the time. The biggest laughs come from what an audience member says or from a part of the movie that wasn’t meant to be funny.”

The Meanwhile Film Series is advertised as the city’s only “Brew and View.” A membership to the Community Media Center will not only save patrons a dollar on admission, but it also enables them to purchase an adult beverage for consumption during the show.

Non-members still only have to part with $6 to view a movie and are welcome to purchase any of the other refreshments.

After the film, the Meanwhile invites everyone back to the bar where conversations of the film are rampant.

“The conversations are usually even better when the movie is bad,” Kortenhoven said.

The series plays every Tuesday at 8 p.m. The schedule can be found on the Meanwhile’s website, www.meanwhilesbar.com, or Facebook page.

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