She Likes to Watch

What’s more romantic than a movie under the stars?

Shell Beach’s ultra-luxe hotel, Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa, is appealing to lovebirds this summer with Cinema Under the Stars.

Every other Wednesday, the seaside resort will screen a romantic film outdoors.

The series begins tonight with the classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard. Next up is “West Side Story” on June 18.

Lawn seating is free and open to the public (no chairs allowed). Since there’s a ban on outside food or beverages, Dolphin Bay has a concession stand available.

Wealthier moviegoers may want to consider a three-course dinner and “preferred patio seating,” yours for $49 a pop, plus tax and gratuity. Meals are served at 7 p.m., an hour before the film starts.

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” plays at 8 p.m. tonight at Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa, 2727 Shell Beach Road in Shell Beach.

For more information, call773-8900 or visit www.thedolphinbay.com.

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For those who prefer blood, guts and glory to all that mushy stuff, the Palm Theatre is screening Quentin Tarantino’s fierce “Reservoir Dogs.”

Part of the Palm Wednesday movie series, “Reservoir Dogs” centers around six crooks who turn on each other when a jewel heist goes awry.

With its high body count, retro soundtrack and hip anti-heroes , the 1992 movie launched Tarantino’s career as indie auteur and influenced scores of young filmmakers. Try finding a modern crime movie that doesn’t make a reference to anonymous hoods in matching black suits.

“Reservoir Dogs” also won a spot in cinematic history for one notably cringe-worthy scene: Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen) cuts off a captive police officer’s ear and douses him with gasoline — all while singing along to “Stuck in the Middle with You” by Stealer’s Wheel.

Yuck.

As Madsen told The Tribune in March, much of the movie-going public still recognizes him as the sadistic Mr. Blonde.

“It’s pretty mind-boggling to me how this one performance I did years ago, has completely isolated itself in everyone’s mind,” he said. “I’ve made 72 pictures and 99 percent of the time the only one people actually want to talk to me about is ‘Reservoir Dogs.’”

To be fair, Madsen’s roles include the dad in “Free Willy,” mafioso Sonny Black in “Donnie Brasco” and a corrupt cop in “Sin City.” But Mr. Blonde definitely stands out.

Catch Mr. Blonde, Mr. Pink, Mr. Orange and all the other colors tonight at the Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo.

Shows are at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Tickets are $7.50.

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“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” poster courtesy of MovieWeb.com. “Reservoir Dogs” photo courtesy of MyFilmo.com.