Chilly Reception at Disney’s Maleficent Screening

Maleficent was not the only cold being at the outdoor screening held at Texas A&M International University on the Friday night of November 14th. With temperatures in the low 40s, the small crowd that came out to the Fine and Performing Arts Green made certain to bring blankets to bundle up with.

Last year, in conjunction with the City of Laredo’s Park and Leisure department, Texas A&M International University’s Office of Information and Technology (OIT) and Campus Activities Board (CAB), successfully screened Disney’s Frozen to a large crowd. Hundreds of Laredoans came to TAMIU with their families and watched the movie on a large outdoor screen.

This year, it was “frozen” again but due to low temperatures that Laredo is not usually used to seeing at this time of year. Due to an Omega block—so named because the jet stream forms what looks like the Greek letter—caused a cold front to hit Laredo late Tuesday on November 11th. Since the screening had been on the calendar for some time, it was not prudent to reschedule.

The crowd that did show up did so with blankets and coats so that they could attempt to keep warm while watching Disney’s Maleficent. Also in low attendance were TAMIU clubs. The previous year, they provided many treats for the crowd but this year, the 2-3 clubs that did come ended packing up their left over commodities or selling for half-price when the movie ended.

With the success of Frozen last year, it might have been TAMIU’s and the City of Laredo’s intention of also having another successful screening, but with the low temperatures this was hard to accomplish with this year’s screening. Perhaps, with better planning—if it is decided to do this next year—it may be best to consider having it earlier in the semester or other contingency if the weather is inclement.