April will soon be here — that means it is time again for the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury’s “Movies Under the Stars!”

The movie series — which will feature a group of diverse friends on a mission, an elderly man who proves you’re never too old for adventure, a family of ducks who take the vacation of a lifetime, and a young rat with dreams of becoming a French chef — begins Friday, April 5, at Prien Lake Park, 3700 West Prien Lake Road.

Movies, dates, locations:

• Friday, April 5 – “Elemental:” This 2023 animated comedy-romance-drama opens with two “fire people” — Bernie and Cinder — who arrive on a boat to Element City. They’re the only fire people among water, earth, and air people, and they are looked down upon. Despite this, the couple settles down in their new home and Cinder gives birth to their daughter, Ember. Years later, a grown-up Ember meets Wade, who is made of water, after a chance meeting which threatens to shut down Ember’s father’s store. The two work together to save the family business — and, along the way, find out whether “Elements don’t mix” (their city’s slogan) is true. (Rated PG). This movie will be shown at Prien Lake Park, 3700 West Prien Lake Road.
• Friday, April 12 – “Up:” This 2009 classic animated comedy-adventure-drama follows the story of a 78-year-old grieving widower, Carl Fredricksen, who is being forced to leave his home and move into an assisted living facility. However, Carl vows to keep his promise to his wife Ellie to visit Paradise Falls. He attaches thousands of balloons to his house to fly there, but unbeknown to him, Russell, a young “Wilderness Explorer” scout attempting to earn his final merit badge for assisting the elderly, is on the porch and becomes an accidental stowaway. Before Carl can land the house to get Russell home, a storm blows the house to South America, where more adventures ensue (Rated PG). The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, in partnership with the Banners Series, will host this movie at McNeese State University’s Bulber Auditorium, 4205 Ryan St., Lake Charles.
• Friday, April 19 – “Migration:” This 2023 animated comedy-adventure film is about a family of mallard ducks who decide to leave the comfort and safety of their New England pond to take a trip to Jamaica. But they get turned around in a rainstorm and wind up in New York City! There, the ducks make the best of their situation by expanding their horizons, opening themselves up to new friends and ultimately, they accomplish way more than they ever thought they could (Rated PG). This movie will be shown at Mallard Junction Park, 599 August Drive, Lake Charles. Please note that Calcasieu Parish Animal Services will have several adoptable dogs at this event.
• Friday, April 26 – “Ratatouille:” This 2007 animated comedy follows a rat named Remy, who dreams of becoming a great French chef. He moves to Paris and with the help of a garbage boy, Linguini, he puts his culinary skills to the test in the kitchen. All the while, he has to stay in hiding (he’s a rat in a restaurant, after all). In the end, Remy gets the chance to prove his culinary abilities to a great food critic — but what will the critics think? (Rated PG). This movie will be shown at River Bluff Park, located 543 Theriot Road, Moss Bluff.

All movies will start at 6:30 p.m. but be sure to get there early to get the best spots. Residents are encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs. Residents can bring their own food, but there will be vendors present at every movie. Also, free popcorn and cotton candy will be served at each event.

Movies will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Cancellations will be announced before the event on the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury’s website at calcasieu.gov and on CPPJ’s Facebook and Instagram pages.