But in a plot-twist fitting of a Hollywood classic, the festive season's favourite anti-hero has upended the script and will return Christmas joy to 2020, with family film How The Grinch Stole Christmas leading the re-boot of the Euroa Community Cinema.
The upcoming screenings will be the first since restrictions started back in March and the long-awaited reopening is perfect for the fast-approaching school holidays, right before the peak Christmas season.
Strathbogie Shire Mayor, Cr Chris Raeburn, said the cinema's volunteers are as excited as children on Christmas morning.
"It's so pleasing to see the delight in everyone involved with the cinema, because they know how much the community love this cultural asset," Cr Raeburn said.
"For the younger members of our community, they've endured such a tough year. To be able to bring back a sense of normality for them will be great to see.
"We will be easing back into the cinema reopening, with restrictions on numbers and appropriate regulations in place."
The cinema will use digital QR codes to ensure minimal disruptions to the cinema experience, while collecting the data required to keep it open.
For those interested in attending, online booking is recommended through www.trybooking.com.au, which will assist volunteers in managing the newly introduced
regulations.
As a welcome-back special, tickets cost just $5.
Confirmed screenings include:
• Saturday, 12 December: Radioactive - the story of Marie Curie (8pm)
• Sunday, 13 December: Radioactive - the story of Marie Curie (4pm)
• Friday, 18 December: How the Grinch stole Christmas (6.30pm)
• Saturday, 19 December: Christmas Jars (8pm)
• Sunday, 20 December: Christmas Jars (4pm)
A Christmas classic
To prepare unsuspecting parents, the Grinch is a hairy, pot-bellied creature who despises everything about the Christmas holidays.
Many Hollywood actors have portrayed the Grinch since Dr Seuss introduced the character in the 1950s. The Community Cinema will feature Jim Carrey's acclaimed portrayal in the 2000 film.
Planned works
The reopening comes after the recent announcement the cinema has secured Victorian Government funding for refurbishment.
Works will include re-painting of the walls, polishing of the floorboards, cleaning of the drapes and replacing the old second-hand chairs. The historical seating will remain.
