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The Definitive on Movie Theaters and Good Movie Behavior in Philly
- by movie_momma
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- June 07, 2008
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The good, the bad, the ugly, and the downright disgusting on movie theaters, movie-going etiquette, and other movie-related minutia.
Size Matters (It's not what you think)
Part of a good Momma’s job is to make sure her children are using correct terminology. Cineplex, multi-plex, meag-plex…ahh, it’s all the same, right? WRONG!
Cineplex: A combo of the words “cinema” and “multi-plex” and can actually be used interchangeable to describe any movie house.
Multi-Plex: A movie theatre complex with three or more screens.
Mega-Plex: A movie theatre with 12 or more screens.
Movie palace: Used to refer to grand cinemas of the 1910s to early 1960s, contrasting with modern multiplexes. (from wikipedia.com)
So, in this case, size actually matters.
The Good and the Trashy
I wouldn’t be a good ‘momma’ if I didn’t hip my movie-lovin’ babies to Philly’s best (and worst) in the movie theatre biz.
This list will continue to be updated and if you have any suggestions, let me know.
The Good
AMC Loews Cherry Hill 24 (Cherry Hill, NJ) - This is one of Momma’s favorites, but the service and products over the last few years has suffered. Sometimes the automatic ticket machines are out of order and on more than one occasion they’ve been out of a snack or two. By Momma’s standards, not having sufficient snacks is a huge ‘No-No’. Still the Loews is hands-down one of the best in the Philadelphia vacinity because of its plush, large rocking seats, ample seating, cleanliness and, of course, free parking.
The Ritz Five (Walnut Street, Center City Philadelphia) - The friendly atmosphere and staff, and delicious, fresh popcorn are reasons enough to put this artsy little nook on Momma’s thumbs-up list. This is no mega-plex like the Loews, but no place shows more of a variety of foreign and American films in Philly than the Ritz Five. What can I say, they had me at “Hello”.
The Bad
United Artist Riverview Stadium (Columbus and Reed Streets, Phila) – If Momma is anything, she’s loyal and I’ve been going to the Riverview for years, but between the trash in the parking lot and the trash in the theatre, Momma has had enough. If you like sky-diving, bungee jumping and other extreme sports, then visit the Riverview. If navigating through the nexus of toilet paper, popcorn and candy-wrappers tracked onto the floor concession area isn’t exciting enough, try walking into the theatre where the other guy’s nachos from two movies ago is still in front of the seat.
Momma's Rules for Movie Mavens
Since Movie Momma is serious about the movie-going expeirence, I wanted to share with all my movie-lovin’ children Momma’s Top 5 ground rules for big-screen viewing:
Rule #1: Travel. Don’t be afraid to venture outside your neighborhood. I’ve gone to many theatres in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania for a good movie experience. Plus, leaving outside of the general neighborhood adds to the excitement of the experience.
Rule #2: Be on time. Arriving during or after the previews means that you’re late, darling. The previews are part of the movie!
Rule #3: Buy movie snacks at the theatre. Yes, I said it. I know you’re thinking that Momma’s crazy, but part of the movie experience is buying snacks at the movies, not loading down your purse (or your poor girlfriend’s purse) with snacks. When you go the movies, by all means, indulge. After all, you’ve been good boys and girls. You deserve to splurge.
Rule #4: Get a good seat. If you go to the movies on opening night of a new release, get there early. Part of the fantastic experience is sitting in a place where you’re comfortable. Your POV makes all the difference. Plus if you go on opening night of a new release, it will be crowded. Nothing bothers Momma more than you and your loud friends coming into the theatre steppin’ over my pretzel bites with cheese and Artic Freeze! (Slush for those of your from my home town of Detroit:)
Rule #5: Turn off your cell-phone. Now, you know Momma raised you better than this. ’Nuff said!
Philly's Newest Theatre
The Pearl Theatre at Avenue North
1600 N BROAD ST PHILADELPHIA, PA 19122
The Pearl - North Philly's Gem
Momma knows how most of you hate history, but this lesson is cool.
Just under two years ago (December 2006), the Pearl Theatre at Avenue North opened in the heart of the North Philadelphia near Temple Unversity (Bill Cosby’s Alma Mater) as a symbol of revitalization near some of the city’s most impovershed areas.
The Pearl, as we in Philadelphia call it, was originally built years ago on Ridge Avenue and was named for the famous entertainer Pearl Bailey. I have visited this theatre several times, but found that the lack of a downward escalator was quite annoying and a terrible idea. Also, I always found the concession stand to be a bit skimpy. You know that’s a big “no-no” for Momma!
The beauty of the Peal and probably its best kept secret is that it has free parking in the rear. Yes, free parking in Philadelphia! It also has an automatic ticket kiosk similar to most of the movie cineplexes have these days, but what really makes the Pearl different from many of the local theatres is that there is an electronic billboard outside of the theatre which lists all the movies and their show times. This is unheard of anymore around here. This is great because Momma is sometimes impulsive. I can drive down the street, stop to look at what’s playing and simply go inside!
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I think I like the Ritz at the Bourse the best, for movie selection, cleanliness and easily accessible discounted parking, but I am excited to try the Pearl for the free parking!
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Great guide! It looks like Philly has some good (and some terrible) movie theaters!
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