As the summer movie season kicks into full gear I am reminded of how lucky we are to have an art theatre nearby. Since has two screens showing Harry Potter and a few other blockbusters we decided to escape to Roberts in Chatham last weekend.
The one screen theatre is a rare gem. Nevermind the films they show are usually thought-provoking and better than average. They have other things going for them that make me feel good.
One, and I cannot emphasize how important this is, they show one preview and NO commercials. That said, a 2 p.m. movie starts at, you guessed it, 2 p.m.!!! The past couple movies I have seen in big box chains pile on 25 minutes of pre-film garbage that has me itching to leave. Do I really need to see 7 trailers??? Or be reminded that popcorn and candy can be purchased (for a mint!!!) at the concession stand? And since when do we have to be subjected to ads for cell phones and soda??? I just paid 50 bucks to sit here. Do you mean to tell me you still need help paying the bills?
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Second, Roberts offers free coffee and has a frozen yogurt machine. The usual popcorn, fountain drinks and assorted treats are there too. But the novelty of a TM Ward coffee at an afternoon sitting is quite nice.
Finally, my wife and I tend to be the youngest ones there. These days every concert I go to I feel like I should have a cane and AARP card with me looking around the room. It is good to get out and experience art with folks old enough to appreciate it.
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As for the movies...doubt you can go wrong. Within the past three weeks we were witness to Woody Allen's best work in years and "Beginners," now showing, was an absolute marvel.
So, when you get a babysitter next time and are planning to head to the big screen, I urge you to take a look at what Roberts has to offer.
You may have to think a bit. Maybe there are subtitles too (gasp — you may have to read!!) I bet the payoff will be well worth it.
After all, how much money does Michael Bay need anyway? Or JK Rowling?
Further reading:
http://www.robertstheatres.com/
For film reviews and more go to: guidetosomewhere.blogspot.com
