Friday, January 16, 2004
FAVORITE MOVIE THEATERS IN LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles is probably the best place in the world to watch a movie. I grew up in Alabama and the people who ran and operated the theaters in town seemd to care little for sound or picture quality. Heck, they didn't seem to care much about any aspect of the presentation. Going to the movies is more than just watching the flick. It's the whole dang experience! I've been to movie theaters in places as far away as Japan and I can tell you, L.A. is definatley the best place on the planet to see a movie! They provide the whole package!
So with that said...here are my Favorite Movie Theaters in Los Angeles!
10. CREST THEATER- WESTWOOD
This is the one with the picture of Hollywood painted on the wall in neon paint that glows when the lights go down. The one with the stars on the ceiling and the one where- before the show starts- they play 'THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT' over the speakers as shooting stars go whizzing by over your head. Not sure if it is owned by Disney cause they are always playing the latest flick from that company. Cheesy but fun atmosphere.
9. ARCLIGHT- HOLLYWOOD
Yes I know. Many people would rank this theater higher. I like it...it's darn neat. But it's a bit too froo-froo for my tastes. I don't need or want reserved seats. I don't care about a restaraunt in the lobby that serves actual, quality food. I don't care for odd looking sausages instead of good, old fashioned hot dogs. And I HATE that they don't have a medium sized tub of popcorn. But all that said, this is a theater in love with the movies! The staff know film and- last I went- the ushers actually get in front of the audience at the start of EVERY SHOW to talk a bit about the movie you are going to see (where it was shot, the director's visions,etc)! Also, picture and sound can't be beat. But it just feels a bit too stiff for me. A bit too serious for what the movies- for the most part- are to me: an ultra fun diversion. But hey, if you like 'seeing a film' instead of 'going to a movie', this is your place!
8. AMC 14- CENTURY CITY
7. AMC 7- SANTA MONICA PROMENADE
6. MANN BRUIN/MANN FESTIVAL- WESTWOOD
5. AERO THEATER- SANTA MONICA
4. HORTON PLAZA MULTIPLEX- SAN DIEGO (...OK, I CHEATED!!!)
3. LAEMMLE MONICA- SANTA MONICA PROMENADE
2. LOEWS CINEPLEX BROADWAY CINEMA- SANTA MONICA PROMENADE
1. MANN CRITERION- SANTA MONICA PROMENADE