Like so many people I could not wait to see the latest Spider Man flick- Brand New Day. And I loved…read moreit. Like this movie was so great, it has redefined what I can expect from a Marvel movie, and movies in general. But this review is not about the latest Spider Man flick, it is about Alamo Drafhouse Cinema. And I firmly believe that one of the reasons why I loved Brand New Day so much is because I saw it in Alamo Drafthouse. The movie going experienced was enhanced, dare I say even honored, by this place. And, I might be wrong, but saying that a place made a movie better, is the loudest clap a moviegoer can give to a place that plays movies for goers.
I am not sure how I first heard of Alamo Drafthouse, but I selected it as the venue that will host my movie going experience because I fe;t Spider Man deserved the stage. When I got there I was surprised by one sheer fact: I have walked by this place many a time, and I never knew that it was there. Which made me realize in a much broader way that what they say about LA is true--- one will never be bored here because there is always something new to do, and if you cannot find something new, than you might not be looking hard enough. The entrance to the place that holds Alamo also had a reminder that we might all need to hear: "say whatever it is, before it is too late."
I entered and the place gave me Bing Bang Theory basement vibes if Howard or Sheldon had the funds to create a luxury movie theathre in their basements. The place was replete with a lot of different posters, and toys, and other memorabilia. If one is a flick nerd, then this place will be their slice of heaven with reclining sheets. I clipped just a few pictures of the different do-thats that this place. For instance, they had a wall full of Spider Man posters. As I walked past them and into my designated theatre I felt more excited to see the motion. Also, they had this area with tables and beers on tap with the Spider Man from the 90's playing. Which makes me believe that Spider Man 97 is coming along the pike cause this cartoon is not quitting. But I thought it was such a great touch to play this cartoon because it is responsible for having so many people fall in love with the wall crawler. It was appropriate nostalgia that frame the movie. So if I have not made it clear, being in this place is a small museum that reminds us why we love movies, beyond them offering escapism when times get tough.
The movie rooms were small, quaint, and comfortable. I think most people would agree that a recliner while watching a movie may not be needed, but just like fudge on ice cream, it makes the treat better in a rich kind of way. Additionally, this place offers food delivered to your chair by a server. The besides me had a whole happy hour situation going on. He ordered three margaritas, a hamburger, fries and enjoyed his time. It was all about being good and happy at the movies. This place facilitated that. I was not hungry. But I was inspired by my neighbor to order a treat---- sea salt and vinegar popcorn laced with gold fish, and it was a nice little treat. First, I never had that combination before. It was great! The goldfish cheese taste was deepened. Not in every bite but the ones that were in the bottom of the sea(bowl). The second thing that they did, that another Yelper. comment on was, they "have a no-phone policy." Meaning that when the movie started to play they encouraged us not to use our phone or we might be asked to leave. We were told we can report people on our phone using their phone. And they addressed the irony of it--- and resolved it by saying just don't be a jerk. It as like putting a pretty ribbon bow in a package that was once difficult to wrap.
The movie had previews but before that they had a comedian re-cap the journey to this movie and it was funny. The comedian wondered if DR. Strange was also the type of guy that buys liquor for a minor since he did a universe altering spell for one. Then before the movie they showed a video with Holland stating that this Spider Man Movie was created for "you." And to a much lower degree, for sure, this Yelp was written for you too.