Film Squibs: Movie Theatres

The last movie I watched was Kung Fu Panda 2 from my couch while studying for Con Law II.  Not a bad way to get ready for First Amendment questions, but I would much rather go to a movie theatre. In the buttery and soda-sticky darkness, I watch my story unfold before me on a screen, and I think, “why yes, there is a world out there outside of myself.”

If only watching movies were like this.

With that in mind, I hereby resolve to watch more movies in theatres.  It’s a goal that’s not quite compatible with my weight-loss goals, but it’ll work somehow.  So this edition of film squibs is dedicated to the many movie theatres in Boston.

Museum of Fine Arts

Yes, the MFA in Boston has a film program, and a fine one at that.  Tickets are typically $9 to $11 and you should always remember to bring your student ID with you. Currently, they are running the Boston Festival of Films From Iran.  I am most excited about the Studio Ghibli (the fine folks that set the standard for Japanese animated movies by making films like Totoro and Nausicaa) series that will run from February 1 to the 19.

Website:http://www.mfa.org/programs/film

Coolidge Corner Theatre

A nice little spot right in Coolidge Corner, which is just a T-ride away (after you take two shuttles from the law school…). Ticket prices also hover around the $9 range. They tend to show classic throwbacks, independent films, and foreign films in addition to the regular fare. For example, this Friday and Saturday they are showing Battle Royale in the middle of the night. I will be there to watch this movie in all its absurd glory.

Website:http://www.coolidge.org/

Kendall Square Cinema and the Embassy Cinema (Landmark Theatres)

Kendall Square Cinema is, well, around Kendall square, but if you plan on going there by T remember it’s going to be a walk from the nearest T stop. I guess that won’t be a problem unless global warming slows down. They do have a parking garage and you can get your ticket validated for a fee, but it’s worth the price since Cambridge is a tough place to find parking. The theatre itself is quite nice, they too have a good selection of popular and independent movies

The Embassy Cinema is conveniently located right near LAB, so if you’re in clinic or in Waltham killin’ it at one of the many Indian buffets on Moody Street, this is a nice theatre to go to at the end of the day. They have fewer screens than the Kendall, but they also have a nice selection of popular/independent movies.

Website:http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/Boston/KendallSquareCinema.htm

Website:http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/Boston/EmbassyCinema.htm

West Newton Cinema

This is that random movie theatre that you pass when you drive down Washington Street towards Blue Ribbon BBQ from school. It’s a five minute drive from school and the theatre itself has a small but decent selection. I’ve only come here twice; their tickets are $10 and the theatre feels a little… old, to put it nicely. But this place does manage to surprise me with its selection. Sometimes I’ll hear of a movie and it will only be playing here.

Website:http://www.westnewtoncinema.com/

Jordan’s IMAX Theatre

Yes, Jordan’s is a furniture store, and yes they have a movie theatre inside of it. Why don’t more furniture stores do this? The seats in this place are fantastic, AND they rumble. The novelty hasn’t worn off for me. I actually haven’t seen a 3-D movie here, but I remember watching Inception there and it was an incredible experience. There aren’t too many seats in this place and the screen size will likely overwhelm you.

They have two locations: Natick and Reading. I usually go to the one in Natick because it’s by the Natick Collection and there is more life, generally, around the Natick Jordan’s. Ticket prices aren’t too much more (online they list $12.75) and so if there’s a movie worth watching on the big screen, I would watch it here.

Website:http://www.jordans.com/imax.aspx

Loews and AMC

And of course you have your generic movie theatre chains all over town. I have nothing against them, really. If they were playing a movie that I wanted to go watch, I would watch it anywhere. I don’t think I need to say much about these guys except, well, they’re everywhere. The closest ones to school (besides the West Newton Theatre) is probably the AMC in Chestnut Hill. But if you lived in Brighton/Allston, you can hop on the T to go to AMC Fenway or the Boston Common Loews, or even take the bus from Reservoir to Harvard Square. There are options.

If you know of any exciting film festivals or if I’ve missed any spots, please share the wealth in a comment.