Movies with Monkeys

Team Oster is a big fan of going to the movies. Studio on the Square is our theater of choice, but rarely do they show movies made just for kids. We've gotten into the habit of going to the Paradisio with the kids even though I'm not crazy about the drive--or the crowds. (The fact that it is close to Muddy's and Whole Foods makes it bearable.)

A few weeks ago when we asked the kids what movie they wanted to see they emphatically said, "Hotel for Dogs!" Turns out it was already at the second run theater in Bartlett, so we considered it a good idea. The Bartlett Malco, or "The $1 Movie" as we call it, actually costs $2.50 per person, a total steal. The refreshments are also discounted.

So on a rainy Sunday afternoon, we drove to Bartlett and spent $10 on the movies--a refreshing change from the usual $40. As a special bonus, the movie was actually good! (I cried!) However, I do have to say that the Bartlett Theater is a little run down and kind of nasty. (i.e. There are a few seats with garbage bags over them due to roof leakage.) So while it was a good deal, I can't say I'll be eager to go back anytime soon.

Yesterday, Warren and I talked about taking the kids (plus a friend) to see Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. (This somehow morphed into me taking the kids to NATM and Warren going to see Terminator: Salvation.) Both movies were actually showing at Studio on the Square, but Warren had an idea. "What about the Econo Hour at Palace Cinema on Summer?" he suggested. We'd thrown this idea around before, but never made it. The deal is, all movies play at 5:00pm for $4.00. And they are first run.

The old Fare Four used to be one of my favorite theaters, but when it switched owners it rapidly got yuckier and yuckier. (i.e. Your feet stuck to the floor due to all of the spilled Coke.) I was worried it might be grosser than the Bartlett, but when we arrived we were pleased to discover that it had a complete makeover. Paying $20 bucks for 5 people to see a first run movie was also quite awesome. The icing on the cake was the Econo Hour special at the concession stand--a small drink and small popcorn for $1. The bathrooms were even clean!

Now, I will say that the screens weren't the biggest or most clear, and the leg room wasn't the most roomy, so I probably wouldn't go outside of Econo Hour, but overall it was a great deal!

And if you are wondering, I thought NATM: Battle of the Smithsonian was not nearly as good as the first, but the kids loved it. Jiro actually thought it was scary in places and demanded that I let him go sit with Daddy in Terminator a few times. (He refused to believe Terminator was scary. My kids are weird!)

Oh and for you lucky dogs who have the summer off, remember Malco's Kids' Summer Film Fest starts June 2. A handful of local theaters will be showing old-ish movies like Kung Fu Panda at 10am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through July 29th. Tickets are $2 each and proceeds go to St. Jude.