Valentine’s Day is once again almost upon us and we are faced with a limitless number of date options. Shall you go bungee jumping with your beloved? Participate in an impromptu flash mob to surprise your partner? Or maybe bake a giant cake in the shape of everyone’s favorite circulatory organ?
No matter how creative you might be, the old standby——dinner and a movie—is always perfectly acceptable. So for this Valentine’s Day, —whether you are cuddling up to a cutie or exerting you’re independence with friends, —here are some theater options that you should definitely consider.
Cheap Screens:
These two theaters are great to visit if you want to see a movie but are running a little short on cash. With movie prices on the rise, there is a certain vindication in seeing a movie for only 5 dollars. Even though they are a little bit further from campus, these theaters will satisfy you without emptying your wallet.
Northlake Festival Movie Tavern – 4043 Lavista Road, Tucker, GA
This theater is almost like a full service restaurant—you can order food and they will bring it right to your seat! They even have all-you-can-eat pancakes on Saturday mornings. But that’s not even the best part, as long as you present your Emory ID, a ticket is only five dollars. Beware of the budget busters: cheese fries and the bucket of beer.
AMC North Dekalb Mall 16- 2050 Lawrenceville Highway, Decatur, GA
Located in an empty and somewhat sketchy mall, North Dekalb offers movies for cheap before 5 on weekdays and before 11am on Saturdays and Sundays. We go to North Dekalb when we’re curious about a movie but don’t want to move earth and sky to see it. The theater is pretty nice so it is generally a good deal. They also show a lot of family movies (anyone else excited for Justin Beiber’s movie in 3D?) Bonus: You won’t get distracted en route to the theater because North Dekalb Mall doesn’t offer too many shopping options.
Oscar Worthy:
Do you ever feel like avoiding the endless parade of Hollywood rom-coms that some theaters seem to specialize in? You’re not alone. When we feel like being a film critic or want to watch a foreign movie, we head to these three theaters. Lacking in stadium seating and never playing more than a couple movies at a time, these older theaters take the art of cinema seriously. They are worth a visit.
Tara Theater- 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA
Tara has 10 dollar student tickets Sunday through Thursday. The theater has an old-world feel to it. On the weekends (especially Sundays) it is always packed with families and senior citizens. Tara’s four screens are always playing something interesting and artsy.
Landmark Midtown Art Cinema- 931 Monroe Circle Northeast, Atlanta, GA
This cinema plays provocative films that no one else will play. And since it’s located in the strip mall behind Trader Joe’s, you can get some grocery shopping done before your movie!
Plaza Theater- 1049 Ponce De Leon Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA
The Plaza is one of the only theaters where you can see Rocky Horror Picture Show year round (Friday nights at 12pm). It is located right next to the Urban Outfitters on Ponce (you’ve probably walked past it several times). The theater is independently owned and operated, so it has great freedom and liberty. They have showings of older movies, and on their website, filmmakers can submit their own films for showings. Note: Finding parking might take more patience than normal, as that street corner is very popular.
The Majesty of the Cineplex:
Sometimes when we’re out shopping or searching for food with friends, we decide that seeing a movie would be another fun outing. The theaters below are great for an impromptu movie. They offer a large of selection of titles coupled with comfortable stadium seating and huge screens.
Regal Atlantic Station Stadium 16 (IMAX)- 261 19th Street NW, Atlanta, GA
This movie theater is massive and inhabits a major chunk of Atlantic Station. With parking validation and shops and food all around, Regal Atlantic is a great place to end a long, meandering day. They also have IMAX for those of you who enjoy a giant screen and 3D capabilities.
AMC Phipps Plaza 14- 3500 Peachtree Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA
Phipps is a good place to see a movie after a long day of shopping. With fourteen screens, there are a lot of shows to choose from, including indie options. As a bonus, the theater’s Buckhead location means some great dining before or after your film. Most screenings start before 10pm.
Regal Cinema Hollywood Stadium 24- 3265 Northeast Expressway Access Chamblee, GA
You can see this giant Cineplex from the interstate (I-85 North). Because of its size, it’s often easier to get tickets for highly anticipated blockbusters than at other theaters. The screens are extremely large, the seating is comfortable, and the wide variety of shows means that you can find a screening at nearly any time of the day.
Wildcard Date Night:
Martinis and IMAX- 767 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA
Martinis and IMAX is hosted by Fernbank Museum every weekend. It’s a cool concept with very intelligent and artistic films. Get dressed up, go sip martinis and learn about nature or history. And while the selected films may lack a shirtless Ryan Gosling or epic Robert Downey Jr. adventure, the movies are thoughtful, interesting, and classy, just like the event itself. Currently showing: Amazing Caves and Greece: Secrets of the Past. Must be 21 years or older to participate.