A 55 Dollar Movie Experience

On Friday night Monica and I went on a date to the movies. This movie date was unlike any other we've been on before. We chose to go to a movie since we had free movie passes that would likely go unused over the next few months when classes resume. So on Friday afternoon I went to the local AMC Theaters to procure our tickets. We wanted to see Slumdog Millionaire but the show was sold out; therefore, I decided we'd see Gran Turino at 6:00pm in the Cinema Suites venue.

On Friday nights it costs $20/person to see a movie in the Cinema Suites. Growing up if I went to see a movie it was a matinee and it was, if I remember correctly, $3.50/person. So to pay $20 to see a flick is certainly a good chunk of cash and a bit of a stretch. The deal with the Cinema Suites option is that you receive a coupon back for $10 which can be used toward the purchase of your meal or drinks. Yes, you read it correctly, meal or drinks. First, you have to be 21 or older to get in the Cinema Suites venue since alcohol is served. Second, when buying your ticket you select the seats you'll sit in for the movie. You take the movie in while reclining in extremely comfortable, reclining leather seats that come fully equipped with tray tables on a swivel. Next to you is a little side table with salt, pepper, ketchup, napkins, menu and a push button to call your server. The menu selection is similar to what you'd see in Chili's or Applebees with pricing about the same as well. With your first round of beverages the server also brings a mini tub of popcorn for each person to enjoy while you choose your meal and watch previews. After that the rest of the night goes like you think it would. Your meal arrives in about 10 minutes just in time for the movie to begin. During the movie the server would roam by our area once in a while or you have the call button option as well. With 45 minutes remaining in the movie the server drops the check off at your seat just like would happen at a restaurant. Movie then comes to a close and you exit the building with about $55.00 less in your pocket (depending on your appetite and drink selection).

Here's a recap of our $55 movie night:
$40.00--2 movie tickets
-$20.00--2 free movie passes
$35.63--dinner
-$20.00--2 $10.00 dinner vouchers
$0.00--babysitting (free babysitting is a major bonus!)
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$35.63--our total for the night

I know $55 sounds like a lot to spend at a movie theater but considering that we saw a movie and had dinner this is about the same as you'd pay on a typical date. And since Addie was in the care of some good friends who love on her and I was with my wonderful wife, the $55 was well worth it. So if you're near an AMC Theater that provides this service I highly recommend it.