Happy birthday, Moxie!@

The Moxie Cinema has been a part of downtown SGF for five years. They celebrated the occasion on Saturday and Alex Stocksdale joined in the celebration and snapped some photos.

Campbell 16 in the morning

With the most screens in SGF Campbell 16 boasts the widest selection. South Springfield’s Wehrenberg theater doesn’t keep the entertainment options in the dark of the theaters though with a massive arcade and concession stand greeting you when you enter. The box office is located outside making stormy nights in long lines uncomfortable at times, but that’s getting nitpicky. The entrance to Campbell 16 faces South Avenue, with a massive Susan Sommer Luarca mural facing Campbell (yes, the mural is of running horses). Occasionally (read: rarely) independent films will get a shot at Campbell 16. Locally produced, Winter’s Bone had a long stay, but if you’re looking for small budget films, The Moxie is your answer.

Price – $9 adults, $7 senior/student, $6.50 children

Parking – The lot is massive and adjacent to the theater.

Seats – The view from the stadium seating is great and the chairs recline. Arms raise for cuddling and all seats have cup holders.

Concessions – A full and complete American food menu: chicken tenders, buffalo wings, pizza, shrimp, burgers, hot dogs, etc. Of course, that’s along with the standard candy and popcorn. Beer and wine is available. Large drinks and popcorn come come with a free refill.

Start times – The trailers begin at the posted showtime, giving you 10 or so minutes of a cushion (if you don’t care about previews).

Arcade – Easily the best theater arcade in town. There are two bowling lanes, a great air hockey table (the most important element in a theater arcade), and a load of the standards (Big Buck Hunter, Golden Tee, etc.) and 3D racing simulators.

sold

Downtown indie film house Moxie Cinema has been sold to new non-profit entity Downtown Springfield Community Cinema. There won’t be any marked differences immediately for patrons, though founder Dan Chilton said there were some likely improvements to come. The only real change is that it’s not for profit and run by a board with Mike Stevens (of former local music fame with Honky Tonk Chateau) at the helm. “I’m confident that our customers will see, just as we have, that he’s going to be a perfect fit for the Moxie. ,” Dan Chilton said. “There are no drastic, business-changing plans in store, so you can expect the same great Moxie experience you’ve come to know over the last five years.” Dan and Nicole Chilton opened the Moxie in 2004. The move will allow the Moxie more opportunity to grow into the arts community, while affording the founding family more family time.

Read Dan Chilton’s blog entry for more information.

Hollywood Theaters facing College

Everything about Hollywood Theaters feels spacious. Big open room when you enter, wide hallways, and lots of space once seated. The picture is clear and the sound is loud. College Station 14 offers the most current releases, including the incredible 3D features (if it’s available in 3D, pay the $3, wear the still-futuristic glasses, it’s worth it). The box office is located outside which is becoming common, but grows uncomfortable in rainy weather or winter.

Price – $9 adults, $7 students (how long do you get to answer “yes” to the student question), $6 old/young, $3 extra for 3D.

Parking – The theater is very close to both downtown parking garages. You should have no trouble.

Seats – Oh yes. They’re fine. Deep rows, and a little room to spread out. Cushions to sink into and a comfortable recline. Most theater seats make you work to recline, you know, plant your feet, but not these.

Concessions – A large menu is met with large prices. You can work a little out of the candy/popcorn zone, but will pay premium dough.

Start times – The trailers begin a little ahead of the start time, giving you a few minutes cushion for your flick.

Arcade – The game room keeps the theme of big and contemporary going with 3D racing simulators to go along with the most current editions of the standard arcade lineup.

Second runs offer a cheap last chance for audiences to watch blockbusters (and busts) alike

The Palace Theater is where movies go before they settle into their rental rack resting places. With eight screens of final chances, the Palace – located in Chesterfield Village – offers second run movies for next to nothing. Every showing costs just $2.50 – unless you make it for Timewarp Tuesdays, when every movie is just $1. No joke. One single dollar.

Price – Are you kidding? It’s less than $3.

Parking – Ample, but can get congested on weekend nights.

Seats – They might be a bit narrow – the sweatsuit too small guy would have trouble fitting – but have huge cushions and recline.

Concessions – This is where they make the cash. Cheap tickets, huge snack prices, but the larges come with free refills.

Start times – The time they post is the start of the film, not the start of the trailers, so plan to arrive a few minutes early.

Arcade – Small, but sufficient – air hockey, Big Buck Hunter a couple of racing games, nothing spectacular, but in case you’re early, it’s something to pass the time (Schultz & Dooley’s is across the parking lot for the adults)

Get your movie times here.