By Gray Chapman
The Oscar nominations are in, and now the race for that little gold statue is on. But if you’re like me, you’ve probably been way too busy with the start of the quarter to check out any of the buzzworthy flicks. Fear not — you don’t have to trudge through the crowds at Atlantic Station to catch up on movie-watching. There are a few theater alternatives in town that feature smaller theaters, smaller crowds and an overall better ambience than the gigantic Regal Cinema types. Atlanta’s multiple theaters provide a refreshing break from the ordinary, each with its own unique feel.
The selection at Midtown Arts Cinema is nothing like you’ll see at the average theater. No “High School Musical” here — the marquee features the latest and greatest in independent, foreign and documentary film. As a result, the crowd’s a little more cultured and a lot less boisterous. Plus, the concession stand features beer and wine to help the over-21 crowd get through those especially long films. But don’t expect a break on ticket prices, because they’re just as expensive here as anywhere else.
Your next option is the Fork and Screen in Buckhead. This newly renovated spot from AMC features a full menu and waiter service. Viewers can choose between sitting at a small table in the theater or pulling up a chair to one of the bar-like tables in the stadium seating. Although the selection at Fork and Screen is a little more generic than that of Midtown Arts Cinema, you can still catch some of the big names, like “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (which garnered 13 Oscar nominations). The selection of food at Fork and Screen won’t blow your socks off, but the menu is decent and full of classic grill selections (nachos, burgers, salads, etc). And the service is convenient — just push a button on your table and a waiter will appear within minutes.
Of course, one of the quirkiest theaters in town is appropriately located on Ponce de Leon avenue, right next to the Majestic Diner. The Plaza Theater is another cinema known for its offbeat selection of movies, but its trademark event is the Friday night showing of “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Every Friday at midnight, the crowds show up to see a live cast for $7.50. If you’re looking for something more somber, the Plaza is currently showing “The Reader” and other Oscar favorites, and with a student I.D., you can get in for $6.50.
Midtown Arts Cinema: (678) 495-1424
Fork and Screen: (404) 467-0862
Plaza Theater: (404) 873-1939
