I went to the Central Cinema for the first time this past Monday to see Casablanca. I’ve seen the movie on a TV set before but never on the big screen, or decently sized screen with a projector in this case. Central Cinema is a small theater with a dining area near the front where you purchase the tickets then you follow a wide hallway that slightly forks off dividing the bathroom, kitchen and theater. The small size is not an uncomfortable setting; the atmosphere is nicely lit with a modern diner feel. The theater had a small thrust stage in front of the screen as well as two pianos, I was lost as to why a movie theater would have a stage and piano. But after a journey to the bathroom you see a wall that has flyers of all the upcoming events housed there, such as a “pop princess sing along” and “heckle vision” where you can text smart-ass remarks about the movie you’re watching and they appear on screen.
Another neat aspect is half of the theater area has dinning booths so you can order food throughout the movie. The different popcorn mixes they offer are nice: cinnamon sugar, curry powder, garlic. I got the cinnamon sugar, its was ok, it would have been better had they actually mixed it with the popcorn instead of just a center sprinkle. I also got the Field Roast in a blanket, which was edible; it’s hard to mess up wrapping bread around a link especially when Field Roast is involved. I thought the presentation was over played though, fancy swirls of ketchup and mustard on an oversized plate and 3 leafs of spinach - but I digress. The overall experience was great the wait-staff and host were kind. The movie was great (they took no part in that) and what they are doing is awesome and these are the theaters that I hope stick around trying to provide a genuine atmosphere for your movie experience. I plan to return soon.
