Movies 10: 4 Dollars, All Ages, All the Time

Well, the beautiful weekend weather didn't really hold up as forecasted, did it? After a full Friday of high temps, blue skies and no precipitation, the last few days have consisted of rain, rain and more rain in a weather 180°.
(http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/images/uploads/movie_theatre.gif)

Luckily, the Moms Walk for a Cure was able to come and go without a single raindrop, but most of the weekend events moved indoors. Because we all know in Athens, when it rains it pours.

But the great thing about this city is, whether it's a show uptown or a university event, there's constantly something to do - despite the rain. And even on a lazy, rainy Sunday, there's always the chance to catch up on recent box office flicks. Below is a compilation of the best local theaters, their prices and attractions.

The Athena
Although The Athena uptown offers 5 dollar matinee tickets, 4 dollar movie Tuesdays and free Arts for Ohio Cinematheque screenings for all Ohio University Students, sometimes you just want to see a mainstream movie. In a theater that offers independent films, and usually only 3-4 movies at a time, mainstream movies aren't really an option.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2819617194_d7a6e28367.jpg)

The Athena Grand
Your next closest bet is Athena Grand on East State Street. Offering 3D movie options, a small arcade and a broad range of concessions snacks (including over 12 flavored popcorn toppings - yum!), it's pretty much your basic local movie theater. But with tickets at 6.50 (12 to 13 dollars for 3D films), plus food and arcade games, a trip to the movies quickly turns into costing the price of a full tank of gas.

(http://www.facebook.com/pages/Athens-OH/Athena-Grand/101425333232551?v=wall#!/photo.php?pid=8163&id=101425333232551&fbid=101520463223038)

Movies 10
So all you avid Athena Grand goers out there, listen up. I will let you in on a local student secret. Only 7 minutes north of Athens on US Route 33 in Nelsonville, OH, is Movies 10 theater. Although it's further from town, it's more than well-worth the trip.

First of all, they just built a brand new, amusement park-sized arcade facility called the Fun Barn featuring more games than you can count, a mini bowling alley, bumper cars, food court and the only flight simulator in the state. Check out this article by Athens Midday for more information on the Fun Barn, as well as the video below showcasing their main attractions.



But aside from the Fun Barn, the biggest upside to Movies 10 is the fact that they offer 4 dollar movie tickets for all ages, all the time. And really, nothing gets better than that. And I haven't even mentioned the popcorn prices. Movies 10 also offers a small popcorn or soda for a dollar.

Yes - you did in fact read that correctly. 1 dollar popcorn and soda! So even with all those arcade games, whether before or after the movie, at least you know the movie itself comes at a reasonable price. So hop on the Movies 10 bandwagon - your wallet and bank account will thank you later.

Here's a coupon from the Fun Barn Cafe's blog for your next visit, and until next time... April showers bring May flowers :)

Date Night Deals: Film Festival & DQ Promotion

If you live in Athens and have yet to experience the Athens International Film and Video Festival, now is the time to go! I know, I know... Ark and High Fests are this weekend. But for real, try taking a break from the keg stands and beer pong and go see some award-winning films.

(Source: http://www.ohio.edu/athens/bldgifs/athena.jpg)

Athens 2010 International
Film + Video Festival
Founded in 1974, the festival annually hosts independent films from around the world, as well as those produced right here in Athens. Starting tomorrow, and running for a solid week, The Athena on Court St., Baker Center Theater and Stuart's Opera House in Nelsonville, are all teaming together to showcase 12 feature films and 56 competition screenings.

This is the perfect opportunity to grab your significant other and catch a flick uptown! And if you happen to miss the film you wanted to see, no sweat. Unfortunately, the competition pieces are only shown once, but each of the 12 feature films have multiple show times throughout the week. View the festival's complete schedule here.

Last year, a friend of mine named Adam Miller was working on a group animation project for his digital media major. That same project was later awarded entry into the Film Festival's animation competition. So on a Saturday afternoon, my roommate Laura and I walked over from High Fest to check it out. Tickets were free with a valid student ID, and we were able to see several great animated features (think Pixar).

Aside from my Adam's hilarious film about a depressed ice cream cone, ironically entitled Nutrition: With Herbert J. Wafflecone, there were several other more professional features included as well. One animated short entitled Procrastination, with animation and direction by John Kelly, visually depicts the true meaning of procrastination - something pretty much anyone can relate to. Watch Procrastination below and view my friend Adam's video here.



This year, another project of Adam's has been entered into the festival. But this time, the film packs more of a punch. Entitled People of the Machine, the film is supposed to be more intense and dramatic, with a plot about a 1960-type society that puts all of its knowledge into making a machine, and then has to learn to live with it.

"I'm curious to see the reaction the film gets from the crowd, because we've gotten a tremendous amount better than we were last year" Adam says. "It's cool to see your work up against professionals. And while it kind of gives us a jolt of reality, I'm really looking forward to seeing what other films get in."

The animation competition takes place at the Athena on Monday, April 26th, at 10 p.m. If you're looking for a good laugh, I definitely recommend it! And like I said before, luckily for us Ohio University students, Arts for Ohio provides free tickets to anyone with a valid student ID!

For those of you out there who aren't students, or for anyone who wants to bring a parent or sibling, you're in luck. Any matinee before 5pm at the Athena is free, as well as all screenings at Baker Center Theater. For all shows after 5pm, tickets are 5 dollars and after 6pm, tickets are 6.50 (5.50 for seniors or children). Pre-sale options begin on Friday at 1pm, and there is also a 6-show screening pass available for 30 dollars.

So like I said, take a break from High or Ark Fest this weekend (whichever your preference) and go to the film festival. You won't regret it!


Happy Birthday DQ
If you're hungry after the movie, swing by DQ on 70 Columbus Rd. (right past Dirty Deeds on N. Lancaster) and partake in the celebration of Dairy Queen's 25th birthday! Because who doesn't like a frozen snack on an evening out with friends? All week across the country you can get any two medium sized DQ blizzards - one regularly priced at 3.50 and another for only 25 cents!

With 25 different flavors, including my personal favorite Thin Mint (mint ice cream with crushed Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies), this is a steal that any ice cream lover would go crazy for! When I went, the parking lot was packed and the drive-thru was full. So hurry while you can, because the promotion only lasts til Sunday! Perfect for a date night, or late night, this is one sweet deal :)

Have a great weekend Athens!

Julie