Rachael G.
Yelp
The River Oaks Theater is back!!! First, let's stop and think about how wonderful that is...
Ok, now for the review. It's nearly flawless:
Movie selection!!! Whoever is choosing the movies is doing a bang-up job. Seeing a movie you love in a theater filled with people who love the movie as much as you, it's an unmatched experience. It's something I remember from the old R.O.T. days, only now the seats are comfortable. Their schedule is so good I said "oh why not" and bought their unlimited movie (well, one a day) pass. It's $200 a year, so the math made sense. Seriously, if you're pretty sure you'll see more than one movie a month, just get it.
Live events!!! I love that they're making use of the stage. They had the George Lucas Talk Show, and Joe Bob Briggs, and looks like some more fun stuff upcoming. (The cinema savant unlimited movie subscription doesn't cover live events, of course).
Food and drinks!!! Ok I've only ordered popcorn so far, but it all looks really good. It's pricey though, so I'll probably just stick with popcorn. They have two very nice bars, one on each floor, and you can order drinks to your seat.
Now, here's the one critique I have, and it's what's keeping this from being a 5-star review. The staff is so loud in the back! They put in such an effort to move quietly throughout the theater while taking and delivering orders, so I really think maybe they don't realize how disruptive they're being. I saw a movie with a lot of quiet, intense moments - you know, like everyone in the audience is frozen watching the screen in anticipation - and the moment is ruined by raucous laughter coming from the back. Like, it really takes you out of it. Now, I have worked in the service industry, and staff camaraderie is imperative to a healthy work environment. I would never ever say how staff should behave "behind the scenes", and they do a wonderful job taking care of everyone, so I feel bad even writing this. But it bugged me enough that it makes me not want to see movies in the large theater anymore. Just something to consider.
So overall, the new iteration of the River Oaks Theater is a big win.