Plaza Theatre

I recently visited the Plaza Theatre in Ponce City Street, and I absolutely loved the experience. This vintage cinema has such a cozy, nostalgic charm that instantly makes you feel at home. The atmosphere is intimate, the staff is friendly, and the overall vibe is a perfect blend of old-school and artsy. What really stood out to me was their film selection — from timeless classics and Hollywood hits to international gems and independent films, there’s truly something for every kind of moviegoer. It’s a refreshing break from the typical movie theater experience and a haven for true film enthusiasts. Highly recommend checking it out if you’re in the area. I’ll definitely be back!

I love seeing these types of nostalgic theaters still around. I went for the ATL film festival for Saturday Morning Cartoons. It was fun. Clean and comfy theater seats. The area is nice and there's lots to do after watching a show. Parking in front is limited but there's more behind the buildings.

I'm so glad places like this still exist. The staff was nice and friendly, the whole place was clean af, and the snacks were priced so reasonably I nearly cried. They also have a vintage photo booth which took some awesome photos of us and served as a great memory of our Sunday afternoon at the theater! If you love retro things, you gotta come here. Even during the previews before the film I was grinning from NOSTALGIA!! Such cool retro ads ("let's all go to the lobby" was in my head all day) played along with cool edits of movies to promote upcoming events. Cannot wait to come back here!!

An old Atlantan historical theater brought back to life. Very nostalgic and cozy. I like the old monster movies with the Silver Screen Spoke Show Professor Morte is entertaining. 🧀 I Don’t go as often as I like and you can get a mixed drinks too! It’s a win win

Best theatre in town! Parking is free - grab your license plate number and use the QR code inside for complementary parking. Snag a piece of their merch while you’re there :)

This place is a real blast from the past! I love that they now have alcohol at the concessions - and that you can purchase tickets online, then scan a QR code when you enter to print then out... But beyond that, it's very much the same experience of going to the movies that I remember from 40 years ago 🤓

Let me just say, I love this place. Me and a friend spent the whole evening there and I turned one more person to The Plaza Theatre today, and you should come visit whenever you have a chance. The Plaza celebrated their 85th year this year, so stop by to support this great place. I'm glad to add another great review here, as this place is an Atlanta landmark for sure. We made our own double feature today seeing "Wildcat" and "Challengers." The setting is very intimate and we enjoyed the drinks, popcorn and snacks here while we watched the two movies here. The place is historic, with old posters throughout, great staff, clean bathrooms, and comfortable seating to help you enjoy your interest in some great cinema. I am posting some pictures of the theater before the showings for everyone to get a feel for this place. It is truly amazing every time so check out their website for all of the cool feature films that they have in rotation. Support this Atlanta institution :)

This is an old theater, but it's one of my favorite places to go with my girlfriend and our friends. The staff is fantastic and I love seeing films in 35mm. They also do several shadow cast performances as well which are a lot of fun! I highly recommend it!

Date: October 2024 Service: 5/5 There wasn't much staff around besides the concession stand. I did receive a great service there. Prices: 5/5 $12 for one glass Fanta, and I believe a medium popcorn. Ambiance: 5/5 You have to see this for yourself. Too cool and old-school. Loved the waiting room that leads into the restrooms, love the photo booth and the hallway and all of the really huge mirrors. Theater doors appear to be named after famous people within the film industry. Super cool and lots of photo ops. Taste/Textures: 5/5 Listen , the Buffalo seasoning for the popcorn was something truly amazing. 10 out of 10. I enjoyed the Fanta in the glass bottle. It's giving nostalgia. Value:5/5 TLDR: Attended my first movie premiere at this vintage movie theater. Really enjoyed the campy vibes and my $12 popcorn and Fanta.

This place is amazing! I happened to be traveling and wanted to watch a newly released movie. I was really excited for the unexpected interior decoration, nostalgic and deliberately thought through. Truly a local gem.

Although I am an Atlanta native, I visited the Plaza Theatre for the first time this week to watch a new Latvian animated film, Flow (highly recommend!). The theatre has a very historic feel to it, but it is very well kept! The staff is absolutely wonderful. They've hosted a bunch of film festivals and show a lot of older movies and indie films. I look forward to visiting again soon!

A quaint little movie theater in the Virginia Highlands. We never really went here until the European Film Festival. They had the normal film concessions. Service was friendly and we will be back for future events.

The Plaza Theater is a Georgia gem. The restored theater is beautiful. The movies that are shown are pristine. The history behind this treasured place is remarkable. I would as that everyone who ever loved movies pay a visit to the Plaza Theater. the staff is warm and welcoming. The alternative programs are definitely a treat. Its 23 year and still going run of The Rocky Horror Picture Show by LDOD is a must see.

I stumbled upon this theater while shopping next door and just had to check it out! I spoke with a couple of the workers and learned that it actually holds a bit of history. The concessions were pretty standard compared to other theaters, but I did find it super cool they had a pretty wide alcohol selection! I didn't attend a movie while I dropped in, so I'm unable to speak about the movie watching experience. I toured the lobby and around the plaza, they have such cool decorations. I'll update my review when I attend a movie!

I can't believe it took me years to go to this treasure. Went here to experience EatAVision for the first time where they serve movie-related food items and tonight's showing was Elf. I bought my tickets online ($15+fees for adults, not sure how much are children tickets), so I didn't have to fall in line and wait if there's a queue. Everything was seamless as soon as our QR code was scanned. Don't expect to watch the newest movies out in theaters since this place shows mostly older films. You feel welcomed and their staff is great. They even have beer/wine/liquor at the concession stand, with the typical fare of pop corn and candy. The theater where we watched the movie was beautiful with a small stage and the curtains around the screen. I felt like I time traveled for awhile. I was very impressed with the comfort of the seats and the arm rests had drink holders as well. I can't wait to tell all my friends on my experience at Plaza Theater and certainly looking forward to many more movie nights at this wonderful theater.

Lovely fun theatre in a great area. There are lots of food, music and bar options within walking distance of the theatre. Check the website for parking info if you are driving. Lyft was the perfect choice for us. We got some great tips from the driver on what we could do after the movie

Great place to see vintage films. A great job on the remodel. Every time I'm in town I check to see what's showing.

Love it here, BUT...the assigned seating has to go folks. It's annoying AF. Go back to how you previously had it. If I have to sit in front of someone super tall or with big hair or hat, or loudly chomping on their popcorn, and can't see the screen or want to hear, you're penalizing me for wanting to be able to see the movie I paid for. However, thanks for being a host to the Atlanta Film Festival and Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and making it through Covid.

The midnight showing of Rocky Horror Picture show on Halloween weekend at the Plaza was something I loved to do with my friends in the 90's and 00's. I went back this year and it was amazing. The Plaza is a much cleaner and nicer place than it was in the 90's but still so much fun. The cast was amazing and it is still a fun experience. It was my husband's first time seeing RHPS and he loved it. The movie is still terrible

Great option for an old fashioned theater experience. From a showing of When Harry Met Sally on Valentine's Day to my first ever Rocky Horror Picture Show experience to my recent viewing of Everything Everywhere all at Once, I found it to be a perfect place to see a classic or a new masterpiece. The intimate setting makes it my hands down place for me to watch a movie in Atlanta. I'm surprised that it never feels crowded considering it's in such a cool location in Atlanta. My partner and I love to get dinner at Ponce City Market or a nearby restaurant and then go to see a movie after. Can't forget Jenis ice cream right there for after the show! I definitely encourage everyone to support this movie theater!

Upon my arrival to Atlanta, my friends took me here! Such a wonderful old school and unique theatre! Friendly staff and great experience. At the time of my visit the theatre was showing Rocky Horror Picture Show. The crew did an amazing job interacting with the audience and interacting within the movie scenes itself. There's beeer!!!!! So much different beer at a reasonable price. Hard liquor is also available. Candy and popcorn too! The large popcorn is $0.50 more, but free refills. Get the large! Seats aren't the most comfortable, but it fits within the atmosphere. I would love to see more shows at this theater! Until next time, Atlanta!

The theater is a theater. It is small and there aren't a huge amount of showings. The parking is an issue. The strip has other stores so parking is shared. You can park I. The back of the building or pay to park, but be reminded it is a limit of two hours in paid parking. The area is quite busy so I definitely wouldn't attempt a movie in the 4-6 pm. Time frame.

Very disappointing experience. I went this afternoon because they were having a screening of Blacula to celebrate the 50th anniversary and to kick off the Halloween related screenings. I was so excited about it I took off work only to be told that the film was being shown on their second screen which was tiny. I received a free pass instead of a refund, I doubt I'll ever use it. I want to support independent movie theaters but this was ridiculous, I most likely won't return.

Finally got around to seeing a flick here. The whole experience screams "movie geek," in the most positive sense. Looking forward to their next 70mm film since I have only had that experience once or twice in my four decades of filmgoing.

This theatre holds a special place for being entertaining and makes the the patrons feel welcomed

Beautiful old theater. I believe this is the longest standing independent. The exterior and interior equally great. Traffic was brutal in this area, one downside.

I had no idea how fun this would be! Great bar, clean seats and cup holder arms that flip up. Not the "sofa" style of the AMC but so old school that I plan to come more often. And the volume isn't set to deafening. Parking at church - or lot in front or behind. Score! Such a gem.

The Plaza Theatre opened in 1939 and is Atlanta's longest continuously operating movie theater. I don't know what it is about this place, but I love it. I think it's the old school charm. It's a historic theater. Watching a movie here is like taking a step back in time and watching a movie on the big screen decades ago. The theater is independently owned. It's not a mainstream movie theater, but a theater that specializes in independent, specialty, documentary, and art house films as well as classics and contemporary classics. The theater is listed by some publications as one of the top movie theaters in the world. In 2013, the Plaza Theatre became the home of the Atlanta Film Festival. The theater is located in the Briarcliff Plaza (a.k.a. Ponce de Leon Plaza) shopping center at the corner of Ponce de Leon and N Highland in the Poncey-Highland neighborhood. This is the same plaza that has Urban Outfitters and the Majestic Diner. It's very close to Midtown, Virginia-Highland, and Little Five Points. I love the art deco storefront with its bright neon lights and the movie titles displayed prominently up top. The theater is small. It only has two screens. It was a single screen theater until 1983 when the balcony was converted for a second screen. You have to take a set of stairs in order to reach the second auditorium. I'm not sure if it's handicap accessible. The theater is clean and functional. It has a rustic smell, kind of like an old library. It's a simple theater with a small concession stand and even a wine bar. The concession prices aren't outrageous, but they aren't cheap either: Popcorn Small - $4.75 Medium - $5.50 Large - $6.00 Soft drinks Small - $3.75 Medium - $4.00 Large - $4.50 For complete concession menu and pricing, see: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/plaza-theatre-atlanta-2#5MoY5HMLfKz24tic08cdLQ. Movie ticket prices vary. I would say expect to spend $10-12 per ticket for most films. The auditoriums don't have modern stadium-style seating arrangements, so it's possible moviegoers sitting in front of you will block part of the screen. The seats are surprisingly comfy, however, though there are no cup holders. I like how the walls of the hallway leading to the auditoriums are decorated with various movie posters, mostly of vintage, independent, or cult classic films. Also located throughout the building are cardboard cutouts of some of the original 1977 Star Wars characters (e.g. Han Solo, Luke Skywalker). The folks who work here seem nice enough. Also, the customers of this theater aren't your typical movie-going crowd. Since the films shown here are more specialized and geared towards specific audiences, fellow moviegoers tend to share similar enthusiasms and interests, which makes the atmosphere feel more like a neighborhood or community theater. Free parking is available directly in front of the theater. There is another free parking lot located behind the Majestic.

This theater is all kinds of funky and weird! Why? It's funky because... - For one.. it has CURTAINS! (i.e. when you sit down in the theater the curtains open). Haven't seen that in a long time! - They have bizarro soda: Buffalo Wing flavored soda and Bacon flavored soda. I passed .. but maybe YOU should be the judge of which is better. - There are NO previews! The movie just.. starts. Also, - Tickets are so cheap! ($10 per adult) - Some parking in the parking lot, more parking on the side streets - Publix is right next door, pickup some snacks!

It's small and considered a relic but I like nostalgia every now and then. Wasn't there to see a movie but rather a video premiere for gospel artist Trinity Dawson. Received a complimentary small popcorn and soft drink. Loved the neon lighting, interior decor and the old projectors that were propped in various areas. Long live these old movie houses!

Our family has been in hard core quarantine since March of 2020. We were so delighted to find a fun drive-in move theater hosted by the Plaza. We went on Halloween to see Rocky Horror Picture Show in the Plaza's back lot. We had so much fun going out for the first time in months in a safe, responsible way. The Plaza even had an option for concessions to be delivered to our parking spot. I cannot say thank you enough for having this option. We will be back.

Used to love this place. Squeaky, rocking overly padded retro seats, old fashioned snack bar, and balcony theater was really cool. It's seems they've now gone Covid rabid. No entrance without vaccination proof or recent test, or, for 15 bucks you can get tested THERE. All this has definitely cut into tickets sales which are now $20 bucks to compensate for lost business. My advice, get there 30 minutes before showtime...or drive down the road 2 miles to see the same movie for 30% less And no hassles. If you choose this place, go sooner than later - it'll be out of business soon...shame.

Love this theater, hate the rocky horror show. And I'm not talking about the movie, I'm talking about how it is presented. A bunch of fanboys shouting things they think is funny, but isn't. I couldn't even pay attention to the movie or hear any of the dialogue without someone yelling in my ear stupid jokes that are apparently part of the show. I love going to see old movies here but will never return for this.

The Plaza Theatre is the perfect place to catch a classic movie (think Halloween) - or a new one that's a little more out there! The theatre provides comfortable chairs - and there really isn't a bad seat in the house. There's even free parking in front of and behind the theatre. If you're a movie lover living in or visiting Atlanta, make time to catch a flick at the Plaza. You won't regret it.

Perhaps when I have time, I'll post an update, but after trying to give them the benefit of the doubt for the past year-plus, I'll just refer you to the review by Chris L: http://www.yelp.com/biz/plaza-theatre-atlanta-2?hrid=_p3QLC_gPRBgQdDwc5IxHA and this forum thread featuring Plaza owner and master of social media, Michael Furlinger: http://www.bigscreenbiz.com/forums/502-movie-theaters/39-the-lobby/topic/page-1.html?id=39333

I've always found the Plaza Theater to be quite charming - chalk it up to the retro decor and vibe, I love it. Its lobby walls are lined with vintage movie posters and modern classics alike. The Plaza Theater houses only one auditorium - a fairly large one though - filled with rows of comfy, leather seats. My absolute favorite feature of the Plaza Theater though is the curtains - they still employ the open/close curtain tradition for every screening! My second favorite feature is their concession stand, possibly the best concessions in Atlanta - definitely the most reasonably priced - and it might be because of that, that I find everything offered to be the best tasting: the popcorn, the hotdogs, the newly served Cheerwine...The Plaza isn't completely old fashioned however, there's a very comfortable seating area outside the restrooms, complete with a flat screen tv. Now that's a waiting area. If you're hitting up the Plaza to see the latest blockbuster though, I wouldn't count on it being there - though there have been more "mainstream" showings as of late. Like the Tara Theater on Cheshire Bridge, the Plaza's main focus are independent and foreign movies - they most recently hosted a few selections from the Atlanta Film Festival. And of course their most infamous showing is the Rocky Horror Show - it's actually a live play, and while I haven't had the opportunity to see it yet, I know it's a must!

Went for a Saturday show. Theatre was super clean and staff was very nice. Also enjoyed that every other row was blocked off.

How is it that I've never reviewed The Plaza? I LOVE this place. Comfortable yet avant-garde. Classic and simply excellent. If there were a sixth-star, I would give it. This is an Atlanta treasure--a genuine experience of excellence among so many other landmarks which seem to celebrate mediocrity. The Plaza has has an amazing history. They have been in business since 1939, making it the oldest continually operating movie theater in Atlanta. And these days, after flirting with financial ruin and undergoing an excellent renovation, The Plaza is dedicated to showing independent, foreign, and art-house movies. This is where I first saw _Pi_, and later _Memento_. This is where people still do the _Rocky Horror_ thing (at midnight, every Friday). Splatter Cinema does their shows here. And you can even rent the place out for your own screening. The concessions stand is perhaps the best I've ever seen. You don't need to take any financing just to acquire a beverage. The last time I was there, I saw a bar. (But I think they're still waiting for a license?) The Plaza is where people who love CINEMA go. I've never had to contend with screaming infants, sticky floors, bathtub-sized popcorn buckets, or cellphone-wielding narcissists here. Okay, I've run into the occasional hipster, but they're mostly harmless, anyway. I'm looking forward to my next trip here. Holler if you're coming with.

Staff is always super friendly here. We went to see a 70mm film and it was a great experience. Seats are comfier than expected for a historic theatre and the snack offering are extensive. While I've seen other reviews fussy over it, I can appreciate the efforts made to ensure safety. When you buy tickets from their website it outlines everything you need to bring for documentation.

Wow, 17 years in Atlanta and I just recently went to the Plaza Theatre for the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Shameful! This place is a gem. Great concessions, great bar, comfortable seats, friendly staff and reasonable ticket prices. The interaction with the show was a blast! Definitely, plan to come here for some independent movies and special screenings. Nice to go to a single screen theatre instead of a megaplex for a change. Plaza Theatre rocks!

This is my favorite place on this planet. The theater reminds me of the theaters that I used to go to whenever I was a kid, the same smell, the same look, everything. They are always playing different films, and they usually play older films as well. Once a month they will do a viewing of "The Room," which is an absolute must do for anybody. There aren't too many places like this left in the world, and you have to go. Another cool thing about them is that they actually reply to you on their Facebook page.

Beautiful old theater playing unique movies. Nice concessions options at regular, movie-theater prices. The only downside is limited parking, but we are usually able to find a place in the front lot. If you're looking for a unique date night in Atlanta, this is a great place to visit.

The other great indie theater in Atlanta, along with Midtown Art. This place has without question the cheapest tickets you can find (I believe last time I went I paid $6 student price, which is unheard of these days). It's a very old location, so you're definitely not paying to go into the THX-loaded super-swank multiplex that is so common now. The main viewing room has huge red curtains on a stage and a kind of haunted ballroom feel to the ambience. It feels more like a place you would have gone to in the 70's. The seats are deep and lean way back, so not the most comfortable seating, but you get used to it. The other viewing room (there are only 2 here, which obviously limits the repetoire, but they usually are showing something no one else in town is) is upstairs and a little smaller, and makes me feel like I'm hidden off somewhere, which I also like. Friday nights at midnight they play Rocky Horror every week, which I'm not into, but it's always awesome to be next door at the Righteous Room to watch the line of freaks in their bondage gear and whatnot showing up to put on another show. I always like to see a movie here because it feels like nowhere else, but if your date is a priss, take her on over to Atlantic Station.

Purchased tickets on fandango to see, "The Beguiled" on June 20th 2017, we wanted to see the Sofia Coppola version which was promoted on the fandango website and when we got to the plaza theater, we were shocked to see it was the clint eastwood version, which was not what we wanted. The manager couldn't give us a refund since we purchased tickets on fandango and have been in contact with the owner of the plaza theater and fandango, but in order to get a refund from fandango, they require the manager or owner call them. Unfortunately it's over a month now and i'm pretty sure i'm not getting a refund. I feel like they totally did this on purpose, because the 2017 beguiled was being released a few days after the 20th and me being new to the city, didn't know that this particular theater specifically shows older movies, but on fandango's website the tickets that we purchased and in the description of the movie we thought we were seeing was suppose to be Sofia Coppola's, not Clint Eastwoods. Never again!

I used to take the family to this theater when the previous owner had the Saturday Spook Show and other family-friendly entertainment. It also featured interesting foreign flicks and movies seldom seen in mainstream theaters. I still remember taking the family to see the old Creature of the Black Lagoon in 3D. The repertoire under the current owner had slid downward and is no longer family-friendly. In fact, much of it is disgusting. I went to a showing of an old Italian sci-fi flick the other day with my son. The theater's idea of "humor" was to give microphones to three locals in order to lampoon the movie during its entirety. Offensive to my son were the countless sexual wisecracks, especially the ones alluding to homosexuality. We walked out a few minutes into this tom-foolery. The Plaza Theatre is a glorious venue. Let us hope some new owners can bring it back to popularity by cleaning up the entertainment shown there.

I love the Vintage feel to this place. At the time they were still running 35mm prints, but now I believe they are digital. Everything (interiors) is still original! Pricing is fair and the staff is very friendly.

Attending Living Wall Conference. Awesome discussion about public spaces, art, and integration of life. Continues tonight and Sunday. The theatre itself is an old moviehouse, that probably isn't used for current movies anymore. This theatre has seen better days. However, the bathrooms are clean.

This place is one of the things I miss the most about living in Atlanta! Such blissful memories here with my family. To seeing It's A Wonderful Life during the Christmas season, to Rocky Horror Live, this place is something really special! Recommend it to anyone who loves the classics and feeling like you're transported back in time...

Went here on a weeknight to see Ghostbusters with friends. I can't believe I've lived in the neighborhood for 3 years and had never experienced this gem until now! They only show old movies and indie flicks, which makes for something more interesting than your usual dinner and a movie. It was about $11 for the movie, but we were literally the only people in the theater - so I guess they have to pay theirs bills somehow. They actually waited for us to get seated before starting the film, talk about good service! So glad I got to see the Stay Puft marshmallow man stomping around on the big screen. Also, they serve booze. All around, an awesome place.

I can't believe I've been in Atlanta so long and have just seen my first movie in this gem. You know you're in "an original" when you first walk in. There's a "lounge" area outside the restrooms with some unique pieces from the old cinema days from enormous projectors to a few pieces that scream "golden days of Hollywood." The theatre itself is large enough (even has a balcony!) with comfortable seats and is very clean. A unique spot and a must see to see how a theatre used to be - in a very good way.

Tickets are only $10.00 at the Plaza and $7.50 before 5 pm . Lawrence of Arabia was $15.00 be because it was a 4 hour movie .

01-26-14 EDIT: My what a difference a year makes. For those of you that might not know, the Plaza was sold in late 2012. I had high hopes; the previous owners had their hearts in the right place, but were simply over their heads. This was only exacerbated with the studios forced migration to DCP (Digital Cinema Projection). What does that mean? It means a theater that was struggling day-to-day was asked to invest about 20 grand in new projection equipment or not be able to play new movies. Might as well have been a billion. It was sell it or close it, and it would be a damn shame to lose such a landmark location. So it was sold to a theater owner in North Carolina (IIRC) that specialized in buying small, local theaters and restoring them. Great! Now the Plaza will stay open AND get some much-needed funding put into it. It did get some nice upgrades; new paint, repaired neon, new chairs, new concessions, etc. Fantastic! What's NOT to like. Just about everything else. The Silver Scream Spook Show? Dead. Run out of town. Why? Ask the theater and they'll say the guys who run it are too busy. Ask the guys who run it and they'll tell you the new manager basically told them to pound sand and "blows in regards to community relations". Splatter Cinema? On it's last legs. I talked to the guy that runs it and attendance has been way down. You can see the defeat in his voice as his pet project dies on the vine. Two fantastic Atlanta favorites dead or dying. What a shame. But what about regular movies? Indie movies? That has to be great, right? I mean, they got new everything? That would be great if it wasn't hooked up to a Goddamn DVD player, especially when they lied about it. The last time I went to the Plaza was when they announced "Chopping Mall". I was incredibly excited knowing that the movie recently got a 2K digital restoration. I asked on their Facebook "is this the newly remastered edition"? "Yes!" I was told emphatically. What did I get? A full frame DVD you can buy on Amazon for 6 bucks that I paid $10 to see. It's like trying to sell a Porche powered by the spare lighter fluid you have in your Zippo. I can go on and on about a bunch of other situations like that; like how they were charging $150~ for all the Bond movies that were just Blu-Rays. Or how he constantly talks ill of other small theaters in the area (poor taste, dude). Or how he ritually bans people from Facebook. What a real class act. So congratulations, Plaza Theater. You got a facelift and all it cost you was your heart.

After having my very polite comments regarding censorship deleted I decided to put up a review on The Plaza's Facebook page. The owner then personally found me and sent me this message: http://imgur.com/02DAJcl Past employees have gone on record stating the current owner is not fond of Atlanta, or his business' patrons. He has started media wars with both Regal and The Fox. He is rude to his customers. He allows for misinformation to be spread, or flat out lies about the content playing. Numerous times I have paid $10 or more for what was insinuated to be a print of an old film only to be met with a DVD viewing. He has burned bridges with people who worked very hard to keep The Plaza unique. I really hope the momentum of bad business practice leads this guy to either sell or become a silent partner.

My girlfriend took me to see Rocky Horror for the first time. It was an experience.......Great old-school indie theater with an old school bar. It reminds me of movie theaters in Pittsburgh. I hope to be back soon.

Do NOT come to the Plaza expecting: -a new release -high quality surround sound or perfectly clean film -stadium seating, much less comfortable, well placed seating -quiet fellow audience members -to use your credit card Do expect: -to have a fun, often interactive, time -to see a movie you haven't seen in ages, or that was on the big screen before you were born -to come back again and again -1 star for the prices. I know it's become routine these days, but who decided it was okay to charge $8-$10 for a movie ticket?!

Hey, are you a fan of old-timey theaters and human-sized buckets of popcorn and soda? What about Bettie Page and Hot Wing flavored soda pop? Yes hot wings. Well, then you're weird and you'll probably love Plaza Theater. Which I kind of did. Despite having lived down the street from the place a few years back, in addition to frequent visits to Urban Outfitters, Buffalo Exchange and the Majestic, I've never actually visited this place. But, hey, thanks to free stuff! I got to visit for the first time today, to watch the season premiere of Girls. The show was aight. But I loved the outright, yet earnest, kookiness of this space. Now, apparently, there's been some remodeling and sprucing up, but I don't know what the before looked like. Anywho, the place did look nice and the seats were comfortable. Be warned that these aren't stadium seats, so, if you sit further in the back, you'll only have a slightly more elevated view of the screen. One thing I did appreciate was the bevy of chocolates. I happen to be surfing the crimson tide (TMI?), and was craving some chocolate mad hard. Well they had about a dozen or so chocolate bars and I immediately picked out the maple bacon flavor because I also like bacon. They had plenty of flavors, but the names seem to have escaped me at the moment. As far as movie selection goes, The Rocky Horror Show seems to a popular viewing, but from what I've seen, they also play independent films.

I will freely admit that I'm a sucker for places like the Plaza Theater. Tiny, little Davids battle corporate-backed Goliaths with their THX sound and their massive screens and their comfortable stadium seating. Stupid, sexy stadium seating. There are only two screens at the Plaza. They have a large screen where, in choosing your seating, be sure to test out your chairs before plopping your overweight 21st century self down on them. Every other seat is about 70 years old and will hold up your body weight like most 70 year olds; the middle ones have seen the most action, so be extra careful there. The Plaza also has a "Balcony" screen, a much smaller area where someone long ago repurposed the theater's original balcony area to hold its own screen. I've actually seen home theaters larger than this area, but it has its charms. So yes, Plaza is pretty threadbare, the seats are worn out and barely on a rake, and the upper level occasionally smells like a foot farted stale popcorn. The thing is, Plaza management knows all that and, in fact, plays it up. Rather than competing directly with the Googleplex down the street, they show specialty and indie movies and have fun film festivals where B-moves abound. And yes, that staple for high school theater geeks everywhere, The Rocky Horror Picture Show still plays here. Besides, movies here are still relatively cheap. (It saddens these old bones when I say $7.50 ticket prices "cheap." Back in my day...) Every city needs to have a theater like the Plaza--thoroughly, unapologetically backassward and spitting in the face of modernity. (Suck it, Modernity!) Viva la Plaza Theater! And did I mention the original Galaga and Ms. Pacman machines they've got in the back?