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The
original Fox Theater and the Music Box Theater fell victim
to the wrecking ball in 1997.
KOIN
Cinemas is now a second-run theater. Rumor has it the theater
will close in the next few years, once the lease expires.
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No one wanted to hate the new Fox Tower 10 movie theater
more than I did. Two classic theaters used to stand where
a high-rise monstrosity now jabs the sky with its mind-numbing
slate facade, the FT10 sheltering within.
With ornate moldings lining the auditorium walls, a real
balcony and an old-fashioned box office, the original Fox
Theater was a beautifully tacky movie house and throw-back
to an era of film-going that has become virtually extinct.
Though far less grand in its design, the Music Box gave
me some of my greatest moviegoing memories--anyone else
who saw Purple Rain on its opening weekend will no
doubt remember that experience as well as I do. The new
FT10 has been built on the rubble of these two fine theaters,
and has begged for my disdain.
Unfortunately, it wins my grudging praise.
In case some of you haven't figured it out yet, Fox Tower
10 is here to replace everyone's favorite arthouse multiplex,
the KOIN Cinemas. Before all you purists start getting your
underwear in a bunch, keep in mind that the KOIN sucked.
Yes, they frequently offered a great selection of foreign,
art and independent film, but the auditoriums themselves
were crap. Cramped and uncomfortable--especially the first
theater on the left--the KOIN provided a miserable film-watching
experience barely better than catching a movie on a plane.
So, the question on everyone's mind--or at least the film
geeks that I know--is simple: How does FT10 stack up compared
to other Regal theaters?
Let's start with the bad stuff. The lobby of FT10 is sterile
and lifeless. Posters and the scent of popcorn are the only
things that differentiate it from the entrance to any other
office building or an airport. And speaking of popcorn,
it tasted stale even though it was freshly popped. The other
treats at the concession stand are typical--overpriced snacks
marked up 500 percent. The lack of Dr. Pepper at the soda
fountain says that even though FT10 is supposed to be "the
perfect venue for showcasing alternative film" there's a
disturbing lack of cultural sophistication at the snack
bar.
The auditoriums are where FT10 scores big points. Stadium
seating means no more craning your neck to see over the
head in front of you. Thanks to the extra leg room between
rows, there's no more getting up to allow people to squeeze
past you. The rocking-style chairs are bigger--providing
ample buttock room--and more comfortable than standard theater
seats. The armrests, complete with built-in cup holders
for your overpriced, over-iced soft drinks, can be raised
or lowered.
Regal puts its best foot forward with FT10. Besides the
comfortable auditoriums, films are in focus, sound is excellent
and the bathrooms are clean--all strange and wondrous to
Regal's regular patrons. With a little luck, things will
stay that way. Now if Hollywood could just make a movie
worth dropping $7 on, there would be reason to go to the
Fox Tower 10.
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