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We've been meaning to check out the dilapidated, historic Kent Theater down Coney Island Avenue, where -- according to differing reports -- Woody Allen went as a kid, and where he may or may not have shot, or imagined, Purple Rose of Cairo.
(Lots more discussion of all that in the comments thread at Cinema Treasures, where I found the 1973 image above.)
Fortunately Flatbush Vegan got there first, and the nostalgia value wasn't enough:
During some of the most poignant, and quiet, parts of our movie, (Pixar's "Up," not in 3-D) we could hear dialogue and very loud rumblings from the movies showing in the two other theaters. At another point, a woman walked into our theater and yelled her friend's name. Her friend, who was there with her young daughter, yelled back and once they were sitting together they chatted and also rustled a plastic bag throughout the film, apologizing when shushed but not getting any quieter.
The distractions weren't only auditory, though -- the screen had a large tear in it that was visible for the majority of the movie. Patrick had a sneaking suspicion that his chair was wet, but he was too scared to touch it to confirm his hunch....
11 Comments:
I wouldn't let the one bad review deter you from going to check it out for yourself.
I've been to the Kent several times (it's within walking distance from me), and had a perfectly pleasant experience. The tickets and concessions are cheap, and the people are nice enough. Even if the screen is smaller, I've never had anyone disrupt my movie-going experience with cellphone-talking or popcorn-throwing like I have at larger multiplexes.
My experiences at the Kent have been much more positive. And the price can't be beat.
While I like the commentary at Flatbush Vegan, I notice that more often than not it is negative criticisim. Please realize that there are obnoxious people at ANY movie theater. In general the theater was in better condition than the other discount cinemas I've been to in the city (the Ridgewood and Center Cinema in Sunnyside). I saw Rocky Horror there the other night and had a blast. Everyone was very friendly and inclusive.
History note, The Purple Rose of Cairo was filmed there. Previosly it was a twin theatre. (I saw Rocky with my Grandmother there just to date myself). After Woody Allen's film it was closed for many years before reopening as it is now, a triplex.
I love the theatre because it is nearby, super cheap and there are booster seats for my children. Bonus it tends to be much less crowded then the Pavilion.
Whitney is being kind when she says "While I like the commentary at Flatbush Vegan, I notice that more often than not it is negative criticism."
Seriously, the way Flatbush Vegan talks about New York makes me wonder why they even live here.
The Kent is what it is. If you are going on a date, or seeing a movie that you have greatly anticipated, go somewhere nice, with stadium seating and good soundproofing. If you are bored on a Wednesday and want to see a $5 movie with a friend, the Kent is perfect. It is not for the snobby!
To respond to the Flatbush Vegan, the kent is a piece of crap yes, but at 5 dollars a ticket what do you expect. I personally think it is perhaps my favorite theater in Brooklyn. Obnoxious people are at every theater. And the screens a bit small. Boo hoo. It's still a theater experience.
I love the theater, also. It always has the most recent shows and it's nearby. As far as the facility goes, it has what I like to call "low-brow charm," ie. cheap tickets and a vintage theater space/seats. If ya can't take the charm, then bugger off and move to the slope or Manhattan.
I have also had much more positive experiences at Kent Theatre. I don't hold it to high standards, but it's perfectly suitable for inexpensive movie fun. I always look before I sit (esp. on subways), and if I suspected a seat to be wet, I'd have moved. I also don't remember more than the ordinary rude movie-goers. Sometimes it's the type of film as well. I'm happy to have Kent Theatre as an option around here!
The Kent is one of the few surviving theaters in Brooklyn that I went to in the '60s and '70s. It was never considered one of the nice theaters in the area (I have a thing about
"the lost movie theaters of southeastern Brooklyn" published about 5 years ago), but it was pleasant back then. My friend lived across the street on C.I.A. and we used to walk over there from his house. We actually did see "Play It Again, Sam" there so the photo brings back good memorie.
also, where else but midwood are you gonna get kosher certified movie snacks?
I agree, the Kent is a fun family friendly theatre. I've had far more problems with the theatres in Manhattan that I have with the Kent. The price is awesome - and the film selections are pretty solid.
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