[JohnnyM]

Barbara and I went to see Gran Torino tonight. We got there two hours before the show started to get our tickets early and have a drink at the square. We walked up to the window and a sign read Gran Torino Sold Out. There were 6 people in line ahead of us in the same group. The lady asked if they were residents and they said no. They got in to see Doubt. We got to the window and had to buy tickets for Sunday at 1:00pm as all shows were sold out. My question is why can't the movie house's be for residents only during the winter months. If seats are available 30 minutes of so before the show begins then non-residents can have at it. Katie Belles is for residents only and they are not losing any money because of it. I don't think either movie house would lose either. Has any one else been shut out of a movie? Anyway we got a drink, looked at the old auto show which was also mobbed and danced a little. Not a bad night afterall.....

[Villages Kahuna]

If you owned the local theatres--and we all know who owns them--would you agree to such a rule? As a business, the idea is to sell as many seats as possible, to whomever has the money to buy the tickets. For every seat that was "saved" for residents and then wasn't sold to a non-resident, that's lost revenue to the theatre owner.

I suppose if the residents would agree to fund the losses associated with such a policy as an addition to their amenity fee, as owner I might consider such a rule change. But there's no chance of that happening either.

For the hot flicks "in season" it looks like an early arrival is the only answer.

[Bryan]

I actually disagree with the Kahuna about the changes of that rule change happening. I think there are three chances it will happen - FAT, SLIM and NONE!

[redwitch]

Sorry, Johnny, but on this one I think you're not being fair. Local businesses need local visitors as much as they do snowbirds and frogs. Those of us who do live in TV should get priority on those things we pay for through our amenity fees -- so far as I know, the theaters and the squares are not paid for out of those fees. Heck, I think they should be allowed into Katie Belle's, but it is a private club and the owners have a right to make their own rules. It is THEIR business, not mine.

Non-residents do pay a higher fee to golf, bowl, see a movie. If they don't object to paying a bit more to use the facilities, if they're willing to spend their hard-earned money here to help TV businesses stay afloat, who are we to say they should be treated like second-class citizens?

[billethkid]

hit movies.....because I never go until they have been out for at least 2 weeks...
Same as not watch television programs when aired...I DVR everything I want to watch....then do not have to put up with 1/3 of the time watching commercials.

We are retired....relax....

If it were not for the non residents we would be paying more for most things than we do today. Everything has a solution during the peak seasons.....TIMING!!!!!!!!!!!!

BTK

[JohnnyM]

Thanks, after reading all of your posts I must agree. Non-residents do pay a higher cost and the year balances itself out when snowbirds go home. As BTK said "Timing". I will never try to go on a weekend and will wait until the picture is in it's death throes at the box office before we attempt to go. Learning process for rookies, I guess. I'm a learn'n!

JohnnyM? The theaters in Palm Harbor and Oldsmar I used to frequent would have private screenings of movies for groups of people. Like for birthday parties, business functions, church groups, and school outings. Maybe, this would be something to approach the Villages' theater managers about?

I know that I have had private screenings so to speak of various movies-- even though I am sure that the Villages' theaters' managers did not want it that way- when I have been the only person at some screenings like with The Exorcism of Emily Rose a few years ago at the Old Mill Playhouse in the biggest auditorium which sits around 300.

Come to think of it seen them set up for special showings of movies at Old Mill Playhouse. Red Hatters maybe???

Maybe, TOTV could at some point book something like this but of course you would need to fill the seats.

[JohnnyM]

Tal, a great idea for true movie goer's. BTW we just got back from the 1:05pm viewing (sounds like a wake) of Gran Torino. We got there one hour early and we were the 4th couple in line. By the time they let us into the theater the line curled around the lobby and went well out into the street. Needless to say there wasn't an empty seat available. On the way out, we passed by another line that had formed for the next showing, also out into the street. It was a very good film and fine acting by Clint and supporting cast.

[SABRMnLgs]

Maybe the Villages hasn't caught up to technical improvements yet, but here's what happened back home.
You went to the side of the theatre. There was a machine that accepted money for the show. Green ticket for an adult, blue ticket for a child and red ticket for a senior.
Put your money in, the ticket came out with change and you went to the front door. The ticket taker then took your ticket. First come, first serve.
Course, that was years ago. I haven't gone to a movie theatre in probably 10-15 years. Many reasons why. Cost, you no longer can bring your own pop or snacks, etc. I think the last movie I physically went to watch was one of the Star Wars flicks only because of the sound system.

[jtdraig]

Not being one for crowds and having no particular need to be the first on my street to see a new movie, I wait for a couple of weeks when the euphoria is over. I then go see either a morning movie or an early afternoon movie...much more civilized and enjoyable.

[conn8757]

We went to this movie last weekend and really enjoyed it - but we are Clint Eastwood fans. He is still a very good actor. I still enjoy going out to the movies, but have to admit I also like to rent them on the tv and eat popcorn at home in my jammies. It is hard to find ones we both like since Joe doesn't like the chick flicks and I hate the ones with cussing every other word or extremely violent. We also enjoyed Appaloosa as a rental on tv this past weekend.