[retiredguy123]

I would rather watch a movie at home. No distractions. At the theater, a lot of people cannot show up on time, be quiet, and turn off their cell phones. Apparently, theater management cannot or will not control these things. It seems as though they could at least not allow anyone to enter after the movie starts, and remove people who use a cell phone.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by Professor

, but the developer can do better than this.

[Rodneysblue]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I would rather watch a movie at home. No distractions. At the theater, a lot of people cannot show up on time, be quiet, and turn off their cell phones. Apparently, theater management cannot or will not control these things. It seems as though they could at least not allow anyone to enter after the movie starts, and remove people who use a cell phone.

Wow, and maybe we shouldn’t let people get up and go to the restroom too. NOT!

[Topspinmo]

I thought developers owns building’s and leases them out? Wait two weeks and there will be no lines.

[GpaVader]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I would rather watch a movie at home. No distractions. At the theater, a lot of people cannot show up on time, be quiet, and turn off their cell phones. Apparently, theater management cannot or will not control these things. It seems as though they could at least not allow anyone to enter after the movie starts, and remove people who use a cell phone.

How do you tell the difference between someone arriving late or returning to their seat after using the restroom? We are an aging population.... Cell phones are a problem and need to be silenced and not used in the theatre.

We went to see Top Gun on Saturday. Had no issues getting tickets or finding decent seats. They do need to have another person at the concession stand.

My 2 cents worth is that they are at a crossroads with them where they need to invest some money to improve them. Better screens, sounds and recliners. My biggest complaint is the seats and the spacing. The guy in front of you reclines into your knees and the guy behind you is kicking the seat, not to mention the people in the middle of the isle having to get up for a bio break. You already have the theatre in Brownwood closed up, renovate it. Then take care of the Old Mill. I won't mention Spanish Springs because I don't know if they even know what they are going to do with the place.

[Bilyclub]

Originally Posted by Investment Painting Contractors

Since the theaters are "Leased" commercial property what does the Developer have to do with their hiring practices?

Are you sure about that? The Old Mill Playhouse appears to be run by TV, just like Lazy Mac's and the Fenney Grill.

Spencer Novak, executive director of hospitality for The Villages, said it feels fantastic to be reopening.

“Old Mill Playhouse has a central location for The Villages residents. (This) gave us the opportunity to open Lazy Mac’s at the same time,” Novak said.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by Love2Swim

I agree its sad they are not using the theaters. People bought houses looking at the available amenities, and having a theater close by is a positive thing for some people. I went to Old Mill Run theater yesterday, got there at 10:30 for an 11:00 show, and it was a zoo, with long lines running out the door. I just turned around and went home. Will try again a different day. I don't know what the population of the Villages is right now, 150,000? If so, one operational theater doesn't cut it.

I wonder about people. We are retired. If, crowded, come back another day.
As far as showing a movie in a closed theater, the theater does not buy a movie they pay for the right to show it. Any business there is an art to proper capacity. No wait for say TOP GUN, would mean you loose money the rest of the year.

[Papa_lecki]

Not to mention, some percent of the population will continue to be scared to be indoors.

Maybe revive the drive in concept, for golf carts?

[Taltarzac725]

I had to sit at the very front row at The Lost City. It was a Monday though. This was a few months ago.

Originally Posted by DAVES

I wonder about people. We are retired. If, crowded, come back another day.
As far as showing a movie in a closed theater, the theater does not buy a movie they pay for the right to show it. Any business there is an art to proper capacity. No wait for say TOP GUN, would mean you loose money the rest of the year.

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by Professor

Interesting that we have 3 movie theaters in The Villages and only one is being used. Eight Screens might work for the run of the mill movie day, but when you have a screen release like Top Gun - Maverick, things get messy quickly. This weekend was a good example...lines were clear out the door into Lazy Mac's multiple times while individuals waited for the next showing of the movie to begin seating. Purchasing tickets was a long process as well due to the crowds. Only one person was working the concession stand and that was also swamped. With so many other screens sitting idle in the other two movie houses it would seem like one of them could be utilized to handle this onslaught of interest.

I know help is hard to find but The Villages seems to find the people when they need them. It was just poor use of the facilities we have in this community in my opinion.

The management at Old Mill Playhouse did their best to keep things organized so I compliment them on their handling of a stressful situation, but the developer can do better than this.

1st good movie(and good reviews) to come out in a long time. Suspect that in < a week, they will be back to the new norm(empty)

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by salpal

I suspect that part of the reason for closing the theaters is the increasing use of Netflix, Prime, HBO, etc.

The MAIN reason is they aren't making money partly due to what you wrote. Period. Everyone lines up for the $6 (was $5) show with their snacks hiding in their bags or in their underwear and every other day the place is empty with the rare exception of one week into a blockbuster film. Then it's dead again. . 3 theaters is really too many when they can't even fill one except for on "cheap day" and 1 week of the rare good flick.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by GpaVader

How do you tell the difference between someone arriving late or returning to their seat after using the restroom? We are an aging population.... Cell phones are a problem and need to be silenced and not used in the theatre.

We went to see Top Gun on Saturday. Had no issues getting tickets or finding decent seats. They do need to have another person at the concession stand.

My 2 cents worth is that they are at a crossroads with them where they need to invest some money to improve them. Better screens, sounds and recliners. My biggest complaint is the seats and the spacing. The guy in front of you reclines into your knees and the guy behind you is kicking the seat, not to mention the people in the middle of the isle having to get up for a bio break. You already have the theatre in Brownwood closed up, renovate it. Then take care of the Old Mill. I won't mention Spanish Springs because I don't know if they even know what they are going to do with the place.

How about advertising the actual start time for the movie and not accepting tickets after that time?

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

How about advertising the actual start time for the movie and not accepting tickets after that time?

Good idea, but old folks walk slow, they'd lose have their audience if they did that!

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by EdFNJ

The MAIN reason is they aren't making money partly due to what you wrote. Period. Everyone lines up for the $6 (was $5) show with their snacks hiding in their bags or in their underwear and every other day the place is empty with the rare exception of one week into a blockbuster film. Then it's dead again. . 3 theaters is really too many when they can't even fill one except for on "cheap day" and 1 week of the rare good flick.

Not sure about the snacks part but do agree with the rest of your comment.

[Chi-Town]

Even though I'm just a short golf cart ride to LSL Barnstorm was my theater of choice. Can't believe it's not open by now with a good summer season coming up.

2022 summer movie preview: 20 films that should be on your radar | GMA