Angelika Film Center

While being fully aware of what a predictable cliche I am, I will admit that the Angelika Film Center in Soho is one of my favorite movie theaters.

I feel soooo much better after admitting that, like I am at some "inadequate film buff" anonymous meeting. I say inadequate because I am not actually a film buff, just wish I was. And part of not being an actual film buff is that one is free to embrace the established and like the Angelika, even though I am sure there are much more obscure art-houses in the city showcasing contemporary experimental films and those weird b-movies hipsters seem to be so fond of.

Before this, my favorite movie theater was the Alamo Drafthouse, in Austin. Scratch that, the Alamo Drafthouse is still my favorite place, it's awesomeness cannot be denied. The great thing about the Alamo is its ability to be kitschy and indie and funny and alcoholic and genuine and ironic and serious all at the same time. I digress, but among the types of screenings I saw at the Alamo (in no particular order): foreign movies, new releases, weird documentaries, pop-music sing alongs, 80's sing alongs, film classics, special screenings with guest directors, and the Mr Sinus movie commentaries. All of this while ordering food (from a menu) and beer. You can't beat that. When I lived in Austin, I thought the Alamo was one of those great places I wouldn't be able to find anywhere else.

As it turns out, you really can't beat it. I have searched high and dry in NYC for a theater equivalent, a place where silly events and serious films occupy the same building (though at different times), with the ability to drink in the screening rooms. And though I have not found it, I think the Angelika is a wonderful substitute.

My favorite Angelika feature, and the one that reminds me most of the Alamo, is the large coffee shop in the lobby. I haven't seen this in other movie theaters, and it really creates a sense of place. As opposed to most theaters, where the lobby is non-existent, and tickets are required to have access to the concession stand, the Angelika coffee area is open to the public. With pastries, couches and tables (oh my!), it is a standard cafe that happens to be in a movie theater. A great place to chillax while waiting for friends to arrive (and they will be late, specially if it's a weekend and the subways are running on insane weekend schedules), or wait until the movie starting time. Last week, my mother and I were a half hour early for our movie, and grabbed coffee and chatted for a while, and Nate even stopped by for a bit to say hi on his way to the subway back home. It's such an efficient way to give guests a sense of place, and people feel invested in places they can claim as their own. Easy way to build a return customer base.

The main problem, though, is that as an older building, it lacks the bells and whistles that many of us have grown to expect from the movie experience. No stadium seating, no seemingly fancy surround sound, the screening rooms are small. And on a charming but bothersome note, probably depending on your sense of irony, you can hear the subways rumbling under the floors.

The movie selection more than makes up for the potential sound issues. I am of the idea that films are better experienced collectively, as a shared experience with a group of strangers that become companions for at least 90 minutes. And state of the arts technology doesn't affect or change the heart of that experience in the least.