Stupid question...Movie theaters?

Yes there are several on STX, 9 screens 2 theaters near Kmart center island.

I guess going to the movie theaters here really depends on your comfort level. So many times children are brought into the movies (babes in arms too) and can be disruptive to the nth degree. And then there are the adults who can't stop yattering throughout the movie and then yell out, "Wha'happen? What he say?" when if they'd only shut up they would have got it in the first place.

But then I went to Richmond, Virgina many years ago when the big movie theaters here weren't in existence. I was so excited to be in a big mall where there was a huge cinema complex and we went to see the Batman movie where Jack Nicholson played The Joker. Imagine my chagrin when I realized I was sitting a couple of tiers down from an obviously West Indian couple. Every time Jack Nicholson came on the screen, the West Indian male would scream out, "THAT JOKER MAN, HE CRAZY M'SON! HE SO CRAZY!" and he'd erupt in guffawing laughter.

After all these years I'm happier with my Satellite TV and PPV so I can watch in the comfort of my own home without disturbance. And the VCR and DVD player work well too. Like I said, depends on your level of comfortability so I suppose it's not much different here than on the mainland or probably anywhere else in the real world!

STT resident, your post is a riot. I never would have thought that going to a movie in the islands would be a different atmosphere from that in the states. And your experience in Richmond... what are the odds of that? How funny.

do they allow smoking in the theaters?
Here in Arizona they don't allow that, and it is very nice.

No, no smoking in theaters - does ANY theater ANYWHERE allow it any more?

Ok OK - first off - there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHTING WRONG with going to movies. I've been doing it all my life (63 now) so why on earth just because you come to an island would you imagine that such an interest would not be a healthy part of your new lifestyle?

Yes we have good movie theaters with very current - same day opening as the states on many first run films - no smoking is the rule as in all theaters.

No yammering or yattering kids or adults. No different than what you find in the State with respect to audience attention levels. To suggest otherwise is ignorant.

So come and enjoy the islands AND a good movie when you feel like it.

AND, I hasten to add - the dates for the first ever, International Caribbean Film Festival will be announced really soon! So there you go - a real opportunity to catch some really new films as well.

Paul, you know I love ya', but I have to disagree with you on this one. 🙂

As an urban girl, I grew up watching movies with folks who interact with the characters on screen (e.g. "Girl, don't you open that door!" or "No she didn't!?!") or occasionally indulge in a forbidden drink or smoke. I have also lived in Latin America where people are regularly late and regularly walk in and out of the theater.

However, NEVER in my life have I experienced movie watching as I have since I have been on-island. An overwhelmingly large percentage of people here (adults and teens) actually find it completely appropriate to: a) make or receive cell phone calls, b) have unrelated LOUD conversations with their next-seat neighbor, c) arrive REALLY late and stand in the aisle loudly discussing where they should sit, or d) bring babies/children to loud, R-rated moves (e.g. Bourne Supremacy) and not attend to the screaming and crying that naturally results. (One good thing: no smoking!)

While I certainly wouldn't tell someone to not got the theater based on this, I certainly think it's appropriate and necessary to prepare a new resident for the possiblility (and likelihood) of such an experience.
My .02c

Well, thank you Onika - I was feeling a bit down to be classified as "ignorant" by Island Paul when I've lived here for over 20 years and consider myself far from that.

Of course, Island Paul, there is "nothing wrong with going to the movies" and I wasn't suggesting that anyone who goes to the movies here has some sort of a problem. I was simply making the point - borne of many years of experience both pre and post the new multi-theater complexes - that the issues I mentioned, which you miraculously seem to have been able to somehow avoid but which Onika confirms, can be a major distraction and have proven such for me. Just my own opinion.

Have a lovely day!

I believe that you will find exactly the same decorum or same LACK THEREOF in stateside theaters.

In fairness........I have only been twice since I've been here, and both of them were fairly ok experiences.

I apologize to STT Resident - the term ignorant should not have been used.

Paul:
I am jealous that your social life since you've lived on-island has permitted you to have only two movie-going trips. 🙂
Where are you hanging out?!
(Did you get my message?)

By the way, I have been very impressed by the kind of movies we've gotten of late. Quite a few indies have come and within close proximity to their stateside release dates. Given that they have the market cornered, they could just as easily give us shlock (sp?), but they take great pains to provide a balance of options.

Just thought I'd add my 2 cents:

I absolutely refuse to go to the theater on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Mon-Thu nites are when I go, due to the differences in what is 'acceptable' here. The movies are not as crowded then, so there are less disruptions. I tried it on a Saturday once...and ONLY once! Waaaayyy too many people talking, yelling at the screen, kids making racket, cell phone calls, distractions, disturbances, etc.

Island Paul...is your last name Basten? You're 63?!? I never woulda guessed! If your last name is not Basten, disregard this post

Yup Marty it sure is - surely you've seen my website - http://www.bastenphoto.com ? That's me and thanks for "age" compliment!

Should be in town one day soon (dashed around on Tuesday - trying to take drivers license exam - not giving it then or Thursday). I also stopped by Into the Sea Gallery to pick up the profit from the sale of one of my Mocko Jumbie paintings which was sold, happily, to a local!

You can see my paintings on my website, or if you step Into the Sea gallery you'll see them on the wall just to the right of the front entrance to the shop.

Island Paul,

I did not know you were 63?!? I thought you were much younger. I guess I should have known, but didn't process it. Cheers to a man who can stay young!

I have only had one movie going experience on STT. We went on a Sunday night to see Electra. I have to say that there were no disturbances other than a few latecomers. My husband was a little late himself since the snack bar moves at a snail's pace. Good to get there early! Also, it was freezing cold in there! I saw people with jackets, long sleeves, and pants and was very jealous! I didn't find it much different from theatres back home, but than again we are used to crowded noisy theatres. We also have three children and we can tune out almost anything! 🙂 Note - we didn't bring any children, I don't like spending half my time waiting outside the restroom or snack bar. haha. The kids are going on a field trip to the movies, so yea, I don't have to take them.

Teresa

Yes, it's all a matter of timing as to when you should go to the movies, but keep in mind the theaters are only open at night during the week, and movies generally star at 2 pm on weekends and holidays. Don't expect to see any/many art house films unless it's a special event.

The St Thomas movie schedules are posted online at http://www.stthomassource.com, but not sure if/where St Croix movies are posted.

Paul, where can I sign up for notices on the film festival? How exciting!

Go to the movies often on STX and have not had a bad experience. We get movies that are current and always a balanced choice. Good popcorn as well!

Is St Croix getting "Argon" this week? Not STT. 🙁

Where's the "like" button - this is too funny you old tart 🙂

Pia

Hi. This message resurfaced because of a spam post, which has been removed, but not before other replies were made to it, so it lives again! 🙂 The original thread is from 2005!

MS411, I remember the Caribbean Film Festival announcements... one event was held... maybe two... it didn't catch on to become an annual thing.

I think Pistarckle Theater was doing a film festival for several years, I just checked their website however and did not see anything mentioned for this season.

And The Forum Film Festival is annual, this year it was held in May, it was the 11th annual. I received a flyer with next seasons schedule, but am not able to find it right now. I'll look for it.

Too funny to see an oldie revived and I didn't even remember the little spat I had with IslandPaul. He's been a good friend for many years now and we chat on the internet just about every day. He's been living in Ohio for several years with his companion, Johnny, and their gorgeous golden lab "Toby", while he remains dedicated to his painting and has adopted this as his main medium now over the photography. Onika of course is long gone and Teresa too. I hear from the latter here and there but she's now primarily on FB which I detest! Ah, memories!

I'm going to be working at the Pistarckle... I'll find out about it and keep you updated 😉

Also - the Sunny Isle movie theater has a facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sunnyisletheaters