I’m a movie guy who doesn’t go to the movies. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the stimulating experience of being seduced by the smell of popcorn and escaping to another world. In fact, as an outlet for escapism, movies are one of the few industries that enjoy recessions because a lot of us want to get away from the everyday. But here’s the problem: escapism is expensive. So expensive, in fact, that long before the recession I had completely cut down on going to the movies. I still watch a lot of movies but I don’t experience that level of escapism or enjoyment that you get when you go to a cinema. To me it’s kind of like the difference between seeing a sporting event live and watching it on TV. It’s just not the same.
By doing research for this piece, however, I found several recession friendly solutions for us to explore. The first I stumbled upon last week when I attended a screening at the Hot Docs film festival in Toronto. I didn’t have the greatest impression of documentaries but with traditional media finding itself in crisis, documentaries provide us with an alternatively real and credible look at society. Hot Docs actually finishes this weekend, but film festivals are not specific to one area so you should be able to find one where you live. There isn’t a great price difference compared to regular cinemas but film festivals give you a more sublime experience by providing the opportunity to interact with the film’s creators and actors/actresses after the screening.
The issue with festivals is that you’re not going to find the Wolverine, Up or Star Treks of the world at them. If that’s the case, a growing number of cinemas have brought back cheap Tuesdays where both the admission and popcorn prices are slashed in half. Just make sure to confirm in advance that the cinema offers this but as a rule of thumb, major multiplexes are not likely to offer this discount (they have to pay for all those flashing lights, of course).
Speaking of multiplexes, if the cookie cutter cinema isn’t cutting it for you, seek out the Rainbow Cinemas in your city. These guys play current films in small, old and character driven venues for as low as 4.00 a show. They’re so authentic that their screens still crackle when the film is starting.
Finally, with the summer approaching Drive-In movie theatres are back and their double-billing means that you get double the fun for a reasonable price (they also have cheap Tuesdays). Drive-Ins are a truly social experience because you’re not confined to one spot, so it’s an awesome solution if you’re looking to get a group together. Escaping, after all, is way more fun when you have others to share the adventure with.
