Thursday Theatre Review: AMC Empire 25

Weekly to a new feature here at Movies with Abe, Thursday Theatre Review. As a resident of one of the world’s foremost movie capitals, I’ve been to a number of movie theatres in New York City and have developed preferences. There’s no perfect theatre, but there are a few things that can make or break a movie-going experience. In no particular order, this is a guide to movie theatres in Manhattan.

AMC Empire 25

Location: Couldn’t get any better. This is right in the heart of Times Square, and it’s even right across from another multiplex! At the corner of 42nd St and 8th Ave, you can make a day of it and stop by Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and Cold Stone Creamery right down the street.

Pricing: Standard tickets are $13 (surcharge for 3-D and IMAX). Since this is an AMC theatre, however, all showtimes before noon, seven days a week, are only $6. Pre-purchased discount passes, which are either $6.50 or $8, depending on how new the film is, are also accepted.

Film selection: Very diverse. Currently, you can find all the big movies like “Dinner for Schmucks,” “Inception,” and “Twilight: Eclipse,” moderately independent flicks like “The Kids Are All Right,” and even some great smaller indies like “Countdown to Zero” and “The Dry Land.” If you can’t find your movie playing there, it’s likely because it’s across the street at the Regal E-Walk Stadium. It’s hard to beat 25 theatres, though.

Drawbacks: None, really. It’s a busy theatre, however, so there are chances of the film you want to see being sold out.

Bonus features: There are escalators to get from floor to floor, and even an elevator that’s sometimes in use! Also, since it’s so big you’re not overly scrutinized in terms of a bag you might be bringing in – I once ordered a hamburger, had it delivered to the theatre, and brought it in with me. For the record, I’m not advocating bringing in anything prohibited; just food.

Worth the trip? Yep. It’s a gigantic theatre that doesn’t have many negative attributes. It might be crowded, but it’s popular for a reason.