Film/Movies

This Summer’s Sit-in Movies: BYO Blanket!

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One of my favorite cheap dates this time of year is to take a blanket and some treats to one of the many outdoor movie screenings that take place all over Philly all through the summer months.  I said it once, and I’ll say it again: There is something undeniably romantic about cuddling up after the sun goes down, sharing some candy and maybe a clandestine bottle of wine or beer, and taking in an outdoor movie on a hot summer night. And from the looks of this handy-dandy list I’ve prepared − complete with titles and times! – this is a date you can enjoy almost any given night of the summer! Choose from Blockbusters at Penn’s Landing, classic favorites at Schuylkill Banks and Liberty Lands Park, Indie hits at the Piazza, films with local ties at Headhouse Square and more!  There is literally something happening almost every single night, and...

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Outdoor Summer Screenings and Sweet Eats

Outdoor Summer Screenings and Sweet Eats

There is something undeniably romantic about curling up on a blanket, sharing some candy, and maybe a brown-bagged bottle of cold beer, and taking in an outdoor movie on a hot summer night.  Every Wednesday through September 1st, the Headhouse District Indie Film Series screens an independent film in Headhouse Square (2nd street between Pine and Lombard).  All films in the series have a connection to Philly (whether the film was shot in the area or the filmmakers are natives) and the directors are usually on hand to discuss their films or answer questions after the show.  If you don’t want to take a chance on an unknown indie flick, Thursday evenings through August 26, the River Stage at 

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$6 Movies at the Ritz and Happy Hour at Zahav

$6 Movies at the Ritz and Happy Hour at Zahav

Every Wednesday, the Ritz theaters in Old City reduce rates on all shows to an amazingly affordable $6. The Ritz are good “date-movie” theaters because there is always something interesting/stimulating/artsy/educational/foreign/award-winning showing (i.e. you can generally avoid the cheesy romcoms and lame studio blockbusters which can be date-movie disasters, trust me). There are 3 Ritz theatres all within walking distance of one another, but the Ritz Five at 214 Walnut Street is the closest to Zahav, a “modern Israeli” restaurant with a comfortable atmosphere, an elegant bar, and an outstanding happy hour from 5-7pm.  Be warned, however; the Lemonnanas at Zahav are so delicious, you may end up ditching the movie and ordering another round instead. How cheap we talkin’: Admittedly, this date cuts it close, but $15 per person should get you 2 theatre tickets, 2 Lemonnana cocktails, and one order of half-price hummus to share, including tax and...

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Monday Movie Night at the Troc

The Trocadero Theatre

The Trocadero Theatre, located at 1003 Arch street in Chinatown, is probably best known as a live concert venue, but on Monday nights, the balcony plays host to a lively movie night featuring classic B movies or popular flicks such as Zombieland, Purple Rain, Goonies, and – the film we saw – Black Dynamite, a Blaxploitation spoof released in 2008.  Without the usual distraction of a band, erratic stage lighting, and a packed house, I was able to appreciate what a beautiful theatre the Troc really is.  The ornate gold proscenium arch framing the screen made it almost ironic that we were there to see such a low-brow film.  But in a good way. How cheap we talkin’: $3 admission comes with a coupon for $3 toward a drink.  And if you arrive before 7pm (the show generally starts arounds 8pm), you also get a FREE beer and a bag of popcorn.  And a...

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Secret Cinema Sci-Fi Film Series

Chemical Heritage Foundation

  The Secret Cinema presents screenings of unique and rare original 16mm films, (usually) for free, at multiple venues throughout the city, throughout the year.  The night we went was part of a sci-fi series hosted by the Chemical Heritage Foundation museum at 315 Chestnut Street (between 3rd and 4th) in Old City.  Popcorn and sodas are provided, and after the film, a local university professor led a discussion about the film and its depictions of science. How cheap we talkin’: Free! Why this will impress your date: The films are projected from original celluloid! Score extra points: The movie doesn’t start until 6:30pm, so bring your date a bit early and take in the museum’s well-executed exhibits highlighting everyday applications of chemistry. The inside game: Bring a sweater. It got a little chilly in there. Next date: Check the Secret Society website for upcoming events. In 2012, events are being hosted by the American...

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