Mandybomb Goes to Hell...Boy That Is

This past weekend, my husband and I went to see Hellboy II The Golden Army at the new theater in our neighborhood, Cinebarre. Some of you peeps may remember that I blogged about the opening of Cinebarre a few months ago. It was definitely a unique experience. The place had a retro theme going and posters everywhere of old movies and cult classic films. The actual movie theaters were set up pretty much the same as usual but they had bar style tables in front of the seats. Menus were placed at each "place setting" and appropriate condiments and rolls of paper towels were at intermittent sections all within reach.

We both had the "Fight Club" which is just a fancy/movie reference way of saying a grilled chix sandwich with bacon, cheese and all the fixins. It was pretty good, basically neighborhood bar ala Applebee's style food. My husband did say the wings were less than delicious, so if you visit, be advised. Other than that, rather tasty. It combined our lunch and a movie so I feel like we actually gained an hour by not having to go to two places. My only complaint is that Cinebarre is not prepared for "normal" movie-goers. They do offer popcorn and sodas but there is no candy. That's practically a sin in my book. Nothing brings a smile to my face like Sourpatch Kids or Reece's Pieces to go along with my popcorn at the movies. Ah well, I guess you can't have it all!

In any case, we did actually see a movie so let me give you my thoughts. Hellboy II expanded on the first movie (duh) but I thought it was even more imaginative. Apparently, elves (which by the way are not the pretty LOTR elves I'm used to) make an ancient pact with humans to keep to the forests while the humans manage the cities. The elf king thought this was a good deal but his son was not pleased. The prince went into exile for, oh I don't know, let's say two millenia. Anyway, he comes back and is ticked! Sooo, he decides to collect all the pieces of this magic crown that will allow him to command the golden army, wage war on the humans and live take back their land. Hellboy is there to save the day of course but he is a bit tormented by his need to be acceptance and the rejection offered by the humans. His enemy gives him some insight with his dilemma and offers him kinship as they are both unique in the world. Drama alert! Also, there's romantic troubles between Hellboy and his girl, Liz.

I realize that the Hellboy movies are based on the comics but this genre is what I'd call fringe comics. Average Jane and Joe peeps like me are not familiar with anything beyond Batman and Spiderman. Thus, I'm certainly not equipped to judge the movie on its accuracy to the comics. What I did enjoy was the stunning visionary scope and imagination of director Guillermo Del Toro. I saw Pan's Labyrinth when it came out and was amazed. This was just as much a feast for the eyes. A picture is worth a million words if Del Toro is directing the film. Each character in this movie was fantastical, I don't know how else to describe it. The cinematography was amazing as well, definitely worth seeing on the big screen. I highly recommend!

Cinema+Bar=Less Kids!

My husband and I are on the way to see Indian Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull tonight. I checked Fandango for movie times and noticed a new theater in our area. It's called Cinebarre and it's opening in the theater that once belonged to our beloved Movies at Mt. Pleasant. According to the article from The City Paper it's due to open in July. The theater will feature restaurant quality appetizers, meals and snacks as well as a full bar. Mt. P. is the 2nd location in the US to get this style of theater; apparently all the cool cities are getting them. The best news about this theater is that no children under 6 are allowed and kids 6-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Now I have nothing against kids but I've had numerous movie experiences spoiled by kids running around and screaming in a theater. No, I don't go see all G-rated movies either, if that's what you're thinking. I'm talking about PG-13 + movies that parents seem to think is perfectly acceptable to have their infants/toddlers/ankle biters etc. in tow. Nothing ruins a dramatic movie moment for me like a kid whining "I have to go to the bathroom!" just as the most important line is delivered. I've also turned every shade of red when I've been in the same row as an 8 year old while some very adult content is flashing on the screen. I always want to lean over and cover their eyes but from what I can tell from my peripheral vision, the kid is usually playing with some toy while their parents munch popcorn happily. But I digress. The point here is that I'm very excited about this new theater opening and hope it will be a success. For now though, it's Indy time!!