Top 5: Phoenix Theaters

by Alan Bradford on December 7, 2009

This article was written by guest author and ASU student, Rosemary Liversedge.

The traditional theater outing is oh-so-familiar, but what about dinner at the movies or chatting with guest celebrities? Whether a movie buff or simply seeking a dash of  adventure, these Valley theaters are sure to add spice to any movie viewing experience.

Pollack Tempe Cinemas

Pollack Cinema. Photo By Rosemary Liversedge.

Pollack Cinema. Photo By Rosemary Liversedge.

Come face-to-face with celebrities in the colorfully-lit lobby of Pollack Tempe Cinemas. The theater features an array of movie memorabilia — life-sized figurine of Marilyn Monroe and other stars stand amid autographed photographs, collectible lunch pails and an animated live band. Home of the $3 movie, Pollack features a changing selection of hit movies from all genres. While awaiting a movie, guests can peruse the movie collectables, play an arcade game or snack on fresh popcorn from the snack bar.

If you go:

1825 E. Elliot Road
Tempe, AZ 85284
(480)345-6461
www.pollacktempecinemas.com

Irene P. Flinn Theater

Migrate alongside 100 million red crabs or dive into the deep blue sea at the Arizona Science Center’s Irene P. Flinn Theater. Swim with great white sharks in the up-close, underwater encounter 3D film “Sharks,”  or discover the hardships of climbing a 19,331-foot mountain in “Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa.” Constantly-changing educational films are sure to satisfy any age.

If you go:

600 E. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ, 85004
(602)716-2000
www.azscience.org/giant_screen_theater.php

MADCAP Theaters

Madcap Theaters on Mill Avenue. Photo by Branden Eastwood.

Madcap Theaters on Mill Avenue. Photo by Branden Eastwood.

The Mill Avenue District Community Arts Project (MADCAP) captures the original essence of Mill Avenue by providing a local arts- friendly theater in the heart of Tempe. The 11 recently-renovated theaters within the old Harkins showcase alternative performances such as live music or comedy shows in addition to independent films. Artists of film, theater, dance, music and more display their talents in a professional yet affordable environment with rental costs averaging around $200. Highlights include poetry slams, Jazz nights as well as The International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival, where movie goers can chat with guest directors and stars. Restaurants, coffee shops and bars are just a few steps away.

If you go:

730 S. Mill Ave
(480)355-6060
Tempe, AZ 85281
www.madcaptheaters.com

West Wind Scottsdale 6 Drive-In

The Scottsdale Six. Photo by Rosemary Liversedge.

The Scottsdale Six. Photo by Rosemary Liversedge.

Sound streams through car radio speakers as images flicker on the big screen, rewinding the clock back to a simpler time when guys and gals would pile in the car and head to the drive-in. The warm Arizona weather helps keep this American tradition alive at the West Wind Scottsdale 6 Drive-In. The West Wind offers the latest movies back-to-back where one can enjoy a Nathan’s hot dog or Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn while waiting to view the second feature.

If you go:

8101 E. Mckellips Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
(480)949-9451
www.westwinddriveins.com

Farrelli’s Cinema Supper Club

Enjoy celebrity-named martinis and a gourmet meal with a favorite flick at Farrelli’s Cinema Supper Club. The theater combines the old favorite dinner and a movie — dishing up favorites from the likes of Chef Tom Farrelli amidst the classic tiered seating and big screen. The menu is sure to satisfy an array of tastes by serving classic dishes with gourmet twists from soups and salads to the signature Chicken Farrelli.

If you go:

14202 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ, 85254
(480)905-7200
www.farrellis.com

Contact the reporter at rliverse@asu.edu

Email This Post Print This Post

{ 1 trackback }

Tweets that mention Top 5: Phoenix Theaters -- Topsy.com
December 8, 2009 at 4:23 pm

{ 0 comments… add one now }

Leave a Comment

You can use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>

Previous post: Top 5: Ways to Ruin a First Date

Next post: The Scent of Attraction