Summer Movie Madness

Summertime movies are a mid-year delight, that time of year when mega movie producers treat us to a plethora of blockbuster movie choices, second only to the Christmas holidays when the holy grail of movies make their appearance.  Rainy days and cabin fever tend to drive moviegoers to the theaters in droves during the summer months into nice, air-conditioned theaters, making for an entertaining day outside of the home.  Add in a stop at a food court or concession stand and a half-agreed upon movie choice suddenly becomes better for everyone.   Sometimes though the cost of a movie outing can seem prohibitive, but summer also presents savings opportunities at many local theaters.  We’re going to give you the scoop on summertime movie savings and a sampling of the many blockbuster hits that will be premiering at your neighborhood theater this season.  

A beloved pastime for parents yearning for inexpensive options for the kids during the dog-days of summer is the $1 movie series presented by Regal’s Summer Movie Express.  Regal Hollywood Stadium 20 offers a great lineup of G and PG rated movies for the family every Tuesday and Wednesday for the low ticket price of $1.  Splurging on popcorn and a drink is a lot less unsettling when you’ve only paid $1 per family member to enter.  A lot of the titles have a wide cross appeal so it’s a fun time to catch up on family-friendly flicks for a low, low price.  Get there early, and be mindful that most of the guests are under 4 so it can get loud at times!  For the $1 movie summer guide, please visit. www.regmovies.com/Movies/Summer-Movie-Express

Parkway 8 offers movies in all genres and ratings categories for an everyday price of $2 per matinee and $2.50 for shows starting after 6:00 p.m.  If you’re willing to wait it out a season or two to see the mega movies, then this is your place.  Visit their website to learn more at www.omcinemas.com.

Independent and foreign film options can be devoured at Burns Court Cinema, a Sarasota gem, and also presented by the Sarasota Film Festival at “Burns Court at the Ranch,” a weekly series occurring at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas.  For more information, please visit www.filmsociety.org/.   The Lakewood Ranch Cinemas also feature the latest blockbuster movies with stadium seating, located in the heart of Main Street, Downtown Lakewood Ranch.  With nearby miniature golf, restaurants, and shopping, movie going is a multi-faceted event with a little something for everyone.  

Cobb Cinebistro Sarasota offers an alternative to dinner and a movie, because here you can do both at the same time.  Unprecedented comfort and class take the movie viewing experience up to the next level.  A diverse menu featuring fresh, local food has become a favorite of locals.   Also featuring a lounge and other amenities, Cinebistro is a great place for non-movie goers to socialize in an upscale environment.  Visit their website for members club discounts and holiday discounts at www.cinebistro.com/sarasota.

AMC Sarasota 12 located at Westfield Shopping Center has been a longtime Sarasota movie theater staple, features new release movies, an Imax theater, and an expanded menu which includes pizza, French fries and more.  Movie discounts are offered for military personnel, students and other groups.  For show times and prices, visit www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/tampa-st-petersburg/amc-sarasota-12.  
Wherever you are doing your movie watching this summer, the new releases will keep you busy.  Whether you’re the first one in the theater or prefer to catch them at the dollar movies or at a nearby Redbox, be sure to include your favorite raisinettes or buttered popcorn, or both!  Here’s a list of upcoming movie releases for Summer 2016.  Happy viewing!

June 17 Finding Dory
June 17 Central Intelligence
June 24 Independence Day: Resurgence
July 1    The BFG
July 1   The Legend of Tarzan
July 8    The Secret Life of Pets
July 15 Ghostbusters
Aug 5   Suicide Squad

Photos:  Ghostbusters Wallpaper by Thoth God of Knowledge on Flickr, commercial use allowed
Alone in a Movie Theater by Sarah Ackerman on Flickr, commercial use allowed