One Week Back in Theaters: Ratings of Theaters and New Films During COVID-19

After more than six-months of closures across many parts of the United States, movie theaters are finally beginning to reopen, with a range of different safety measures being implemented, and a limited variety of films. Over a one-week period, I went out and explored how these different aspects have affected the theater experience. 

Miranda July’s Kajillionaire at AMC Theaters

While this film took a little while to pick up the pace and introduce its cathartic character, Melanie, (portrayed by Gina Rodriguez), Kajillionaire ultimately embraced its fanciful world and off-beat lead, Old Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood). Its direction took some interesting turns at times, moving from a heist-based plot towards one focusing around family dynamics, but in each area she explored, July did so well. 

The lead character’s parents are written as perfectly insufferable and as much as Old Dolio seemingly wants to believe, they (spoiler) won’t change. The end of the film displays her loyalties shifting in a bittersweet way; this perfectly caps off this story of love and family. 

I purchased tickets for the showing at my local AMC 20 through their app. The digital seating chart automatically blocked off a radius of seats around each group, ensuring distancing would be maintained. Though it may simply be my personal credence, I believe concessions pose a considerable safety risk to movie-goers; the idea of other patrons removing their masks feels uncomfortable - especially in smaller theaters. However, from what I observed, the concession-buying process at AMC seemed to be well done. It was handled in a carry-out fashion. Employees did everything from packing food and utensils or condiments in bags to dispensing custom drink orders at the machines. Detailed contact tracing information was also collected upon the entrance of the theater. 

Movie: 7/10

Theater experience: 9/10

Aaron Sorkin’s The Trial of the Chicago 7 at The State Theater in Ann Arbor, MI

I had very few expectations going into The Trial of the Chicago 7, especially as someone with previously very limited knowledge of the 1969 trial. Being a fan of Sorkin, (mainly as a writer), I went in anticipating an enjoyable biopic, but not something that would stick with me for very long. I was met, surprisingly, with the latter. After only the intro, I was roped in completely. 

I cannot stop recommending this movie to everyone I know. It is a definite crowd-pleaser packed with both an important, timely reflection on US history, and cutting-edge performances. Sure, the stylized Sorkin dialogue and liberties he took with the real events can be cheesy at times, but I can’t say with confidence that it doesn’t work. The dialogue spices up a heavy topic with stints of humor coming largely from Sacha Baron Cohen and Jeremy Strong’s respective portrayals of Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin. The partially-nonlinear narrative structure kept me incredibly engaged and pulled consistent punches with powerful reveals and turns, effectively reorganizing the true events. 

The State Theater had both strict and effective safety measures in place. Temperatures were taken at the door and no concessions were sold, nor could outside food be brought in. The screening room itself was at an extremely low capacity, with each group separated by a more than comfortable distance. Also, all ticket purchases were done online in order to collect contact information.

Movie: 10/10

Theater experience: 10/10

Sofia Coppola’s On The Rocks at The Main Art Theater in Royal Oak, MI

Despite its relatively short runtime of only 1 hour and 38 minutes, On The Rocks managed to feel much longer than it needed to, while also finishing with an anti-climatic ending. Bill Murray brought an interesting enough performance for the film to not lose my attention completely, however other weaknesses bogged down any deep investment I had in the plot. 

The leading family in the film is incredibly wealthy, which, unlike most films I’ve seen detailing those with similar circumstances, managed to feel quite alienating at times. The personal chauffers, upstate NY homes, and spur-of-the-moment international vacations seemed to detract from any common messages or experiences the film was getting at. Moreover, there wasn’t a hint of awareness that the audience wouldn’t find anything to relate to in the character’s extravagant lifestyles. 

Overall, it took a very simple script formula and didn’t do anything new or interesting with it. The movie was filled with cliched development amongst the characters, and the story didn’t have anything special to say about its themes of marriage, trust, and family. 

The Main Art Theater, aside from having the concession stand open and no signs of contact information collected for in-person ticket purchases, felt safe otherwise. The incredibly large screening room meant there was an inherent feeling of protection from contact and transmission. Distancing measures were efficiently implemented by having entire rows blocked off from patrons. However, though it wasn’t an issue at this particular screening, it’s worth noting that there was no enforcement of distancing between groups within the rows themselves. 

Movie: 4/10

Theater experience: 8/10

Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm at Mission Tiki Drive-in Theatre in Montclair, CA

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t Sacha Baron Cohen’s biggest fan after this week. After his stellar performance in The Trial of the Chicago 7, Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm brought the week home. Cohen’s genius brand of satire makes its well-deserved return just when we needed it the most, to expose the hypocrisies of the United States. While it doesn’t hit quite as hard as the original, there is no lack of laughs and audacious pranks. The plot takes a more relationship-based dynamic in this most recent sequel, and it works. The film’s breakout star Maria Bakalova also proved to be a great addition alongside Cohen.  

The experience at the Mission Tiki Drive-in Theater, distanced both between and outside of cars, felt remarkably safe. If you long to see movies in a public setting again without the risk of being indoors, a drive-in is your best bet. The honking of car horns was a welcomed substitute to applause. I’m a total sucker for anywhere featuring dried grass and tiki decor, and this outdoor theater delivered in that respect. Homemade tacos, quesadillas, and burritos at the snack bar were also a definite plus. 

Movie: 8/10

Theater experience: 10/10