Student Life Archives

Student Life Archives

Tivoli
6350 Delmar Blvd.

The Tivoli theater is the obvious place for Wash. U. film buffs to hang out. Located in the heart of the nearby Delmar Loop, the Tivoli has a long and bumpy history. After opening in 1924 the Tivoli went through many incarnations before being renovated by Blueberry Hill owner Joe Edwards in the mid-90s. Now operated by Landmark Theaters (the nation’s largest theater chain dedicated to independent film) the Tivoli’s three screens show a variety of independent and foreign films as well as play host to Reel Late, a midnight movie series featuring everything from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to “The Princess Bride.” The Tivoli does not offer student pricing but does feature discounted afternoon shows.

Hi-Pointe
1005 McCausland Ave.

St. Louis oldest continuously operating theater, the Hi-Pointe has been going strong since 1922. Located at the corner of McCausland and Skinker the Hi-Pointe is a short drive or a long walk from campus, but features independent movies that the Tivoli isn’t showing. Also run by Landmark, many consider it to be a Tivoli satellite location, but those people are missing the unique charm of this single screen theater. Featuring eclectic films and silly title-twisting puns on the marquee, the Hi-Pointe is a place not just for cinephiles but for those who love ambiance and history.

Esquire
6706 Clayton Road

The Esquire is the first-run movie theater closest to campus and largest on this list but the six screens seem paltry compared to most theater complexes today. Home to what was, for a long time, St. Louis largest screen, the Esquire is the best place for Wash. U. students to see a variety of major releases. Run by AMC, the Esquire features more personality than most big multiplex theaters. A brisk walk from the South 40 will get you there in 10 minutes and there is a Walgreen’s across the street where you can stock up on Goobers and Snow-Caps before the movie.

Moolah
3821 Lindell Blvd.

Voted St. Louis’ best theater by the Riverfront Times for the second consecutive year, the Moolah is the baby of this list, dating back only to 2005. What it lacks in experience it makes up in ingenuity as the Moolah is the only theater in the area that allows its patrons to sit on a leather coach, balcony or traditional movie seat. The Moolah building, a recently renovated Shrine temple built in 1913, also features apartments, a bowling alley and a full bar for movie fans over 21 who want to enjoy a drink with their show. There is only one screen but it usually shows the “it” movie of the moment (Transformers, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean) and the discounted student tickets are a bargain. Unfortunately, this theater is located near St. Louis University’s campus and requires a short car ride. But the trip is worth it as the Moolah offers the most unique movie-going experience in town.

Chase Park Plaza Cinemas
212 N. Kingshighway

Located in the upscale Chase Park Plaza Hotel on Kingshighway Blvd., the Chase theater is owned by St. Louis Cinemas, the same locally owned business which runs the Moolah. Each of the five auditoriums features a distinct trompe l’eoil mural and offers a more intimate movie-going experience. The Chase theater also features a full bar for thirsty audience members. This one will require a car or a ride on the metro and a short walk. There’s even sometimes an organ player in the theater.

Galleria 6 Cinemas

Of course, the old standby is the movie theater in the Galleria mall. Students can easily get here by shuttle and the mall offers a lot to do before or after the movie-shopping, food court, Cheesecake Factory. Dinner and a movie at the Galleria is a great way to hang out with freshman floor friends or have a convenient date. The Galleria theater is also owned by St. Louis Cinemas.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 25th, 2007 at 12:00 pm and is filed under Cadenza. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.