The streaming age has done wonders for introverts.
The likes of Netflix and Disney+ and Prime Video and countless others have handed them the ability to watch movies in the comfort of their own homes without a potential crowd and the drive to the theater. At times, it’s the way to go.
At others, there’s no way to replicate the big screen, the smell of popcorn or the feel of the stadium-style seating. Seeing a movie jump off the projector, down to the screen and then into our brains does something for us on a psychological level.
In Myrtle Beach, the extroverts who crave that in-person experience have three very good options. And the best part is that all three bring something different to the table.
CINEMARK MYRTLE BEACH
On a personal level, many of us re-discovered a love for the movies on the back end of the pandemic, when Coastal Grand Mall’s Cinemark location offered super-cheap theater rental for you and 20 or so of your friends. Think of it as a friends and family private screening.
As going out in the crowds became safer, Cinemark was rejuvenated. The food and drink options expanded, and movie buffs flocked again.
Obviously, having the mall traffic was going to help the bottom line anyway. Yet, the streamlined design of the entry into the theater is a huge plus, too. It’s designed to handle big numbers and does so well.
AMC CLASSIC MYRTLE BEACH
The Myrtle Beach Mall just south of Barefoot Landing has clearly undergone a massive shift in recent years. There are a few huge anchors attracting traffic and some restaurants have tried to bolster the venue, too.
Still, the AMC Classic 12 is a great low-key option to view movies without fighting the crowds or some higher-traffic theaters. Opening-night releases mimic those of some of the bigger venues in the area, but often have less than half the crowd.
And because this is an AMC locale, that means the brand’s signature recliners are there for the taking. Reserved seating allows movie goers to relax unlike most joints.
GRAND 14 AT MARKET COMMON
The ambience of Market Common alone is doing Stone Theatres’ Grand 14 a nice favor. And what most would consider to be the nicest movie theater along the Grand Strand is returning that favor.
Grand 14 brings a ton of bells and whistles, from high-back club-style seating to a super-clean environment where every attendee has some room to stretch their legs. Each theater is design opposite to the “cram-them-in” airline style that other started to incorporate in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Movie goers can even take their pick of a few select craft beer or wine options to further enjoy the show. And if you’ve already seen everything else that’s out now, Grand 14 runs a steady diet of movies from yesteryear.
(Top photo from Grand 14 Facebook’s Page)
