Want some free popcorn and a chance to see the greatest non-superhero comic book movie since “Ghost World?”
Then this Friday, get yourself over to the San Marco Theater in downtown San Marco. A spruced up, old-fashioned theater that features lounge seating and serves both beer and dinner, will begin a limited run of “American Splendor,” the acclaimed new film based on the works of Harvey Pekar which is an absolute must-see for any comic fan.
But how and why do denizens of this website rate free popcorn? Because my eldest daughter, Shana, works there part time. She’ll be the 22 year old behind the candy counter. So just come up to her, say “Your dad sent me” and she’ll give you a bag of popcorn on the house.
Oh, and she might give you a free soda if you can prove that you’ve fled Chicago for Florida to avoid retribution because you meddled with a catchable foul ball at last night’s game. Not that she’s a baseball fan, but because you probably need all the charity you can get right now.
PAD
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Holy Hanna! my hometown (and i don’t normally admit that!). i know that theatre well, lived over in Riverside for a while. how long has she been there? yeah, that theatre rocks. it kinda smells, the sound system sucks, but it’s like stepping back in time 30 years.
I like free popcorn. Unfortunately, once again, I live several hundred miles away. 🙁
Daughter, You Say? Just kidding. Early winter, I say.
This scenario has all the potential to be Candid Camera worthy (or for you young’uns, Punkd).
Of course, what happens if you say it to a girl behind the counter that isn’t Peter’s daughter?
Odessa brings up a dang good question. Wouldn’t want to waste the trip JUST to get free popcorn. Especially when, as already mentioned, the theatre has TERRIBLE sound. Plus, you’re lucky if you get an audience who actually knows how to eat with their mouth closed. It’s gotten better but I still only use the theatre to see a movie again with friends in Riverside who simply MUST go there. I have forwarded word to friends to see if anyone is interested in going with me though so we’ll see.
I wished I lived closer. I also wished I’d taped all of Pekar’s visits to Letterman shows long long ago. Oh well.
Later,
chuck elam
Ðámņìŧ, I wish this movie would play somewhere near me… Jacksonville is a little out of the way to get to from Michigan.
First, Shana is the only female working the counter who is in her twenties. So it shouldn’t be a problem knowing who she is.
Second, she assures me that the new owner has done considerable work on the theater, so ideally the complaints some people have voiced will be solved.
Bottom line, if nothing else, “American Splendor” isn’t playing anywhere else in the Jacksonville area. So if you want to see it, this is the time and place to do so.
PAD
Saw American Splendour at a press outing a few weeks back (good job, really, because I’m on the wrong continent to claim my free popcorn!).
Definitely recommend it to the masses. Paul Giamatti (PIGVOMIT!!!) is excellent and having spoken with Pekar himself, I know he nailed some of the characteristics.
John
I can’t say I’ve been much of a moviegoer myself in the past few years…but man, would I like to go and visit Jacksonville in northern Florida!
Ok, PAD, you convinced ME. I’ll have to make the plans.
Yay, William! Bring friends.
–Shana
hmm, J-ville isn’t too far out of the way, might be good for a day trip 😀