Hey San Diegans, there’s a new movie theater in town and it’s a beauty!
The Angelika Carmel Mountain is a luxury theater in every sense of the word. The seats are big, comfy leather recliners with tray tables that encourage you to make yourself at home. In fact, Michael pulled out his laptop to write while we waited for the movie to start, charging his phone in the outlet next to his seat.
Personally, I prefer to use that tray table for popcorn (varieties include Hula Crunch and beer & cheddar), soda and some of the delicious foods and craft beverages on the Angelika’s creative and extensive menu (beef short rib panini, crispy fried green beans in miso aioli …). Trust me, it’s not called the Angelika Film Center & Cafe for nothing.
With twelve screens, you could happily spend the day watching movies, eating and hanging out in the beautiful lobby, the mezzanine lounge or the outdoor patio. In fact, I think I may try that one day, especially on Baby Boomer Thursdays. Plus, the staff is so friendly and welcoming — and they all love film.
And that’s what truly makes the Angelika stand out. I remember the Angelika in New York, which opened the same year as my son was born. It was the place to go for indie films and to talk movies with people who shared that passion. The SoHo arthouse has become a cultural institution over the years, and I’m so excited to have an Angelika in San Diego now.
The theater had its official grand opening yesterday but Michael and I have already been to a number of screenings there this week. Here are four of our favorite movies that are playing there. You should go see them wherever you live but, if you’re in San Diego, do yourself a favor and head to the Angelika Carmel Mountain.
And come hungry.
99 Homes
It’s an unlikely movie theme but this gripping story about the mortgage crisis sucks you in right from the opening scene of a blood-spattered bathroom where a homeowner on the verge of eviction has committed suicide. Real estate broker/Satan in a suit Rick Carver, perfectly played by Michael Shannon, is more annoyed by the inconvenience than touched by the man’s plight, and he barely blinks before moving on to kick out his next foreclosure victim: Dennis Nash (Andrew Garfield), a hard-working single father who is behind on his mortgage payments. The suburbs of Orlando are a perfect setting for this modern horror story about greed, the American Dream and the 99 percent. Michael and I are still talking about it.
Freeheld
Julianne Moore and Ellen Page will make you cry in the true story of New Jersey detective Laurel Hester who, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, fought to leave her pension benefits to her domestic partner, Stacie Andree. It is infuriating to watch local officials deny her this basic right, and uplifting to see her tough police partner (Michael Shannon in a welcome good guy role) try to rally their fellow officers to support the couple. I wish they had come up with a different name for this film because I think it’s going to leave moviegoers cold.
He Named Me Malala
I was enamored by Malala Youfsafzai when I saw her speak a couple of years ago and I loved learning more about her and her family in this inspiring documentary. The girl who was shot by the Taliban for defying their ban on female education has become the youngest Nobel Prize laureate ever and a global role model. She is wise beyond her years. I could have done without the animation woven throughout the film but that’s a small criticism of a movie that so deeply empowers girls. What also shines through is that when a loving father instills confidence and joy in his daughter, she can literally change the world.
The Walk
Okay, I watched both this movie and the documentary, Man On Wire, with my jaw dropping and I still don’t understand how Philippe Petit could possibly have walked on a wire between the Twin Towers! Joseph Gordon-Levitt is charming as the French high wire artist who accomplished the impossible. His story offers a powerful message of following your heart and never giving up. What’s amazing is that, even though we know he makes it, we still hold our breath with each step he takes. And we mourn the fact that no one will ever be able to take that death-defying walk again.
I did see these movies and they all received a 3 star rating. My favorite so far is The Walk because the actor/individual pulled out the most magnificent event, in spite all the odds. This is actually an unbelievable event.
I live by Carmel Mountain. Is the location the old Reading theatres? Looks great and I love the concept of Baby Boomer Thursdays.
Yes, you won’t recognize the old theater! You will love it!
When I read the first paragraph I thought, “Wait, there’s an Angelika in NYC, right?” (Even though I’ve been there!!) So glad my post-menopausal brain wasn’t playing tricks on me again. You look so cute and cozy in your seat! YUM.
The movies: Of course I cannot wait to see Malala. I’ve been not-too-patiently waiting to see it. The Moore/Page movie (love them both) sounds compelling but not sure I want to see it. But it does sound interesting.
The Wire? I told you Man on a Wire won over my friend El’s movie, Nerakhoun, for the Oscar. That said ( I know, it’s time to let go!) I’d see this because even though you know the ending it’s so absorbing to watch!
Great reviews, Lois! xo
Wow that theater look pretty amazing. Love that pic of you – it looks like first class treatment! I always get great ideas for good flicks from you Lois. Thanks much. I’m definitely going to be watching these!
Thank you! I’ll have to check out the theater when I get to SD – I lived there for awhile in my 20s, and love that city. I saw the Malala film at an advanced screening last summer through BlogHer15 – LOVED it!
That is a great looking theatre and thank you for sharing your take on these films.
I am very into luxury theatres–they make the entire movie-going experience way better. when in San Diego? I’m there!
Those sound like great movies. We will be back in SD in April 🙂
What a fantastic sounding place – I would love to see the film about Malala.
Looks like an amazing theatre, and I love that they have an extended menu for things besides just popcorn. I want to see the Malala movie.
I had only heard of the last two films, so thank you for introducing me to the first two. And what a great theater! If I decided to see a movie on the big screen, I really appreciate the venue. Thanks for the pic of those cool seats.
I Love theaters that now offer better seating and dining options other than popcorn and pop. We have AMC in FL but I know where to go next time I am in San Diego!
I love those big comfy seats that many theaters are coming out with lately. I haven’t seen any of these movies yet but they look good.
We love getting out to the movies! This time of the year is the best for them too!
Oh wow, thanks for letting me know about these. I’m definitely interested in seeing them all now. I have to make sure to see 99 Homes first. Michael Shannon is awesome.
That looks like a comfortable place to see a film!
I can’t wait to check out that theater — sounds amazing! I have not seen any of these movies and am putting them all on my must see list!
These all sound amazing. I hope they come through my town as I want to see them. Oh and you look so happy with your popcorn hope you saved me some.
I haven’t been to a theater in 10 years! This sure looks like a great one to visit!
I haven’t heard of any of these. I’ve been to the movies once in the last oh,, 6 -7 years. I will have to see which I can get out to see!
These sound like great films! I head only heard or one of them but what a great way to see new movies in a fun atmosphere!
I love the idea of having a tray in the theater! I have not heard of any of these movies. Where have I been?!
The Angelika Film Center seems like the best place ever to watch a movie! I love how comfy the seats look complete with little tables…and the food! That is true movie-watching fare, forget nachos and candy. 😛
I know I’d love to kick back and watch a film there. The seats look so comfy and the trays are a nice touch.
All of those movies are on my list of movies to see. This theater is so comfy looking, it would be like watching a movie at home. I love it
We have the same kind of theatre here in New Orleans- and they serve gourmet food!!!
Lois,
I just have to tell you I love your photo on your home page. Every time I see it, I do a double take, thinking that’s a hat on your head. The reality is way more fun!
XOXOX,
Brenda
They recently remodeled a local theater and installed the recliner seats as well. They are so comfy and definitely give you that homey kind of feel.
The theater looks amazing. The seats look really nice and spacious and I love that there is a tray for your food.
What a nice theater! You look so comfy 😉 99 Homes sounds like a fascinating movie!
I’m not sure what it says about me, but I’m way more excited by how cool and comfortable that theatre looks than I am about any of the movies. Although they all look interesting. I’m totally going to check the Angelika out the next time I’m in San Diego.
It’s a pity that I might never get to go here but I sure would love to go. Never been to San Diego but heard it’s beautiful there.
These sound like great movies! I had only heard of one of them but what a great way to see new movies!!!!
That looks like an amazing theatre experience. I like how they have individual trays to eat on! Enjoy it!
Freeheld looks like a movie we are going to adore! The story line sounds great.
Freeheld and The Walk are two movies I’ve been wanting to see. I heard the visuals in The Walk are incredible!
I just added a few must see movies to my list – I am so looking forward to holidays and some down time.
What a gorgeous theater! I haven’t seen a movie in months. Thanks for the great recommendations.
Wow. Tons of great movies here to check out, even if I’m not on the West Coast. Thanks!
Wow, sounds like a great line up of movies. I must see some of these!
I have never seen any of these movies, but am very interested in the one about Malala.
Oh wow what a fun looking theater! I wish I had one like that near me!
Angelika Carmel Mountain looks like an amazing theater. I love how nice the seats are and the trays would be handy for snacks. I wish we had a theater like this in my area.
We’ve never been to a theater like this – great comfort and I’ll take time to look at each fun trailer. Thank you for these trailers to check out.
Our local theater is like the one above without the tray tables. I wish we had those. As for the movies, I really want to watch “He Named Me Malala” and “The Walk.”
The Angelika Carmel Mountain looks like a wonderful theater to watch some special movies with your loved ones. All these 4 movies looks special, but yet I would love watching “He Named Me Malala” so much as it is about a real story of a Afghan girl.