Best Movie Theatre

Alamo Drafthouse

Why is the Alamo Drafthouse the coolest? And why do our readers and critics go so nuts for it? Number One: Because they are a community place, a happening center like no other for Austin film folks, music folks, art folks, and just plain folks to make and experience aesthetic collisions and events they may have thought could only exist in their wildest imaginations, and to do it together. For example, they reach out and incorporate the music side of Austin by getting bands to score silent films live - like that Golden Arm Trio/Battleship Potemkin thing and ST-37/Metropolis thing, and other history-making episodes of which you are only dimly aware. Number Two: Tim and Karrie League are the most creative theatre operators/party throwers who ever have or ever will exist. They create and host multitudinous happenings: the "QT" Tarantino series, SXSW film fest, premieres of locally made movies such as Bob Ray's Rock Opera, not to mention the wildly popular Mr. Sinus Theater and Something Weird Wednesdays, and of course, the supremely original notion of providing the audience the option of a top-notch salad with their movie. Lastly, these Alamo Drafthouse people are discerning students of film who gently guide their patrons toward an appreciation of filmic endeavor the likes of which may seem trivial, profane, or rightfully obscure, and thus enhance and broaden the minds of their clients. Plus, they took the old Village Theatre on Anderson Lane and turned it into the new Alamo North, expanding their bookings to first-run titles. How cool is that? So if you haven't yet got on the bandwagon, climb aboard now. Recapping, the Alamo Drafthouse is the coolest ever because: 1. They have a sublime community consciousness; 2. They show creativity in all their endeavors; and 3. They demonstrate a critical integrity in their movie bookings.

Alamo Drafthouse
Alamo Drafthouse Village, 2700 W. Anderson #701, 512/861-7030
Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, 1120 S. Lamar, 512/861-7040
Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter Lane, 5701 W. Slaughter, 512/861-7060
Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline, 14028 Hwy. 183 N., 512/861-7070
www.originalalamo.com