Calexico without a movie theater again?

elchrist

This is unconfirmed, but there has been some word around town that the Calexico 10 movie theater is on the brinks of going away.

There's no doubt that the parking lot is a little less occupied throughout the days due to the opening of the UltraStar movie theater at the Imperial Valley Mall and that said movie theater does provide a more comfortable viewing experience with its reclining seats, but the Calexico 10 isn't exactly forcing its customers to sit on wooden crates either. So why are Calexicans making the extra drive to El Centro just to watch a movie?

Well, you can't blame people for going where the better technology is at. I do remember when the Calexico 10 first opened up and it seemed as if the rest of the valley was driving down south to watch a film. It was newer, better and no matter how much everyone else hated coming to Calexico, they made the trip here to the theater then bolted back to their town to avoid any confrontation with our kind. It didn't matter though, 'cause we got their money.

So now we go to the mall. Where it's newer and better.

This town needs its own movie theater. No matter how crappy it may be compared to the rest. I still can't believe the Fox Theatre was demolished leaving some wondering if it could have been to good use by someone with a vision.

Next time you think about watching a movie, seriously consider going to Calexico 10, because we all know very well that if it were to go this town would start crying about it being gone, yet somehow forgetting that they were the ones to shut it down due to the lack of support.

verbal · Posted: 14 Jul 2006 02:25 PM Post subject:

The Calexico is good enough. Actually, it's pretty damn impressive. You simply cannot beat those deals. Tuesday through Thursday they have some great values.

I don't know about you, but dropping 9.50 on a sorry flick is not my form of entertainment. Plus, for someone who recently went to the UltraStar in EC I didn't see much difference in the quality of the movie experience. Personally, I would have attended the movie here in C-town, but the last showing was around 8. Thus, I made the trip up north.

Calecianos will definately miss the closing of the movie theater. Even if a new company moves in, I doubt that the prices will ever be this competative.

berimbau · Posted: 18 Jul 2006 02:42 PM Post subject:

It is expensive and in good need of maintenance. The seats have a funny smell and the floor is sticky. That would help. Also, what about a niche market? Why not show independent or foreign films for a lower ticket price on certain nights? I wouldn't mind seeing some "El Santo contra las Momias" movies on the big screen Laughing

elchrist · Posted: 19 Jul 2006 07:33 AM Post subject:

451PC · Posted: 23 Jul 2006 10:32 AM Post subject:

I ventured out to the C10 and noticed the smell of sewer dominating the ambiance at the theater, the walls have been struck by one too many hooligans and are in need of repair (holes, indentions and carpet coming off the walls) The restroom needed some attention as also did the lobby. The lights keept coming on during our movie, for no apparent reason. I believe that local managment is probably jaded or inexperienced, I think we all should complain to corporate and see if they clean it up, or they'll close it. Confused

elchrist · Posted: 29 Aug 2006 09:51 AM Post subject:

I feel pathetic doing this, but Radiodude is such a little B.

El Engenheiro · Posted: 29 Aug 2006 04:38 PM Post subject:

I always find it funny how Calexico trys to protect its prefered investors (no f-ing clue as to why they are prefered) by preventing competition from entering the city. The city didn't want to bring in the larger food markets like food-4-less and super wal-mart because it would close down our local markets like El Sol and Toni's etc. As far as I know they seem to be doing well and the city has made more money due to the property tax. Next was the mall which Calexico could have owned for itself, but the stupid city once again took forever discussing various bs reasons they shouldn't. The city makes money, the people of Calexico benefit, and the run down theater could have been smart and relocated, but nooooooooooo! What we need is a new breed of Calexico politicians (elchrist it's sad to hear a liberal with potential to change Calexico go) that are use their brains and not their f-ing egos to run the city.

verbal · Posted: 29 Aug 2006 05:00 PM Post subject:

I have a feeling that some how an electrical switch/cable/outlet will spark a fire inside the theater.

While I have stated that the Calexico 10 offers adequate viewing experience and great prices, the reality is that the owners of the Calexico 10 have done little to keep up with the competition.

The owners probably made their money a long time ago, and are not willing to invest in this venture anymore. Of course the owners and local politicians will always blame other people. Let's blame Calecianos for being cheap, Mexicans for going to the mall, or the lack of good films.

The reality that people will drive an extra 15 minutes and pay an additional dollar or so contradicts every thing your local politician say.

If local business are inferior to those around the valley of course business will not succeed in this city. Outside of price the Calexico 10 movie experience is inferior to that of the mall. The Imperial theaters suffered this hit years back, but instead of making excuses the owners reinvested their capital.

By the way, I recommend people hitting up the Cinepolis by San Pedro (Mexicali).

henryT8 · Cholo Nako Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 39 Location: Calecia

maybe it also has to do (as most of you mention) that there aren't any good movies available to watch. maybe if there are special foreign films or mexican films it will bring a good crowd...but, then again don't most of us go to MEX to watch those cool films? ...but, it will be nice for them to have it here as well... i really do think that the theater has good potential if it only works harder to cater to its audience....

but, from my memory, the theater (back like a few years ago) was a good clean place to watch movies with friends on a weekend...

aww..the good times..

locoinclx · Posted: 11 Oct 2006 04:42 PM Post subject:

People do not go to Ultrastar because it is a lot better than Calexico's 10. They go to Ultrastar because its a location where the rest of their friends are going to hang out.. seriously the minute you leave Ultrastar, theres the mall and numerous options on where to eat. What is there to do at Calexico's 10? Applebees??? Calexico has to change the mentality that it has to benefit the local community. The theater chain will die off because come on, who has heard of the "Metropolitan Theaters"?? What ever happened to the plan that they had to build a mall right behind the theaters and all of that... well nothing... Therefore the theaters will go down in history just like a lot of the other entertainment complexes before.

What needs to be done know is to bring back the people from all parts of the Valley and Mexicali back to Calexico. As of right now theres only one project that has the potential to lure everyone in. This project is the casino. The casino has the potential to have a Vegas style mall which could ultimately include a theater chain. Why is that being promoted? Heck if your going to have a 10 story hotel along with the casino, you would think that they are up for the challenge of building more than just a casino with it right? I mean, the Desert Premium Outlets in Cabazon is not owned by the Morongo tribe. So why cant there be something like that here?? Is the casino going to include a night club?? Why not... Other Casinos have that, like Morongo, Viejas, Pechanga even Cocopah has something like that...