Judge James: Victoria deserves more and better movies, theaters

Sep 14, 2024 at 5:00 PM

Lights, Camera, Action: Elevating Victoria's Movie-Going Experience

When deciding to call Victoria home, one of the first things on my mind was the local movie theater scene. As a self-proclaimed cinephile, I was relieved to discover that Cinemark had a presence in the city. However, upon further exploration, I realized that Victoria's movie-going options could use some expansion and diversification to truly cater to the diverse tastes of its growing population.

Unlocking the Potential of Victoria's Cinema Landscape

Embracing Cinemark's Strengths and Exploring New Horizons

As someone who has spent considerable time in Austin and frequented the renowned Alamo Drafthouse, I can attest to the allure of a theater that offers a truly immersive and curated movie-going experience. While Cinemark may not quite reach the same level of cinematic excellence, it remains a solid option for those seeking a reliable and comfortable setting to enjoy the latest blockbusters.However, in a city with a population exceeding 65,000 residents, the presence of a single theater option feels somewhat limiting. Victoria's movie enthusiasts deserve a wider array of choices, both in terms of theater selection and the variety of films on offer.

The Elusive Indie and Anime Gems

One of the most striking examples of this limitation is the recent release of the film "Cuckoo," starring Hunter Schaefer and produced by the acclaimed studio NEON. As someone who had recently enjoyed another NEON production, "LONGLEGS," I was eager to check out this new offering. Alas, it was nowhere to be found on the Cinemark 12 schedule. While I later learned that the film may have had a brief run in Victoria, the lack of visibility and accessibility is concerning.This issue extends beyond just independent films. With the growing popularity of Japanese anime on the big screen, it would be a disservice to Victoria's cinephiles if they were forced to travel to larger cities like Austin, Houston, or San Antonio to experience these unique and captivating cinematic gems. Titles like "My Hero Academia: You're Next" and "Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom" deserve to be showcased in the local theater, allowing fans to immerse themselves in these beloved stories without the burden of lengthy commutes.

Fostering a Vibrant and Diverse Movie-Going Culture

I don't mean to imply that Cinemark is intentionally suppressing the availability of indie or anime films in Victoria. The reality is that the limited number of screens and the sheer volume of new releases catering to a broader demographic can make it challenging to accommodate a diverse range of cinematic offerings.This is precisely why I've decided to pen this article. If I can inspire a wide-eyed reader with the resources and vision to open a new theater in Victoria, it could create the healthy competition and expanded options that the city's movie enthusiasts deserve. Imagine the excitement of being able to catch the latest "Bocchi the Rock!" or "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle" release without having to embark on a lengthy road trip.The potential for Victoria to cultivate a vibrant and diverse movie-going culture is undeniable. By embracing a more inclusive approach to film programming, the city can cater to the diverse tastes of its residents, fostering a sense of community and enriching the cultural landscape. It's time to elevate the movie-going experience in Victoria, and I'm hopeful that this article will be the spark that ignites that transformation.