Review: Preserve Me A Seat (B-)

Preserve Me A Seat (2005)
Directed by Jim Fields
Grade: B-

Review by Mark Focus

I guess I should admit right from the start that I went into this documentary biased. I love the old time movie theaters and I absolutely hate mega-plexes. The tiny screens. The mindless teens behind the concessions that really don't care about service. The rude audience members that talk during the movie, either to someone next to them, or (and this I really hate) on their cell phone. The movie going experience has really fallen on hard times.

Preserve Me A Seat documents efforts by folks all over the country to save their favorite old time movie theaters. Elegant, old time movie theaters across the country are being torn down, in favor of parking garages and condos. This film shows the beauty of these gorgeous architectural landmarks. It also documents a group of activist's struggle to save the Indian Hills theater in Omaha. The battle that they face to save this wonderful theater is inspiring, tragic and educational.

If you love classic movies and the wonderful theaters from the past, then you must rent this film. If you have a glorious old theater in your town, and it is still in operation, please give it your business. Director Jim Fields does a wonderful job in Preserve Me A Seat, showing just how important these architectural landmarks are to our history, identity and culture.