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Home > Wendy Does Waco > Archives > 2008 > June > 20 > Entry
Adult movies on the square
OK, not “adult movies”, let me explain.
I made it out to the Third Thursday movie, though I was late, and I stayed for a short time. I still think the outdoor movie is a great idea, there was just one thing I hadn’t counted on — all the kids.
I mean, I knew kids would be there, but I mistakenly thought they’d actually be watching the movie. I was wrong. Heritage Square looked like some kind of rave for five year olds, with throngs of children beating the crud out of each other with glow necklaces. Except of course for the 2 year old who toddled up to the fountain where I was sitting, he instead decided to lash the water in the fountain, splashing me repeatedly in the process. Kids who weren’t thrashing about with radioactive looking jewelry were emasculating their deftly made balloon animals.
I had a moment of clarity while listening to the squeaks and squeals on the Square. How about a grown-up movie night? I don’t even mind sticking with the G-rated cinema, let’s just put an age limit on the crowd and add a couple of cash bars. Local restaurants could provide overpriced outdoor dinner fare.
I think I’m on to something. Who’s with me?
Comments
By allen
June 20, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Oh, I am with you. At least get a holding pen for the little monsters. Alas, this is a FAMILY town…dirty little rug rats.
By Scott Baker
June 20, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Already in the plans. I’ll keep you posted.
By Auntie Meme
June 20, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Better stay away from the Gatesville Drive-in, then. What do you think this is, the Cinema & Drafthouse? Why should the city subsidize something just for your benefit?
By Beau Bailey
June 20, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
I will support that! I wanted to go to the pool this weekend, but I lost my Ipod, and now have nothing to drown out the screams of the wonderful children!!!
By mark
June 20, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Yah, I had the same experience. I had never seen Madagascar, thought it might be fun, still don’t know what it was about, what with all the kiddy noise and commotion. Scott, can’t wait to hear what is being planned for the older crowd!
By SD
June 20, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
I would gladly support ANYTHING for grown ups! It’s great there is a lot of emphasis on family friendly as I have a child of my own, but how about throw a bone to us adults that would appreciate AND WOULD GLADLY PAY to be in an environment sans children under 13? These days it is a true luxury to be able to go to a movie or to a nice restaurant for dinner. It’s heartbreaking when the fun & enjoyment are destroyed because someone else’s children are allowed to be disruptive.
By jbc
June 20, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
There’s a showing of Jaws at Waco Water Park on July 7.
By Abby C
June 20, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Awesome idea! Good thinking. Hopefully soon too, it may bring some life in to downtown Waco. Your on to something!
By Katy
June 20, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
For sure, Wendy. It’s hard enough to people to mix and mingle in Waco.
By Jessy
June 20, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
I would gladly participate, but who is going to regulate whether someone brings their kids or not. I can guarantee at least 1/4 of the parents will not abide by the “adults only” rule and go ahead and bring their wonderful beautiful children because they cannot stand to be away from their little beams of sunshine for more than a few hours…oh and did not want to pay for a babysitter. Same reason you cannot go to one of the nicer restaurants in town without having to sit by a screaming kid. Some parents take their kids everywhere! Anyways, can you tell I have a dog instead? You can leave them home alone with a bowl of food, water and doggie door without getting arrested.
By Michael
June 20, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
OK Wendy, right from the horse’s mouth:
September 19th: Movies in the Square “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”. Admission $5, $3 with canned good donated to Caritas. We’ll have concessions with Chicago-style pizza, Sausage and of course, Beer.
October 16th: Movies in the Square “Talladega Nights”. Admission $5. There will be several interesting Nascar tie-ins with food, beverages, etc.
We were waiting to make an annoucement, but there you go…now, put your money where your mouth is and show up!! :)
By Chef
June 20, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
We’re in for Talladega Nights! But will there be kid-control? If not, paying and having good food and drinks won’t make a difference. Hopefully the parents were just using that movie as an automatic baby-sitter,
Parents, are you reading this? Get a sitter, make it a date for the 2 of you!
By KDF
June 20, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Folks, I am reading lots of complaining about unruly children. Oh, yes, they can get a bit unruly, but I have read in these blogs about parents not controlling their kids at certain events. Someone correct me (I truly am asking) but this sounds hypocritical to me. Kids are great Children of God, and if we all still had the child within us, we would probably be a whole lot better off. :) <><
By mark
June 21, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
I’m still trying to find my inner adult.
By Michael
June 21, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
With regard to children at the first two fall movies: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off may have a minimum age, such as 10, in part because it is PG and is the sort of movie that relies on dialogue for some of its humor (therefore requiring you to hear it :) ).
Additionally, Talladega Nights is PG-13 and ehre are the parameters that are being considered: Kids under 18 NOT ADMITTED WITHOUT PARENT, and Kids under 13 not admitted at all.
We are trying to bring this great event to an older audience.
With regard to the kids’ movies: Wendy, and all others please take note: I don’t care who you are or where you come from or how much money you may or may not have, try controlling your 4-year old (I speak from experience - I have a 6-year old, 4-year old and 2-year old, with the oldest two attending the movie) after they have had a combination of candy, Capri Sun, Pizza, and gotten charged up in the bouncy house.
Do you guys realize that a family of 4 could have come and gotten dinner, watched a movie, eaten free popcorn, jumped in the bouncy house, won a zoo pass, gotten their face painted, gotten a free animal balloon, gotten their hair dyed, all in a safe environment while enjoyed a great summer night in Downtown Waco for under $10???
With gas prices at $4, these types of events are some of the only entertainment options that some of our community has.
I for one am proud of being associated with this event, the great sponsors, and the great volunteers that provide quality family entertainment FOR ALL OF WACO TO ENJOY.
That being said, please show up for Ferris and Talladega cause we’ll have as much to do for the adults and we did for the kids!!
By Robert
June 21, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
I live in Austin and noticed the Alamo Drafthouse semi-truck trailer in one of the photos. We go to the Alamo Village here in Austin and spend alot of money each time on drinks (beer mostly) and food. Are they planning on opening an Alamo in Waco? I am re-locating to Waco mid-January or February. I think it would do very good in Waco. Prices need to be a little cheaper tho in Waco compared to Austin.
By Michael
June 21, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
A similar concept to Alamo is planned for downtown, tweaked for the Waco market. Between 4 and 6 screens. It is probably going to be in the second wave of development and open in the 2010-2011 timeframe.
By Robert
June 21, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
The downtown one is great here too. And, because they serve alcohol….unless a parent is there…. NO KIDS!
By Michael
June 21, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
The summer series of Movies in the Square is meant is a community service for all Waco families. Its part of a larger strategy to convey the message that downtown is for everyone. The cinema grill concept here would have similar restrictions. Most all movies would be restricted to 18 and over unless accompanied. There would be special showings specifically for young audiences.
Rules like this make it enjoyable for all, particularly if you are a paying patron…
By Fred
June 21, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Adult movies? Yes indeed. How about: “Debbie Does Dallas”? That would get your Baylor Southern Baptists fired-up now wouldn’t it? But then again; they have probably already shown that one at Waco’s First Baptist Church. That would explain the big “Baptist Scandal” with the First Baptist Preacher leaving town by the dark-of-night? Fly by night Baylor Preacher? You just know there is a “juicy Baylor scandal” involved? Come on Wendy? Do some “investigative reporting” at Waco’s First Baptist Church and really stir up Baylor’s Royality? Show us some “she-wolf” courage Wendy?
By Alamo Drafthouse at the Lacy-Lakeview 6
June 22, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Tweaked for the Waco market? uh oh. We know what that means… kids allowed no offbeat, foreign, or “controversial” movies possibly no alcohol with food and soda only most likely, “teh suck”. It could also just mysterously never open…like me.
By Katy W
June 22, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Michael, thank you so much for all of your ideas and for thinking of the adult Waco crowd, as well as for sharing so much here. I look forward to the movies!
By Jett
June 22, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Just wondering … should maybe these kids be wrangled or loved on? Jesus knew best … “bring the little children to Me” Herein lies the SOULution to your problem, Miss Wendy :) JEtt
By WWaco
June 22, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
SUCH AWFUL IDEAS.
HORRRRRIBLE.
By Michael
June 22, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Dear Alamo Draft House @ The Lacy-Lakeview 6:
No, you don’t know what that means. Sorry to disappoint you, but, yes, we will serve alcohol. Secondly, we will have foreign, independent, and cult classics. Did you see what our October film was: Talladega Nights?? Not exactly a Baylor/baptist-approved film (but just about as far as we want to go for an outdoor movie.:) We are trying to bring a hip, urban vibe to downtown. More is to come….and Katy W, thanks, and we’ll see you there!!
Also, watch for the announcements of the new retail at Heritage Square in the next few weeks. I think everybody will be pleasantly surprised…
By Jessy
June 23, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
KDF
I am a “Child of God” and want to have a nice evening at an adults only function without having to hear your “Child of God” screaming their head off because you would not let him have some pizza.
I would definately support the Movies at the Square, and hopefully when Sept and Oct roll around it will have cooled off some and be very enjoyable. I am looking forward to it!
By poopsandwich
June 23, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
I’m just happy Chipotle opens this week. And nothing can take that joy away from me. Including all this complaining…
By wendy
June 23, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Michael,
I think I speak for many a folk on my blog when I say thanks for the info and thanks for throwing us semi-grown ups a bone.
As for kids, I might consider popping out a gorgeous little curly red-headed progeny one day. Until then, I get to be crotchety and snarky and be annoyed by kids, except of course for my Madison, my cousin’s baby Logan and my two nephews in Austin :)
By Michael
June 24, 2008 6:24 AM | Link to this
Thanks Wendy. We are working on bringing more arts, entertainment and cultural options to downtown. We feel like downtown is the natural center of this activity and enhancing the lineup which already includes Brazos Nights, Movies in the Square, and Waco Cultural Arts Fest makes sense. We are working on a Jazz Fest for Labor Day weekend and live bands every Saturday night during football season. Next May the DMA is working on a big event. So there will be more to come…
By Tbu
June 24, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
Good call, Wendy. Once I have kids, I am sure I will like events like that— but until then, I have to steer clear! I already marked my calendar for Sept. 19.