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In Memory of Summer Break 2012

August 18th, 2012

Summer Break 2012, May – August 2012, Memorial services to be held by teachers and students daily, for the next nine months all around East Texas. Summer came and left us (as she usually does), abruptly this year. Knowing her has been a rich and rewarding experience. She played hard to get through June, allowing us the rain and cool moisture we had missed the preceding year. As such, we mostly stayed indoors reading (and enjoying our lower energy bills), as well as attending events like Vacation Bible School. In July we she began coming around a bit more but remained somewhat standoff-ish, so we busied ourselves with visiting the Tyler Zoo, or other area outdoor venues, like Lindsey Field or Rose Rudman. Still, we knew she couldn’t stay away indefinitely.

By August, as if sensing that her time was short, her visits became longer, and more intense. We felt her warmth in the stands at the Ball Park, and at the pool. We even tried to put a little distance between us by ducking into local museums, and movie theaters. At the end of the day, we watched the Summer Olympic Games on TV and enjoyed our time with her, all the while, wishing the bliss wouldn’t end so suddenly. But of course it did. The time has come for us all to return to the classroom, some as teachers, some as students, but all with vivid recollections of Summer 2012. Goodbye Vacation. I look forward to meeting your predecessor in 2013.

The Summer Break is survived by the coming of Autumn, the fall football season, post- season Baseball, including the Ranger, (make the sign of the cross here), and the coming of cooler weather. The end of the Spring, Winter and the 2011 School year preceded her in passing.  

HOLLYWOOD TYLER ROSE MOVIE THEATER

April 15th, 2010

1250 Loop 323 South SW
Tyler
75701
903 592 7000

The Tyler Rose is the only movie theater serving the North (East) of Tyler – the rest are on South Broadway. (There is a drive-in, Sky-Vue, on Hwy 69 N)

The Hollywood has 10 screens and shows all the latest releases. It is easily accessible from the loop and easy to find and has plenty of parking in the front. There is a Chicken Express and Rudys BBQ very close by for those wanting to eat before or after watching a film.

The place itself is slightly seedy. The location is a favorite place to meet for local teens who hang around the front of the theater. I have heard some people complain that they don’t feel safe walking to their car at night there. It is sad but true that they have police presence working in the theater at the weekends to avoid trouble. At least the police are friendly, the other personnel will not give you a smile as they serve you. Sometimes the lines to get a ticket are very long but you can speed up the process by buying your ticket on line in advance (fandango.com)

Another negative point to mention is that the movie theater does not seem clean. The seats are grubby, there is sometimes trash on the floors and the floors have a slightly sticky feel as you walk through the complex. However, the seats are platform style (and yet solid – set in concrete) and you can have a great view of the movie wherever you chose to sit in the auditorium.

There is a concessions stand with limited food and drinks. No fancy flavored popcorn here but plenty of candies, sodas and hot dogs. If you are a big snack consumer it is good to know that there are free refills on the large sodas and large popcorn.

One final complaint – they often turn the lights on before the credits have finished rolling on the film which gives you the feeling that you are being turned out early!

On a more positive note, Hollywood Theaters do sometimes have special events like live music from local artists Bongo and the Point and they have giveaways at new releases on most weekends and holidays.

Seeing a movie at the Hollywood is also less expensive than most other movie theaters Prices – adult $7.75, children and seniors – $5.75. There is also a student discount and at performances between 3-6pm (Twilight showings) it is only $4.50. Tuesdays are the special night, where adults pay the children’s price and hot dogs are just $1.50.

Not sure I would go so far as to recommend the Tyler Rose but if you are happy with a ‘no frills’ experience and prefer feeling a little uneasy walking to your car than driving to Broadway to watch a film then it’s OK.

Sky Vue Drive-in Theater

January 26th, 2010

Outdoor movie drive in, Tyler TX

Sky Vue Drive-in

Sky Vue Drive-In Theater
10713 Hwy. 69 North, Tyler, Texas 75706

Did you know – Tyler even has a drive-in movie theater!

Sky Vue is north of Tyler on Hwy 69 (towards Lindale) just off loop 323.

Each night they show 2 movies, usually a G or PG perhaps followed by one of a more restricted age-range. The movies they show are all new releases with some old classics – just like a regular theater. There is one price for both movies but it is fine to leave after the first movie or come just for the second one – it is not difficult to get in or out of the field and there is always a 10 minute break between the films so you won’t be disturbing the viewers of the later film if you move your vehicle.

A visit to the drive-in is a fun family experience unlike other movie theaters in Tyler. First the excitement builds as you wait in the car line (not for long though) to pay. Then you pick your spot. We like to be quite close to the huge screen but not close enough to get neck-ache.

You can buy popcorn, drinks and other snacks at the consignment booth. They have pizza too. These items are very reasonable compared to other movie theatres. At the booth, they will also lend you some insect repellent in case you want to sit outside your car. I should add that there are also restrooms available on site.

We like to take garden chairs and blankets and sit outside our car. The kids have a wonderful time lying on a mat and snuggling up under their blankets watching the feature on the big screen in the sky. It’s great that they can wriggle and move round without disturbing people. I was able to take the baby to the movies too and even walk around a little with him and still not miss any of the film.

The sound is loud – but not too loud. It makes it all the more absorbing for the children. If you want to you can sit inside your car and tune in on the radio for your own private showing. I did that when I was pregnant and reclined the seat right back so I was super comfortable!

A visit to the drive-in is a bit weather dependent and obviously it is reliant on it being dark, so mid-summer is not the best time to go unless you want to stay up very, very late! But in the beautiful Texas spring and fall it is perfect for a good evenings entertainment.

A movie under the stars. Not just a family experience but for all you young lovers out there it is quite a romantic (and cheap) date! Prices – adults: $6 children: $4 under 5-free. This covers both films.

You can find out what films are showing next by signing up on their website to receive details of the upcoming showings at www.tylerdrivein.com

Tyler Movie Theaters

January 12th, 2010

Timesquare Cinema in Tyler TX
Tyler has three movie theaters. Each one differs in price, quality, cleanness, and sizes. Hollywood Theatre has 14 screens. They have not made the changes to the digital technology. I am constantly disappointed in how dirty each theater is. When I go spend $7 to go see a movie I don’t want to think what I am sitting in and why the arm rest in so greasy. I have worked back in the kitchen and it is really dirty and properly cleaned. I have been there a few times when the movie has broke and I had to sit in the theater and wait for the projectionist to get it started again. Hollywood theater is not very family friendly atmosphere. Most of the time there are people who just hangout around the building and start fights and cause trouble.

The quality of the movies are not up to date, the theaters and lobby are always dirty, and it is not a family friendly environment, although it is cheaper, I much rather prefer Carmike. Carmike theater also has 14 screens. Movies there are much more expensive than the other two theaters in Tyler Texas. All of their movies are projected digitally and not through the old film projectors that break easily and are the pictures are not as clear. The theaters are not always the cleanest, but at least I can somewhat relax, the kitchen is in sight of the costumers and seems to be kept somewhat clean. Although you have to fight the large crowds, I think Carmike is worth it for its quality alone. I think it is more family friendly than Hollywood but the large crowds does make it harder to balance the drinks, popcorn, and kids.

Carmike’s movies tend to have about 20 minutes of advertisement and previews before the actual movie starts, which can be frustrating.

If the price is a bigger issue than the quality there is the smaller theater, Times Square. It only has a few screens, so the movie that you want to see may not be playing there. Times Square’s small crowds makes the viewing experience less stressful and more personal. Time Square still gives a student discount on the price of certain show times. It keeps the previews to a minimum of a couple minutes, and gets to the movie. The quality has began to change over to the digital projection and even some of the movies are in 3D, but it still does not compare to the size and clarity of Carmike. The screens are smaller than the other two theater’s, and the rooms sit less. Times Square is usually very clean, and from a resent report, it’s seats were the cleanest under a “black light” test. It’s easy to relax when you know that the theater is being properly cleaned.

So next time you want to have a good night and go see a movie, think about what is important to you to have a fun and relaxing experience.

Movies in Tyler Texas

December 20th, 2009

For showtimes at all the movie theaters in Tyler we recommend using an online service like Flixter, Fandango, or RottenTomatoes

Because Tyler, TX is a mid-sized city that is overshadowed by titans like Dallas and Fort Worth, people often say there is nothing to do in the city. There are no pro sports teams, and major concerts with big name artists are rare. Maybe this is true to a degree but virtually ever resident of Tyler Texas love movies and restaurants. There are hundreds of restaurants in the city, but there are three movie theaters: The Hollywood Rose, Carmike 14, and Times Square Cinema. Below is a brief description of each of these.

Movie Theaters in Tyler

Hollywood Rose Cinema

Cost for a regular admission ticket: $7.75

This west Tyler theater was built in the 1990’s, and remains a popular choice for many young people in the city. However, “The Tyler Rose” is generally considered the worst theater in Tyler. The staff members appear to hate their jobs, and the floor is perpetually sticky. The movie viewing, too, is subpar. Expect problems with the projector and sound, and maybe even the temperature. But the biggest problem with The Tyler Rose is the chaotic atmosphere. The theater is ground zero for high school loiterers who have nothing better to do than attract attention to themselves. Fights are routine, and there are often policemen roaming the premises. For other high schoolers, this might be an attractive atmosphere. But not for parents who want to send their kid to a movie, and not for adults who just want to watch a film in peace.[ad#large-blog-block]

Carmike 14 in Tyler

Cost for a regular admission ticket: $8.25

Carmike 14 is Tyler’s largest and most modern theater. It is located close to a hoard of shopping outlets on South Broadway such as Kohls, Target, Walmart Super Center, and Gander Mountain. Carmike 14 is a fine theater, offering digital projection and 3-D movies (when they are available.) The staff are generally cheerful and competent. The stadium seating, too, is great. I have few qualms with Carmike 14, other than the slightly higher prices and the problem of crowds. But at least the crowds are there because it’s a good theater, unlike The Tyler Rose.

Times Square Cinema

Cost for a regular admission ticket: $7.50

Long before The Tyler Rose or Carmike 14 were ever built, movies in Tyler Texas were being shown 7 days a week at a little theater in Times Square on South Broadway. The theater has just six screens, and a small staff. It has an entirely different feel than most modern theaters. It’s a much more down to earth atmosphere because it is a family owned and operated business. When you go there, you can expect digital projection, 3-D viewing, and a clean atmosphere. The screens are smaller than the ones at the other theaters, but the experience is better overall. The best part? The high school kids prefer to hang out at the bigger places. Times Square patrons are their to watch movies, not to attract (or repulse) potential mates.

Video Rentals in Tyler

If you prefer to rent movies in Tyler Texas, there are still two Blockbuster video stores, one on 5th and Beckham, and one on Troupe in the Green Acres Shopping Center. Hollywood Video is still renting to customers on South Broadway. Ten years ago, this city was crawling with video stores! But the advent of Netflix and RedBox movie kiosks have made those places irrelevant. If you want to rent a movie in Tyler, it’s easier and cheaper to drop into WalMart or MacDonalds. Update: Netflix and Redbox have destroyed all rental movie stores. Sorry but you will have to mail order your video rentals, do pay per view, or use the redbox and blockbuster video vending machines around town.