The Hi-Life

With "Friend of the Hi-Pointe" Jo-Ellen and theatre manager Brian

Last month I entered a contest by writing, in 50 words or less, why I love the Hi-Pointe Theatre. This week I found out that I won. 

My ideal movie theater is both humble and grand, bricks and neon, popcorn and champagne. It celebrates the splendor of the past while embracing tomorrow's coming attractions. The staff know you and know movies, but aren't know-it-alls.

This isn't a fantasy; it's the Hi-Pointe.

Though I'm elated that my entry was selected, I have to admit that I'm not really satisfied with it. I feel like I could have come up with something better if I'd maybe had more time or more words to work with. But then, truth be told, I've been trying to articulate my feelings about the Hi-Pointe for years, and I'm not sure any collection of words, even an infinite number of them, would suffice.

Cocktails for Film Snobs: The Virgin Suicide

A variation on Hemingway’s Death in the Afternoon ideal for those times when you’re drinking alone and don’t want to open a whole bottle of champagne. Combine one shot of absinthe and one Coppola Winery Sofia Blanc de Blancs Mini (named after director Sofia Coppola). Drink slowly. 

Now Playing

I’ve been an avid reader and fan of Not Coming to a Theatre Near You for a few years now; long enough that the site has become my first reference point whenever I come across a movie I’ve never seen that falls within the site’s wheelhouse of “older, often unpopular, and sometimes unknown films that merit a second look.” As of a few hours ago, I’m now also a contributor.

I’m not authoring reviews (there are quite a few talented writers already taking care of that), but will be curating a new calendar section of the site highlighting localized repertory screenings throughout St. Louis. You can check it out here.

For many, many years I didn’t dream there would ever be enough classic or alternative film screenings in St. Louis to justify such an endeavor. I’m thankful that I can help further the cause, and incredibly excited to be doing so as part of such a great collective of film fans and writers.