Things are looking up for cinema goers who love looking up at that big screen.
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The AMC Evanston 12, at 1715 Maple Avenue, reopened its doors on Wednesday, Nov. 9. By the following Sunday for matinee showtimes, doors were being opened numerous times, providing a breath of fresh air for movie lovers.
“I’ve been walking by this theater, I was so sad when it first closed down,” said Larry Wolf of Evanston. “I couldn’t believe it because it’s kind of like my Sunday refuge. There’s just something about seeing a movie in a theater.”
Wolf’s overall favorite film is the 1942 movie “Casablanca” with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. For the holidays, Wolf will not miss seeing the 1946 Frank Capra film “It’s A Wonderful Life” with James Stewart and Donna Reed.
While these selections might have been screened elsewhere at Chicagoland boutique or art house theaters, Wolf has been coming to this Evanston movie destination for more than a decade with his children.
AMC Theatres of Leawood, Kansas announced the long awaited reopening after the 18 screen theater building closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Annie Coakley, executive director of Downtown Evanston, reported feeling “very happy” the theater is reopened and bringing business back to downtown.
“The theater is a great complement for our many restaurants and will bring lots of extra foot traffic for nearby businesses,’ Coakley said. “Plus seeing a movie in the theater is a great experience. You can’t really replicate that at home.”
Construction continues on the soon-to-be-completed remodeled concession area. The soft opening allows guests to enjoy upcoming holiday season blockbuster movies, according to the AMC Theatres announcement.
“We’re excited to bring the AMC experience to Evanston and for area guests to once again enjoy their movies on the big screen at this popular location,” said Dan Ellis, AMC chief operations and development officer. “With the holiday movie season about to ramp up, and with some of the most anticipated movies of the year about to hit movie theatres, it’s the perfect time for those in the Evanston area to come back to AMC Evanston 12.”
Jeff Stanley of Rogers Park came on Sunday afternoon to see “Black Adam.”
“I’m really happy that it’s open again because it’s like one of my favorite theaters,” Stanley said. “It’s always nearby. The deals are great.”
Stanley attends matinee showings of newer films for cheaper tickets and to avoid large crowds.
Stanley agreed that loyal moviegoers are students of cinema.
“Cinema’s important in many ways,” Stanley said. “On the entertainment level, it’s nice to escape. On the more artistic level, it’s very inspiring.”
As a graphic designer, Stanley says a lot of his inspiration comes from film, saying, “It’s also a window to other countries, to other cultures, just seeing stories in other people’s shoes is always a great thing.”
Stanley said film offers something that is flexible depending on your mood. Popcorn to taste, extra butter or not, might also whet the appetite for a satisfying cinema experience.
“I always compare it to food,” Stanley said. “Some days you want a steak from Gibson’s, some days you want a White Castle slider. It depends.”
According to AMC Theatres, AMC is the largest movie exhibition company in the United States, the largest in Europe and the largest throughout the world with approximately 950 theatres and 10,500 screens globally.
Evanston showtimes can be seen at: www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/chicago/amc-evanston-12.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
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