can someone tell me why there is no movie theater in San Pedro
and would it be a good idea?????I am moving to San Pedro at the end of dec ....Well see you all soon

Building a movie house as we speak, look at reef village.

Oh Boy a movie theater, that's great then an amuesment park and a mall the possibilities are endless.

we are getting a 4 lane bowling alley! ri-cheer in downtown Maya Beach!
i shit you not.

You mean Movie House / Concert Hall !!

I hear it will seat 500. (1000bz).

Should be ready for the big JJW concert week in Jan 2010

Yea - am very excited about this! I believe the seating is for 300, though....

Either way, this should positively impact tourism on the Island. Hopefully not too many Mangroves were sacrificed for our pleasure

thanx need something to do lol will they play movies like a theater in the states ?

[quote=SnoopysMom]Yea - am very excited about this! I believe the seating is for 300, though....

Ok I stand corrected, Seats 300 (600bz) Still pretty large though.

There will be 2 movie theaters in the building - one with 300 seats and the other one with 100 seats, sound system, stage, lobby for get-together and parties and a bar next to the lobby.

As now BEL finally moved the power lines they'll finish the last wall within the next 2 to 4 days. Half of the roof is already up and the very comfortable seats are on the way to San Pedro :-)

OH YEAH? That's what people come to a sub tropical island for; to sit inside a dark room and look at something they can see at home?

AND, yes, a lot of mangroves were sacrificed for this.

I think it will be nice to have the option. Think about all the people who live on the island who have NEVER been to a movie theatre, now it will be available to them. Also, we all get a little stir crazy when we have a solid week of rain, the movie's is great for bad weather days.

I will probably never set foot in it, but its nice to have the option.

It may be my sheltered life, but I was thinking the world of movie going had changeed and technology like HD-DVD,Flat Screen
had people watching their flicks/pixels at home now.
What i do is get a DVD form Tech Transylvania and watch at my leisure.
OMG last night was 'Inglorious Bastards'
If you haven't see it.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=703484524&ref=nf
best since 'Pulp Fiction'

Its one more avenue of entertainment for anybody on A/C. Quit thinking along the lines you own the country. Its being built in Belize by Belizian people and will be used by them. Get off your high horse and let them have some culture too. Can you remember back when it was 25 cents to see a movie and everybody was there.
Sit back and see what happens when it opens and movies start rotating in and out.

Many years ago, and when I was little girl, we had a movie theatre in town - where Jaguar's Temple now stands. Every weekend there were matinee movies, westerns and Bruce Lee flicks mainly. It was always a thrill when we were allowed to go. All the kids in the village would be there (except those on punishment) and there would be popcorn and other goodies available. There must have been seats but I remember always sitting on the floor with my friends in front of the big screen. You could never hear the movie since everybody was laughing, giggling, flirting etc. Around 7pm or so the matinee would be done and the kids were cleared out - I don't know what movies the teenagers and adults watched - maybe the same movie reel, maybe something more adult. But those were some fine times. We would all spill out the theatre and hang out at the park, eating more snacks, watching people come and go and then we would start drifting home. My parents would be in town, socializing with other parents. This was fun for the whole family. This was one of the few "attractions" in town and it was affordable.

Most people love a little distraction, a little get-a-way from real life - even people that live on beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Some of the kids that live here have never had the opportunity to go away, see a city, see the big lights, experience all of the scenarios depicted in movies so a movie theatre is often a place where dreams are found, created, indulged and enjoyed.

As a parent I know there aren't many places for the kids to go and hang out at night where they can stay out of trouble while being entertained. I can't count the number of movie nights we have held at home so the kids can all be together socializing - off the streets.

I think the addition of a picture house will be great for this community.

Hey Bill, I bowled at Maya Beach years ago; it involved coconuts on the beach however.

:-) champion, this is my country and my culture.

Amanda, nice story, especially the reference to "picture house", but I'm not sure that you want your children exposed to the crap that is coming out of Hollywood these days. It's mostly directed at the 18-25 movie-going age group, with overdoses of swearing, violence, sex, noise, and did I mention swearing. The kind of western they make these days is R-rated, and it's not because the cows and horses are naked.

Ok Moose, lets burn all the books, and Elbert, You are one of many with ideas from your heart but, the only thing constant about status quo is change. You can't stop the basic nature of human beings no mater how hard you try. Lets not improve any more roads On AC, lets just let everyone suffer during the rainy season and lets propagate the mosquito population, all in an effort to keep the island in its natural state.

I have seen a heck of a lot of crap being churned out these days, but there are some excellent movies still being made. Most of the Disney and Nick stuff is still acceptable for kids to view, I thought Mama Mia was cute, I am bummed that I can watch a really great engrossing movie and then one or 2 ill placed swear words all of a sudden make the story inappropriate for kids. I watched 2 movies this year that did that. They still make cool movies like Forrest Gump and Castaway (did I mention I am a fan of Tom Hanks???)

But there is some unbelievably bad movie content in mainstream viewing these days, couple that with my least favorite music, rap, hip-hop etc and you bet - I would rather stay at home curled up with a book.

But I think my point in the previous post was the fact that going to the movies is a socializing event - a place to get together that isn't the work place or school or each others homes.

hate to be so blunt, from a pure business perspective, i think this is one dumb idea.

but then again, i'm notorious for not knowing diddly, we all know that...but can sommeone explain the basic math to me? How much do you think they are gonna have to charge per ticket to get people to get butts in seatas?? how much for the airconditioning alone for a venue that big? the equipment, the stuff inside, the staff, all of it...

Lets say they charge the same as a US ticket, in BZD... I dunno people, what is it, $8 US? $16 per person to see a movie, i wanna bring my spouse and kids...so we are $64, plus $10 to cross the bridge.

300 seats!?!?!?!?!?....how the HELL are you gonna get 300 people to cross the bridge, pay $10 to do so, and then buy tickets? what abuot snacks etc? and if you COULD do it, how many nights a week you think you're gonna be able to!?!? jees...there arent that many people here! and if they DO go, how many times will they go in a year? at those prices...i dunno...those of you who dont livehere....how many times a year do you go to the movies? how manytimes do your friends? this is just such dumb math....or the old 'new' math???

while it would be LOVELY to have something to do, to have a place to go on a date (assuming there was anyone to date!)...would be LOVELY no doubt...

but one thing we all know when you live here, its not the gringos that fuel this place, and while tourism helps, if the locals cant afford it, then there simply isnt enough need for the idea to make it financially viable.

ah....reef village.....god love 'em....so many dreams, so little reality, even less logic...IMO of course .

The movie theatre won't make money - the business plan would have to be focusing on making money on concerts, food and drink sales, ticket sales of top bill actors/singers etc.

You bring up a lot of good points, Lara. But you do have to give them credit for trying to push the envelope. Any business is risky in Belize, but good for them for giving it a shot!

The best thing about this Lara is, you aint building it and no money out of your pocket.

Ever consider that the theatre could be a "loss leader" for Reef Village if guests will be staying there (+drinks/food) and perhaps they might sell the concert goers a time shares or two?

Either way, the entire island/ country of Belize stands to benefit from this (bridge passes, tropic and Maya airlines, golf carts, restaurants, mainland excursions, etc), I applaud their efforts and look forward to enjoying popcorn and a real movie on a rainy day

I would like to note that this theatre will also give people and the community a chance to see and do live theatre as well. Could we maybe think that happy little thought for awhile? Cultural enrichment is never a bad thing. From what I understand, the stage will be small, but perfect for youth theatre in particular.

Thanks Harriette, that we always can be up-to-date with your private little war against Reef Village and everything that smell like them - it's really exciting! Thanks, that you tell us why people come to San Pedro and what people want and do not want. I'm not sure if this forum should be subject of your private frustration?

.... and I really like Elbert who does the same over and over again - private war - and all in public! He's the guy who fights for environment with a "solar suck"-attitude and in the end posts that he rather buys illegal copies of movies from a San Pedro shop instead of watching movies in cinemas – I’m again very impressed, Elbert!

I see all the concerns – lost business – too many seats – too expensive and the bridge pass is already calculated in the worries (I think I'm going to walk across the bridge and will buy 2 drinks from the money I saved!:-)

When I read all the concerns I think: “why can’t these people be happy anymore? Be excited about something new? a next step?"

My message is” Hurray – some culture and new night life in San Pedro! Wow, my favorite movies really big in the atmosphere with many people around, popcorn, ice cream and people stretching their bones after the movie – a smile in their eyes – “The Painted Veil”, “Frida” or “Gran Torino” on a big screen, Tammy might present a writer reading parts of her/his book, and in summer the kids of the summer camp play any stage play and feel like real theater actors and their parents very proud in the audience, “Lorrie Morgan”, “Garth Brooks” or “Christopher Cross” on stage and maybe a reunion? That sounds really good to me and I ask myself: Why are there soooo many people who seem to be so mad? Man – the sky is blue and the sun shines and: no shirt – no shoes – no problem and still lots of people just see dark clouds on the horizon!?
Maybe one day Bobby McFerrin will be on this stage and will sing: “Don’t worry – be happy” – Harriette & Elbert may I then invite you to the show – just for this one song? But I don't have a bridge pass - hope that's no problem!?

Heh heh....nice post!

Ditto!

Look I like the idea of being able to see a concert or a movie. Lets face it the Island is beautiful but what do you do at night that is not going to the bar or going to a friends place? Or on a rainy Sunday evening. Plus if Reef Village is willing to bring in some new acts for us to see well then I am all for it.
I am for sure getting tickets to the Lorrie Morgan and if Garth Brooks come for him too.
Lets hope that we can have some live theater too.

(Lights dim. The actor steps into the pool of light, center stage)
Blue Sky, Ocean and Theatre? One of my reasons for NOT moving to San Pedro is gone. I am packing my bags as I speak....Those enterprising young vendors are natural born actors, the talent pool runs deep on La Isla Bonita. Also, there are many great playwrights in Belize just waiting for a rare venue to come along.
As far as movies, there are MANY good movies out there, including fabulous documentaries. I love technology as much as the next geek, but as soon as it became possible to download new releases to your laptop and pause the movie while you go the bathroom, the art of movie making and movie going started to decline.
(Steps off soapbox)
Break a leg, Paradise Theater.
(Exit Stage Left)

OOPS>>>misread yer post...sorry

I like the idea of a theatre on the island. I hate going to movies but my wife loves it. I think it will be a great addition to what this island has to offer. Although I also consider myself a tree hugger and don't always agree with developers and what they do I can say that the spot where the theater is located more then likely destroyed fewer mangroves then the school located next door.

Since when do locals have to pay to walk across the bridge? I am not sure how well this will do from a financial standpoint but frankly I don't care. As long as they stay open it will give every person on this island something to do and also give some folks the ability to put together performances etc. in a nice venue.

I can see it now a midnight showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show on Halloween night (throwing toast, etc. etc.) What's for diner Meatloaf!

.....and I was too hasty with my reply.
lol

10+/- years ago, there was a little movie house across the street, from the church, IIRC.

One rainy night with nothing better to do and the decision not to go out and drink, I went to the movie theatre. There were maybe 5 people in there and I thought, wow, this will never make it. And it didn't. That said, it wasn't anything like what is going in at Reef Village and there weren't as many people living in San Pedro and area at the time.

So frankly, I don't know which way this will go. If they are able to attract big name stars and find people to pay for that, then I guess it will be a successful venture.

Myself, I guess I don't have the vision to see what it could come to be. I think it will be a waste of mangroves. I've been wrong before, let's hope I'm wrong again, because the mangroves are gone already. I hope this turns out to be something good for the island.

Say, how's that "new" casino working out, you know, the one at Belize Yacht Club, that everyone was so excited about that was going to have entertainment and occupy the residents and give them something different to do?

The theater is a family-oriented affair..the casino isn't.

So, how's that casino working out for the entertainment of all the adults that were looking for another social outlet?

I don't know what you "believers" are smoking. A theatre that seats 300 people will never attract big name talent, unless you want to pay thousands for a ticket.

:^)

It's very simple, if they price it to be packed it will be packed. If they don't, it won't. As a movie venue for tourists it won't work as a venue for residents it will.

It worked just fine in the 70's in Kona, Hawaii cause the "big name talent" used it as an excuse for a vacation.

Well, I guess Lorrie doesn't want the word to get around.

http://www.lorrie.com/

I have it on good authority she will be using it as an opener for her new Hot Chicken Cafe franchises - one of which will be built on the site of the former Hammock House

Yay! Yum, I can't wait to get me some:

http://www.countrycrossingalabama.com/in...3&Itemid=87

Competing with the Chinee chicken establishments? Ha!

But it will be so close to the theater. My mouth waters thinking of it now . . .a great show and then hitting the new restaurant afterwards. A perfect duet date, um, like Lara said.

Lara will no doubt have a booth selling her bejeweled bikinis...

typo or slur?

Normal Belize spelling

well, how about that. In all these years, I never knew.............. Mom would be proud. Always told me to try & learn something new every day

Come to Belize and pay attention...

HAHAHAHA !!!!

Pay enough attention to know where NOT to be. Note to Mom: Ignore them

So easy even a caveman knows where NOT to be !!

I love movies, who doesnt?

Im bringing my own projector for my new place there in january. but going to see a good movie on the big screen with a group of friends is something I enjoy quite often. Makes me very happy to know there will be some sort of movie theater there!

Would be cool if they played old movies too, midnight classics or something?

What ever happened to the Dive-In movie thing I read about? Is that going on?

AC

Yippee, fast food franchise! I can't wait for McDonalds, Burger King, Wendys, Taco Bell, Hardees, KFC, Carls Jr, And dare we forget a great big 7-11 burrito!

Bing bing bing.....you're so far off base here you should just delete that post if you think that is what I was implying!

WTF, its a small movie house for locals mostly. Get a grip.

Oh I have a grip.......... You obviously missed the satire in the chicken comment

That was meant for Bing.

haha my bad. I wonder if that guy was born with a thorn up his arse or if he had surgery??

LOL

Hey don't take it out on me for not picking up on what you were impying. When I have seen all of the changes on AC the past few years could a fast food joint be far behind? as for the thorn; it comes naturally.

I find it amusing the perspectives taken on the theater...
I'm willing to say that everyone is missing the significants of the theater to what Jeff is doing...
The theater is not and never was intended to be a SOLO-SELF-SUSTAINing endevour...once you understand that, you easily see how you can price a seat at 300bz for a (NON-reef village guest)...and how talents and all the other trivial deterants have little to NO WEIGHT...in whats happening. Theater is to Reef Village as Ambeince is to San Pedro...

Let it soak in awhile.

Bing but you make is so easy for everyone.

Oh gosh, I get it now . . .thanks Artorious.

I must have missed your depths of understanding when I read your DIRECT quote...

It's not the first time I've been under-estimated. Don't beat up on yourself too much.

Does Lorrie Morgan yet know that she will be appearing at this venue? When will ticket sales start up?

Lorrie Morgan's website has 'Lorrie Morgan in Paradise' on Janaury 12, 2010. That's all it says....

New addition to the website, I should have checked it out before I commented, though it does still seem to be a bit short on details, like venue. I shall reserve further comment for the time being, other than to say "When are tickets available and how much are they?".

I heard the week after Lorrie Morgan the Rolling Stones were going to be there. They are using this gig to promote their new line of Pizza parlors "Mick and the Boys Pies".

Oh! I also heard you were going to be there too, albeit a little rough to look at since you died in Spain some time back.

I still couldn't look any more dead than Keith Richards.

Yes if it isn't for tourists then it shouldnt be there.

I dont want there to be a McDonalds when i get there, but guys...

...its a freaking MOVIE THEATER!

Do you people not watch movies? Or have cable at home? What about the local's that grew up on the island and maybe have never seen a movie on a big screen? What about those long rainy days where you just sit inside and do nothing anyway? What about stimulating the economy and making more jobs? Im not one to bash others opinions but I just cant believe how many people are pissed off about a movie theater.

If you don't like it, don't visit it. Its not going to ruin your way of life.

Its a big tv lol. Jeez

AC

I agree with you totally...

I'm sorry, did you just say that nothing on the island should exist except for the needs of tourists? Interesting perspective for all of those retired expats buying property and spending their money here.....

BTW - I believe the objective of the theatre is to attract tourists to the Island. Of course the bonus is that residents of the island might be able to enjoy it as well. If, of course, that is ok with you.

I think H20 was being sarcastic....otherwise they would not have "totally" agreed with A C. Am I right, H2O?

I just don't see how a theater could be 'bad', anywhere. I like the idea of having another activity to do in the community - film, live theater, music, whatever.

BTW - I believe the objective of the theatre is to attract tourists to the Island. Of course the bonus is that residents of the island might be able to enjoy it as well. If, of course, that is ok with you.


[/quote]

Thats going to be the only reason I will spend $1000.00 to fly to A/C

Bingo, Sirensia!! Ding, ding, ding, you win the prize. Of course I was being sarcastic.

I figured you were, but a lot of people here are not lol.

AC

I hear ya, AC..

Sorry LoveH2O didn't pick up on your humor - my bad

To those who don't want to support the theatre.. "too bad so sad" as it's not your financial risk and am pretty certain no one will force you to go, so please stop pissing in everyone else's cheerios

I can't wait to see some "San Pedro's got talent" and "So you think you can dance" extravaganza's. We are moving to a new era, one that will give the people of the island another outlet to shine.

I would love to see a show or 2 a year. And I know my little boy would love to go to the movies with his friends - eat popcorn - laugh out loud with his buddies at Disney movies.

Hows the movie house comming along?

Should be ready by Jan 12th or so.

better be..........

Recent pics of the movie theater...

http://tacogirl.com/2009/12/books-boats/

From what I can see from the TG pics.......I Dunnnnnnno !!

I wonder if Ms. Morgan is worried? _______________________>

I heard there was a controversy/conflict between the school and reef village. "RV development was making it more difficult and less safe for the children to get to school." Is there really issues between the school and RV? Will this theater project make things better, worse or the same for the kids walk to and from school?

Oh boy, the can of worms is opened...

Oh I wouldn't worry, they can just put up a traffic light.

I think the issue is access to the school, not traffic. The way I understood it is that RV doesnt like the kids using their road which forces the kids to use a scary looking, to put it mildly, foot bridge.

Im not sure if its a can of worms or a kettle of fish