Metreon Musings & Other Choices
In a capitalist society, we have choices and we also have the option to exercise them. I would say, avoid Metreon and take your money to the new Century 20 or the AMC 1000. Follow what happened last night that just made it a "sour taste in mouth" experience.
I went with a bunch of friends last night to celebrate (?) one of them being engaged, with his marriage during Turkey Day weekend. We went to Buca Di Beppo's and ate a lot.
Who knew tiramisu came in a big bowl for six? Yum.
Anyway, we finished dinner around 8 PM which meant that if we were to catch any kind of movie @ Metreon, we'd have to kill at least two hours puttering around, which we did. The Sony Store is the only anchor store in the place and it's full of neat stuff. That was the highlight of the evening.
The Loews Theatres got bought by another company that instituted an inane policy of "you can't bring in your own food". They put signs up all over the place trying to guilt you into spending $5.00 on a Coke and $4.00 on a small box of candy. It reminded me of union movie workers bitching about downloading movies in those annoying propaganda trailers that they play at the beginning of each movie now.
They had bouncers at the entrance screening guests and taking their tickets (and food). We had leftovers from Buca's and it had to be "checked" at the "food check". I had a crappa-chino which they do sell at Metreon but don't sell inside the theatre. I was told that I had to finish it outside, along with 6 other people who had the unfortunate need for something cool to drink prior to deciding to see a movie.
And to top it off, the 5th and Mission Garage (the "convenient" parking nearby) had a bum in the basement, shit on the pavement and a $13 parking charge. Seems that they don't offer a flat rate after 7 PM or on weekends, like the other major downtown parking garages.
That would be bad cuz you would be encouraging people to drive! A unique San Francisco liberal attempt at social engineering. The only time you see a leftist liberal (I mean "progressive") on transit is during a photo-op or campaign season. My first act as San Francisco overlord is to take away City Hall's staff cars. Make them depend on MUNI in the way they force everyone else to.
My question is: the movie got out at midnight. How are you supposed to get home if you live in the Richmond District, let alone the City of Richmond? BART closes at midnight and MUNI that late means taking your life into your own hands...
It's too bad because Metreon is supposed to be one of the anchors of the SOMA area. It's supposed to bring people down there where they will discover the Yerba Buena Gardens, the Zeum and the MOMA across the street. But with the parking situation and the "food Gestapo" at the theatres, I will be recommending movies at the AMC1000 and the Century 20 in Daly City. Both of these places have free parking and are not downtown.
Wonder if the "food gestapo" will be confiscating pot and crack that's smoked in the movies as well? Nope, probably not. Their snack bars don't sell that ....yet!
- True San Franciscian,
09:04
