The Distant Theatre

Cumberland 12 Theaters is a distant glimmer of light

Story and Photos by Mike O'Keefe

I heard it was a Canadian tourist overflow for the mall.  I heard that it would never be built.

But sure enough, all the way up route 9 in Plattsburgh, past the Rip Van Winkle, past the A&W, even past the true value hardware store, sits the Cumberland 12 movie theatre. And despite the lengthy trek one would have to take in order to watch a movie here, it can be quite a pleasant experience. 

As you come upon the area where the cinema is located, one may be a bit taken aback by the isolation, but it is for the better; the isolation keeps is from being overcrowded.

The staff there is the norm; they are not incredibly amicable, but at the same time they are doing what is expected of them.  They give you your ticket, you give them the money, then you get your snacks and enjoy a movie.  The staff at the cinema definitely serves the purpose they are asked to perfom, promptly and efficiently.  

As for the prices, going to the movies can always be a slightly pricey adventure.  Although it offers many unique comforts, it does come at a price.  The popcorn is great, and the cherry coke may be a little watered down, but what do you expect at a movie theater.   The prices are no surprise either.  $9.00 a ticket is no cheap outing, but a matinee is only $6.00. Seinors and children get in for $6.00 all day.

One can spend almost as much on snack as they do for 2 movie tickets, and this can be a painful reality for college students. 

Luckily the cinema offers discounts many times, and special offers are not hard to come by. For example, Cardinal Points, PSUC's student newspaper, recently had an offer for free nachos when students show thier ID's at the door. 

And the actual theater is pretty nice as well.  The seats are a step up from the Champlain Centre Theater, with reclinable seats that have headrests. 

The seat allowed me to comfortably watch a movie, but the soda on the sticky floor may have distracted me a bit. 

And the movies that are playing are different and more numerous than the Champlain Centre's selection.  If anything, the selection is greater; this theatre has all of the mall's movies, and then some.  For example, Confessions of a Shopaholic is playing at Cumberland 12 Cinemas, but not at the mall.    So if you are looking for a movie that may not be so mainstream or off the beaten path a little bit, this may be the place you find what you are looking for. 

And although it may be nothing spectacular, the cinema 12 is definitely worth checking out, even if it is just for a change of venue. APN gives Cumberland 12 Theatre a 3 out of 5; for a mediocre experience, mediocre prices, and mediocre staff.

Will you take the hike out to Cumberland 12?