RANT: Cinemark at Seven Bridges

Normally I'm not one to just throw a complaint up on a blog for the world to see without giving a company the chance to make things right first, but my experience last night was so appalling that it must be shared.

So it's been a rough week, between the 18 inches of snow that was dumped on us in 36 hours, nearly getting sick (I barely got away with that) and dealing with the emotional strains of some family emergencies, I was in desperate need of a mid-week comedy to cheer me up.

Typically my husband and I rent movies in, either on Netflix or Redbox, but occasionally when there's a flick that looks promising we'll head out for a date night at the movie theater.

Since moving to Chicago, we've chosen Cinemark @ Seven Bridges in Woodridge, IL as our local spot. Sure, there are closer theaters but this one has a number of showings, stadium seating, clean bathrooms (yes, this is a plus) and IMAX, if you so choose. And up until last night, the customer service was satisfactory.

We went to see No Strings Attached with Ashton and Natalie. This is funny, if you're interested. Not in the typical romantic comedy kind of way either, like legit funny. We were quoting our favorite lines on the way home. It really helped take my mind off everything.

Anyway, we got in and settled as the previews were showing. As a treat, I decided to sneak out and get us some popcorn, and this is where the fun started.

*please note the implied sarcastic tone there*

Given that it was a slow evening and most people were hunkered down in their homes, ticket sales were taking place at the end of the consession counter. I've encountered this before, no big deal. BUT, when you have two people behind the counter, one just watching you wait for service while the other is selling tickets, that doesn't bode so well for someone who just wants to get her $7 bag of popcorn and get back before the movie starts.

Not only that, when the man was done selling tickets to these folks, they were not expected to get in line behind me at concessions, rather, they were helped immediately. So I waited, impatiently, while he microwaved their hot dogs for them (which, as I see it, he could have spent the time waiting for them to heat up by scooping popcorn for awaiting customers...just a thought on time management there). All the while the other woman behind the counter just stood there picking her nose. Okay, not literally, but she might as well have been, at least then she'd be doing something.

When I mentioned to him that I had been waiting in line, I was virtually ignored. So I ordered my popcorn and rushed back into the movie. Had I not had to wait nearly 10 minutes to get popcorn when there was no one else in line, I wouldn't have missed the beginning. Gee, thanks.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people in the customer service industry drag their feet and take their jobs so lightly. It's these people who hold the potential to give a company a bad name. In the end, isn't all about serving the customer? Unfortunate as it may be, I highly doubt we'll be going back there any time soon. AMC at Yorktown is looking like a better option...Clearly, the customers time and money isn't valued at Cinemark.

Ashley

RAVE: Dinner and a movie

Last night I headed out to Crocker Park in Westlake for a little dinner and a movie action.

I was craving the avocado egg rolls at the Cheesecake Factory so that's where the first stop took us. 

Naturally, I didn't finish my meal - seriously, if you've ever eaten there, you probably haven't finished anything either - but you can't leave there without having cheesecake, right?

I went with the standard here again, the Chocolate Oreo Mudslide...mmmm. But before we placed that order, our server discussed the current dessert specials. 

In discussing their newest cheesecake options, she asked me if I was a vegetarian.

Me: (a little shocked) Yes, I am!

Server: I thought so. You ordered a vegetarian appetizer and asked for your salad without chicken. So, you'll want to stay away from any of the cheesecakes that say "original," they're made with beef fat.

Something I didn't know before! I left there feeling pretty pleased with the service - a quick, hearty meal with a server that went above and beyond in my book.

Then it was on to see (500) Days of Summer. Now, I'm not usually one for sappy, romantic movies, but this looked pretty entertaining. As a Sundance Film I couldn't resist quirky factor. And I really do love Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

I did think it was going to be funnier, but it was a compelling story that had a similar back-and-forth effect to Memento. 

Highly recommended!

What are some good movies that you've seen lately?

Cheers!

-A

The Ugly Truth

This weekend the SO and I decided to see a movie - since it was too windy for him to golf and me to skydive.

I'm kidding. We really do like each other.

Anyhow, we decided to see The Ugly Truth since we both like Katherine Heigl - though I'm sure for very different reasons.

We were both expecting it to be quite funny, which, for the most part is true. But as you can probably imagine, it was a little too predictable. 

I won't spoil it for those who have yet to see it, but what you think is going to happen from the beginning, does.

Then again, what romantic comedy doesn't, right?

What I liked most about it is that it goes beyond the male/female stereotypes. This is not a longer version of Everybody Loves Raymond.

There are events that occur in the movie that everyone can relate to because it's happened to you before. At one point in the movie the SO and I both turned to each other and laughed.

Needless to say, it's a cute, funny movie, but definitely not one you need to spend 10 bucks to see in the theater. Save that money for the G.I Joe release - can't beat the action on the big screen.

This critic gives the movie three stars: a decently funny romantic comedy.

Cheers!

-A