The Athena Cinema — Attraction in Athens

To the review below 👇 An arthouse theater that has three auditoriums and a much smaller clientele is NOT going to drive a commercial theater out of business by playing the latest blockbuster in order to keep itself open.

Maybe it was insufficient marketing, a disconnect from the community, or even the terrible upkeep of the building itself. When the only things you have going for yourself are "cheap prices" and "showing major motion pictures", you're going to fail (it also doesn't help you share almost the same name with the uptown location). It could've also been that Fun Barn / Movies 10 is a much more popular location for families in the area, as they also cater towards the similar demographic.

This is what the Athena Cinema does WELL! Their connection with the community--whether it be community-ran events, special film debuts/reruns, upgrading and renovating when needed, or their daily presence on social media--is LEAGUES beyond what the Grand was doing.

Instead of putting upmost blame on an arthouse theater that provides a much better and intimate experience whilst running on a loss yearly, maybe the owners should've taken a step back and thought about how they could help give Athens a better "Grand" experience -- or maybe they already knew the Athena Cinema was...

Austin Texas has the famed Alamo Drafthouse, and Athens Ohio has the Athena Drafthouse. One is so named because of the food and drink served there, the other because of the frigid currents of air which swirl throughout the theater. Both show a curated collection of movies that appeal to cinephiles. I kid...but seriously, use some spray foam to plug up some gaps. You were closed for a long time for renovations, and this never came up? Maybe one of the six college students working the concession stand could learn a useful trade like weather sealing a building. Still kidding...by the way...

This is a nice theater in town that focuses on smaller movies and documentaries but will show quality bigger movies as well. They also host a lot of events and festivals. The hardest part is finding parking. You might get lucky and get a spot in front of the theater, but if not there is a parking garage right around the corner. There are also food options within walking distance.

The prices are low, they have multiple screens, and they show movies you wouldn't otherwise be able to see in Athens. That alone...

Almost always are treat to go to this theater. It used to be one screen, but they renovated about 2004 and put in side-by-side theaters downstairs and a single, fairly shallow room upstairs. If you're used to sitting back from the screen, re-evaluate that in all of these 3 theaters because the screens are unconventionally smaller and further away. Sit closer. Popcorn is a deal here, but if you ask for butter don't let them go crazy on it or they might put on so much it leaks onto your...