Carmike Thoroughbred 20 in Cool Springs Galleria in Franklin, TN has very nice stadium seating with fold-down armrests. The sound on the movies is also clear without blasting you out of your seat. On the other hand, their outside marquee has extraneous information on panels 1 and 4, instead of movie titles, so the movie you have come to see may not be listed. You have to walk the quarter mile from your car through the fountain area to the lobby in order to peruse the scrolling marquee inside if you want to make sure, if you didn’t call them or check the internet. We all know that movie theaters have long been outrageous in their pricing, and T20 is no exception. Tickets prices for regular shows are about the same* as in much larger cities than Franklin (though more expensive than surrounding areas), but the matinee tickets are actually more expensive. They are only $1 off the regular prices*, as opposed to $1.50-2.50 in many larger places. The concession prices are also more expensive than theaters in larger cities – and the popcorn is flavorless. They have “deals” at all concessions, but even with getting a deal, I spent more on a large popcorn, a large drink and a cotton candy than I did on the tickets. Senior and child discounts are fair.
*There seems to be some discrepancy on regular ticket price between Yahoo ($8.25), the CT20 website ($9.75) and what I thought I saw in the actual theater ($8). Therefore, I am basing my statements on my experience.
Shady Brook 12 Cinemas is cheaper than larger cities and Thoroughbred, though they do not have stadium seating and the sound is often either too loud or too bass or both. Matinee prices are $2.25 less than regular and cheaper than nearby locations. Senior and child discounts are available in addition to Happy Hour, Ladies’ Night and Church Bulletin specials. They offer a concession discount for using their in-house ATM and an early purchase kiosk inside the theatre. They don’t always have the best selection of movies (Planet Earth didn’t play there, for instance) and the painted faces on the outside are terrible, as is the hunter green color. The parking lot is generally full at night, but on the upside, it is close to the building.
If you want to experience one of the last drive-ins in the country, check out the Highway 50 Drive-In in Lewisburg, TN. Selections, parking and show times are, naturally, limited, but admission is only $5 for adults, $2 for children. It has been in operation since 1946. Audio is provided via FM radio, so if you don’t like your car stereo, you probably won’t like the movie sound.
There are a few other theaters in the area, such as the Carmike Wynnsong 16 and the Carmike Bellevue 8, and Regal Bellevue Cinema 12, but all have negative reviews on Yahoo and the Carmikes do not vary greatly on price or amenities from one to the next.
