Let's all go to the movies!

Insomnia Theater, New Haven's almost-midnight-movie series at the Criterion, has been a source of scenic envy for years. A cheap, fun movie, preceded by cheap, awesome food at Mamoun's Falafel and cocktails at The Anchor have been enough of a draw for me to make the trip down from Hartford on many occasions. Some notable moviegoing experiences have included the nearly sold out screening of The Big Lebowski; John Waters' Pink Flamingos (you haven't lived until you've witnessed the "singing anus" on the silver screen!); Troma's Sgt. Kabukiman NYPD and Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (my alltime favorite musical/horror/comedy on the subject of Native American chicken zombies). Director Lloyd Kaufman himself was actually supposed to make an appearance for those last two, but for whatever reason, he was a no-show for both.



The good news: I no longer have to drive to New Haven for the movie portion of my favorite cheap date! Somewhat recently, the Bow Tie Cinema on New Park in Hartford started their own Insomnia Theater. A different cult classic is offered each weekend, starting at 11:30 on Friday and Saturdays. I see that January is the month for movies that scared the shit out of me as a child; The Shining, and The Dark Crystal.

While the New Haven theater is swanky enough to offer beer and wine at their concession stand, Hartford is BYOB (and by that I mean sneak in a flask).

Hartford Bow Tie has also started offering classic films on Sunday mornings, similar to the "Movies and Mimosas" series offered in New Haven. Again; you will have to figure out your own mimosa up this way.

Here is the schedule, which right now only includes the month of January.

Now we just need Mamoun's to open a Hartford location!