'Iron Man' at the Rosebud Cinema

Saturday night was damp and chilly and after a late night on Friday, all I wanted to do was curl up on the couch and watch a movie with my honey.

Eric, however, had been dying to see Iron Man since it came out last weekend and wanted to watch it on the big screen at the cinema. We made a compromise and decided to see Iron Man at the Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse because this way we both got what we wanted: Eric got to see his movie of choice and I got to sprawl out on the sofa. It was perfect.

The Rosebud Cinema is a charming single-screen movie theater located in the heart of Wauwatosa. When we walked through the entrance and into the foyer, it was like taking a step back in time to when such neighborhood theaters flourished. The theater was built in the 1930s, and in 1999 it was gutted and reopened. The Rosebud's oriental style and upscale décor was warm and inviting and after the building was revitalized almost ten years ago, an emphasis was not only placed on preserving its history but on comfort as well.

The spacious theater was arranged to look like a living room space, well, more specifically, it looked like Elvis’ living room. The theater boasts stadium-style seating that’s furnished with red and black plush love seats and velvet coaches in lieu of conventional chairs. Each seat has access to either an end table or a coffee table where you’re able to place your food, which is a lot more accommodating than having to hold your munchies on top of your lap during the movie.

The theater itself is small – it only seats about 240 people – but what it lacks in seating capacity it makes up for with coziness and style. My favorite feature is the intimate seating, which makes you feel like you’re watching a movie in the comfort of your own home. And just like at home, you’re able to enjoy a relaxed dinner at your sofa if you wish.

After the theater’s face-lift, it now has a rather extensive menu that offers traditional snacks like popcorn, candy and soda, but also includes thin crust pizza, sandwiches, pints of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and comfort foods like chicken tenders, corn dogs, French fries and soft pretzels. The menu also provides a long list of libations including micro brews such as Lakefront Brewery’s Cattail and the Milwaukee Ale House’s Louie’s Demise, and about a half-dozen of select house wines, as well as, a variety of hard alcohols for various mixed drinks.

Despite the tempting aroma of pizza wafting through the concession area, I had a hankering for the basic movie theater fare. We ordered one large bucket of popcorn to share for only $5.50 and a Diet Coke at $2.50 for me and a $4 Spotted Cow for Eric. While the popcorn was satisfying, next time I might opt for one of those delicious smelling pizzas, which are baked and then delivered hot and fresh to your seat inside the theater just before the movie starts.

After ordering our food we made our way into the theater with about ten minutes to spare. We were able to find a spot in the middle of the room, sort of toward the front, and on a cozy love seat. The love seat was really comfortable and less constricting than typical theater chairs. And because I sometimes get a little turned off by the large, rowdy crowds at other larger cinemas, I appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, which was surprisingly romantic too.

The Rosebud is also extraordinary because it screens a wide variety of movies, from the latest mainstream releases to old classics; however, it’s primarily known for showing indie and art house films that you won’t find at a multiplex. The cinema also occasionally features live bands on stage, throws Green Bay Packers parties every Sunday during football season, and hosts an annual Academy Awards viewing.

But, on Saturday night, Eric and I coughed up the $9 admission to see the Marvel blockbuster Iron Man. Overall, the movie was good. I went into it not really expecting much considering movies that are based on comic book characters generally have a 50/50 chance at being worthwhile – take the X-Men trilogy for instance: the first was terrific, the second was mediocre, and the third was awful.

Without giving anything away, all of the characters in Iron Man were cast well – I thought Robert Downey Jr. was exceptional as "Tony Stark" – and all of the acting was topnotch, well, at least as excellent as acting can get in an action flick. The plot was neither predictable nor shocking and, on the whole, the story was enjoyable, without all of the cheesy lines that saturated the dialog in Spider Man 3. All in all, it was quite entertaining and worth the admission to see it on the big screen.

I really love going on dates to the movies, so I’m glad Eric talked me into leaving the apartment to head to the Rosebud Cinema. At $9 per ticket we didn't pay anymore than we would have at the average multiplex and the Rosebud packs an entirely different experience into those nine bucks. I mean, a good show and a cheap beer experienced while snuggling up on a comfy sofa amid an inviting crowd and historic environment...what could be better on a cold, dreary Saturday night?

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Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse
6823 W. North Avenue
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Shows and times vary
$9 General Admission

Comments

[Eric]

Beer and movies are not a good idea...I had to pee like crazy right when the movie reached its climax.

[Amanda]

I'm not really into action or superhero movies, but I love the Rosebud! In fact, I might plan to go there to see the Sex and the City movie on opening night – that way my girlfriends and I can drink cocktails while we watch. :)

[wfbdoglover]

I did not know this place existed!! Thanks for sharing. I agree - it would be a perfect spot to go and see "Sex in the City".

[wfbdoglover]

HA - my friend and I are going to see Sex In the City on June 14th and as we were deciding where to go, I suggested this place because of your blog! AND the fact that the Fox Bay will not be carrying the movie.

so thanks for posting!

[Karen]

Oh Yay! I'm glad I could help. The Rosebud will be a great place to watch the flick!

Tomorrow I'm seeing Sex and the City at the Oriental and will probably blog about it. I'll make sure not to give too much of the movie away... just for you. :)

[wfbdoglover]

AW, well thank you! Hopefully the movie will work out... our husbands usually work together on Saturdays "fixing cars". We have had to cancel many a time.... don't worry about me!

Enjoy the movie and have a Cosmo for me!! :)