Friday, July 11, 2008
News AMC Fork & Screen replaces Buckhead Backlot
Posted by Curt Holman @Curt_Holman on Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 3:34 PM
In my "Film as spectacle" story this week, I included a passing mention of how the AMC Fork & Screen Buckhead cinema opens today, July 11, as a revamped, swanked-up, first-run version of the AMC Buckhead Backlot. (In my default memory, I actually still think of that moviehouse as "AMC Tower Place 6," where I saw many movies in my high school days.)
Earlier this week I attended a press screening at the AMC Fork & Screen of a film that's opening in August. It makes a great first impression and boasts a sleek, brightly-lit Art Deco-style bar. Perhaps the most distinctive amenity is the call-button (I believe one for every two seats) that summons a server whenever you push it. In an upgrade of the "cinema 'n' drafthouse" experience, the Fork & Screen provides full table service and a surprisingly extensive menu that includes the likes of spring rolls, flatbread pizzettas, beer-batter shrimp and quesadillas along with more familiar items like cheeseburgers and popcorn. I haven't eaten any of the food yet, but everything I've heard about it has been positive. The downside?
The table service is no small distraction from the actual movie. During my screening I sat close to the front, with two people immediately in front of me and two people to my left on the same row as me. They ordered meals, and between those two parties, servers bustled into the field of vision about eight times. I feel safe in suspecting that, during a crowded showing, the experience would be more like watching a movie in a restaurant than eating restaurant food in a movie theater. Nevertheless, it offers the advantage of offering dinner and a movie from the same seat.
Here are the opening weekend activities:
7/11: Official Grand Re-Opening of AMC Fork & Screen Buckhead. Free movie prizes to the first 100 guests and the “Mamma Mia!” celebration.7/12: 5 – 10 p.m. Free movie prizes to the first 100 guests, Guitar Hero contest featuring prizes from the new movie “The Rocker,” and a Superhero Poker Tournament with prize giveaways from the summer’s hottest action films. All events are free and open to the public.
7/13: 7 – 8 p.m. Free movie prizes to the first 100 guests and outdoor concert with Atlanta singer/songwriter Ben Deignan. All events are free and open to the public.
Comments (7)
Showing 1-7 of 7
They had some free movie showings yesterday and I attended the "Across the Universe" show. My guest and I sat nearer to the front, so the distraction of bustling servers wasn't an issue. However, they way they served was odd to me. They crouched and/or got down on one knee..this was, I am now guessing, is an attempt to not distracting viewers sitting further back. Anyway... The improvements are spectacular! Not only is the menu expanded, but the food is MUCH BETTER. I ordered the bacon cheeseburger w/fries & a mango+raspberry smoothie. The caramelized onions were perfect and not overbearing..The burger was juicy and not too heavy. And smoothie tasted unbelievable fresh for the setting. A high rate experience, all in all. I'm very glad I went (I came from Conyers!) They're having a "Mama Mia" day today from 7pm-9pm with Swedish hand massages and karaoke. Also, the first 100 ppl to buy tickets get some kind of goodie bag! Wish I had the gas to go again!
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I attended the opening night July 11 to watch Hellboy II. Overall the film experience was OK - the crouching servers were a small distraction but the new seats are very good (if you can work out how to adjust them! However the food experience was bad - a number of people waited over an hour and a half for food.. we ordered our food half an hour before the movie started, and our Entrees never arrived - a total wait of over 2 and a half hours (I complained to a manager twice during the movie). On the way out we were given free tickets because we had such a bad experience.. the excuse was 'the kitchen was swamped and there were two movies that started before Hellboy'. They need to get the kitchen sorted out FAST.
Watched a 2pm movie on Sunday, July 13. Ordered a veggie quesadilha, it was served with no condiments. An order of fries also never arrived - but it was on the bill. No napkins with the meal. The theater was freezing - I had a jacket on and was still very cold. Not impressed.
I used to frequent Buckhead Backlot all the time, but went to "Fork and Screen"(???) for the first time last week. 1. What kind of name is Fork and Screen? 2. They got rid of the nachos which were 50% of the reason I used to go to Backlot. Big mistake...I remember from the Backlot days that loads of people used to order the nachos. My 2nd favorite meal of buffalo fried shrimp was also missing. 3. The chairs are super uncomfortable...I really liked the previous chairs better. I'm not sure if the changes were from some overpriced consulting company or misguided management, but they need to go back to the basics.
To those who are wondering about the slow ticket times or no food arriving after it was ordered those days are over. i was in a sold out show i was one of the last to order and yet within 20 minutes into the movie i had the best prime rib i have probably ever tasted.
I went there for the first time today. I LOVED it. I have no complaints and they were very good to me.
I used to attend the old Backlot. I agree with whomever missed the nachos. Those were good, but I also understand their need to update the menu a bit. The best nachos in town are at Willy's in my opinion. There's lots of options that have a southern flair and they do have buffaloed tenders as an appetizer. The beer battered shrimp and tenders look tasty too. Otherwise, I'm a big fan of their bacon cheese burger. I've had that twice and been very impressed. You can substitute freshly prepared onion rings in a sinfully good beer batter of Sweetwater420 for only a buck. The pasta was good, but I wouldn't order that again and am thinking of trying out the quesdilla as an appetizer next time. The servers kneeling down did not disturb me too much. Honestly, how else is the food going to get out to you? Everything is moderately priced with the exception of alcohol. But, where in Buckhead or anywhere except a dive is alcohol cheap. I was not big on the Fork&Screen name, but it has grown on me since the relaunch. I am going to start heading there weeknights as a $5 movie ticket sounds like a great deal. After all, they know they will make their money on food, so why not. It's a perfect place to bring a date as the dinner comes with the movie. That's the best deal in town outside of the Starlight Drive-In. p.s. I'd recommend using your moviewater card if you are a member as you get discounts too. I've gotten $1 off desert and BOGO on apps.
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