I can't believe I moved to Dubuque, IA six months ago and still have yet to write about Phoenix Theatres, one of two premier multiplexes in the area. Those who know me personally know I'm at the movie theater every weekend, sometimes two or three times.

With that in mind, I've been to dozens of movie theaters throughout my life. My friends say I'm hyper-critical of movie theater décor, seating, and atmosphere. But even before I ever made it to Phoenix, I heard about it through neighbors and friends. They all said it was the best place in town to watch a movie.

They might be onto something.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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While Phoenix might not boast the number of screens nor selection of AMC Classic Dubuque, the other theater in town, it offers great amenities that can't easily be replicated. In an era where there are ostensibly as many streaming services as there are cable networks, people need an incentive to make it out to the theater.

Phoenix sweetens the pot with two big elements, in my opinion: the one is easy to spot, the seats. Every seat at Phoenix is a comfortable, red-leather lounge chair, equipped with the ability to recline. Every seat also has a built-in heating system (which let me add, was clutch during the frosty spring we had this year).

Between Phoenix and AMC, Phoenix is the one that more-often-than-not gets Fathom Events, those exclusive one-night/week showings of niche new movies, Rifftrax movies, TCM features, and more. Last night, I attended the premiere of Clerks III, the long-awaited sequel to the Kevin Smith indie classic from 1994.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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I've longed for Clerks III, the concluding chapter to Smith's trilogy, since I saw Clerks II in 2006. I'm glad I was not only able to see it in theaters, but see it in an atmosphere that was comfortable, accommodating, and boosted by Dolby Surround Sound thanks to the powerful speakers and sound system Phoenix offers.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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Clerks III was decent, probably as good as a belated sequel about two slackers can be. The experience, in one of Phoenix's lovely "Ovation" theaters, was great. I was elated to see that they are also offering showings of Jeepers Creepers: Reborn next week, so I'll undoubtedly be in attendance for one of those shows.

With Don't Worry DarlingAmsterdam, and Avatar: The Way of Water hitting theaters within the next several months, and the pandemic waning, it's a perfect time to return to the movies, if you haven't been in quite sometime. Bring the family, Phoenix Theaters will provide the experience.

Phoenix Theatres is located at 555 John F. Kennedy Road #105 in Dubuque.

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