The days of kids sneaking 40-ouncers into late-night movies remain with us, a fact proven every weekend at the Denver Pavilions theaters.
But the past five years has seen the legal introduction of beer, wine and alcohol into Colorado movie theaters – and what better time to take advantage of such an amenity than during the Starz Denver Film Festival, rocking the Starz FilmCenter through Sunday.
My friend Lisa is a pro at film festivals. She is The Post’s film critic, and before that came years of entertainment journalism experience in New York. Yes, she’s a regular at Toronto, Telluride and Sundance – as I learned when I met her in Park City two Januarys ago.
Watching Lisa at a festival is like watching a professional athlete on the field. She’s completely at home, in her element, proving to me again and again that she’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever met.
Which is why I made a better effort this year to be a responsible festivalgoer.
I love Denver’s festival, but last year I was in New York during most of it. So this year I bought a bunch of tickets and e-mailed friends to gauge interest. At press time, I’d seen some great films (“Pan’s Labyrinth” and “Kurt Cobain: About a Son”) and some others that didn’t affect me as deeply (“Chalk” and “Hamilton”). I’m no movie critic, but I am a movie fiend.
Especially when Jack Daniel’s is at the bar.
The bar at the Starz FilmCenter, situated modestly at the concessions counter, is nothing special. And that’s perfect. It’s not like you’re pulling up a stool and chatting up the popcorn thrower. You’re taking your drink to go.
How bizarrely fabulous is it sitting in a dark theater sipping whiskey? Even a nice shiraz seems out of place, although it shouldn’t. Wine for the people! We should be able to get splits out of vending machines at the mall, airport and light-rail station.
Until then, the occasional drink at the movie theater is an indulgence I will take whenever the mood strikes.
Starz FilmCenter
900 Auraria Parkway, 303-595-3456
Funky: The American dream or at least one version of it could be defined as watching an independent film, a bag of popcorn in your lap and a glass of wine sitting in the armrest.
Skunky: Whiskey and popcorn? Not advisable. Whiskey and red licorice? Definitely.
