Theatre Review: Majestic Cinema in Brookfield, Wisconsin

Even from the outside, a movie patron can tell that the Majestic Cinema is not an average movie theatre. The theatre is physically huge, and offers exterior ornamentation to match its inside decor. For an extra fee, movie-goers can even opt for valet parking.

Entering the main doors, movie patrons are greeted by a large foyer. On most nights, in the center of the main foyer there is a musician playing soothing piano melodies. The relaxed atmosphere is quickly overcome with a glimpse at the bustling snack bar and internal restaurant lining the far wall. At this moment, the initially awestruck patron is reminded that the roomy, grandiose foyer belongs to a thriving movie theatre, where popcorn, soda, and cheap thrills abound. Upon such remembrance, the open floor plan of the Majestic devolves into something of a needless pretention. The ostentatious nature of the Majestic is augmented by an ice cream store, coffee shop, and a children's corner waiting in the wings. Additionally, there is an in-theatre bar where adults can relax and enjoy over-priced drinks prior to seeing a show. Lastly, the balcony seating offered for an extra fee renders the final blow toward movie theatre sensibilities, making the Majestic an amalgamation of flashy gimmicks and products designed to make a quick buck off those seeking a classy experience reminiscent of live theatre-less, of course, the live aspect.

The Majestic is simply too over-the-top. It tries to make the movie-going experience more akin to a performance arts show. However, despite the atmospheric changes, the theatre remains a film venue. And there is nothing wrong with that, but there is really no need to dress up the theatre to reach a more pretentious crowd. Admittedly, the pizzeria inside the Majestic is a nice touch for the more down-to-earth client, but are all the other bells and whistles really necessary?

In terms of the movie theatres themselves, the Majestic delivers with resounding success. Each screen features stadium seating, excellent quality speakers, a clear projector, and adequate handicapped seating. So why not let the theatre speak for itself? Packing the lobby with every business venture known to humankind degenerates an otherwise nice film experience into something incredibly showy and commercialized. The multiple businesses competing in the large lobby space makes the average patron feel hustled and impersonalized, which is undoubtedly the opposite of what Marcus Theatres had in mind when creating the Majestic, a theatre with all the amenities-even the unneeded ones.