I couldn't type this review fast enough omg Lolol. So I just discovered an interesting policy I…read morehave never heard of (I'm not from Virginia) that does not allow me entry to a showing (Jurassic) if I'm 15 minutes "late". Ironically, I showed up late on PURPOSE to avoid the previews. I asked the reason for this policy, and the black female manager did not tell me the reasons. Her exact response was "we don't let anybody in past a certain time". (Redundant).
I don't think it was a difficult question that I asked, nor did I present as nasty or flustered. I asked very plainly the WHY, not the WHAT, and she could barely make eye contact with me. I then asked "well, is it because it interrupts/distracts other patrons?" And she said "yes that's one of many reasons".
Lmao Why she couldn't just share the reasons with me, was very unprofessional. Perhaps she's used to disgruntled customers and was prematurely impatient with me?.... But girl.... I am kind and being patient with this very weird theater lmao. Or maybe she actually didn't have the answer for me. Who knows.
1 Since late patrons are being stopped at the ticket booth, does this mean they're not allowed to purchase popcorn if the previews are about to end?
2 By this logic of interrupting other patrons, doesn't that mean we aren't allowed to use the bathroom once the movie has begun?
Anyway, I asked for a refund which I could not get due to me purchasing my ticket via Fandango. My other option was to catch the next movie showing , which would be a $3 up charge because it's in 3D. I don't like 3D but at this point... I've already lost the battle
I asked the manager..... "so do I pay for the $3 up charge via fandango, Since you guys have nothing to do with my initial payment transaction? "
Of course the answer was no. I was obligated to pay them directly. (Capitalism?)
My goodness... The inconsistency in conjunction with the weird nonchalant attitude of the manager was an unnecessary annoyance for me.
Like... I can't get a refund NOR CAN I GET A CLEAR EXPLANATION?! I'm from NYC and have never heard of this policy before, so an explanation would have actually made things clear for me. But instead I was met with no eye contact and weird body language. I was sincerely confused and not being an asshole. I'm also an actress and therapist, hence my attention to personalities and communication.
Anyway I ended up paying the $3 difference, and was then instructed to go inside the theater, 20 minutes early. LMAO !!! I guess she missed the part where I said I don't like previews (may I suggest a customer service course for all staff?)
I asked "how much time do I have"? And she said "15 minutes". So I ended up waiting in my car.
*sigh*
This is why movie theaters are going out of business now . All this trouble, and overpriced movie snacks, when I could just wait for the film to be streamed online, with popcorn that doesn't cost $1,266.
Bonus: I was here last week to see Megan 2.0. There was an afternoon showing, that my friend and I were unable to purchase online for some reason (the night before...) So we decided to just purchase tickets here in person, the day of. Turns out, the showing was completely removed as an option. From both the kiosk and the staff operating system. We ended up leaving and driving to regal cinemas near Ashland instead.
I prob shouldn't have returned to this place after the Megan 2.0 issue, but I decided to give bow tie a second chance. But honey, I'm not baseball so there won't be any third strike options with me.
This is my first (and last time) in RVA. Lord! I am realistic, so I do not expect for other businesses to thrive like the ones we have in NYC, but whew! It's very very very clear why it will never compare. I mean, Jesus... it's a slow Monday afternoon. The theater is VERY empty and this whole thing was so dramatic and avoidable. Maybe consider using this specific policy ONLY during peak hours? I'm no business woman, nor am I an entitled Karen, but im a sincerely confused out of town visitor who wants y'all to do better. Also, Please don't be harsh with that black manager by the way, it's not her fault that these policies exist. But she could definitely use a customer service refresher course.
