Movie News

Plano-based Cinemark hosts Christmas movie marathon through the holidays

You can spend the holidays with Will Ferrell.

Photo courtesy of New Line Cinema

The coronavirus may have put a damper on the Hollywood movie-making machine, but one of the largest movie theater chains has figured out a creative way to keep the entertainment rolling through the holidays.

Cinemark Holdings, Inc., who are based in Plano, will screen the most iconic holiday films, for both public screenings and private events you can book for yourself.

From now through January 7, Cinemark will screen more than two dozen holiday family films, including:

Elf
Love Actually
The Polar Express
It’s A Wonderful Life
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
A Christmas Story
Christmas Vacation
How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Are some of these on TV? Maybe. Is there any substitute for seeing a movie on the big screen? No there is not.

For the full list of more than 25 holiday classics, visit cinemark.com or the Cinemark mobile app. Obviously, not all of them will be screening simultaneously at every one of their nearly 300 theaters across the U.S., but you will have absolutely no problem finding a holiday film if you want one. The full list of theaters is at www.cinemark.com/theatre-reopening-schedule.

Also through the holidays, Cinemark will show classic Disney movies as follows:

November 11-19: Pixar's Toy Story
November 13-26: Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy
November 20-December 3: The Santa Clause
November 25-December 10: Frozen

Ticket prices are cheap: $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. They're also doing giveaways such as buy one get one free through November 20.

You can also host a Private Watch Party, which allows you to rent an auditorium for up to 20 people to watch a film of your choice. Pricing begins at $99, and there's no minimum concession purchase. Book the theater at cinemark.com or on the Cinemark app.

They're also offering the chance to win a free Private Watch Party by playing a game on the Cinemark website on November 25; to participate, go to cinemark.com/holiday.

Cinemark CEO Wanda Gierhart Fearing says that the company is feeling the gratitude that goes with the holidays.

"We know this year's Thanksgiving celebrations may look different for everyone, and our Private Watch Parties offer the perfect gathering for friends and family, especially as we bring back everyone's favorite films for this time of year," Fearing says.

movies

Rolling a strike

High 5 Exchange bowling and entertainment mega-center rolls into Allen

Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

The High 5 Exchange in Austin has bowling galore.

A new family entertainment destination is rolling into Allen, bringing bowling, laser tag, miniature golf, virtual reality, and more. Called High 5 Exchange, the venue has broken ground at 2361 Quail Covey Rd. in The Farm in Allen.

It is expected to open in 2027, according to a release.

High 5 Exchange comes from a family entertainment company founded by husband-and-wife team Scott and Jenny Emley. They opened the first location in the Lakeway area of Austin more than a decade ago; a second Austin location followed a few years later.

Their roots are in Austin - Scott Emley played football for UT Austin - but the couple recently relocated to McKinney. There's also a location under construction in Mansfield.

The entertainment mega-center in Allen will combine indoor and outdoor attractions, dining, and rooms for parties and other group events.

Tasty-looking tacos at High 5 in Austin.Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

Bowling will be the major draw, with 24 lanes supplied by QubicaAMF. The lineup will include 16 traditional tenpin lanes equipped with EDGE String pinspotters, HyperBowling, and Neoverse, along with eight Fly'n Ducks duckpin lanes, the release says. The combination will give guests the choice between traditional full-length bowling and duckpin bowling, which uses a smaller ball.

"Bowling has a unique ability to bring different generations, interests and skill levels together," said Jody Pastula, director of new business development, U.S., for QubicaAMF, in a statement. "By offering both tenpin and Fly'n Ducks duckpin bowling, High 5 Allen is creating more ways for guests to participate and share the experience. We are pleased to be part of a project designed around connection, variety and repeat visits."

Beyond bowling, High 5 Allen will feature laser tag, a virtual reality arena, an arcade gaming floor, escape rooms, an immersive experience from Creative Works called "Limitless," and outdoor miniature golf. The venue will also have dedicated spaces for birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and private events, along with food and beverage service.

While details on the food and beverage program have not yet been announced, the Austin locations feature a full-service bar and a menu of "American classics with a gourmet twist."

High 5 Exchange Allen Rendering of High 5 Exchange at The Farm in Allen.Rendering courtesy of High 5 Exchange

High 5 Exchange will be part of The Farm in Allen, a 135-acre mixed-use development at the southeast corner of the Sam Rayburn Tollway and Alma Drive. Developed by Allen-based JaRyCo Development in partnership with the Johnson family, The Farm combines residential, office, dining, retail, and entertainment components.

"Allen and the surrounding communities have been part of our vision for this project from the beginning," said Scott Emley, co-founder and CEO of High 5 Exchange, in a statement. "The Farm brings together homes, workplaces, parks, dining and entertainment in a way that fits how people want to connect.

"We are excited to create a place where a family can spend an afternoon, coworkers can gather after work, and friends can celebrate the moments that matter."

entertainment and dining bowling allen