Recently, Windy City Times reporter Jerry Nunn and I checked out Gold Class Cinemas, a luxury movie theater located at the Promenade, 631 E. Boughton, Bolingbrook.
My first thought was "Bolingbrook?" Up until now, I just knew the village for being the home of embattled former police sergeant Drew Peterson. Then I thought, "Luxury?" With this economy, who's likely to shell out $22 ( per person ) to see a movie?
It turns out that I wouldalthough I wouldn't do it very often.
Upon arriving at the counter, Jerry and I were immediately greeted by a uniformly attractive and polite staff. After engaging in some light banter, we were escorted to an area where we sat and looked at menus. Befitting the admission price ( although we were treated to a media preview ) , the food is not your standard fare; a chicken piccata sandwich was the most mundane item listed. Even more interesting, alcoholic beverages are also available.
One thing I did not like was the female server having to get down on her knees to take our order, although Jerry helped me realize that doing that was necessary because our seats were so low. ( I'm not sure if a male doing the same thing would have generated the same reaction. ) The drinks ( and complimentary bags of popcorn ) quickly arrived.
A man who seemed to be a manager took our drinks ( on a tray ) to the theater where our movie was being shownand what a sight the theater was. There are recliners paired side by side ( with a maximum of 40 per theater ) with trays in between them. Even more impressive, the movieTransformers: Revenge of the Fallenwas already running, as there are no trailers. If you tend to run late, this might not be the venue for you. ( Note: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was the only movie available on this particular date and time. )
As for the film itselfwell, it's a Michael Bay movie, and that's really all anyone needs to know. If you like action, this movie will appeal to the eight-year-old in you; if you don't, you might need a couple glasses of beer or wine to get through it. I like action, but even I was numb to the giant robots fighting after an hourand we had another hour to go.
However, Gold Class Cinema service was a dream. Servers surreptitiously brought in the sandwich and dessert, and questioned ( in a whispering tone ) if we wanted more water. I usually feel uncomfortable being catered to, but the polite service, restaurant-style entrees, recliners and "silent server call button" made the theater worth the trip.
So I'd recommend a trip to Bolingbrook's Promenade to experience Gold Class Cinemas. However, try to select a movie you will fully enjoy.