There are many movie theaters in Des Moines and surrounding areas, and while selection, movie times (showtimes), and location play in big role in determining where you go to see a new release, several other factors are likely to be considered in your decision about returning again.  While I don’t see a lot of movies on the big screen, I do enjoy an occasional night out and I’ve been to most of the movie cinemas in Des Moines, Iowa.

Up until recently, my favorite place to see a movie locally was at the Wynnsong Cinemas in Johnston, IA.  This was the first time I’d been in a theatre with stadium seating.  I’d love to give you the local website address here, but after several obvious searches on Google and Yahoo (I tried “wynnsong theater johnston iowa” and “wynnsong 16 des moines carmike”, I had no luck.  If anyone knows of a local web address, please comment here and I’ll post the link.  Until then, the best I could find is here.

This past weekend I went to see Evan Almighty at the Jordan Creek movie theater, also known as Century Theater or Century 20.  This now ranks as my favorite place to see a movie in Des Moines and the suburbs.  Stadium seating, a great sound system, and equally as important - a clean environment (my shoes didn’t even stick to the floor!).  I guess these larger, national theater chains don’t worry too much about making it easy to find what’s playing and/or their movie times online.  After a few searches, I gave up on finding a local website for this West Des Moines theater.  Evidently, the theater is owned by Cinemark, and here’s the web address for showtimes and buying advance tickets.  Another option is on the jordancreektowncenter.com website here.

Other places where I’ve seen movies in Des Moines include the Nova theaters.  This used to be a second run, discount theater up until recently.  Now they show first run movies at $4 to $6.  While I was willing to sacrifice a few amenities for their old discount rates, this theater seems to have new problems nearly every time I go.  The place isn’t very clean, the seating is old and not very comfortable, the sound system is not up to par, and I’ve experienced problems with movies being out of focus, or jumping around on the screen.  Unless someone sinks a ton of money into this place, their best chance to compete, in my opinion, is to slash prices again and to show movies that have just left the bigger theaters.

Obviously discount theaters are tough to make profitable, as I used to go to Silver Cinemas (or something like that) near Merle Hay Mall.  I think that theater has been closed for a while.  I also remember the Sierra 3 theatres on 22nd St. were discounted only a few months ago, and I believe they show first run movies again.  Are there any discount theaters in Des Moines today?  I guess if you’re not too choosy about which movie you see, Billy Joes Picture Show has some affordable rates.  I was excited to learn that they even have a local website at www.billyjoes.com. I’ve been to Billy Joe’s several times and the last time I went, the pizza and beer were a nice change of pace…although it was a bit too smoky.  I think that might be changing though.

Other theaters around the metro include Varsity, Cobblestone 9, Fleur Cinema, Merle Hay Mall Cinema, and Southridge 12.  I’ve been to a few of these, but since they are quite a distance from home…it’s been awhile.  So, where do you go to see movies?

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