For most people, a date at the movies is something special, but not something extraordinary.  For us it was both since Tom had not been to a theater since 2000.  Yep, the last movie he saw in a theater was Dinosaur.  Before that there was A league of Their Own and the Flintstones.  Theresa has been to many movies with the kids, but its been 17 years since we went as a couple.

To make the experience memorable, we decided to go to the Studio Movie Grill in Wheaton, IL to take in the 2:00pm showing of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.  Joining us for a rare double-date was our son Sebastian and his long-time girlfriend Katy.

We purchased our tickets online and made the 50-mile journey to Wheaton.  Along the way we saw Theresa’s last place of employment and learned that she and Katy have a strange fondness for the term “old stomping ground”.   Upon our arrival, we easily printed our entry passes at one of the self-service kiosks in the lobby and found the restrooms.  After that, we had just enough time for a pre-movie drink in the lobby bar.  Yes, they have a bar in the lobby!  It was craft beer for Tom and a mimosa for Katy.  Theresa and Sebastian decided to wait until we got inside the screening room to order their drinks.

Having only been in cramped and smelly old-school theaters in the past, Tom was pleasantly surprised when we walked into the screening room.  It was large and open, the seats were comfortable, and we could stretch our legs out all the way without touching the seats in front of us.  Each seat also had an attached table with a magic red button.

We took our seats about 20 minutes before showtime and hit the red button.  Almost instantly we were approached by a friendly waitress who took our drink and food orders.  By the time the previews began we were tucking into salads, pizza, popcorn and pretzel bites.  A chardonnay for Theresa and a beer for Sebastian rounded out the drink selections.  Overall, the food was good and reasonably priced, but nothing to write home about.  Throughout the movie, we saw people using the red button to order food and drinks or to have their tables cleared.  The wait staff were good about being quiet and ducking down to avoid blocking anyone’s view.  Mostly we didn’t even notice their presence.

The movie itself was funny, fast paced and filled with action.  It also featured Dwayne Johnson, a fan favorite for two of our party.  All-in-all, it was a great day and we can see ourselves going back to another movie in less than seventeen years.  It won’t. however, be to a run of the mill theater for us.  It will be Studio Movie Grill or something comparable.