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TAYLOR JOHNSTON
05.25.17
College can be stressful, and some students may look for different ways to unwind and have fun.
One way to do so is to visit the local movie theaters that are within walking or driving distances. Athens’ three primary movie theaters offer an assortment of films and entertainment.
The Athena Cinema, 20 S. Court St.Within walking distance of campus and positioned among the shops and restaurants on Court Street is The Athena Cinema. The Athena is an art house theater owned by Ohio University. It primarily shows independent films and documentaries.
The theater also conducts educational series in conjunction with multiple colleges within OU. Those series include the Fall and Spring Sustainability Series and Science on Screen.
Liz Moughon | FILE
The Athena Cinema on Sept. 1, 2016.
The prices at the Athena vary depending on what time and movie people wish to see. Any show before 6 p.m. is $5 and movies after 6 p.m. are $6.50. Some of the Athena’s special events and series are free for everyone.
England Todd, a freshman studying marketing, has visited the theater a few times and likes how close the theater is to campus. One film she saw at the Athena was Cafe Society, an independent film starring Kristen Stewart, Steve Carell and Jesse Eisenberg, and directed by Woody Allen.
“I like how they have independent movies but also movies that are going to be in the bigger theaters, too,” Todd said.
Fun Barn Movies 10, 14333 U.S. Route 33Those wanting to leave Athens can go to the Fun Barn about 10 miles from OU in Nelsonville. The Fun Barn is not just a movie theater. It also houses an arcade, mini bowling, bumper cars and a food court.
The Fun Barn boasts the cheapest ticket prices at $4 for general admission.
Those who have a car on campus — or can bum a ride off a friend — can travel to the Fun Barn for a fun-filled night.
Athena Grand, 1008 E. State StA short car or bus ride away from campus is the Athena Grand, a theater known for its retro lobby and $5 tickets.
The Athena Grand shows the latest blockbuster hits but brings back old movies for special events. Most of the special events cost $12.50. Some movies the theater has screened include An Affair to Remember and the Halloween series.
Colleen Murnane, a sophomore studying exercise physiology, won a free ticket to the Athena Grand after running in a 5K. She and her boyfriend decided to see Disney’s live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast.
Murnane likes the ‘70s vibe of the lobby and said it was similar to other theaters she has visited. She added she would go see another film at the theater.
“It was nice that the movie tickets were only $5,” she said. “(That’s) a pretty cheap date.”
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This story is part of a series of specially designed stories that represents some of the best journalism The Post has to offer. Check out the rest of the special projects here.