Movie Theater Guide

    For all the new Jumbos out there, consider this your very own comprehensive list of Boston's movie theaters. This will come in handy if a) you are a movie buff, b) you can't find anything to do some Friday night, or c) you need something to keep you occupied in between long nights at Tisch. The following theaters have been rated, for your convenience, by the 4 P's system: Proximity (how close they are to Tufts), Price (self-explanatory), Physiognomy (the only synonym for "appearance" starting with the letter P) and Picture Selection (movie offerings). Lights, camera, action!

Somerville Theatre
    Proximity: Very close. The Joey will drop you off right in front of it on those dreaded wintry nights. For when temperatures are above freezing, J.P. Licks offers Davis Square's best ice cream right across the street.
    Price: One of the lowest. Tickets range from $5 for a Monday-Friday matinee to $8 for an evening movie during the weekend.
    Physiognomy: Unique. The Somerville Theatre isn't exactly sleek and new, but it has its own charm. You'll find lots of interesting odds and ends, like a small owl statue, the original theater sign (over 65 years old) and a marquee outside fit for Broadway. The theater boasts one large auditorium with lots of stadium-style seating.
    Picture Selection: Although Somerville only plays a few flicks at once, it gets high marks for hosting the Independent Film Festival and doubling as a concert venue. Keep an eye out for movies that you just missed in theaters, because you might be able to catch them here a little later.

Kendall Square Cinema
    Proximity: Not too far. Hop over several stops on the red line to Kendall/MIT and it's a bit of a walk from there. Helpful tip: take the shortcut through the Marriot Hotel.
    Price: Regular admission tickets cost $9.75.
     Physiognomy: For being situated among the drab MIT cement, the Kendall theater is nicely decorated. Nothing spectacular, but it's comfortable.
    Picture Selection: Hipsters and indie kids, rejoice! Kendall offers a plethora of independent and off-beat films. You can bet they'll pick up anything artistic, unusual, foreign or noticed by Sundance. Movies cycle through here fast though, so catch them while you can.

AMC Loews Boston Common 19
    Proximity: It's a hike. You've got to head all the way to the Green Line. Our suggestion? Make a night of your outing and find a good restaurant for dinner while you're in the area.
    Price: High. On a regular night, tickets are $10.50 each. Bring your Tufts ID on Thursdays for a discount. We also recommend that you purchase online to avoid long lines and sold-out films on opening nights. You can also purchase tickets for AMC Loews theaters at the Campus Center Info Booth for $8 ahead of time. This is convenient and a little more reasonable on a college budget.
    Physiognomy: Impressive. The theater is gigantic, with a spacious lobby, enormous columns, stadium seating — the works. Take a look at the old movie posters lining the walls and the famous cinematic quotes which illuminate the ceilings upstairs.
    Picture Selection: Extensive. Boston Common presents the newest releases, mostly mainstream blockbusters.

Barnum Hall
    Proximity: Ridiculously close, especially if you live uphill.
    Price: FREE.
    Physiognomy: Shabby, unless you count the statue of Jumbo outside. After all, it's just a small auditorium in one of the academic buildings.
    Picture Selection: Student-run and flexible. You'll sometimes see movies that are out of theaters but yet to be released on DVD. If there's something you're dying to see, the Tufts Film Series is always open to suggestions and new members. "Dr. Strangelove" and "No Country for Old Men" are the plan for this weekend; check TuftsLife.com for more information.

AMC Loews Harvard Square
    Proximity: Close. Two T stops hardly constitute a long trip, and Harvard Square is an excellent place to eat and shop. Pair your movie with dinner at Fire and Ice — Monday nights are all-you-can-eat for a discounted student price.
    Price: Similar to Kendall, at almost $10 a pop.
    Physiognomy: Average. The theater is clean, with stadium seating, but nothing noteworthy.
    Picture Selection: Harvard doesn't offer a large number nor variety of films. What it does have, however, is the Rocky Horror Picture Show, as the theater is the site of the very first live U.S. performance. Don your fishnets and red lipstick every Saturday night at midnight.