by Kerry Dougherty

One of my pals texted me last weekend to see if I wanted to go to a movie. There was a time when we went almost weekly, but, like many other film lovers, we got out of the habit when our idiot governor closed movie theaters during covid.

Don’t get me started on Ralph Northam’s reign of terror.

That’s not what we’re here to talk about today.

“Black Bag” looks good,” she texted.

I checked. A spy film, starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender? Yes!

“I know it’s a tired theater, but let’s support the Beach Cinema and Alehouse. It may be closing.” I replied.

“Save the Cinema!” she shot back.

Worried that front-page news about the possible sale of the 34-year-old oceanfront movie complex (historic, by Virginia Beach standards) might mean massive crowds, I hopped online first thing Saturday morning to reserve tickets.

I needn’t have fretted.

There were just two others reserved seats in the entire theater.

TWO. Continue reading.