The Kentucky Theatre

I vividly remember my first trip to the Kentucky.  I'd just moved to Lexington for college, and I excitedly planned a trip with one of my new sorority sisters for a midnight showing of Pretty in Pink.  There, beneath the giant screen and the ornate walls, Molly Ringwald's Andi seemed even sassier and more heartbreaking.  As Andi leaned in to kiss Blaine at the star-crossed prom, someone yelled "drop the purse", the iconic moment of romantic abandon that signals the film's end.  It wasn't just a sign that many of us had grown up watching too many John Hughes films; it was a community of dedicated film-lovers celebrating every cherished frame.

Over the years, the Kentucky has come to mean "community" in so many ways.  In my early twenties, I joined the fans of Kevin Smith's cult comedies for late-night screenings.  When the novelty of "Hey, you can have a beer while watching a movie!" wore off, I found myself taking in concerts -- the Kentucky has always drawn the best roots and Americana acts to be found.

These days, my trips to the Kentucky are far more likely to involve foreign or independent films.  The works that might not command a multiplex showing are always on at the Kentucky.  

This month, Lexington's storied Kentucky Theatre turns 90.  Conceived as a "palatial new photoplay house" in 1921, the Kentucky is so much more than a beautiful historic theatre.  It's a celebration of culture both high and low.  It's a tribute to Lexington's history and diversity. 

Happy 90th to the Kentucky Theatre!

Elizabethtown: The Movie

I was born and raised in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. After my senior in high school, all of the buzz was that this big Hollywood movie was going to be filmed in our town. Everyone got really excited as the preparations drew closer for the filming to begin. I had several friends that even auditioned and were cast to be "extras" in the film. One of them got to meet Orlando Bloom. Yummy!

The movie came out in 2005 and it was such a big deal for Kentucky and our town. They had a special premiere that locals were allowed to attend. I personally chose to wait and see the movie on DVD as I am not much of a movie-goer.

I had a couple of bones to pick after finally seeing the movie. First of all, they filmed maybe 1 or 2 scenes in our actual city while everything else was filmed in Versailles (nearly 2 hours away) and Louisville (about 40 miles away). Hello- isn't the movie called Elizabethtown? Apparently our city was too "modernly updated" for what they wanted to film. Second, the movie portrays our town as a small backwoods town. Again, we have a population of nearly 30,000 and the vibe portrayed in the movie is just a bit off.

While I'm glad the movie brought attention to the ole E-town, I have to say it wasn't one of my favorites. Have you all seen the movie? What did you think?