Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix opens today in Prague. I am totally excited. Not just because I love going to the movies, but because I have a total crush on Ron Weasley…don’t ask me why. Anyway…my friends keep calling - asking when we are going and which movie theatre will be showing it in English. You see, most kid’s films get dubbed in Czech when they come here. It makes sense. Little tykes can’t read the Czech sub-titles so…dubbed it is. A few savvy theatre owners know that there is a HUGE Expat community in this lovely city and therefore show the film in English with Czech subtitles. You just have to know where to go. And I know where to go.
I am pretty impressed with the whole “going to the movies” process here. I mean, before I moved here I thought I would be waiting months and months for new Hollywood releases. Boy was I wrong! All of the really big movies – I’m talking summer blockbusters and movies like The Departed and Dreamgirls – come out within two weeks of their American release. Sweet! They don’t bring every movie here, but we get all of the big ones…the cream of the American crop if you will. I even got to go to a cool Premier Screening of Grindhouse and went home with a free movie poster! Yay!
The cinemas here are fantastic. My roommate says that they are nicer than the ones in her home town in America. They run the entire range: from the plush-seated multi-kinos with surround sound, to cool tucked away arthouses. During the summer you can catch a film on the island, Strelecky Ostrov, and enjoy outdoor seating, good movies, and a river view. My favorite theater here is the Kino Svetzor because films are shown in their native language, with subtitles in English. This makes it a great place to see Czech films that you otherwise wouldn't be able to follow. Their selection is excellent: usually art & indie films in a fun and casual atmosphere highlighted by the lively bar. They also show cool old films like Casablanca and East of Eden. It’s fun to see those movies on the big screen.
And ladies…you don’t have to feel guilty about ordering that large popcorn here. The large here isn’t ginormous like it is in the states. It is a good size. And! They don’t use that greasy “butter flavoring” here. You get your popcorn fresh from the popper…period. Although, some theaters offer you a choice of butter flavored popcorn or bacon & cheese flavored. Um…I haven’t tried it yet, but hey, I’m game. Oh, and guys…? You can also get beer in most cinemas as well.
So…I’m off to see Harry Potter. I’ve got my popcorn and soda money ready, and I am as excited as a Muggle at a Quidich match! See you next month!
visit us at www.teflworldwideprague.com