Back to the movies – Saskatchewan theatres once again open their doors

Opening afternoon at the Cinescape Cineplex movie theatre on Eighth Street in Saskatoon was decidedly un-Hollywood; there were no huge lineups, no couples arguing about whether to see a romantic movie or an action flick, no children tugging at their parents’ pant legs, begging for candy and popcorn.

It was all very…low key.

Only about a dozen patrons came to the theatre for the first showings of “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “The Invisible Man.” Both movies had short runs earlier this year, and were pulled from the big screens when the COVID-19 pandemic hit Saskatchewan and most businesses shuttered their doors in mid-March.

Those who did show up though were excited to be there, and to have the big screen – almost – all to themselves.

Inder Khra and Kayla Poorman were the first who arrived to see “The Invisible Man,” a movie they both wanted to watch months ago, but never got the chance.

“I’m SO HAPPY,” shouted Poorman as she got out of her vehicle.

“I just wanted to be back in the theatre,” said Khra. “Like, I wanted to watch it the first time it comes out, so this is the first show I’m going to watch.”

“I miss the feeling of just like walking in there and watching the movie. It feels so great,” added Kayla.

While Kayla said she was a little bit hesitant about whether physical distancing would be enforced, Khra said he’d viewed the seating chart which showed that just 40 out of 200 seats were available. He also said he didn’t believe cleaning or disinfecting would be an issue since he used to work at the same theatre.

“They are going to be cleaning properly. Because I was the one cleaning earlier so I know they’re good people, so they’re going to do their best.”

“I’m just excited to get in there,” said Kayla.

“I watch all the movies in the theatre,” Khra chimed in. “So, let’s hope more movies come soon.”

For now, Cineplex will continue to show recent releases, while Landmark Cinemas will play classic movies like “Star Wars,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Dirty Dancing.”