I’ve posted my review of the terribly disappointing Watchmen. The screening took place at The Grove, one of L.A.’s best retail centers (located next to the original Farmer’s Market), which is apparently cutting corners. The problem isn’t the center’s cineplex, Pacific Theatres, which are one of the best in town, and a visit to The Grove is still a treat, thanks to one of the most competent Apple Store staffs, a terrific Crate and Barrel and an outstanding Barnes and Noble.
When the Watchmen screening let out, The Grove locked the restrooms and refused to let anyone use the facilities. I know that the company’s other retail center, the Americana in Glendale, California, has issues—the behemoth’s design for foot traffic alone is a disaster and there are numerous problems with that property—but there’s no legitimate claim to be a fine shopping center when the toilets are locked down to cut costs. Hordes of Watchmen survivors—and that screening lasted over three hours—were refused restroom entry. Bad management moves like that will hurt The Grove’s ability to survive the downturn.
Other odds and ends: I am planning to use a blog program soon and I appreciate the patience among my fellow bloggers and readers. Please stand by and bear with any technical difficulties.
