November 16, 2007
SLIFF MOVES WEST
So the AT &T St. Louis International Film Festival has left the environs of the Tivoli until Sunday night. The caravan has been packed up and the trucks have been sent out as operations now shift to the mean streets of Frontenac for a few days of film.
You must be cautious as you go to Plaza Frontenac for the films. They have better parking that is for sure, but they don't have the food or time killing options that the Loop has. I would recommend packing food and bringing a book if you plan to wait between times. Although there is a really nice sandwich joint and some tables to sit and read at this is basically a mall with no traces of popular culture outside the theaters.
I will miss the option of running to Star Clipper, Subterranean Books or Vintage Vinyl between my films at the Tivoli. I guess I'll have to wander around Nieman Marcus or sit on those really comfortable couches they have all over the place until they run me off for being a vagrant.
I am telling you, the neighborhood makes a difference.
Then there's the theater. The theaters at PF keep having the lights go on during movies. Urgh! This has happened 4 friggin' times now! But the staff there is top notch and they work on issues ASAP and they also do their best to get you out of line and into the theater in a courteous and nice way.
As for the 'mall.' Don't get me going on the XMAS decorations. They are bloody everywhere! They have these two symetrically placed wreaths that get on my nerves because they give the appearance of those rings that acrobats jump through at the circus. Please don't do this. You will die!
Anyway, as you brave the rough surroundings this weekend make sure to move your wallet into your front pocket. You may even want look over your shoulder a few times to make sure the gangs aren't following you. Even better yet, if you have a goofy haircut or even look like an individual you won't have to worry about this, the mall security will follow you.
But I will say this in all seriousness. PF is totally safe and clean and the people there are nice so I should give them a break. They just could use a Spencer's Gifts or a Chic-Fill-A or something. An upscale dollar store or one of those tobacco stores that sell ceramic gnomes would be cool too.
All in all you will not be in misey if you go there for some films as long as you take precautions to counter boredom and hunger before and after your movies. Think of Plaza Frontanac as a Mos Eisley for rich people.