"Johnny Betts is a rude 'abnoxious' jerk who needs to be 'punced' in the face."- A grammatically-challenged non-fan  

Theater Review - Ridgeway Four  
   
Address: 5853 Ridgeway Center Parkway, Memphis, TN 38120
Phone: 901-681-2047
Price: Matinee - $6.00 (Adult), $5.50 (child)
  Evening - $8.00 (Adult), $5.50 (children and seniors)
Website: Malco

THE THEATER

If you're looking for the worst theater in Memphis then look no further than the Ridgeway Four. I honestly don't know why it's still in operation. The only time I ever go is when they have a free screening here, and boy do I hate when they do that.

I am not exaggerating when I say an average living room is a much better place to watch a movie than the Ridgeway Four. First of all, the seats make airplane seats feel like first-class comfort, and folks, that's just sad. They're old, they feel like they're stuffed with straw, and they're cramped. But hey, if you've ever wondered what it felt like to be a sardine...

The screens are no better. There is no stadium seating, and each screen has a strange concave seating arrangement. The seats are raised a little in the back, dip in the center, and then rise a tad in the front. But the theater is so old that it's possible that rather than by design, this was caused by some sort of weird floor cave-in. Maybe the theater sits on a fault line?

To make matters worse, the distance between the back row and the screen is approximately 200 yards. It doesn't help that the screens are small. If you're the type of person who likes to sit in the back row, then you'd need to bring binoculars or a telescope with you.

The only movies the Ridgeway Four shows are limited releases. So unless there's a specific movie that you want to see and it's only showing at Ridgeway, then this theater should never be an option.

WHAT SETS IT APART

  • Worst theater in Memphis.
  • Shows limited releases that might not be on any other theaters in the area.
CONCESSIONS

If you insist on the conventional popcorn, coke, or candy, then here's what you'll be paying.

Popcorn: SMALL - $3.00 MEDIUM - $3.50 LARGE - $4.00
Drinks: SMALL - $3.00 MEDIUM - $3.25 LARGE - $3.50
Candy: SMALL - $1.50 MEDIUM - $2.50 LARGE - $3.00

Are you kidding me? Full-priced concessions to see a movie at the worst theater in Memphis? That's a slap in the face. If you're already at the Ridgeway Four, then you'll be depressed enough that you're seeing a movie there, you really don't need overpriced concessions to add to your misery.

WHAT'S NEARBY

Want to eat somewhere before or after the movie? Here are your best (i.e. closest) options:

The Blue Plate Cafe - I've never eaten here, but they serve breakfast all day and are known for their good southern cooking. It's fairly inexpensive as well. My mom gives it her stamp of approval and you know what that means? Well, just that my mom really likes it. Here's a review.

Chick-Fil-A - They've got the best chicken sandwiches around. Sure, you'll pay $4 to $5 for a meal, but you'll get your money's worth. Amazingly, the employees are some of the most efficient and courteous in the fast food business. But remember, they are NOT open on Sundays.

Corky's - This is widely considered the best BBQ in Memphis. I don't necessarily agree that it's the *best*, but it is very good. If you're not from Memphis then you better go ahead and give it a try. People will bug you about it until you do.

KFC - Sorry to break it to you, all you living chickens, but fried chicken rules the roost. KFC has some good specials on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday if you're keeping a close eye on your bank account.

Houston's - I heard it was fairly expensive, so I've never eaten here. Hey, is there a restaurant in Houston called Memphis'??? If not, then WHY NOT?!?!?!

McCalister's Deli - This is basically a soup and sandwich deli. But they're "known" for their potato salad and tea. I had their tea once, and to be honest, my life was neither changed nor altered in any positive way. The food is good, but their sandwiches are somewhat pricey (most are over $4 or $5) and a little small. The last time I went there I couldn't find my sandwich and was ready to return the meal, but Stephanie told me to move a couple of chips and VOILA there it was. What's REALLY weird is that I moved another chip and found Tom Cruise. Strange. Their cheesecake is good though.

Taco Bell - If you want that "fire burning in the heart" feeling that the Paradiso's eclectic menu might give you, then I recommend Taco Bell. At least it won't burn a hole in ye olde wallet.

Wendy's - Home of the square burger! I like their burgers better than McDonald's, you know why? Because, according to Dave Thomas, "quality" is Wendy's recipe. I don't know if you can find that at the grocery, but doesn't that just make it even more special? Wendy's also has a dollar menu, and the Frosty is hard to beat. Unless you use a baseball bat. Then it's pretty easy. But why would you even want to do that?

THE GIST

The worst theater in Memphis charges full price for concessions AND tickets. You should be offended. If they're showing a limited release that you're desperate to see, and you have no other option, then I guess there's not much you can do. Otherwise, steer clear.

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