The Empire Has Fallen by @Kush_Hayes
This COVID has been a motherfucker.
Theres definitely bigger things in the world than what has inspired this writing. Ive even had to deal with life and death issues in these last 11 months like anyone else has. And even now with Vaxines finally being distributed giving us the step in the right direction, the finish line to “normalcy” seems closer than ever and yet life continues to get in the way.
I Received a series of texts from my cousin informing me the bad news that, in fact, West Portals Empire Theater was now officially closed. I even had to reply “Closed-Closed?” because just the previous day I was in the neighborhood. The Marquee displayed “Temporarily Closed” and upon looking in the window Id see lots of construction equipment.
“Closed-Closed” would be the reply. And immediately details of this little three screen theater started flooding into my memory. What was my last film there? What was my first film there? All the first premier events.
The weight of these memories would only become heavier as I went back this morning and now the marquee say nothing. The construction equipment and debris is all gone. The box office is bare. The concession stand is gone. And as if it wasnt obvious after all the aforementioned, the lcd displays above the individual theater entrances all read: Closed.
The last time The Empire had a good update, “The Chairs NOW Rock!” so it was in need of several upgrades. Upgrades they probably would lose money on due to less seating and permits for elevated stadium flooring. However it had a lot of charm. And it was still a fun place to go for a premier event.
Despite not having what is considered now a standard with reserved seating, waiting in line to see a huge film like Avengers Endgame with my same cousin who bared the bad news, was still a treat. Other big events included, the opening matinee for Terminator 2 in 1991. Two years later, a Sneak Preview of Jurassic Park at midnight would be the first time I was at a movie alone after 9p, let alone after midnite which is when the screening was, meaning at the age of 13, itd be the first time I came home after 230a on a Thursday night.
Of course my first movie alone would be 1991s King Ralph. My first date in high school, Toy Story. The first Horror movie, Childs Play 3. The first time I hopped theaters, going from Cool Runnings and sneaking into Robocop 3. My friends sneaking beer into Jackie Chans Supercop. Trying a new beverage called Red Bull while sitting through 1997s The Game.
And after a few days of reflection I believe my first cinematic experience at the West Portal Empire theater would be Masters of the Universe: Secret of the Sword.
The folks at The SFist released the news officially on Thursday and they say that while the theater thats been in operation since 1925, currently sits empty, several city officials with the SF Mayors Office are investigating all options to get a new operator for the theater in as soon as possible.
I sincerely hope they can do something. Not just for me, but it was always a big cornerstone for the neighborhood and the businesses surrounding it. But also for me, so that I dont have to tell stories about how 2019s Bombshell, while good, while an award winner, was my final film at the historic little multiplex.
It was more than just a place I could go to see the newest release. It was an escape from reality for me. It was a place where I could leave happier than when I entered it. It was a place that could distract me for two hours if something was troubling me.
And now its gone.
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