Grove to be alive with movie-goers again

The countdown is starting -- the new Paragon Grove 13 movie theater is almost open for business. Construction workers are winding down and the Grove is all abuzz, excited to have one of the newest concepts in movie theaters right here at CocoWalk. Friday, June 4 is the sneak-peak opening day, movies will start showing at 4 pm.

This morning the press had a special walk-through. Above, Mike Whalen, one of the owners took questions from the reporters, as Becky Manuel, marketing director, looked on.


The first phase of the movie complex will be a 1,500 seat luxury movie theater featuring reserved stadium seating, the only all high-definition digital projection in Miami (SONY4K), three 3D screens, valet parking, deluxe concessions (with specials named after local places and people, ask for the Full Monty, named after Monty Trainer, the largest item on the menu consisting of hot dogs and popcorn and soda and such), there's also an exclusive “Diamond Row” program coming soon with at-your-seat bar service with beer and wine.

Validated parking is just $2.00 at CocoWalk for up to five hours. Nighttime movies will be $11.00, seniors pay $7.00, students pay $9.00 and 3-D movies are just $4.00 more. The discounts fall on various days of the week and not just one day at a special time, like many other theaters around town do. The movies will be discounted during matinees.

Tuesdays will be Grove Day for adults with a Code 33 card. If you live or work in the Grove email mcconnell28@msn.com to obtain a card to receive $2.00 off ticket prices on Tuesdays.

Seating will be assigned, you may choose your seat at time of purchase on line or at the box office, or at machines set up on site. You can see how the luxury seating above is numbered. The seats feel like airplane seats, and they literally rock. The center arm rests raise up, just in case you want to get closer to that special someone. Mike calls that a "loveseat."


Five new movies will be showing the first week, including Sex and the City 2, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and Killers and a full schedule will begin the weekend of June 11. The lit up posters along the wall announce the new movies coming this summer. The location, the former AMC theatre, was fully renovated to include all new seating, flooring, lighting, projection, screens, and décor. We have been in and out throughout the past few weeks and it is an incredible place.


We saw a preview of the new Spider-man movie. The image just pops out at you.

Future plans for the project include luxury bowling (possibly Splitsville, which is a big hit in their Virginia theater), a private screening room, alternative content such as sporting events and concerts, and the opening of a trendy bar/lounge with dining, dancing, karaoke and more, tentatively called the U-bar. This is planned for a fall opening.


Coming up are innovative packages with local restaurants, which will include a dinner or brunch and a movie. They should be rolled out in about a month. Right now, the paint is still a bit wet (I know because I got some on my hand) and the windows and floors are being cleaned and all the last minute details are being taken care of in anticipation of opening day.