Last summer, a bleak reality continually befell moviegoers far and wide. With a lineup of intended blockbusters galore suddenly stalled, the films designed to rally people from their homes became part of the proverbial headlines urging them to instead remain inside. As more films chose to forgo theatrical release postponements and excise the direct-to-streaming route, industry professionals and fans alike began to ponder the future of cinemas in general.
Fast-forward a full year later: “A Quiet Place Part II,” one of the first films to announce its indefinite delay amid the early wave of the coronavirus pandemic, has grossed $184.8 million and counting at the box office, according to Deadline. John Krasinski of “The Office” and “A Quiet Place” fame has successfully marketed his directorial follow-up to the latter 2018 horror smash with a timely, pitch-perfect assurance: that finally, theaters are safe again. And Regal Ronkonkoma is no exception.
Regmovies.com defines Regal’s “CinemaSafe” initiative as a program that promotes protocols developed by leading epidemiologists to support a safe return to movie theaters. Employees will continue to undergo daily health screenings, and are required to wear face-covering masks. Patrons are encouraged to follow state and local health guideline recommendations, and take advantage of in-app ticket and concessions purchasing. Per their reservation system, Regal auditoriums will also maintain at least one empty seat between groups for optimal social distancing.
If the aforementioned promises are not enough to convince the still somewhat reluctant party to make their personal return to the cinema just yet, then allow the recliner-inclusive Regal Ronkonkoma’s current and upcoming slate itself to suffice:
• “A Quiet Place Part II” extends the harrowing tale of a broken family who refuses to back down to the singular terror responsible for the world falling apart all around them. The sequel simultaneously works as popcorn escapism and as an allt-oo-resonate reflection on the year most would like to, but simply cannot forget
• The nostalgia-inducing “Cruella” entertains by bonding parent and child through their shared fright at the sight of the titular lead
• “In the Heights” opens a dialogue on social divide and racial identity while further demonstrating Lin-Manuel Miranda’s uniform status as a lyrical wordsmith who can write his way into anyone’s dinnertime discourse
• “Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway” proves families can have a fun moviegoing experience somewhere other than the Disney+-dominated living room for a change
• Lastly, Regal’s “Fast Friday” series – offering Regal Crown Club members two free tickets to see a Fast & Furious movie every Friday – helps prepare Dom Toretto “ride-or-dies” for his crew’s much-anticipated next ride. Originally scheduled for April 2020, “F9: The Furious Saga” finally speeds into Regal Ronkonkoma – located at 565 Portion Road – on Thursday, June 24, and theaters nationwide the following day
