Buttery popcorn , boxes of candy, and uncomfortably cramped seating define the movie-going experience. At the AMC West Olive theater, these preconceived ideas are challenged by their new Dine-In auditoriums. This theater now offers exclusively dine-in theaters, which started in early November.
There are two seating plans for these auditoriums, the “Cinema Suites” and “Fork and Screen”. To be seated in the Cinema Suites,  you must be over 21. However, those under 18 may be seated in the Fork and Screen auditoriums  with an accompanying adult. When purchasing tickets, you’re asked to select your seats from a floor plan illustration, because seats are reserved. In some respects, reserved seating in a theater is helpful to ensure that you and your friends and family can stay together. However, if you’re seated behind a particularly tall person, for example, you’re out of luck.
It would be a good idea to arrive at the theater 15-20 minutes ahead of time, because your server takes your order shortly after you’re seated on an electronic notepad. The menu is extensive, comparable to that of TGI Friday’s or Applebee’s in selection and price, but also includes standard movie theater food like popcorn and candy. Getting your dinner and movie in one place is convenient because not only are you avoiding spending money on both dinner and a movie, but it’s cheaper and takes less time, without the obligatory popcorn. The food is better quality than average theaters, but can be overpriced.
There is quite a bit of room between neighbors, which makes it more pleasant and makes for a smaller, more comfortable movie viewing. There is a small, pull-out tray table for you to set your plate on, but it is to either your right or left, depending on what seat you’re in, but is slightly awkward because you have to lean whichever way the tray is. A red service button is located near every seat, making service quick if you need something during the movie.

Contributions by Kelsey Larimore.