Recently we went to check out the film Spencer, a bio picture about Princess Diana. The film was beautifully shot but ultimately pretty dull and self-indulgent with an overwrought soundtrack (2 out of 5 stars for me). Even if I didn’t love the film, I really loved where we saw it: Landmark Theatre’s Crest Cinema in Shoreline, Washington.

The Crest is an anomaly, its a throwback from another time. It has continued to exist, like some sort of cryptoid hiding unseen deep in a swamp, forest, or underwater cave. The Crest is a legit neighborhood theater, smack dab in a residential area, not in a mall or industrial shopping complex. It’s easy for community folks to walk to, and has a quiet, well loved and used quality. They don’t just show the latest Marvel garbage either, specializing in showing art films, second run films, and cult films. It may not have the nicest screens or best quality seats and has strangely shaped theaters, but it makes up in character. For my money I’ll take than every time over some over stuffed recliner. Great concessions stocked with PNW craft beer! Yum! A true little diamond in the rough.

Plus, how can you not love the great old neon sign! That’s one of the few benefits of living in the Pacific Northwest with our short days in winter months, getting to see signs light up the gloom. I love what can be done with LED lights and projectors, but for my money nothing can beat the warmth and style of a well designed neon light.