Dinner and a Movie: What's Cooking (and Playing) in Lower Merion

Looking to take in dinner and a movie in Lower Merion this weekend? Still undecided on Valentine's Day? 

We have plenty of great places to dine, but sadly, , there are no more movie theaters in Ardmore, Merion or Wynnewood. There are, however, three wonderful theaters in nearby Bala Cynwyd, Narberth and, of course, Bryn Mawr. 

Here is a rundown of what movies are playing for the weekend of Feb. 10 through Valentine's Day, what critics are saying, and where to see them—coupled with dining sugestions for each. 

Drama / Comedy

The Movie: Film lovers and arthouse/Oscar fans might want to see The Artist, a comedy-drama starring Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo and nominated for a slew of Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor and Best Actress (it won three Golden Globes, including the top prize). It's playing at the  and the Clearview . 

Critics have raved about the film, an homage to the Silent Era, shot in luscious black-and-white and mostly silent (that is, wordless; it has a score). Critic A.O. Scott, writing in the New York Times, said the film is "a smooth and very exciting ride" that "is an irresistible reminder of nearly everything that makes the movies great." On Rotten Tomatoes, of 22,000 audience reviews, 92 percent gave it a thumbs-up.

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue (Valentine's Day) BMFI

4, 7 & 9:30 p.m.

1:30, 4, 7 & 9:30 p.m.

1:30, 4, & 7 p.m.

3, 5:30 & 8 p.m.

5 & 8 p.m. Bala Theatre
4:15, 7:15 & 9:35 p.m 1:15, 4:15, 7:15 & 9:35 p.m 1:15, 4:15, & 7:15 p.m
4:15 & 7:15 p.m. 4:15 & 7:15 p.m.

The Dinner: If you plan to check out this French-themed, tres-romantique movie, you might want to think about dinner at Ardmore's downtown French bistro, , before or after.

If you plan to go on Valentine's Day, we suggest you get on the phone ASAP for reservations. Seatings for a $60 per person, pre-fixe, four-course meal, including dessert and complimentary champagne, are set for 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. (though the 7:30 p.m. slots were pretty much full as of mid-afternoon Thursday). There will also be a string quartet playing throughout the evening. 

The menu is:

• Les Entree: Crispy Drunken Kiss Oyster, Dandelion Green Salad, Winter Truffle Bisque
• Amuse Bouche: Warm St. Andre (golden pepper jam, Absinthe mustard)
• Les Plats: Nebraska Beouf Duo; Seared Diver Scallops a la Nourmande; Wild Striped Bass; Crispy Rohan Duck Breast

 

Romance

The Movie: Those in the mood for romance could see The Vow, a drama starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum and playing at the . Critics are split on the movie, while Moviefone users are excited for its release: 

"Looks really good. Love Channing & Rachel. So excited to see it. Can you say girls night?" --writes llfeat2 on Moviefone

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue (Valentine's Day) Narberth Theatrer 4:20, 7:10& 9:45 p.m 1:30, 4:20, 7:10 p.m & 9:45 p.m 1:30, 4:20, & 7:10 p.m
5:15 & 7:45 p.m. 5:15 & 7:45 p.m.

The Dinner: If you plan to check out this movie, you might want to get dinner at in Wynnewood before or after. Why Sang Kee? Why not? (OK; It's a personal favorite of the Ardmore Patch editor.) Check out our from May of last year for more information.

 

Family

The Movie: Families might be interested in the PG-rated Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. Starring Brendan Fraser and Dwayne Johnson, the film has been somewhat warmly recieved by critics. Click here to see more on Journey 2. It's also playing at the Narberth Theatre.

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue (Valentine's Day) Narberth Theatre 4:10, 7 & 9:35 p.m. 1:20, 4:10, 7 & 9:35 p.m. 1:20, 4:10, & 7 p.m. 5:20 & 7:45 p.m. 5:20 & 7:45 p.m.

The Dinner: Brendan Fraser and The Rock? This is a pizza movie if there ever was one. Why not take the opportunity to check out , winner of the back in October? Or go for something a little different, in a great family atmosphere, at  on County Line Road in Ardmore.

Alternatives: The following movies are also showing in theaters this week.

• The Iron Lady (Bala)
• A Dangerous Method (BMFI)
• Il Trittico (BMFI; opera; Sunday only)