I grew up in Beckley and the surrounding areas and...

I grew up in Beckley and the surrounding areas and always enjoyed going to the movies. I used to go to the Crossroads Cinemas when they were at the Crossroads Mall and to the Raleigh Cinema at the Raleigh Mall. It was a good time for the whole family and a quite affordable one, too. However, as of late, it has become so expensive to even consider going. When it costs a family of four $37 just to get in the door to watch a 2d movie, I'd have to say that is ridiculous! Not only that but it costs an additional $20-$40 for refreshments. Parents can easily assess they would spend anywhere between $40-$80, if not more for a trip to see a movie!
No wonder so many people are avoiding the theaters like they have been and choosing to wait for the movie to come out on DVD! Another reason a lot of people no longer go is due to poor customer service and overall cleanliness of the facility. The floors are always sticky. The seats are filthy and torn and need to be replaced. I remember when I would visit Crossroads Cinemas, be it with family or friends, before the movie was even finished, there would be a theatre attendant standing outside the door with broom and dustpan in hand ready to clean the area before the next showing began. Very rarely did I ever go into that theater and there be a mess that was not being attended to. The staff was friendly and seemingly enjoyed their job, too. Unlike now.
I'm not saying that everything about Marquee Cinemas is bad nor do I expect that everyone will agree with me on my opinion and that is ok. I will still go there myself from time to time to enjoy a movie, but if it were more affordable to go a lot more people would go more often. I hope this helps!