Great Escape: Indie Movie Houses in Shoreline and Edmonds

Your teens are holding a car wash at the high school on Saturday. The grandparents volunteered to take the younger children to a movie Sunday afternoon. Your tweens take tap on Thursday evening. It’s your time. Take it.

Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier. Maybe a whole lot easier.

Today comes two destinations in Edmonds and Shoreline – independent movie theaters. They may not have all the bells and whistles of fancy movie houses, but they offer a special charm of their own

At the venerable  in the heart of downtown, the vibe is homey and speaks to all that is good about small-town businesses. Patrons are friendly, and the theater is famous for its free popcorn for kids. There’s even a small balcony upstairs for romantics. Showing now is the Oscar-winning movie The King’s Speech with best actor winner Colin Firth. Opening this weekend is True Grit, the heralded remake of the John Wayne classic starring Jeff Bridges and Hailee Steinfeld, both Oscar-nominated for their work in the film.

Edmonds Theater, where matinees before 5 p.m. go for $6, is at 415 Main St., Edmonds. For more information, call 425-778-4554 or go online to theedmondstheater.com.

In Shoreline, Landmark Theatres’ Crest Cinema Center, built in 1949, features Hollywood favorites, independent and foreign films at a discounted price. All shows are $3. Currently showing are Tangled, The Social Network, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, Inside Job and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Crest Cinema is at 16505 Fifth Ave. NE, Shoreline. For more information, call 206-781-5755 or go to its website.