For the record, we know that there are several downtown cinemas that are better for art-house film, or for what one of our panellists terms “proper movies.” We know. But sometimes, all you want out of a film-going experience is popcorn. And maybe some explosions. And if that’s the place you’re in, then there is no better cinema than Sambíó’s VIP Theater at Álfabakki. Why, you ask? Well. The VIP cinema—which exclusively screens coma-brain, Blockbuster-type movies, BTW—has only forty seats, all Lazy Boy-style recliners with excellent sightlines. More importantly, there is a serve-yourself bin of fresh popcorn and a soda machine Right. In. The. Theatre. You’ll pay 2,000 ISK for a VIP ticket—and there won’t be any intermission, so no bathroom break—but if you’re strategic, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth in snackage. And since the theatre is located next to a bus station in Breiðholt, you’ll get the added bonus of seeing a bit of the Reykjavík suburbs. 101 meet 109.

2013: Bíó Paradís

Photo courtesy of Mjódd’s Facebook