Popcorn, Projectors & the Holiday Lineup with Lanny Croney

Guests: Rob “Birdman” Hephner and Lanny Croney

Location: White Mountain Entertainment – The Village 8 Theaters

Theme: Local theater life, movie previews, and the seasonal cinema experience

 

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🎞️ A Look Back: From Winchester to White Mountain Entertainment

 

 

• Lanny recounts how the Show Low theater began as The Winchester, a two-room duplex before being remodeled around 2004–2006 into the Show Low 5.

• Over time, the Winchester name faded, and the White Mountain Entertainment brand grew — now including both the Village 8 and Show Low 5 theaters.

• Birdman jokes that it’s “a trivia question in the making,” giving listeners a nostalgic slice of local film history.

 

 

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🎃 Halloween Debates & Movie Lineups

 

 

• The two share laughs about Halloween traditions — Lanny insists it’s not a holiday, while Birdman jokingly defends his wife’s enthusiasm.

• Their “holiday vs. not-a-holiday” banter sets a fun tone before diving into movie discussions.

 

 

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🍿 What’s Playing & What’s New

 

 

Current Films & Final Runs

 

• Tron: Ares – underperforming but still playing; discussion on believability and Jared Leto’s “box office poison” reputation.

• Deliver Me From Nowhere – a Bruce Springsteen-inspired drama, blending story and music.

• Regretting You, Good Fortune (Keanu Reeves), and Black Phone 2 are all in rotation.

• Twilight Saga Marathon – all five movies shown over five days, one per night.

 

 

Animation & Family Features

 

• Paranorman, Pets on a Train, and anime hits like Chainsaw Man headline the week.

• Birdman jokes that “kids will love the chaos” of anime fandom, likening it to Demon Slayer’s local success.

 

 

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👻 Halloween Specials

 

 

Rocky Horror Picture Show – 50th Anniversary

 

• October 31st at 9:00 PM, one show only, $7 tickets.

• Lanny recalls his Tempe days when Rocky Horror was a wild interactive tradition, but notes this screening will be non-interactive — no throwing props or singing in the aisles (for now).

• He hints that future plans could bring an official “shadow cast” when they transition to new laser projectors and screens in a few years.

 

 

K-Pop Demon Hunter Sing-Along

 

• A family-friendly animated event running Friday–Sunday (Halloween weekend), with kids encouraged to sing along.

• Rated PG, with multiple shows each day.

 

 

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🎥 November & Holiday Movie Lineup

 

 

Coming Attractions:

 

• Nov. 7 – Finding Hozo/Hosen, a new film from Arizona filmmaker Holt Hamilton.

• Predator: Badlands, a new sci-fi action addition (Disney declined pairing Prey for a double feature).

• Nov. 14 – Wicked Part 1 returns for a limited run.

• Nov. 20 – Double Feature: Wicked Part 1 & 2 starting at 11:20 AM for just $10.

 

 

Holiday Slate Teasers:

 

• Zootopia 2, Five Nights at Freddy’s (with merch), Wicked the Good, SpongeBob, and Avatar: Fire and Ash all set to carry the season through December.

 

 

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🎟️ Movie Pricing Explained

 

 

Lanny explains why ticket prices vary:

 

• Fathom Events or studio-limited runs dictate premium or regular pricing.

• Independently booked classic films, like Jaws, can be discounted to $5 tickets after their anniversary release window.

• Specialty screenings, like Rocky Horror, are $7, making local entertainment affordable for everyone.

 

 

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🏆 Awards-Season Talk & Film Commentary

 

 

• Birdman and Lanny transition into awards chatter: “spooky season into Oscar season.”

• They discuss The Smashing Machine, The Rock’s UFC drama — Lanny calls it a “good stepping stone” but “not quite Oscar-ready.”

• He praises The Rock’s effort but says it didn’t hit the emotional or cinematic punch needed for awards consideration.

 

 

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🎤 Closing Thoughts

 

 

Birdman thanks Lanny and White Mountain Entertainment for keeping cinema alive and thriving in the White Mountains.

They close on a lighthearted note, encouraging listeners to grab some popcorn, enjoy the snow when it comes, and make moviegoing part of their local holiday traditions.

 

The following are the sponsors of Birdman Media Podcasts; please visit them and support them when you can, as they make this show possible.

Premier Sponsors:

Carin Rubin - State Farm

Mountain Retreat Realty Experts

 

Alberito's

Buffalo Bill's Tavern and Grill

Darbi's Cafe

The House Restaurant

The Hub

La Casita Cafe

Nexus Coalition for Drug Prevention

Pinetop Coffee House and Roasting Company

Pour Station - White Mountain Purified Water

Solterra Senior Living

St. Anthony's School

Adventure Pest and Wildlife

WME Theaters