Lousy films have a chilling effect
Movie theaters are a giant ice box — so who cares if the flick leaves you cold.
Hot and sticky New Yorkers were so desperate to escape sweltering temperatures yesterday, they sat through some of the summer’s worst movies just to score some of the city’s best AC.
“If there are no good movies, too bad — I have to get out of the heat,” said 81yearold Jean Gorbatcheff, who wandered into the AMC Empire 25 on West 42nd Street at around 3 p.m.
“I don’t care [what I see], I’m too tired. I can’t walk around,” she said before randomly choosing the Indian film “Bhaag Milka Bhaag.”
Hundreds plunked down $14.50 for matinee flicks like “Fast and Furious 6” and “Grown Ups 2” — just to beat the heat during yesterday’s 94degree scorcher.
Even tourists who hoped to sightsee were forced to duck in for a break from the heat.
“This is not my f irst choice, I’d rather be walking around the city — I don’t come on vacations to watch movies,” said Alaa Mezanen, 24, who bought tickets to the 1:25 p.m. showing of “Man of Steel.”
Other customers said corny comedies and mindless action flicks aren’t so bad when it’s too hot to think.
“The heat is getting to my brain — but there’s a good AC system here,” said medical student Krystal Marales, 24.
“There are a lot of people on the street pushing and shoving.
“They are hot and aggressive — but here you can relax in the cool air and escape all that madness.”
The FDNY said it saw a spike in medical calls — up from an average of about 3,000 to 4,000 on Monday — due to the heat wave.
That’s why some folks were dropping crazy cash just to see matinees.
“I’m paying $20.50 to see ‘Pacific Rim’ in 3D — this is the most I’ve ever paid to see a movie,” said Natalie Manzanillo, 31, of The Bronx, who said she sprung for the ticket because she’s pregnant.
Temps are expected to remain in the mid to high 90s until at least Friday.