'It's sad': Moviegoers react to Marcus Theatres closing cinemas in Milwaukee, Saukville, and Franklin

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Three movie theaters in southeastern Wisconsin are closing their doors for good.

Marcus Theatres will be shuttering their Milwaukee, Franklin, and Saukville cinemas in September.

"It's sad, I feel bad for the people working here," said Saukville Cinema customer, Bill Rusher.

CBS 58 spoke to moviegoers making final memories at the Milwaukee and Saukville cinemas on Labor Day.

"When we heard that they were going to be closing down, we had to make sure to get in for at least one more," said Milwaukee resident, Cody Malone.

Marcus Theatres announced Southgate Cinema's last day is Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Saukville Cinema and Franklin's Showtime Cinema will close Sept. 17.

"What's going to go here besides a movie theater?" said Saukville resident, Robin O'Donnell. "It's kind of sad that this is going to be vacant. Not looking the greatest for our community."

Southgate is the only Marcus-owned cinema in Milwaukee.

With decades of showings, it's sentimental for some customers.

"Ninety-five was the first time I came here with my mom, and I've been hooked on movies ever since. First time you smell popcorn, see the big neon sign," said Milwaukee resident, Jaime Martinez.

Up north, Saukville Cinema customers weren't surprised by its closure.

"Every time we come, it's never really busy," Rusher said.

"I think it's not very busy maybe because it's not very updated. Everybody wants the DreamLoungers and reclining," O'Donnell said.

Marcus Theatres shared this statement with CBS 58:

"We routinely reviewed the amenities at our theatre locations to provide the best moviegoing experience and determined that our customers at these locations are better served by the more expansive amenities at other nearby Marcus Theatres."

Some customers CBS 58 spoke with on Monday disagreed with Marcus' decision, saying they enjoyed the older theater format.

"It had everything we needed. We never needed all the laid-back chairs and things like that; Just a nice, quiet place to enjoy a movie, and this was it. I'm sad to see it go," Malone said.

The Marcus BistroPlex at Southridge Mall is the nearest Marcus theater location to the Southgate and Showtime cinemas. Saukville movie-goers are closest to Marcus North Shore Cinema in Mequon.