Before modern filmmakers invented voiceovers, they were forced to include scenes where the protagonist bitterly explained his dark past to mirrors, statues, and unfeeling snowmen. Study expository techniques with today’s Groupon: for $12, you get a movie night for two at Santikos Theatres (up to a $26 value). This Groupon is valid toward any movie; customers can upgrade to 3D films for an additional $3 per ticket. Choose from the following locations:

• Embassy 14
• Northwest 14
• Bijou Cinema Bistro<p>

Each movie night for two includes: * Two general-admission movie tickets (up to a $9.50 value each) * One large popcorn (a $7 value)<p>

The bright lights of The Bijou’s façade compel patrons to enter its decorative interior, where they can order burgers and drinks to accompany their included popcorn while watching limited-release, foreign, and independent films. Patrons can peruse showtimes with a companion to find a witty French farce or a low-key drama about dogs winning the World Cup, and then carry their crunchy morsels into the theater to better relate to protagonists during climactic chewing sequences. In order to allow cineastes to properly soak up the film, Bijou maintains an age-controlled cinema, wherein patrons ages 12–17 must be accompanied by a guardian and children younger than 12 are not admitted.

Cinephiles can catch wide-release films at the Embassy 14 or Northwest 14, which cater to moviegoers with more popular releases and box-office smashes. Tots aged 2 and younger can accompany their parents to these theaters free of charge, as long as they sit on a parent’s lap or levitate serenely in the aisle. Check out showtimes for Embassy here and Northwest here, then prep fingers for buttery dalliances with popcorn or to squeeze a date’s hand in terror.

Though Santikos Theatres sometimes feature a discounted price, this Groupon still offers the best deal available.