Photo by Kyle Smith
Two huge blockbusters are being released on the same day, July 21, 2023. Both movies are very different, but would make such a fun Saturday (7/22/2023) double feature!
A little synopsis of the movies.
Barbie: Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.
Oppenheimer: A feature documentary exploring how one man’s brilliance, hubris and relentless drive changed the nature of war forever, led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and unleashed mass hysteria, and how, subsequently, the same man’s attempts to cope.
Plan of attack:
As I said, very different movies! But many people plan on seeing them in one day. We asked you on our instagram which movie you plan on seeing first and majority said Barbie. That’s how I’ve planned the perfect Barbenheimer Day. However if you want to flip it, you can find Barbie and Oppenheimer showtimes linked.
After you’ve booked your tickets to the 1:00p.m. showing at the Cinemark in Doco. Start your day with brunch at Solomons Vinyl Diner, make your reservation now! They’re gonna have good music, drinks, and food! Their motto is “Beats. Booze. Bites.” So you’re in good hands. With a cocktail menu and zero proof menu there’s a little something for everyone. Upstairs they have a listening lounge with a DJ where you can even bring your own vinyl! The walk from Solomons to Cinemark will take 7-10 minutes depending on how many mimosas you have, make sure to leave time to hit the concessions and the bathroom before your movie!
The Barbie movie is an hour and 54 minutes, so you’ll be out around 3:15p.m.
Since you’re already in Doco, and you’ve booked the 7:00p.m. showing of Oppenheimer at Esquire IMAX on K Street, it doesn’t make much sense to leave and come back. Spend some time going through the shops, maybe grab a coffee and a pastry at Estelles and debrief the Barbie movie. Play some games at Punch Bowl or Tipsy Putt. A common misconception is “there’s nothing to do downtown,” and that couldn’t be more false. If games aren’t your thing, take 5 minute a walk to Old Sac through the K Street tunnel. Believe me there is plenty to do and all in walking distance.
You will want to make your way back around 5:00p.m. though. Next stop is at Smics where they have Barbie themed cocktails. If you want to get in Oppenheimer theme, Brasserie du Monde is a 1930s, French themed restaurant. It’s fancy and special, just like you! If French isn’t your fav cuisine there are many dinner spots at other price points along K Street to try.
The big pull about Oppenheimer is it being made for 70-millimeter IMAX. Did you know there are only 30 IMAX 70-millimeter theaters worldwide playing Oppenheimer, and one is in Sacramento?! The Esquire IMAX theatre on K! If you want to impress your friends with the details, read this New York Times article. This is another long film, so make sure to make time for concessions and the restroom!
After Oppenheimer, I’d guess you’d need a stiff drink or to go immediately to bed. Whatever you do, I hope you have fun and tag us on socials!