Edwards University Theater

If you happen to be in Irvine by mistake and discover that there is nothing to do (there isn't), then maybe you'd like to see an independent film. If so, the place to do that is the University Edwards.

Just across from the UC Irvine campus lies the Edwards, tucked in next to a Trader Joe's and a yoga studio (I'm painting a picture for you here). The standard fare includes foreign films, documentaries, and limited-release domestic films. Films tend to stick around for a while, so you're in no rush to catch anything. It's a small building, lazily run, and the popcorn costs the same as it does anywhere. But they're good about cheap matinees and student discounts, and you almost always know someone who works there and can get you in for free. Just bring a local and you should be fine.

I've seen more movies that I've enjoyed at the Edwards than anywhere else, and as there's not a lot else to do in town, you might as well give it a shot, too.