Deeds: Two thumbs up for Nampa's discount movie theater

Granted, I'm probably the last person in the world to finally get around to seeing "The Hangover," but I have to say: That movie is freaking hilarious.

Maybe it was just the beer. I managed to kill two pints of Laughing Dog Pale Ale during the film Monday night, along with a satisfying garlic chicken burrito in a basket with chips and salsa.

As I kicked back in the theater, stretched out my legs and grabbed another napkin off the table in front of me, I couldn't help but wonder: Why aren't all movie theaters like this?

Northern Lights Cinema Grill, which celebrated its grand opening at Karcher Mall in Nampa a month ago, is the Treasure Valley's newest alternative to modern megaplexes.

It's definitely worth the trip from Boise. But only if you're cool with paying $3 for a movie ticket, enjoying evening films without anyone under 21 (translation: no screaming brats after 4:30 p.m.), and having a server bring reasonably priced pizza, burritos and wraps to your table.

To be even cheaper, you can skip dinner altogether. Just buy some popcorn or something. It's $1.50.

Did I mention they also serve beer and wine?

What Northern Lights doesn't have is the latest, greatest movie. Or stadium seating. Or eye-popping 3D technology and face-melting sound.

I'm a sucker for that stuff. But I didn't miss it at all.

I was too busy admiring my wallet. My wife and I went out for dinner, drinks and a movie for under $30.

The idea of enjoying a movie with grub and brewskies isn't new to the Treasure Valley. Boise's art-house theater, The Flicks, comes to mind. And 10 years ago, Mugs & Movies opened in 8th Street Marketplace before it went dark three months later.

Northern Lights, which has a second location in Salem, Ore., appears to have a better shot at survival. However, the theater's marketing department needs a major shot of adrenaline.

There's a sign outside Karcher Mall. But once you go inside? Good luck. We walked the length of the mall twice, which proved to be interesting. (I never even knew there was such a thing as a cane shop.)

Finally, we just asked. Northern Lights is on the southeast end and in the back. There's a Pepsi banner with "Northern Lights Cinema Grill" on it. (Additional signage is on the way, according to co-owner Matt Phillips.)

But the place is clean. And friendly. There are two theaters that hold 170 patrons each. And I wasn't kidding about stretching your legs. Shaquille O'Neal would be totally comfortable here.

If you want to know Northern Lights' current movies, call 475-2999 or go online to northernlightscinemagrill.com. In the meantime, I'm working with Northern Lights to add their movies to Scene's capsule listings in the next week or two.

Northern Lights definitely isn't trying to compete with the Edwards Cinemas of the world. But they have a comfortable, affordable niche. I found it refreshing - and, no, I'm pretty sure it wasn't just the beer.

ENTERTAINMENT NOTES

- Revamped '90s grunge rockers Alice in Chains will perform Feb. 8, 2010, at the Knitting Factory in Boise. Ticket details should emerge in the next few days. Alice in Chains' recent comeback with a new vocalist is one of the year's bigger surprises. The new album, "Black Give Way to Blue," is a reminder how crucial guitarist Jerry Cantrell was not only to Alice Chains' crunchy sound, but to the Seattle band's unmistakable vocal harmonies.

- Upcoming Knitting Factory concerts by Anvil and JJ Grey & Mofro both have been canceled. ... Reel Big Fish has been booked Jan. 8, 2010, at the Knit.

Michael Deeds co-hosts "The Other Studio" at 9 p.m. Sundays on 94.9 FM "The River"; he appears Thursdays on Channel 6 News.