Meteor’s Wednesday night film series, Meteor Uniplex, didn’t start as an event. It started as something to do over lockdown.
During COVID, local film buff Mike Poirier and a group of friends began meeting weekly over video calls with a simple goal: watch every comic book movie ever made. Not just the blockbusters either, but a deep-cut list that included entries as far-reaching as Man-Thing, Night Man, and Japanese Spider-Man – a ambitious list of over 200 films. Each week they’d watch, then record their post-viewing discussion for their podcast network at comicbooksyndicate.com.
Now, years later, they’ve stuck with it. At a recent showing, Mike estimated they’re about “70% or so” through that original list.
After lockdowns lifted, the idea shifted from something private to something more accessible. Ian Phillips, co-owner of Meteor and part of the early viewing group, helped to bring the concept off of Zoom and into a local space. Instead of watching remotely, they started hosting screenings at Meteor.
That’s how Meteor Uniplex came together.
Beyond Heroes
As they moved to in-person, the plan was to continue working through comic book films. But over time, the programming opened up a bit.
Superhero movies are still part of the mix, but the night has grown beyond the original vision. Ian and Mike now rotate in sci-fi and cult favorites as well – the kinds of films that are worth seeing with a group. Recent and upcoming screenings have included Paprika, Batman Begins, Forbidden Planet, Monty Python’s Life of Brian, Blade Runner, (May 6) and Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom (May 27).
It keeps things varied, and gives people a reason to come back week-to-week even if the group isn’t quite as strictly following the original “watch every superhero movie” list.
Showings follow a simple format: Doors at 6pm, movie at 7 – or whenever Ian has a minute to move from his role as bartender to that of projectionist. After the screening, The Comic Book Syndicate crew invites someone from the audience to join them as a guest on one of their podcasts: Laser Brains, which covers film more broadly, or Taped Crusaders, which focuses on superhero media.
Mike-EL, Champ-Ian, Lord Ian, and TJ discuss the finer points of Batman Begins on an episode of TAPED CRUSADERS
It’s not overly rigid, and that works in its favor to build the friendly “living room” vibe. Meteor Uniplex succeeds because of its simple and unpretentious love of movies.
Come Early, Come Often
Showing up early is always worth it, if not for the conversation, then for the pre-roll. Before the movie, Ian plays a curated block of content. This isn’t your usual Coming Attractions reel – Ian goes out of his way to cut together clips, old commercials, and offbeat programming he’s dug up. It’s a small touch, but it sets the tone.
One of the more subtle things that makes Meteor Uniplex work so well is the audience.
Showings tend to draw people who have a deep interest in film and theater. In other words, people who are ready to focus on film. Once the movie starts, phones stay away and conversations drop off. If you’re used to larger theaters where distractions are constant, the contrast is clear. During the show, the room stays focused on the movie, which is ultimately the point.
Film Fans Wanted
Meteor Uniplex isn’t trying to be a full-scale theater experience, and that’s part of why it works.
It’s a weekly, low-key way to watch something interesting with people who are actually engaged in it. The format is simple, the programming has range, and the atmosphere stays consistent.
For a lot of people, that’s exactly the right way to watch a movie.
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Meteor Uniplex happens most Wednesdays at Meteor: doors at 6, movie at 7 (or so). https://www.instagram.com/meteorwindsor/
