Loyola students and Far North Side residents (like me) rejoiced last week when the New 400 Theater, formerly the Village North, reopened under new management. After suffering through several movies at the janky-ass VN, including one miserable night spent shivering in a coat, hat and gloves because the heat was on the fritz (yes, I was too cheap to leave), I’m happy to say my visit there last night makes this my new favorite movie theater.

The crazy-colorful carpet—which looks like leftovers from a Bollywood movie—bounces under your feet, the concession stand is sparkling (and no longer stinks of 60-year-old grease) and the seats are comfortable enough (the backs don’t move). And the AC? Functioning. That bodes well for the venue’s heat.

I heard someone griping about the price hike (it’s now $7.50 instead of $5) after the movie let out, but c’mon: It’s still way cheaper than most theaters (I’m looking at you, $9.75 Evanston). Plus, it’s an independent theater, and there aren’t many of those left anywhere, much less Chicago.