Tampa’s Sun-Ray Cinema is a destination for fans of blockbuster movies and offbeat classics, too [PHOTOS]

Despite its enormous size, ever-increasing population, and the obvious fact that it has become a sprawling city, there are still many hidden, unearthed gems to discover throughout Tampa. For every landmark and well-populated spot, there remains plenty of culturally rich and cool places that might still be under the radar for many residents.

Add Sun-Ray Cinema to the top of that list.

Offering a unique model of the moviegoing experience and a vibe all its own, co-owners and married couple Tim Massett and Shana David-Massett are, first and foremost, film lovers and devoted believers in the indescribable magic and pure joy that going to a movie theater can offer. Having operated a thriving version of their Sun-Ray Cinema establishment in Jacksonville for 13 years before moving south, the couple relocated their aspirations and passions to Tampa last year.
[location-2] Located at University Mall Ct., right behind the previous structure that housed the University Square Mall on Fowler Avenue (and not too far from USF’s massive main campus), The Massetts have cultivated and developed an engaging and welcoming venue that is unlike the more conventional movie theater design most are familiar with. Appealing to movie lovers of all genres and demographics, Sun-Ray is unique in that it screens large Hollywood blockbusters, alongside smaller, lesser-known films, while regularly hosting special events that feature live guests to complement the experience.

“We play first-run films, rep films (as in repertory or older, notable films), and signature programs,” according to Massett’s description of his Sun-Ray concept. But, that’s only a limited overview of what he and his spouse of 17 years have recently made a very welcome addition to Tampa’s entertainment landscape.

While happy to feature guaranteed crowd pleasers like the newest “Superman” film, Sun-Ray also distinguishes itself by offering cool, one-of-a-kind events like the upcoming double-feature event that consists of two films originally released in 1985: “Teen Wolf” and “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.”

Thanks to the luxury of cable and streaming services, many have undoubtedly seen both films multiple times since they were originally screened 40 years ago, but Sun-Ray is offering a twist for this single-day event: they’ve invited actor Mark Holton, who appeared in each of those films, to be onsite to partake in a Q&A session following each movie. 

Audiences will remember Holton’s character in the Pee-Wee Herman film as Francis Buxton, the bratty, spoiled nemesis of Herman’s who masterminds the sinister plot to steal Pee-Wee’s super cool red bike.

And that’s only one of the hip to-dos Sun-Ray regularly boasts. A sampling of some of its past events includes an appearance last spring by punk rock poetess and artist Lydia Lunch, who screened her documentary film and spoke to the audience that came to see her after the conclusion of the movie’s screening.

As an avid admirer of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” the 2001 rock and roll fable film about a German wannabe rock star who undergoes a badly botched sex change operation before coming to America to launch a music career, it was a personal thrill to watch that film for the umpteenth time at Sun-Ray last May. What made it even more special was the in-person appearance by John Cameron Mitchell, the co-writer and star of the film that began as an off-Broadway stage show in 1998. Mitchell offered live, off-the-cuff commentary about the film and its sequences throughout the screening, which made for a hilarious and highly entertaining night.

Shana David-Massett sees herself as a person who “has a passion for putting on a show.” A trained vocalist and piano player (the Rhodes piano onstage at the Sun-Ray lobby is hers), she also loves movies, and gets excited when speaking about the upcoming events and special screenings she and Tim will soon be hosting.

A screening of John Waters’ 1981 cult classic “Polyester” is on tap for October, but what makes the event even more enticing is that the owners have made arrangements to have “odorama” cards (scratch ‘n sniff cards that include different scents on them that coincide with some of the movie’s scenes) on hand to pass out before the film commences. The gimmicky, interactive prop was part of the film’s original screening presentation more than four decades ago, so it’s only fitting that Sun-Ray would resurrect this essential detail and stay true to the film’s viewing.

Oh, and the film’s director and creator Waters—sometimes referred to as “the king of filth,” thanks to his sometimes shocking and off-the-wall subject matter—will be in the house, too. Partaking in the screening as part of a concept the Massetts refer to as “The Talkies,” Waters will also offer commentary throughout this very special showing of the cult classic.
[event-2] Another attractive function Sun-Ray serves is presenting movies that many younger audiences might have never had the chance to see on a large screen, the way they were intended to be seen. The owners received nothing but praise from those who got to see the late-’90s perennial favorite “The Big Lebowski” on one of the theater’s 10 screens inside the spacious complex not long after their opening last December.

While Sun-Ray does things its own way when it comes to programming film selections and its one-of-a-kind events, obviously, there’s also an impassioned desire by its proprietors to keep the experience as fun and hassle-free for patrons.

A list of suggested behaviors is prominently displayed near the theater’s entrance, and upholding those guidelines has made a significant difference in setting the right mood and atmosphere for the ultimate moviegoing experience. For example, kids under the age of 18 can’t view a film at Sun-Ray unless accompanied by an adult, regardless of the film’s rating. Vaping, loud phone conversations, and the distracting, bright glow of a cell phone in any of the theaters while a movie is being screened are all frowned upon, as is bringing in outside food and drinks. Food is delivered directly to patrons in their seats.

Owners have more than two dozen people on payroll including a dream team in the front-and-back-of-house featuring heavy hitters from the Tampa and Ybor City hospitality scene including staff coordinator Britt B, kitchen manager Anthony Alt, Swiss Army Knife and handyman Brian Schille, plus OG St. Pete meme/pop culture fiend lord Craig Adams, and Rob Hampton.

Then there’s the prices.

No movie is more than $10.75 (adults matinees before 6 p.m. are $8.75), and tickets are $5 on “Tapped Out Tuesdays.” There are also discounts for seniors, students, military and teachers (they get in for $8.50 all day), kids under 12 years old ($6.50), and USF students ($6).

Self-serve, popcorn tops out at $6 and comes with a refill (extra refills on ‘corn are $1). Beers are $4 and up, and $4 fountain drinks also include a refill.

In another admirable attempt to become a viable player in the local arts and entertainment community, Sun-Ray is happy to entertain the concept of local nonprofits who’d like to screen documentaries or special interest films. They’ve started getting the word out that they’re willing to host these types of events on Wednesday nights for a nominal fee, and have done a few since arriving in Tampa.

“We’re doing this to make a living, not to get rich” is Tim Massett’s theory. He and Shana love movies and their goal is to create a third space for locals to congregate and coexist with others who might share a similar passion for a particular film or who have a burning desire to see movies they’ve never had the chance to experience on a large screen.

“It’s a shared space,” Shana adds. “It’s a place where you can sit with other like-minded people, who might have different viewpoints, but have this in common.”
Looking ahead at the events they have planned, both owners lit up and excitedly spoke of a retrospective series they’ll be hosting later this year which consists of the films of the late, renown director Stanley Kubrick.

Filmgoers will be thrilled to know that, as part of that tribute, Sun-Ray will be screening a new 70mm print of Kubrick’s masterful 1968 classic, “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Originally shot in 70mm format, this will undoubtedly be the optimal way to view this classic film in the rich, immersive format Kubrick intended for it.

Previous visitors and newcomers alike will no doubt find plenty of value in the passion and expertise its owners inject into their programs at Sun-Ray Cinema, and will surely want to stay connected with all the future events the Massetts have planned to bring to this unconventional and progressive establishment.

Sun-Ray’s arrival in Tampa is a huge boon for the local patchwork of art and culture, and gives the community a destination for seeing either blockbuster movies or offbeat classics.

Tim Massett put it even more plainly, adding that, “We want this to be an experience that people find value in.”

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