Have you been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret film adaptation? Well, the wait is over! After over 50 years since Judy Blume’s classic coming-of-age novel was first published, this story of 11-year-old Margaret navigating big life changes and adolescence while questioning faith has made it to the big screen from director Kelly Fremon Craig and Lionsgate.
So when and where can you get tickets to see this long-awaited movie event? You can purchase Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret tickets now online, at theater box offices near you showing the film, or on opening day Friday, April 28th. Specific showtimes vary by location.
In this guide, you’ll find details on:
- Where the Margaret movie is playing near you
- Showtimes throughout the day to plan your visit
- How to get the best ticket discounts and deals
- What the critics and audiences are saying
- Memorable moments you won’t want to miss
- Answers to frequently asked questions about the film
Let’s dive in and discover everything you need to know to secure your seats for this coming-of-age comedy-drama film!
Overview of the Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret Movie Release
Before going further, let’s do a quick rundown of the film itself for some context!
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret centers around 11-year-old Margaret Simon, played wonderfully by Abby Ryder Fortson. Her life is uprooted when her family moves from New York City to suburban New Jersey. Margaret struggles with the move, leaving friends behind, and relies on her mother Barbara (Rachel McAdams) as she navigates making new friends and the messy early adolescence phase of life.
Her Christian mother and Jewish father add complexity with their religious differences. Margaret’s adoring grandmother Sylvia (Kathy Bates) also isn’t thrilled with the move away from her. The 2023 film explores Margaret asking big life questions, growing up, and discovering her own identity among it all.
Lionsgate brought this Judy Blume novel to screens under the direction of Kelly Fremon Craig (The Edge of Seventeen) and producers like Academy Award winner James L. Brooks (Terms of Endearment). After years of rejected adaptation offers, Blume finally allowed this team to faithfully translate Margaret’s story for a new generation.
Filmed in 2021 and originally targeting a September 2022 premiere, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret ultimately released widely on Friday, April 28th, 2023 following an early debut at the San Francisco International Film Festival.
Where to Buy Movie Tickets to Theaters Near You
If that premise has you eager to buy tickets, here is how and where you can secure seats right now:
Check Online Ticketing Websites
Major movie ticketing websites like Fandango, Atom Tickets, and more are currently selling advance tickets to Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret at local cinema chains and independent theaters.
You can browse listings at specific theaters close by, check the showtime calendar, select seats if reserved seating is offered, and complete your order online. For convenience and locking in tickets early, this is often the best approach.
Visit the Movie Theater Box Office
Alternatively, you can visit the box office at your nearest theater showing Margaret directly to check for tickets. The staff can look up updated showtimes and seating availability in their system.
Of course, lines may be longer this route versus ordering online and you miss out on pre-picking exact seats. But for guests without web access or who enjoy going in-person, buying tickets on location works too.
Wait Until Opening Day
If you want to play it by ear, you also have the option of showing up to the theater on opening day, April 28th, to purchase walk-up tickets. There is no guarantee your location will have seats left or ideal timing, but for flexibility, buying at the last minute can still pay off.
Wherever and whenever you get your Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret tickets, be sure to hold onto them! Guests of all ages need tickets at most theaters to exchange for admission passes before entering auditoriums.
Now let’s explore when you should consider seeing this film debut…
Margaret Movie Showtimes and Best Times to See It
While showtimes vary by cinema, here are some typical Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret timings with tips for planning your visit:
Morning and Early Afternoon Slots
Many theaters will have their earliest shows starting between 10 AM and noon on weekdays when schools are closed or weekends. Early showings often draw smaller crowds of retirees, parents with young kids, and guests seeing films before work or other commitments.
If you like a quieter experience, mornings can be ideal. The same often applies for matinees around 2 PM before most schools let out. Saving money is a perk too since matinee pricing is usually discounted a few dollars.
Prime Afternoon and Evening Spots
Once schools finish afternoon classes and people are off work, movie attendance spikes. The key rush window is often 5-8 PM with the busiest shows typically centered around 7 PM when people grab dinner and a movie.
Decide if you prefer catching the popular time to soak up reactions in a packed house or if you’d rather not deal with sold out crowds and longer concession waits.
Later shows around 9:30 PM or even midnight cater to night owls, couples looking for dates, and older teens hanging with friends. Empty nesters often fill seats a bit earlier too.
Plan Around 30+ Minutes for Previews and Breaks
Whichever showtime you pick, remember the actual Margaret movie runtime is 1 hour and 50 minutes. But with 10-20 minutes of previews plus breaks to buy snacks and get settled, it ends up being a solid 2 hour experience on average.
In other words, don’t plan dinner reservations right after! Give yourself padding since exiting cinemas can also be congested during busy turnover windows between screenings when crowds merge.
Now that you know when to see this adaptation, let’s uncover the many theaters playing it near you.
Locating Theaters Screening Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
As a wide theatrical release from Lionsgate, you’ll have many options for finding Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret locally whether you live in a small town or big city.
Check Listings at Major Cinema Chains
Being shown at over 3,000 locations originally, major chains like AMC, Regal Cinemas, Cinemark, Marcus Theatres, Harkins, and more are playing Are You There God? in most metro areas.
Use their mobile apps or online theater locators by zip code to see the full list of branches carrying it in your state. Then you can view the showtime grid to compare.
For frequent moviegoers, don’t forget to use free club membership perks like discounted tickets or credits towards concessions when purchasing.
Search Local Independent/Art House Cinemas
In addition to the mainstream chains, smaller independent theaters and non-profit art house cinemas like Landmark and Angelika also have rights to screen Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
Check their locations in downtown areas near you and visit their sites directly to browse showtimes. Supporting community theaters helps keep quality films playing there in the future.
And the cozy, quaint setting can make for a nice alternative vibe compared to giant multiplexes when enjoying this funny but heartfelt growing up story.
Use Resources to Find It Nearby
To easily see all the theaters within X miles of your zip code playing Margaret, online movie ticketing platforms have handy theater lookup tools buried in their navigation.
Fandango has an option to enter your location and search, then filter to only display cinemas planning to show this comedy-drama. Convenience features like reserved seating, ratings, amenities, parking, and accessibility are also shown to compare before picking.
So whether you frequent a favorite chain or need help locating somewhere new, finding this long-awaited adaptation locally is a breeze.
Now let’s see what reviewers and fans are saying so far…
Critical Reception and Audience Reaction to Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
With just over a month in theaters when this was written, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is scoring big with both professional reviewers and everyday movie buffs.
Critics Widely Praise the Film’s Adaptation
Leading the charge is a 99% Rotten Tomatoes critic score with multiple perfect ratings. As they remarked:
“Effervescent and refreshingly frank about the travails of puberty, this long-awaited adaptation does full justice to Judy Blume’s seminal novel.”
Critics consistently highlight:
- Breakout lead actress Abby Ryder Fortson capturing Margaret’s spirit
- Authentic writing and humor about adolescence
- A talented adult cast with Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates
- Paying homage to the novel while still feeling relevant
- Uplifting messages about personal identity and growth
So whether or not they grew up with the book specifically, reviewers agree this take beautifully adapts Margaret’s poignant story for a new generation.
Fans Give It an “A” CinemaScore
Beyond critics, over 2,500 everyday moviegoers polled on opening night gave Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret a rare average “A” grade via CinemaScore.
Similarly, 88% of initial audiences surveyed rated it positively on PostTrak with a strong recommendation to others. Fans praise aspects like:
- Perfectly capturing the essence of girlhood
- Laugh-out-loud humor mixed with heartwarming moments
- A fantastic, relatable cast and script
- Warm messages about being yourself, family, and friendship
Between the critical analysis and real fan sentiment, it’s clear this instant classic adaptation delivering on its hype.
But what are the most memorable parts you won’t want to miss?
Standout Aspects of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
From the breakout talent both young and old to the effectively translated themes, there is so much to enjoy in this 2023 coming of age comedy. Here is a quick taste of what has fans buzzing:
Abby Ryder Fortson’s Star Turn
Carrying much of the 106-minute runtime on her shoulders, 12-year-old Abby turns in an outstanding debut performance that should open major doors. Critics and fans agree she essentially “is” Margaret thanks to hilarious comedic timing and heartbreaking dramatic moments conveying Margaret’s inner turmoil.
Tapping so deeply into universally relatable topics like mean girl drama, puberty changes, and questioning identity, Abby makes you want to root for Margaret through every awkward mishap, joyous triumph, and poignant revelation in this tour de force role.
Supporting Cast’s Pitch-Perfect Chemistry
Matching Abby beat for beat, Rachel McAdams is equally outstanding as Margaret’s mother Barbara. McAdams juggles stressed-out moments, general exhaustion, deep talks comforting Margaret, and passion finding her own bliss again with a moving, intricate performance. The subtle ways cast members interact suggest years of history resonating deeply.
Scene-stealing Kathy Bates adds spunky charm as Margaret’s tell-it-like-it-is grandmother Sylvia. And Jay Duplass, Elle Graham, and more in young supporting turns also impress conveying distinct, dimensional personalities that feel like real middle schoolers you likely knew once too.
Timeless Coming-of-Age Themes
While humorous scenes of 1970s period details like overcast fabrics and record players prompt nostalgia, Margaret’s central journey grappling with faith, femininity, friendship, and finding herself translates seamlessly to the modern day.
As she forms bonds through late night sleepover chats, defends classmates from bullying, questions her parents’ religious views to shape her own, and slowly begins moving from kid to young adult via both joyous and mortifying moments, Margaret becomes every child taking the first steps to carve out their identity.
Signature Blume Wit and Wisdom
It wouldn’t be a Judy Blume adaptation without her trademark insight and witty captures of pivotal life phases. This film overflows with both via Margaret’s revealing diary entries to God, probing questions to confused adults, and attempts making sense of things amidst massive life changes.
Blume’s realistic lens on topics often left taboo compounds the humor, heartbreak, and catharsis as Margaret lays bare what it feels like being caught between two worlds when just wanting to fit in.
Between the cast’s endearing presence and themes remaining meaningful for years to come, this first big screen Blume milestone establishes itself as an instant recommendation for kids and parents alike.
Now let’s wrap up answering common questions audiences have about enjoying this long-awaited theater release in style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
Here are quick answers to some of the top FAQs potential fans ask about seats, reservations, and more when preparing to see Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret:
Is it only showing in big cities currently?
No, as a wide mainstream release it is screening in most suburbs and small towns at 3000+ US and international cinemas
Do I need to read the book first to understand the plot?
Not at all! The movie is very accessible alone. But reading Judy Blume’s novel first will add nice backstory details.
What is the runtime and rating details?
It is 106 minutes total (1 hour 50 minutes) and rated PG-13 for thematic content, language, drug references
Can I buy tickets in advance online?
Yes, major cinema chains and ticketing sites allow buying Margaret seats ahead to lock in ideal showtimes
Is closed captioning or audio descriptions available?
Many showings now offer closed captions or audio description tracks – check with your local theater to confirm options
And there you have it – everything you need to secure tickets for this poignant and hilarious coming-of-age story guaranteed to resonate with kids and parents alike. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is waiting to inspire a new generation just as Judy Blume’s novel has for 50+ years and counting.
So gather your friends, grab some popcorn, and escape into Margaret’s world for two hours – I bet you recognize more than a few memories in her touching, funny adventures navigating the messiness of growing up both externally and deep within.
