New York, NY – For many moviegoers, the experience begins long before the lights dim. At AMC Lincoln Square, a friendly face and a quick film recommendation from ticket taker Jeffry Ramirez have develop into a beloved part of the cinema experience, turning a routine transaction into a moment of genuine connection. Ramirez, who has worked at the theater since 2021, has garnered a devoted following for his enthusiastic greetings and insightful, often witty, commentary on the films patrons are about to see.
What started as a simple attempt to engage with customers has blossomed into a local celebrity status for Ramirez. He’s become known for offering tailored insights – advising those heading to see the Pixar film “Hoppers” about the adorableness of the lizard character and warning viewers of the Gothic romance “The Bride!” to prepare for a “gory affair.” This personalized touch has resonated with audiences, leading to a surge of positive attention on social media and a growing appreciation for the human element within the moviegoing experience.
The buzz around Ramirez began to build in 2021, quickly spreading across platforms like X (formerly Twitter). A post from last August, praising his enthusiasm, garnered an impressive 20,000 likes, and another user playfully suggested he should host the Academy Awards. Ramirez himself was initially surprised by the online attention. “Usually, Twitter is the [medium] of hate, and I’m there, like, ‘Is this really happening? Why am I getting the wholesome treatment?’” he told West Side Rag in a recent interview. “It just made me happy to see that I’m making an impact to filmgoers.”
Ramirez’s approach evolved organically. He explained that he began engaging more with customers after they started asking about the films they were seeing. “If they wanted to recognize more, I explained more. I guess, when I get nerdy with all the films, that’s when they started realizing, ‘Oh, maybe this guy might be pretty easy to talk to.’” This genuine passion for cinema is a key ingredient in his appeal.
From Bronx Roots to Cinema Enthusiast
A native of the East Bronx, Ramirez’s love for movies began at the Regal theater in New Rochelle. He was captivated by the immersive technology, particularly the IMAX screen and 4DX experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic further fueled his cinephilia, as he explored arthouse cinema through platforms like The Criterion Collection and Arrow Video while attending high school remotely. He secured his position at AMC Lincoln Square in the summer of 2021, viewing it as more than just a job. “I wanted to work the position just to really show the impact of cinema,” he said.
Regulars at AMC Lincoln Square speak highly of Ramirez’s impact. Manhattan filmmaker Moses Akempta, a frequent patron, described a shared love of movies as the foundation of their friendship. “We just started talking about movies,” Akempta said. “And we have similar tastes in some ways. We vary on a couple styles, but I think what really cemented our friendship was our true love of movies. And I feel like if you love movies, you’ll love Jeffry.” Mohammad Chowdhury, a Bronx resident and ten-year veteran of AMC Lincoln Square, bonded with Ramirez over their extensive physical media collections – Ramirez boasts over 300 DVDs and VHS tapes. Chowdhury noted, “He engages with every guest remarkably respectfully… Jeffry does feel very personal and very direct all the time.”
A Renewed Passion for Cinema
Ramirez’s popularity comes at a time when movie theaters are still navigating the challenges of the post-pandemic landscape. West Side Rag reported that domestic box office revenues were down 24 percent in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. However, Ramirez believes a renewed passion for cinema is emerging, fueled in part by platforms like Letterboxd, a social network for film lovers. He often finds guests asking for his Letterboxd profile after their interactions.
Ramirez is an active member of the Letterboxd community, sharing his own reviews. His five-star review of “Sinners” from November highlighted the immersive experience of watching the film in 70mm at AMC Lincoln Square’s IMAX theater, the largest IMAX screen in the country. He’s too a self-described horror film fanatic and is hoping “Sinners” will be recognized at the Academy Awards on March 15. Beyond his role at the theater, Ramirez is pursuing his own filmmaking aspirations, developing a screenplay based on the video game Hotline Miami and practicing special effects makeup.
“I don’t have to hold a legacy,” Ramirez said. “I don’t mind if I do or if I don’t, as long as I still show an impact to at least any of these guests, any of the people I get introduced to or I talk to.”
As Ramirez continues to brighten the moviegoing experience for countless patrons, his story serves as a reminder of the power of genuine connection and the enduring magic of cinema. The impact of a positive interaction, even a brief one at the ticket counter, can transform a simple outing into a memorable occasion.
What does the future hold for Jeffry Ramirez? He continues to balance his passion for film with his dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere at AMC Lincoln Square, and his creative pursuits suggest a long and promising career in the world of cinema. Share your own experiences with Jeffry in the comments below!
