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Aero Theatre
Category: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Cinema [Edit]
1328 Montana AveSanta Monica, CA 90403
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
(310) 260-1528
Now Playing:
West Side Story
Showtimes on RottenTomatoes.com
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
70 reviews for Aero Theatre
70 reviews in English
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Review from Mark N.
Santa Monica, CA
12/22/2011
The Movie Gods' gift to Santa Monica.
Top-notch revival and art house, stimulating and varied monthly program as good as any in the U.S., lots of guest appearances thanks to Hollywood proximity (got to see both Robert Culp and Peter Falk may they rest in peace) and a meaty selection of classic movies from all eras, silent to recent. I've been giving my kids a film education there.
Prints are typically good -- just saw "Lawrence of Arabia" in 70mm, restored cut, packed house and gorgeous image. Smart intros, great membership program, fresh popcorn. Downside is out-dated, small bathrooms, can be lines at intermissions and lack of stadium rake as we're used to in the better theaters built today.
This is a movie house run by people who know and love movies, and know how to program both fresh, obscure, foreign or cutting edge films you may not have heard of yet as well as the meaty treaty classics that get huge and appreciative crowds, repeaters bringing first-time viewers, haven't a bad time there yet.
If you live nearby, get a membership, makes tickets very inexpensive, supports the American Cinemateque, which also runs the Egyptian in Hollywood, another great theater with it's own flavor as well. -
Review from Brooke G.
Los Angeles, CA
5/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Pros: Classic black & white movies shown here. They show dbl feats.
Cons: Hard seats, cash only concession stand, & kind of run down. Parking is horrible; street parking only metered parking is hard to find, make sure u read the street signs. Small screen. -
Review from Albert L.
2/12/2012
A lack of stadium seating or great sound system can't replace the heart and respect for cinema the small Aero theater imbues as part of its character and movie going experience.
As part of the American Cinematheque (http://www.americancin...), the Aero has had a storied reputation for being receptive to the needs of moviegoers itching for anything from cult movies to classic movies.
I went here for a screening of "My Neighbor Totoro" recently and was touched by the manager of the theater having her young daughter introduce the movie. I also have to say it was great to be surrounded by Ghibli fans and parents who wanted their children to experience Totoro for the first time and to see what their reactions to the movie would be like.
Street parking is the only kind of parking you'll find here but the areas around here are mostly residential and have fairly generous parking hours. There are also a lot of restaurants and coffee shops along the street so there is still more to do after a screening at the Aero. I, for one, will not hesitate to come here to attend a screening of a movie I have missed out on the big screen. -
Review from Candy S.
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
The paint on the floor is wearing away, the carpet is torn, the seats are hard and its a bit cramped. I love this place!!! Its historic and it shows. That is what makes it a wonderful theater.
My tip is to buy tickets online and come early to look for parking and to be the first in line. Your choice for parking is either metered street parking or getting lucky and finding one along the residential area. Warning: Do not, and I mean it, do not linger too long because its a maximum of 2 hours for parking. Make sure you go back and move your car or else your $20 movie night can rack up to $70+. -
Review from Jason O.
1/11/2012
Really like this theater. This is one of the 4 theaters that my friend and I tend to patronize for our art house/revival theater fix. I can't even explain how much I love the fact that I can come see the kinds of films this place shows but it is probably best to compare it to other similar theaters as opposed to a regular multiplex.
So here goes:
Better seats than Nuart and much better than New Beverly.
Prices about the same as Nuart and obviously the same as the Egyptian.
Great selection of films. (last month i saw Last Action Hero and Cliffhanger with Renny Harlin doing Q and A, Fantastic!)
*They often show films here in 70mm :)
So in the end it is a really great theater but I still go to New Bev more because you can't beat their prices.Listed in: Movie Theaters
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Review from Bobby A.
11/15/2011
What an amazing hidden cinematic gem!
By chance, I happened to be walking by Grauman's Egyptian Theatre in downtown Hollywood and just quickly scanned the giant cylindrical billboard which showed up all the upcoming films at both venues of the American Cinematheque, The Aero and the Egyptian theatre. I quickly spotted that Wim Wenders' three classics were playing that week with him and Nastassja Kinski in attendance, "Paris,Texas", "Wings of Desire" on a double bill with "Far Away! So Close". I had missed the showing of Paris,Texas since it was the night before but there was no way I was going to miss out on a chance to hear the legendary director speak in person about his films.
So I drove over to Santa Monica, took advantage of the free street parking after 6pm, bought myself a ticket and found myself a center seat.
What followed was one of the most sublime and surreal evenings of my life. Wenders was taking questions from the audience in between the two films but the moderator only allowed like 3 questions. Wenders then suggested an intermission so that people could go to the loo or buy popcorn or whatever before the next film started. So during the intermission a few people approached Wenders directly to ask him questions, like I did. Wenders has the air of a foppish, absent minded but kindly professor about him with a very dry sense of humour. He was very patient with everyone around him but most of the questions/comments were of the "I love your work, can I have a picture with you?" variety. Finally I got my turn.
Me: I love this film for a variety of reasons, but to me it mostly speaks of duality and dual elements coming together to form Unity and at the heart of it, it's really a love story
Black and White vs. Color
East vs. West
Masculine vs. Feminine
Spiritual vs. Material
The Observed vs the Observer
Faith vs. Reason
The mythologist Joseph Campbell once said that the search for true love is really a search for the missing half and it goes back to Plato's Symposium and has been replicated over and over again in myth, song, books and film. You had mentioned earlier when you started filming this work, in some ways it was the blind leading the blind and you didn't have any clear idea of where you wanted to go with this....do you think in some way those ideas informed your work?
WW: (looooong silence, looks off into space, then looks at me directly)...you know...I never really thought of it in that way until you just put it the way you did....probably not consciously but now in hindsight, most definitely subconsciously. ...I had read Plato's Symposium when I was a philosophy student and I was also deeply influenced by the poet Rilke's work.... So yes I'm sure of it now.
Some girl in the line: (in a snarky voice) What poet?
Me: (looking at her) Rainier Maria Rilke. (girl looks confused) (I look back at Wenders, he's smiling and gives me a small wink, we both realize she doesn't get it, we end up chatting away for awhile)
I'd become a patron in an instant if I lived in the area. With great film showings, fantastic directors and noted actors regularly showing up to discuss their work seriously, you Angelenos don't realize how lucky you've got it to have a place like this so close by to you.
I'd seriously go work for the American Cinematheque for free if I could if it meant I could have evenings like that regularly. -
Review from Gabriela G.
Los Angeles, CA
12/7/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This week they will be playing Lawrence of Arabia, Truffaut's Playtime, 2001: A Space Oddyssey, Breakfast at Tiffanys, Ben Hur, and more.
First movie i ever watched here was Andrey Tartovskiy's Solyaris (Solaris). It was amazing! I have returned since to re-watch other masterpieces on the big screen!
Second time i visited the Aero was for a Girl's Night Out where i dressed up as Holly Golightly to attend the 50 year anniversary screening of Breakfast at Tiffany's (this one was totally sold out! Good thing i had purchased tickets in advance!!!!)
Lots of restaurants around make for a fun date. Can walk the boutiques and shops prior to the movie, grab a coffee and chat at the Coffee Bean on the adjacent corner and explore the quaint area with plenty of time before show-time!
Theater is small (when compared to Egyptian), so either purchase your tickets in advance or arrive with plenty of time to find parking and get a ticket for your chosen screener!
Old Art Deco exterior adds to the overall experience.
Movie selection is fantastic.
Street parking.
Westside's cultural hidden gem that not too many know about.
Great date spot! Impress your significant other with your choice of film (whether a Hollywood Classic, a Cult Classic or a nostalgic 80s comedy like Last Action Hero or Home Alone) this place will definitely give you something to talk about. -
Review from Gerard I.
Pasadena, CA
10/5/2011
Caught the John Carpenter "Apocalypse Trilogy" here a week or so ago and I was not disappointed by the theater at all. The concessions are priced very cheaply and it looks as though they may have remodeled the theater a bit. The seating is very comfortable and the screen is huge. That's what she said!
Bummer on the place having a sucky bathroom(s), but there's a perfectly good alley behind the theater with a dumpster for your pleasure. That's how we do it! -
Review from Sarah B.
12/5/2011
I love theaters that screen older movies... I saw Star Trek II-IV last year(?) and it was awesome, and just went again the other night for an Addams Family double feature. $11 for 2 movies, you can't beat it. We had no trouble parking right in front on a Saturday night but I'm sure that's rare.
Unfortunately their copy of Addams Family was really dirty in certain parts, and it skipped forward several times. Staff made no mention/apology for it. I'm not sure how much of the movie we missed. -
Review from Ham B.
Los Angeles, CA
3/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love this theater. It's quaint, simple and shows amazing films. I've seen tons of films here from 2001 in 70mm, to a Todd Solondz double-bill with an interview with the man himself, and most recently a color version Méliès' "A Trip to the Moon" accompanied by music composed by Air. This place rocks - they have an amazing line up of films on display and you can feel the love of cinema pouring out all around you. Do yourself a favor and visit!
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Review from Karen T.
10/24/2011
For a good friend's birthday, a few of us decided the best way to celebrate was by catching the John Waters double feature of Female Trouble and Serial Mom, rounded out by an appearance and Q&A with Mr. Waters himself.
Before I even talk about the theater and the event, I have to first mention that I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of surrounding residential neighborhood parking, very close by the theater. I generally dislike traveling to the westside largely due to the lack of free parking options, but this was a real breeze.
Since I arrived earlier than the rest of the party, I decided to go ahead and wait inside to save some seats. (An a-hole move that I usually don't advocate, but this time around it was imperative.) This being an older movie house, you don't get any pre-show trailers or movie trivia playing on the screen. So instead, I sat there in serene silence. What a novel concept.
Unlike other old theaters, namely the Rialto in So. Pasadena, there is a decent amount of cleanliness and comfort that makes it bearable to sit there for a double feature + Q&A session + book signing + photo taking, which was roughly 5 hours in all. I sat for about 6 (includes my early wait time), and it was akin to sitting on a Virgin America economy flight. Not shabby.
The setting was perfect for such an event, and I was glad to have arrived early and snagging great seats. John was personable, amusing, entertaining, insightful, and thoughtful, per usual. Plus we learned that his undergarments of choice are Gap boxer shorts. Who would've thought. -
Review from j b.
Santa Monica, CA
9/25/2011
It's one of the last theaters in Los Angeles that actually shows good films, which is ironic, when you consider the location. It's also one of the few big screens--not in the IMAX sense, but in the let's-not-turn-our-neighborhood-theater-into-a-mon ey-pumping-multiplex sort of way. My only gripe is the film selection is incredibly limited and they tend to play only once, which is frustrating when you're one of the two or three hundred people in Santa Monica who works for a living. It's also probably one of the only places in Los Angeles where people shut up during films, often because they star in them.
Personally, I still love the Art Theater in Long Beach, but if you're on the Westside, this will do. And if you're reading this, my guess is you've never been to a multiplex, anyways. -
Review from Scott C.
Redondo Beach, CA
1/31/2012
Very good selection of films you don't see very often. Only drawback was the film was scheduled at 7:30 PM. At 7:35 they came out to chit chat about the organization and talk about upcoming films and of course a membership plug. The trailer started at 7:40 and thank goodness there was only one.
When you arrive, there are three sets of doors: Will Call, Members, Non Members.
An hour before the film is SCHEDULED to start, they open the members doors first. Once that line has gone through, they open the non members line.
Concession prices aren't cheep, but I have seen alot worse. I expect high concession prices.
Ample street parking weekdays after 6 PM for free. I am sorry but I do not recall what weekend restrictions are. -
Review from Madame Pamita M.
Santa Monica, CA
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
The seats are old and hard - bring a cushion if you don't want your butt to fall asleep. But the movies and presentations that American Cinematheque puts on here are amazing! So great! So unique! so much fun! I love the Aero!
I brought my tween and early teen sons here to see Monty Python and the Holy Grail - as it should be seen - in a theater!
I would normally give this 4 stars (minus one for the uncomfy seats) BUT this was my local theater growing up, so gotta give it that extra star for nostalgia's sake!
Viva los picture shows! -
Review from Lissa G.
2/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
The theatre itself is okay; nothing to get excited over. What's awesome here is the programming. Retro films, special features, Q&A Sessions with writers/directors/stars/ etc; that is what makes the Aero Theatre a place you wanna go!
Jason K. and I went to see the Black Swan/Pi double feature and be part of a Q&A with Darren Aronofsky, Matthew Libatique, and Andrew Weisblum. The films, of course, are great and the Q&A was awesome. Reminds of a few film classes I took at USC.
The staff at the theatre were very nice and the concessions, while expensive (obviously, it's a theatre) weren't ridiculous. From all the people with Starbucks and Coffee Bean, they seem pretty lenient about bringing stuff in.
Can't wait to go back for another special feature!!!
Oh, and the ticket price? 11 bucks! That's it!!!! -
Review from yy j.
Los Angeles, CA
7/10/2011
I love old theaters. My friend and i wanted to watch Bright Star and this was one of the few places that was screening it. I was lucky enough to be there on the day of the Q&A with Jane Campion who also directed one of my absolute favorites, The Piano.
I signed up for the cinematheque mailing list and they've had Coen Brothers, Darren Aronofsky features and more. I think it'd be an amazing experience to watch a classic film here. -
Review from Ray U.
Hancock Park, CA
12/11/2010
Great old theater which is run by the American Cinemateque now.
I've seen a handful of double features here. The latest one being just yesterday-- A Scorsese Double Feature with Goodfelllas & Mean Streets.
Here is a tidbit of it's history from the interwebs: "Built by the Donald Douglas Company in 1939, the Aero Theatre was originally opened as a continuous 24-hour movie theater for aircraft workers who worked in shifts around the clock."
In spite of the Cinemateque's restoration, the theater IS a bit old --- and some of the seats should be replaced... but I'm glad it's around. -
Review from LF L.
Los Angeles, CA
12/31/2010
"Is this heaven?"
"No, it's the Aero theatre." -
Review from Brooke T.
Los Angeles, CA
10/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Had a really great time here! Looked online for somewhere that was playing E.T., and this place came up. Found a double feature of "E.T. "and "Close Encounters". I had not seen either, and took a friend; it was a surprise because his favorite movie is E.T. It was so cool because the audience was so involved through both features, devout Spielberg fans I'm sure. The theater is not super clean or new, but they place indies and old hit features, which I think is really cool. Concessions available. It was super busy though, so I'm glad I bought my tickets online. I would suggest that.
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Review from Alvin V.
Pasadena, CA
7/28/2009
The Aero Theater is such a gem! Located in Santa Monica near 3rd street, it is one awesome theater that exclusively shows old films in its original mm footage!
Thanks to one of my closest friends Oscar, I am now an Aero Theater fan!
This is how it all started......
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Oscar: Dood, you wanna watch Back to the Future 1, 2 and 3?
Me: ....R u kidding me? I've already seen it like 30 times..
Oscar: But the Aero Theater is showing it in the big screen!
Me: *nerdgasm......*
Oscar: Are you done?
Me: *continues to nerdgasm...*
Oscar: .............
Me: OMG, lets go!
-------------------------------------------------- ------------------
So Oscar bought the tickets and we head over to Aero theater. There were about 4 Delorean's park in front of the theater cause of the Back to The Future showing and there were a hand full of people dressed up as Marty McFly, just nerdgasm all over the place...
The tickets were about $10, not bad at all. Considering movie tickets nowadays go for about $12.00 a pop. *shakes fist* The concession only takes cash, no card at all. So be prepared to carry at some cash with you if you plan to get a drink ($5.00 large) or a popcorn ($4.00 regular / $6.00 large), in addition, they also have a decent selection of sweets.
The theater itself can surprisingly hold a good amount of people, so you shouldn't worry about tickets selling out, unless its for a very popular flick. The one thing I do like about the seating is its positioning from the screen itself. Even if you end up having to sit all the way in the front, you wont break your neck by doing so. The seats are far back enough for one to actually enjoy their experience and not leave with a crank on their neck. +1 for that!
Ever since my trip to Aero for Back to The Future, I went back recently to watch their showing of Indiana Jones 1, 2 and 3 (i stayed for 1 and 3, 2 i ditched to eat dinner). Aero Theater is a great place to take a date or just go with some friends. Due to its great location, it makes it very convenient to just walk around after / before the movie and get a brew or some grub since there are a good selection of eateries around the theater. Another +1!
Plus, the beach is just down the street... How great is that? Gotta love So Cal. -
Review from Ken N.
Venice, CA
1/6/2008
I'm stunned and more than slightly embarrassed to admit that I've never been to the Aero before. In Seattle, there were a half-dozen art houses I used to go to, in SF, there were three or four, but since moving to LA, what with kids, the advent of DVDs and Netflix and art house films now playing in multiplexes, I've been satisfied with the Laemmle and the Fairfax and other approximations of the old art house experience.
But the Aero has got the art house funk.
Last night, they did a John Sayles double bill - it was supposed to be CITY OF HOPE and BABY, IT'S YOU, but the print of CITY OF HOPE never arrived (more proof you're dealing with art house funk), so we got, instead, BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET. One of my all-time favorite movies and it stands up GREAT. Then, a nice loooooong Q & A with John Sayles, his wife/producer, and Rosanna Arquette, still looking beautiful and sweet, more than 20 years later.
Sayles seems like a really nice guy (as one might guess), but he was garrulous and full of stories, and at one point, a lady to the right of us said, "LET'S SEE THE MOVIE." At first, I thought, "Man, that is one entitled north-of-Montana matron over there." Later, Sharon told me that it was Sayles' wife. Ohhhhhhhh. -
Review from Lori K.
8/14/2008
I like small theaters. I don't like going to multiplexes where there are 3489543589 different movies playing and 6846849869089 people.
When Love C. told me that the Aero was screening the new Woody Allen film called Viki Christina Barcelona with Penelope Cruz and Scarlet Johanssen I altered my plans for the evening to hit the free screening.
Parking at the meters on Montana and the surrounding residential streets are not enforced after 6pm so we scored free parking a block away. I bought a box of raisinets for $3 so the whole evening cost me $3!
I loved the movie, I loved the Aero.... I'll be back!Listed in: My Happy Places
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Review from Z Z.
Los Angeles, CA
7/28/2007
I love the Aero. Last night I went to a double screening that was part of the Mods and Rockers film festival held by both the Aero and the Egyptian theatre...a biography on Janis Joplin and a movie from the 60's called Petulia. The last time I went there was a couple years ago for an Alfred Hitchcock film festival. That is the coolest part about the Aero, the mini festivals. In August they are having a science fiction, fantasy and horror festival. It operated by the American Cinematheque which also runs the Egyptian theatre so most of the festivals are coordinated between the two theatres.
The theatre itself is somewhat small, but the seats are comfortable and for as small as the theatre seems there is always ample seating! The sound is actually great! Plus, the vibe is great. The staff is very friendly and actually seem excited to work there. There is always a staff member who gets up and gives a little speech prior to the movie which is a fun bonus. The audience is always great...they clap, cheer, talk to each other.....very chill and very cool. I love it! Last night I heard so many folks talking about seeing Janis Joplin live in concert and talking about different concerts from the 60's.....it was fun!
Tons of street parking around the theatre. There are lots of places to kick back before the movie, restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream shops, wild oats market....all good stuff! Plus, they don't seem to care if you bring in outside food. With a double feature you may very well get hungry! LOVE THIS PLACE!
Oh, the give a discount w/the KCRW card!Listed in: KCRW discount!
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Review from Ethan S.
Van Nuys, CA
8/16/2010
I like this theater for the same reason as everyone else, because they show great old school movies. My girlfriend and I saw Revenge of the Nerds here, and afterwords the composers of their theme song talked about the song, played the the song live, and talked some more about their song that got ripped off by Avril Levine...
Another time I saw the guys from Mystery Science Theater 3000 busting on an Ed Wood movie here live. How fantastic was that?! -
Review from Sherrie G.
Los Angeles, CA
2/12/2008
I once saw a Werner Herzog double header here and he was there, the man himself to do a Q&A afterwards. The sign outside said
WERNER HERZOG SOLD OUT!
as though he was going to perform old Sinatra standards or something.
Smaller than the Egyptian location of the Cinematheque but just as charming. It's proximity to FATHER'S OFFICE and those damnably tasty burgers gives it a bump from 4 stars to 5. Ha! Me eat burger good now. Love German cinema too. -
Review from David S.
Manhattan Beach, CA
10/24/2006
As mentioned by another astute reviewer, the American Cinematheque saved this place from becoming another one of the ubiquitous boutiques blighting Montana Ave or worse, a BMW showroom, so a big thanks to them and all the other fellow Aero-supporters who went to all the $20 "Save Tthe Aero" movie nights.
A little history since it deserves some respect, The Donald Douglas Company built The Aero as a continuous 24-hour movie theater for nearby aircraft workers in 1940. Since then The Aero has stood the test of time to become a beloved neighborhood landmark.
Unfortunately, it took a long time for the renovation to be completed, but they've made up for lost time with some very interesting first runs of movies before they've even hit the larger theaters (Prairie Home Companion, Running with Scissors) had guest stars/directors drop by for Q&A's after their film was shown, and most recently showed Gone With the Wind of all movies.
Check what's playing this week here: http://www.americancin...
The theater itself is relatively unchanged. The seating is nicer and the screen and audio system are of course new and much better, but outside of that and some fresh paint, it's pretty much the same ole Aero.
The only thing it's missing now is Chris the former manager with the tattoo sleeves, friendly gab, and bent ear ready to "see what he could do" to get your favorite old classic up there on the screen. His addition would certainly make the restoration complete. -
Review from Amy S.
Venice, CA
7/12/2006
I'm so glad this place has survived! There aren't many places to see old or classic movies...I just wish they showed more!
It's amazing to see something you have only seen on your TV up on the big screen. Recently saw Vertigo there.....fabulous! -
Review from Darrin R.
CA
2/24/2007 1 photo
Renovated westside neighborhood single-screen theater makes good.
Last night I caught "Los Angeles Plays Itself" at the Aero, which I haven't visited since before the renovation years ago. Thank god for revival houses. Now don't get me wrong, I love Netflix -- it's incredible and extensive cataloge allows me to program my own odd double feature and revivals, but there's nothing like the experience of going out to a theater and seeing a movie you can't see anywhere else.
A new lobby and refurbished theater hosts a good projection screen and sound system. "Los Angeles Plays Itself" showed on digibeta, which looked and sounded good.
What's nice about the Aero is that despite it's small facade, there's plenty of comfortable seats and clean bathrooms. While Brentwood has it's upscale lace-curtain boutique vibe, it's still a nice place to park on the street, enjoy a good dinner and cocktails, and walk back to your car at night. Just don't rent an apartment there.
Bonus points for Father's Office in walking distance. I don't care how crowded it is. Little shopping carts filled with fries? You bet.
Also: Remember when Donnie Darko goes to the movies? -
Review from Denise C.
Los Angeles, CA
2/4/2010
For real movie goers who reminisce about seeing their favorite childhood movies back on the big screen.
The Aero Theatre is such a delight. I went there to see Tempest & An Unmarried Woman and Paul Mazursky was actually there in person to discuss the movies. I also went there to see Better of Dead and director Savage Steve Holland was there along with cast members.
The whole experience is just amazing to me as I am an avid movie goer and do appreciate the art of film .
I can't wait for the next showing. -
Review from Jason K.
Santa Monica, CA
12/14/2008
So the Aero doesn't have the awesome plush seats or the vast selection of treats as the Landmark or the Arc Light. But, it does have a lot of history and a place in the community. The Aero has been on Montana Avenue forever, since 1939 to be exact, when it was built to play films for workers at the Donald Douglas plant (hence the name). I remember catching double features here as a kid. Nowadays, they show more eclectic films. They often have events with actors or others involved in the creation of the film they are showing that night, and even free screenings every so often. I recommend getting on their mailing list to stay up to date.
Tickets are $10 ($8 for students and seniors) and you can avoid the service charges if you buy tickets at the box office. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you live in the neighborhood.
---
Take Big Blue Bus #3 or the Crosstown Ride. -
Review from Mihai G.
North Hollywood, CA
11/17/2008
Don't be fooled by the pretentious atmosphere emanating from this hyped up arthouse. Sure, it shows some nice outside-the-mainstream films, but are you really going to be satisfied with just what you see on the screen if service is execrable?
I went to see a documentary I had been really looking forward to; it was billed alongside another feature, with the whole evening program slated to begin at 7:30 pm. Without any notice from the staff, I had to sit through the other doc first before I got to watch what I had come from. There was no announcement of the program until halfway through the evening. Thus I wasted a good hour and a half.
It gets worse. I never got to the end of my intended feature because the DVD was so badly scratched, the projector turned itself off! And there was no one in the booth to rectify the mishap. No explanation whatsoever was offered; I tried in vain to find a staff member to inquire about their response (or lack thereof), but it was like everyone had vanished. What an insult to the patrons! And what kind of self-respecting alternative establishment projects from DVD?!?
Finally, I wrote an email to complain about this fiasco. A prompt response came from someone at American Cinemateque apologizing and offering a pair of free passes as appeasement. However, it's been a month since, and no passes have showed up, while the person attempting reconciliation seems to have no interest in responding to my follow up inquiries.
Therefore, I want to take this opportunity and slam the Aero. It gets a big fat ZERO for customer service. The pretentious hipsters running the place could care less about your experience in their joint. All they want is for you to come and praise the theater for showing movies which the multiplexes diss. But guess what? There many other arthouses in LA, and that's where I'm going. At least I'll see my film through the end there! -
Review from Chris T.
Westwood, CA
1/4/2009
What a cool place to see a movie. Went last night to see Monty Python double feature last night. The parking kinda sucks, the tickets aren't cheap unless you're a member. Although for a double feature 10 bucks was a pretty good deal. Its located near some trendy haunts on Montana for a post show drink. Although everything closes early around here even on a Saturday night.
In sum great place to catch an indie or an old classic. -
Review from Erin C.
Santa Monica, CA
12/2/2008
I know this is a review and all and I'm supposed to, but I can't.
I can't tell you what it feels like to sit in a movie theater, watch an old classic like The Last Picture Show or Singin' in the Rain
with a crowd that claps after the opening credits and their favorite scenes.
this theater plays a great selection of films
and makes me proud to be a Santa Monican. -
Review from Ana F.
4/9/2009
The Aero is an experience, not just any old movie theater.
I was lucky enough to attend a showing of Subway and The Professional with Luc Besson doing Q&A in between. I was even luckier to see Mel Brooks do a Q&A between Blazing Saddles and History of the World Part I, and then run into him in the crowded hallway during intermission! I was not so lucky to miss Clint Eastwood's Q&A for Letters from Iwo Jima and Flags of Our Fathers - but I am so glad there is a venue on the Westside that offers these opportunities.
The American Cinematheque - through the Aero in Santa Monica, and the Egyptian in Hollywood - gives us these great opportunities to see some of our favorite films with their creators!!! I can't be more thankful. I could only dream of a place like this when I was growing up. So the money you're paying to see this movie is definitely worth it, if it means more Q&As with your faves. I have no guilt when I come to the Aero for a movie (unlike at the Arclight or the Grove!).
So yes, I am thankful for the Aero, more so than the Egyptian, because it is in a great neighborhood, with easy parking, has a staff full of cinephiles, and gives me the chance to see my favorite directors talk about their favorite movies.
Minus one star for somewhat wordy screenwriters who take up a lot of the Q&A time, and for substandard snacks. But that is not what the Aero is about - it's about loving movies! I'd give it one more star if they sold booze!
*Also, I'm happy to go to a theater that will play anything from foreign to horror to musical on any given night of the week. -
Review from Renee B.
Arleta, CA
2/17/2009
Maybe I'm spoiled by the big corporate theaters, but I think this place is a dump.
The only reason I'm not giving it a one star is because they have some really good special events where you can see actors or directors talk in person about their movies. Last year I was able to see the legendary Mel Brooks after watching Blazing Saddles and History of the World, and they also had a Christian Bale marathon where Christian did a brief Q&A about 3:10 to Yuma.
I would only go back to the Aero Theatre for events like that, but as for willingly wanting to watch movies there? No thanks! The seats are so uncomfortable and the one time I got popcorn there, it left a chalky aftertaste. Yuck. And they've got to do something about that website of theirs, it's freaking ghetto. -
Review from Angus J.
Santa Monica, CA
9/1/2010
Great programming, decent theater, great tech (screen, sound, projection, etc.)
Strangely not as much ambiance as one would expect.
Impossible to park up there -- it's Santa Monica you will get a ticket, and it will be exorbitant.
Very under-served in the bathroom department. -
Review from P E.
Santa Monica, CA
2/27/2010
The place is joy to have nearby. Not only can you see your favorite classics, but you often get the filmmakers themselves to answer questions on stage after the screening! While it may not have the ultra-plush lounge seats of modern theaters, its genuine old-school vibe and unique offering makes it a true gem.
The only bummer is that they often front-load the month with the best movies, then publishing their calendar too late to make plans. You have to check in frequently to catch the good stuff. -
Review from J M.
Los Angeles, CA
2/14/2011
The best! Came here for The King's Speech which featured a discussion after the movie with Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, the screenwriter and the director. What a steal at $11 per ticket (and the popcorn/drink combo for only$6!). Want to become a member here...what a cool theater and experience.
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Review from Pavel D.
Westwood, CA
1/29/2007 3 photos
I saw some film a number years ago at the Aero when it was just the local Santa Monica neighborhood shit-hole that showed third-run films. It smelled like garbage, was super junky and dirty, and there was a big tear in the screen. I never went back.
Flash-forward to 2004/5 --- the American Cinematheque buys the place, upgrades the inside (new screen, seats, paint job), and starts showing grand old films. I will not go into the difference of programming choices between the Aero and the Egyptian, but there is both a similarity and a distinct difference. As superiorly better a theatre as the Egyptian is, the Aero is much, much easier to get to for yours truly, and parking is never a problem.
Today I was here for the modest Kurosawa retrospective and his monumental three.5-hour cut of Seven Samurai. I am sitting right in the middle with 15 minutes to spare before showtime, a rare cushion due to already being in the immediate area, sipping on my gin-and-juice from the Coffee Bean up the block.
Now, before I mention the good points about this and other theatres of its ilk, allow me to alert you to the worst, compliments of people like the two "directors" who sat behind me. That is what they referred to themselves as when a woman next to them asked what they did. Why? Because they were pontificating about film director Brett Ratner and how Rush Hour "directed itself," how it was all second unit shooting and Jackie Chan's choreography, etc. Shut the fuck up, morons. (By the way, Mr. Ratner, director of the Rush Hour films, Hannibal, Money Talks, X-men 3, etc., had become the fanboy's favourite thing to hate, and no one can explain why other than that "he sucks"). Anyway, these two then proceeded to talk about the merits of Star Wars Episode friggin' II and George Lucas (the fanboy's jesus christ). They knew who Toshiro Mifune was, but when asked during intermission by aforementioned woman who the lead in the film was, they had no clue it was Takashi Shimura, who was in about a dozen Kurosawa films, even though they claimed to be fans. If you want to call yourself a director, learn about Seven Samurai before dissecting Rush Hour. It is just my personal peeve about where the intelligence of this country is heading, so pay little attention to this blabbing.
Anyway, I hate these pontificators who don't know shit. For those who have seen Annie Hall, there is a brilliant scene when Allie and Annie are in a movie theatre queue, and some guy starts talking behind them about Marshall McLuhan. Allie gets all irritated and finally breaks to tell they guy he is full of it. An argument ensues, and Allie pulls Mr. McLuhan into the frame to tell the guy that he really IS full of it. Point being that you will run into such people here at the Aero and to just be prepared for 'em.
Good points about this place --- they show mostly great films, in a decent auditorium, and if you love, love, love some film that you have only seen on your TV set, and it is playing here or somewhere else, you should get up off your couch and drive there.
Bad points about this place --- theatre still smells, the rows are a bit too closely spaced, and the seats bounce when someone gets up so loudly with a bam...bam...bam until they settle that it disturbs everyone. And people, turn off your damn phones --- they even remind you from the front before the lights go down! And if I have to sit through another KCRW commercial and the Cinematheque's spiel about the memberships, I will explode. Seriously.
Conclusion --- five stars for programming, three for the annoyances and smell, for an answer of four. -
Review from SKKS T.
Los Angeles, CA
3/13/2011
Film Viewed -
Casablanca
