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AMC River East 21
Category: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Cinema [Edit]
322 East Illinois Street(at Columbus Dr)
Chicago, IL 60611
Neighborhood: Near North Side
(312) 596-0333
Now Playing:
Battleship, Bernie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Chernobyl Diaries, Dark Shadows, The Dictator, The Hunger Games, Marvel's The Avengers, Marvel's The Avengers 3D, Men in Black 3 in 3D,
More Movies »
Men in Black 3, Ratatouille, Think Like a Man, Toy Story 3, Up, WALL-E, What to Expect When You're Expecting
Showtimes on RottenTomatoes.com
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Announcement
Get a limited edition popcorn tub when you purchase a combo #1 or #2. The tub comes with a complementary refill http://m.amcurl.com/02GL
- Nearest Transit:
-
Grand-red (Red Line)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
363 reviews for AMC River East 21
363 reviews in English
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Review from Hina Q.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 5/11/2012 6 Check-ins Here
This has turned out to be our regular theater! Today we were there watching Dark Shadows, too bad I can't yelp movie's!!! Sucks! Today I tried the chocolate chip with vanilla ice cream sandwich, and oh boy was it G-O-O-D!!!
Just don't look at the nutritional chart and calories :p.
It's okay to indulge every now and then, right?!!Listed in: For the movie lovers!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/24/2012
This is the only theatre that my wife and I go to. Whenever we go for a walk downtown we end up… Read more »
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Review from Gina S.
5/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Why didn't we go here last time we wanted to see a movie while bumming around on Michigan Avenue? The AMC Loews theater is not the way to go, River East is! It's big, it's bright, it's clean. They accepted my movie vouchers, even for an evening show (no up-charge)! Every seat is a great seat in the theater; spacious booty room, comfy back support and a nice big screen with a clear, crisp picture quality.
Parking is pricey, so take the bus!Listed in: My Chicago Favorites
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Review from Belle L.
Chicago, IL
4/23/2012
Re: Red Carpet Premier for Promise Land
Horrible venue for a premier and red carpet. Where is the red carpet?
No lighting for the emcee, performers pre-screening.
With Platinum Pass, you are still treated like any other movie goer. Table for ticket. In line to show tix before the escalator.
AMC River East 21 CANNOT be a classy and event venue.
http://promiselandfilm... -
Review from Katie W.
Chicago, IL
5/20/2012
This is a great theater! I went to it the first time today and was very impressed. Will definitely use this as my mine theater.
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Review from brian m.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 5/5/2012
One of the best theaters in the country! Screens and seating superb!!! Tickets are cheap if you buy them before noon. Love the popcorn and highly recommend
the stubs rewards card, we've saved quite a bit using it.1 Previous Review:
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2/22/2009
I'm a brazen obnoxious New Yorker and have to say this place "rocks!"
Great venue to see a flick!
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Review from Paul S.
4/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Pros:
+ Great picture and sound quality
+ Clean seats/floor
+ Clean restrooms
Cons:
- Outrageous ticket prices ($9 for a Friday at 12:15pm?)
- "Convenience fee" of $1 per ticket when you purchase online (why am I paying extra to avoid a line, when the automated machines for ticket pickup in the theater don't employee anyone?)
- Expensive as all get out concessions
Summary:
Eat elsewhere first, get to a really early showing to reduce your cost and buy your tickets in person to save on fees. -
Review from Blythe Z.
Chicago, IL
3/28/2012
I really love this theater. The staff is really friendly, and the place is very clean.
There is a lot to do in the immediate area - all around a good time. I would think a good place to go for a date.
This theater seems to hold a lot of screenings, and this past weekend when I went to see HUNGER GAMES - we got there a .5 hour early.... and it wasn't really early enough. The seats are comfy, and they have cc for those hearing impaired - which I think is awesome.
The only downside is the food is stupid expensive - and they are very pushy about there stubs program which is a fee.
I suggest taking public trans - as parking is a huge pain... nearly impossible. -
Review from Chi H.
Bridgeport, Chicago, IL
5/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
The 3D Avengers is really awesome!!! Funny and spectacular !!
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Review from Terry F.
3/10/2012
A nice, modern movie theater near the action in downtown Chicago. Lots of screens and a good selection of modern Hollywood movies.
A friend and I saw Iron Lady there. Comfy seats, nice concession stand and friendly no-nonsense service.
We were able to get into and out of the theater quickly, too. -
Review from Stephanie H.
Chicago, IL
2/12/2012
This is pretty much the theatre that my friends and I frequent. It's huge and really well located, but the tickets are a bit pricey. The Lucky Strike and nearby PJ Clarke's and Fox & Obel make it great for a place to grab a bite to eat before and after a show. However, the concession stands in the theatre have plenty of fast food options too. It's not every theatre that you can get mozzarella sticks.
Definitely worth it, even if the murals are a bit cheesy. -
Review from Molly L.
Updated - 3/24/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I came to this theatre last night to see The Hunger Games on its opening day. In case you've been living under a rock, I'm sure you know that this was a hugely anticipated movie that sold out thousands of screenings in the days before its release. I was incredibly impressed with how the staff handled the crowds. We showed up an hour before our showing to get in line for seats, and the line was already crazy long. About 45 minutes before the movie, the staff announced that they were opening up a second theatre. They would fill that theatre first and then fill the other theatre. The staff pleasantly answered questions and guided people to the different theatres. It could have been a madhouse, but the AMC staff controlled the situation brilliantly.
Listed in: Chicago is for Lovers
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/7/2011
Not the easiest to get to, but the trip to AMC River East is completely worth it. The theatre is… Read more »
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Review from Miriam C.
Chicago, IL
3/12/2012
Can't say I don't have a problem with paying $14.00 just for parking. I mean, you haven't even walked in the place and you already spent money. Oh, and it is only good for 4 hours, planning to stay for two movies? try $35.. wow! The place is nice because of its location, seats comfy, and I do like the fact that you can remove the arm rest for comfort. But....
Don't come hungry unless you are willing to super splurge. I was craving some curly fries, maybe a coke. I got in line and noticed a yummy looking meal of chicken tenders, curly fries, and a soda. For a price of a ONLY $18.50! I mean is this still movie food. So I moved my sights to a pizza combo... close to $15.. forget it. What if I was there with my kids?
Overpriced for movies that look just as good on the big screen at a local neighborhood theater.
The amenities that could be found anywhere else. -
Review from Samantha L.
Chicago, IL
2/27/2012
I love this theater. It is the perfect place for a date because Lucky Strike is downstairs. The last time I was there my bf and I had some time to kill between the movie and reservations that we had later that evening. We went to lucky strike and had drinks, overall it was a great time.
It is expensive, but get over it, it's downtown. If you're having money problems you probably should just stay home anyway. Zing! -
Review from Jennifer S.
Chicago, IL
1/16/2012
I love this movie theater. Mostly, it seems a lot cleaner and less crowded than the one on Michigan avenue.
Also, I think that since it's a little more removed from Michigan, there are less teens there--and generally it seems just more chill and quiet.
I almost always go on the weekends for the first show (or any shows before noon) and it's only $6. You can also check out special priced days--Tuesdays and Thursdays I think are senior and student nights, respectively. -
Review from Racquel D.
Chicago, IL
2/4/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I've always just passed by this place on the way to Navy Pier or when I've been on a double decker bus. All I really know is it sits next to a bowling joint, Lucky Strike.They also say they have movie premieres here on occasion. It is a pretty nice theatre. It gets packed easily, too. I hadn't been to a movie in a while, but are tickets seriously $12 each now? Wow.
The theatre is in a great part of town, and I plan on coming here often. -
Review from Angie M.
12/12/2011
Yep. This is the Big Daddy of Chicago movie theaters.
What's good: The popcorn is absolutely delicious. The theater is very clean and properly maintained. Excellent stadium seating and the employees are really nice. Truly, if you're going to make a night out of your movie experience, AMC River East is the way to go.
What's bad: THE PRICES. Let's do the math.
Matinee ticket fee: $9.50
Medium popcorn & medium diet Coke: $11.75
Parking: $16.00 (No, you didn't read that wrong.)
Yes, I willingly paid $37.25 to see a matinee movie when all was said and done. I'm clearly a little insane. -
Review from Kit G.
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is my go-to movie theater in Chicago. It is one of the larger theaters, and it shows independent movies as well as the big budget movies. I can't recall the movie that I wanted to see selling out before I got a ticket.
The theaters themselves are large and clean. The theater is nicely located too. The 66 bus stops across the street and there are several great food options in very short walking distance: D4, Volare, Niu Sushi, PJ Clarkes are my favs. Plus if you arrive too early for a movie you can grab a drink at Lucky Strike while you wait. -
Review from Whitney K.
Chicago, IL
1/30/2012
Caught a movie here yesterday afternoon for the first time, and was impressed with how big and new this theatre seemed.
Got there a little early, so we grabbed a beer in Lucky Strike which was nice. The prices were a little high ($13 for a movie ticket and $15 for parking- thats with the theatre validation discount) but I think thats pretty normal for theatres these days and obviously you can take the Red Line to the grand stop for much cheaper if you dont want to use their parking garage.
Satisfied with the cleanliness and theatre quality, and it seems like they do some sort of interactive movie showings too? I will have to come back to check this out. -
Review from Karen T.
12/5/2011 12 Check-ins Here
Tickets are $6 before noon on weekends. Since I live within walking distance, I take full advantage of this deal and it makes my life so much better. The crowd is fairly upscale and clean cut so you rarely, if ever, have hecklers in the audience. Additionally, Lucky Strike and Fox and Obel are both great places to grab a bite before or after the movie. This AMC is in a prime location and is kept pretty well cleaned. There's always cabs right outside should you need them.
All in all, River East is one of my favorite movie theaters in the city. The only detriment to being in such a central spot is that primetime showings can get full pretty quickly, and you can't fandango tickets ahead of time online. If you keep this in mind though and have backups on Friday/Saturday night or show up early enough, you'll be just fine. -
Review from Julia J.
1/21/2012
I really like this theater. I don't drive in the city, and this theater is conveniently located off of the #66 bus which can pick you up right at the Chicago red line stop.
Tickets are almost $12 which is a little ridiculous, but you'll have that in a lot of places in the city. At least they give you the following:
-Comfortable seats
-Good sound
-Good selection
-Good concessions (though super expensive)
-Friendly staff
-Clean bathroom facilities
Also, I've seen many a preview at this theater- and they're always super organized. Plus, the Lucky Strike bowling alley is located inside, which gives you the opportunity to have a drink before your movie. -
Review from Gino W.
1/9/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I have found this cinema to be top when it comes to catching some of the best independent films around. It helps being in Chicago, since Chicago is very much first in line for getting independent films.
The location, quick lines, and amphitheatre seating make this cinema the one I choose first and foremost when I want to see a good picture show. -
Review from Jennifer M.
Portage Park, Chicago, IL
12/6/2011
Ides of March. Tuesday. 2:20p showing. $9.50 matinee. $4.50 small Diet Coke.
They have traditional and nontraditional theatre concessions but the price of each makes you think twice about arriving hungry or thirsty. What you buy could ulitmately cost you a steak from the Chop House. Especially if you have to park your car in the garage.
There's a Walgreens just steps away from the theatre. Be discreet. -
Review from Jason H.
Chicago, IL
3/25/2012
Nice movie theatre. Its clean and well organized. It's fairly easy to get to with public transporation, which is great. Also you can put the amount of butter you want on the popcorn.
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Review from Mike K.
Chicago, IL
10/13/2011
Well, there's Trouble in River East (City) with those $11.50 movie tickets, $16 parking, five dollar pops, five dollar popcorns, four dollar candies and four dollar waters.
That's Trouble with a capital "T," and that rhymes with "P," which stands for pool, which you can play at the adjacent bar. You could fritter away the better part of an evening, with movie going, pool, drinking and gambling (just kidding!) all under one roof at River East.
Ya got trouble, my friend, right here in River East (City), and you're liable to go broke as a result.
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Well, I suppose it's a nice theater. The prices just aren't so nice.
Go during the week or on the weekend only after the opening weekend. I've seen the place when it was a zoo and also when it was dead. Trust me, you'll prefer the dead times.
It's a four star facility, crowds notwithstanding. The prices are one star.
It's three stars. -
Review from Adella P.
Hammond, IN
3/17/2012
My favorite place to see a matinee in the city! Always clean and relaxing.
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Review from Dishan W.
11/24/2011
Came in here to watch a late Wednesday night movie "The Descendants", first of all I'm glad that they do the whole "AMC independent" film collection here thus increasing their chances of getting good movies every now and then that some other theatres might not claim.
I was expecting prices to be a little higher being close to the high tourist areas of Chicago but I could stomach price. I'm a sucker for big movie complexes and this location is big not just in terms of number of theatres but they have a vast area just for themselves downstairs to play around with posters, cardboard cut outs for movies in front of the Lucky Strikes area, so that was fun for me.
The actual movie quality was great, not the biggest fan of their seats though as they look more comfortable than they actually are but I like that they lean back a lot. Since it was not mainstream movie my fellow moviegoers were for the most part fun to be around (aka quiet).
Overall a good theatre and friendly staff too. -
Review from Robin M.
10/31/2011
Went over to the River East for the last night of the Chicago International Film Festival. Second time there. Nice big room, with comfy seats. The folks that work there seem quite pleasant. That's all good.
What is not good is paying eighteen bucks for a popcorn and a coke. Ok, really? Is it coated in gold? Do goblins prepare it in a parallel universe and then feed it to you, one kernel at a time? Insanity, my friends. One should NOT need a loan to partake in a little movie watching and some popcorn!
It is connected to some restaurant (forget the name) but we got a drink (with booze in it) and an appetizer for cheaper there. That just ain't right. -
Review from Kathleen M.
Frankfort, IL
8/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
We've come here many times, mainly as a public service to the Southwest Suburbs. If we make the trek downtown, pay the higher prices and pay for parking that pretty much guarantees the movie will make it out to the Burbs.
My first movie here was Bend it like Beckham and my latest was yesterday's Sarah's Key. I am nervous that a movie which is half in French will not make it out to my neighborhood theater.
I do love the super comfortable seats and the sheer hugeness of it. It brings me back to my youth when all the movies started out downtown and you would buy them in advance like play tickets.
We'll keep coming here, our friends and neighbors depend on us. You're welcome, boonies!Listed in: Flicks with this chick
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Review from Ed C.
Papillion, NE
2/26/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Cool theatre, amazing sound and picture. Stadium seating is comfy and roomy! $6 early bird movie is the best!
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Review from David G.
Chicago, IL
7/2/2011
Since when did matinees cost $9.50? I must have been living under a rock for the last few years. Maybe this review is actually a commentary on the movie theater industry as a whole, who knows? But $9.50? Does the movie industry really need that money, especially when they boast about how much blockbusters make over opening weekend?
Since when was a medium drink so huge? I wanted a medium drink to keep me hydrated during a 2 and a half hour movie. I didn't expect to be thrown on the brink of a diabetic coma.
This theater is pretty clean and decent, so I will refrain from minimizing the rating. -
Review from Joshua C.
Chicago, IL
2/18/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Great date spot!
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Review from Monica Q.
Chicago, IL
2/12/2012
This theatre is incredible. It has basically every movie to be shown as well as Lucky Strike. It's really one of those experiences where you are literally "going to the movies". The tickets are expensive, yeah, but isn't it everywhere? Lots of food options, and if you decide you don't want to watch a movie anymore, you can go over to Lucky Strike where it is equally as pricey to bowl. Hopefully if you're walking foot into AMC River East you will know right away that this is not a place where you can get anything for cheap.
In addition, the theatre has plenty of opportunities for free movie screenings which is nice of them; you have to catch the promotions in different Chicago news formats. -
Review from Julia C.
8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ugh. I hate going to this theatre.
It's always crowded with random underage kids, unchaperoned children (for a 10pm movie?!) and general people that irritate me. Also, the parking is either expensive or hard-to-find street spots. Boo.
Staff is friendly and they have a lot of screens. I just only end up coming here when I have a discount or free pass. -
Review from Justine M.
Chicago, IL
7/31/2011
Love this AMC. It's huge and there's a Lucky Strike X inside it if you want to go bowling after/before!
It's a bit out of the way from the subway but it's not a far walk. -
Review from Josh G.
Chicago, IL
7/2/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Probably my favorite theater in the city. The location is perfect; just a short walk over from Michigan Ave. Perfect if you have visitors in town and you want to take a break from being a tourist for a few hours and relax. The theater is next to a few decent restaurants, situated between Michigan Ave and Navy Pier and the theater itself is fun, clean and spacious. I love that Lucky Strike is inside the building for a little added adventure if you want to make your movie event a total night out.
New movie weekends the theater does get a bit crazy packed. People actually wait in line for hours to get into the new shows but this doesn't bother me much as there aren't many movies I'd rush out to see opening weekend.
Disappointed with the pretzels here but the popcorn and nachos are actually good. I know, I know... it's theater food, what do you expect? But for as much as they charge they could at least make sure the frozen pretzel is cooked all the way through. But whatever, still an excellent theater that I love going to. -
Review from Ben B.
6/27/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This is always my go-to theater for movies in Chicago. The audiences are generally well-behaved. The tickets are too expensive for them not to be.
If you go here on a Friday or Saturday night, expect everything you want to see to be sold out. If you go nearly any other time during the week, it's practically a ghost town. Plan accordingly.
I'm disappointed they ended their free loyalty card program in favor of a paid version. I was always geeked to get free popcorn/tickets. -
Review from Sarah S.
2/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
This AMC is surprisingly 50 cents cheaper then AMC Streets of Woodfield. However, parking in the garage is $16 with a validated parking ticket...eek! Makes for an expensive movie. Across the street is a parking lot for $12 with a validated ticket, $4 less for a tiny bit of walking is something I can do. And if you get really lucky, you might just find a street parking spot!
The theater itself is nice and big. The concession stand is just the standard stand. I wish they had more choices or that awesome pop machine some of the AMCs are getting! But alas, none of the bells and fancy whistles at this AMC. They do have a bar, pool tables, and bowling connected to the theater though. Expect to pay premium prices for these privileges though. I love in the upstairs area how they have famous movie quotes on the ground. Cute idea! "I'll Be Back" just as you're getting on the escalator down.
I've been here a million times, most recently to watch Cedar Rapids last Saturday (small theater) & Hall Pass just yesterday. I've also been here for a preview of Kick Ass a little less then a year ago in which I sat second row and got to meet the actors afterward. That was super amazing! I will no doubt continue patronizing this AMC.
Oh sidenote, yesterday I had the most friendly ticket taker ever at a movie theater! She was so happy and seemed to be really enjoying her ticket taking job. You go girl! :) -
Review from Keith H.
Chicago, IL
1/3/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Great place to check out a new movie! I have never had any problems and should note that Lucky 10 pin it is I believe is actually inside the same area as the movie theatre. This gives you the opportunity to grab a drink if you are with a group or whatever. 5 stars and will be back....
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Review from Phillip C.
Schaumburg, IL
3/3/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I've been here a few times to watch movies and even for a screening of Kick-Ass. That was fun, since we got to do a Q&A with the two main stars. The theater is okay... just your typical AMC, but 3 floors high.
The only thing that's a big pain is the parking situation. Unless you're lucky enough to grab one of the few metered parking spots out front, you'll have to pay a lot more to park. Make sure you get your parking ticket validated at the box office. It's $16 if you park in the attached indoor garage, but I prefer to pay $12 in the outdoor lot across the street. Yes, those prices are with validation. Geez. -
Review from Miguel S.
Chicago, IL
3/18/2012
Best movie theater in the area. 3d tickets are not that expensive and the staff is very friendly. It looks brand new. The screens a big and the resolution of the digital projectors is crisp. Awesome theatre.
