Harkins Camelview 5

Elite '08

31

92

Jack T.

Phoenix, AZ

I have to give it 5 stars even though I am sometimes frustrated by the seating (not stadium style, so if you're watching a subtitled film and you're stuck behind someone tall... it sucks). They show excellent movies and the crowd is generally a little less obnoxious than other theaters (depending on the flick).

And just for the sake of mentioning it... the women's bathroom is a little weird. I can't really describe it, except that I feel like cattle being herded around in a circle in the post-movie bathroom rush.

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18

98

swys -.

San Francisco, CA

if you are, a snow bird - this is where you're money is spent...

The only independent film house in Scottsdale...

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Elite '08

40

191

Max A.

Scottsdale, AZ

As everyone else has stated - this is a wonderful theater. If there's an independent movie out with any sort of buzz attached, they'll play it here. You won't find the latest from Michael Bay on these screens. One of my favorite valley theaters.

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17

87

Anandita N.

Scottsdale, AZ

I LOVE Camelview for the fact that it attracts much more of the NPR-loving, Fanny-pack toting, middle-age set than the teenagers. It's nice to go to a cinema and not be interrupted by the bright blue lights of a text messaging phone...
That being said, the place could circulate its movies a bit more. Sometimes I feel like they keep the same boring French film on rotation for a few weeks more than necessary. But if you're looking for a place to find a unique movie, this is definitely it.
Also, they host a few film festivals throughout the year. About a month ago, my husband and I saw an Iranian film , a French film and a British film as part of the Scottsdale Film Fest and they were all great.
Really, I don't know what we would do without this place! Go! Support decent local cinemas!!!!

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0

9

Rachel E.

Avondale, AZ

I usually do not go to movies simply because I get bored with the same predictable plot. However, I love going to Camelview because they actually play movies that are unique, thoughtful, funny and smart.

I was already sold on how great this theater is, but my experience last month cemented my feelings. I went with a friend to see "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly", a wonderful film, but the camera movements made both of us quite ill. We left half-way through and talked with the manager. He was very friendly and understanding and gave us our money back as well as film recommendations for next time. I took him up on one and came back to see Persepolis. It was a great film.

Most theaters have managers who have no sense of customer service or satisfaction. It was refreshing to be treated so well.

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63

32

Derrick Y.

Phoenix, AZ

This theater gets 5 stars for the selection of movies it shows alone.

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Elite '08

50

63

Jenn H.

Phoenix, AZ

The Harkins Camelview 5 gives Arizonans the unique opportunity to see movies that are normally reserved for screens in NY and CA. Without this theater there would be very little chance to see independent or foreign films in Phoenix. I give a lot of credit to Dan Harkins for keeping this theater open. He certainly can't  make much money at this location. It's financially  impractical to keep such a small theater operating on such prime real estate. This just shows Dan Harkin's commitment to sharing great films with the people of AZ.

Thanks Dan!

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45

216

Pierre Hussein Trudeau l.

Phoenix, AZ

I have so many great memories from Camelview over the years. I always loved this place to begin with because it showed independent and foreign films, which are my preferred genres. To add to that I was in a long-term relationship with a French girl, and since I've always loved French flicks anyway we came here almost every couple of weeks to see whatever was the latest hit out of Paris.

Unfortunately my most recent visit was not such a great memory, through no fault of the theatre. I came last month when I was with my visiting brother and mom. Mom had originally expressed a desire to see Seinfeld's "Bee Movie", but since it got some lukewarm reviews and we knew that she typically likes suspense thrillers, we opted for "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" playing at Camelview instead.

Um. How can I put this delicately? How about... the opening scene of "Before the Devil" consists of an overweight Philip Seymour-Hoffman banging the shit out of Marisa Tomei. Doggy-style of course. For 2 or 3 straight minutes. After banging her, they both rolled over onto their backs and discussed how strong of an orgasm Philip had.

Picture watching this opening scene with your mom. Also picture your mom being a traditional, prim and proper 63-year old woman from India. As the scene unfolded my brother and I glanced at each other horrified. About 5 minutes later, I dared to look over to see how Mom was doing and the look of pure, unadulterated revulsion on her face is something I've never seen before. Stifling my laughter I asked what she thought of the movie so far. Which was a mistake, because she very loudly responded so every audience member around us could hear, "WHAT IS THIS FILTH? I'M GETTING OUT FROM HERE AND GOING HOME, NOW!" With chuckles coming in from everyone around us, I somehow managed to convince her to stay. About 20 minutes or so later, when the very interesting plot of this fantastic film had further been revealed, I glanced at her again. Incredibly, that look of pure revulsion was still there. I think it was permanently frozen on her face for the entire evening.

Should've gone to the Bee Movie.

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Elite '08

89

300

Alicia B.

Phoenix, AZ

Fantastic to find a theatre that plays non-mainstream movies stuffed with car chases, gun slingers and curse words. Better than that, this theatre caters to the independent and more artistically unique movies.

I saw The Namesake here, as well as Paris J'Taime. This was also the only theatre in the Valley (that I knew of) that played the smash hit Thank You For Smoking.

Thank You, Harkins, for Camelview 5. And thank you, Phoenix moviegoers with steller taste, for patronizing this establishment.

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Elite '08

214

501

Stevey P.

Phoenix, AZ

I'm a big fan of Camelview.  Nowhere else in greater Phoenix will you find the indie art-house selection they have here.  I've seen many of my favorite films here over the last 3 years, almost by default because other cineplexes won't show them.

The average age of patrons here is about 53, but it doesn't stop me.   I just wear mahogany loafers sans-socks, pleated bermuda shorts and a Tommy Bahama shirt and I blend right in.  The get-up looks hot too.

The facility itself is rather small and dumpy compared to newer suburban joints, but I like it.  Closer restrooms and easier-to-access concessions owes itself to the smaller scale.  It's always pretty busy, but come Oscar season it can be a MADHOUSE.

4.5 stars.  But if there were a Laemmle's theater here, Camelview would have a serious run for its money.

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0

8

John S.

Paradise Valley, AZ

Good place, an escape from the usual mindless action thrillers running in the more mainstream cinemas. Wish it was more centrally located, though....I live on the west side of Phoenix, and it's quite a trek to get myself over to south central Scottsdale.

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7

50

Robert A.

Phoenix, AZ

Maybe I'm crazy, but this place only gets four stars because, as cinephiles, this is all we have in the Phoenix area.  Madstone Theaters came with better amenities and a continuously interesting selection of films but was doomed to be located in the strip-mall of death (Ray and Kyrene) where only two businesses seem to have survived more than a couple years.

Sure, it's nice to have a place to see independent cinema, but the theater is tiny, translating to a smaller selection.  I can't really knock it because, in this suburban McAmerican region, we're lucky to have anything at all.  Still, it isn't that special compared to theaters in other major cities.  We deserve more!

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Elite '08

15

148

Megan K.

Chicago, IL

Turquoise lilypad canopies glow neon pink at night, while posters beckon you to "consider your future" and get a job here in exchange for free movies.  Solid selection of independent films.  Clean facility, friendly staff.  Nice reprieve from the mallrats at Fashion Square.  **Bonus** I may have been the only individual who did not qualify for the senior discount at the weekday matinee.

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25

204

Ann Marie K.

Scottsdale, AZ

What better way to spend a lazy summer day or night than seeing a great independent film at classy Camelview! Located next to Fashion Square Camelview usually plays four independent films at a time, most which you can't find anywhere else. The theater is pretty small  and dated, but it has an art deco design and I wouldn't want them to redo it. There is a really relaxed and intelligent vibe at Camelview, and an added bonus almost nobody under sixteen!

Some great films I have seen here:
Brokeback
Garden State
Napoleon Dynamite
Super Size Me
Little Miss Sunshine

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Elite '08

31

379

Kristin C.

Phoenix, AZ

If you love independent films, you have to love this place.  It's pretty much either this, Valley Art, or you're watching it at home.  It could use some improvement dollars for sure, though I still kinda like the old-school-ish-ness of it.  

I'm not a snack bar kind of gal, but they have a pretty decent selection.  I've had some problems with certain chairs though, which is where I'd like those extra $ to go if I had my choice.  I'm cool with them not being stadium seating (Movie tickets would suddenly be $20 a pop...) but there have been a few lumps/springs that were either a little pokey in my back or were trying to get fresh.  

Still, even with Scottsdale traffic, it's usually a better option than Valley Art, as much as I will always love Valley Art.  Camelview generally has a better variety of movies and easy parking.  Now if we could just get some independent theaters downtown....

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Elite '08

103

401

sarah k.

Phoenix, AZ

I love movies.  It kills me that we live in the 6th largest city in the U.S. and have 1 theater that shows independent films.  Minus one star because the theater is in serious need of an face-lift.  However, it consistently screens a nice selection of independent films.  You'll find me there at a Sunday matinee.

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26

282

Jake C.

San Francisco, CA

In a town like Phoenix, independent cinema is hard to come by. Which is why I use Netflix. Also, it is why I frequent this standalone independent movie theater in the heart of Scottsdale.

It could be just a coincidence, but it seems like a healthy percentage of my favorite movies I first saw here. Motorcycle Diaries, Little Miss Sunshine, Nueve Reinas, I Heart Huckabees, and a few others were all playing here (and nowhere else in town, for the most part) and are now in my top 20. I am sort of on an indie movie kick right now, but this place gets me excited about film again (which was no easy feat after seeing Troy and Alexander).

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185

715

x x.

Scottsdale, AZ

Great place.  And while it's not going to have the luxury seating and fancy snack bar that you'll find at other Harkins, it is going to have the best independent films you won't be able to find anywhere else.

I've seen quite a few movies here, from Little Miss Sunshine (so good) to Brokeback Mountain.  I've had to wait in long lines and sometimes been turned away because the movie I wanted to see was already filled, so it's a good idea to buy tickets ahead of time for anything you want to see.

My advice: Forgo the Hollywood blockbuster and discover an independent gem at this theater.

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Elite '08

37

123

Kelly B.

Phoenix, AZ

Cheers to Camelview for being one of the only theaters to show independent and "art house" films on this side of town.

The venue is well maintained but small (and no stadium seats).  Still, can't be too picky when it's the only theater in the valley that is showing what you want to see.  

Seating can be very limited for popular movies so it might be beneficial to buy tickets ahead of time.

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