Harkins Valley Art Theatre

Elite '08

52

145

Vincent P.

Woodland Hills, CA

As a independent film maker I say thanks Harkens.

from sic and twisted, To Scc southwest film Festival, Indys like Where the Bleep....   Good Stuff...

It's been a great place to have premieres of little Local Features Like "neveer been Thawed"

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

88

292

Alicia B.

Phoenix, AZ

It doesn't look like much from the outside, considering most theatres are gaudy with bright lights and huge posters. But, shy as it might be in today's modern entertainment jungle, Tempe Valley Art is a fantastic little place. How can one not like a one-screen theatre that plays mostly obscure, low-budget, indie films, like Juno, alongside some of the bigger known names, including Babel?  

You might expect a tiny viewing room when you walk in, but you'll be pleasantly surprised to find one of the biggest theatre rooms in the area (sure beats some of the rooms at the theatre farther South off Mill Ave.)

Here's where I saw the final cut for Blade Runner. We sat in the back after I was told that's exactly where you needed to sit during a movie like this. I'm thinking it's where you should sit for every movie, for you're able to drink in the entire screen. Bonus: there weren't any squirmy or screaming children to contend with - not like you'll find at major theatres or mall areas.

In conclusion, 3 parting thoughts:

1) I love this theatre!

2) I think I'll make a point to see a movie here once a month, starting with Juno when it begins playing here. This is the kind of pact every one should make.

3) If you've never been to this theatre, you're doing yourself a disservice. You should be kinder to yourself. Seriously. Go check out Valley Art Theatre today.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

88

132

David S. B.

Phoenix, AZ

I used to be a regular at Harkins cinemas. These days, two things frustrate me about the movies in general and Harkins in particular:

First, going to the movies these days seems like a quaint 20th Century anachronism. With a widescreen TV and a Netflix subscription, it's possible to enjoy a viewing experience with picture quality almost as good as a theater without putting up with the behavioral problems that seem to be found in most movie audiences. Sure, I have great memories of group adrenaline rushes from seeing movies like "Jaws," "Star Wars," and "Aliens" in crowded theaters. The collected emotions of dozens of people packed into one room intensified the viewing experience. Unfortunately, that advantage disappears the moment one has to listen to endless chit-chat among audience members. The charm of the cinema also wears pretty thin when spilled food from the last audience hasn't been cleaned up between shows.

Second, Harkins gets a lot of praise for being a locally based theater chain. In the past, that praise has been deserved, but lately Harkins seems to have turned its back on the core of the metro area. It has abandoned most of the Central Phoenix market to its lesser competitor AMC and seems preoccupied with building huge multiplexes in the far reaches of outer sprawlopolis.  When developers targeted the legendary Cine Capri, Harkins didn't put up much of fight to save it and tried instead to convince the public that it had created a new Cine Capri in the far-flung "Scottsdale" (really northeast Phoenix) 101 multiplex. Just this past weekend, Harkins allowed the Centerpoint theater in Downtown Tempe to close in favor of its new multiplex at the garish Tempe Marketplace. Harkins clearly did not get the memo on the importance of authentically urban, pedestrian-centric development to the future of the Phoenix Metro Area.

Those rants aside, there's a lot  to like about Valley Art, Harkins' sole remaining theater in a truly urban location. It's a classic theater that Harkins saw fit to purchase and preserve. Its facade still includes metallic doors with porthole-style windows, a marquee, and a retro ticket booth (even though tickets are usually sold at the concession counter inside). Despite these classic elements on the outside, the interior has been updated with comfortable seats. The movies shown include foreign films, indy films, and the occasional festival.

Because of its small size, urban location, and specialized repertoire, this theater draws a more dedicated audience that most of the suburban megaplexes. In fact, cell-phone prattling and spilled popcorn are rare at Valley Art, making it possible every once in a while to enjoy a real cinema experience rather than another date with Netflix. Valley Art makes me remember that seeing a movie as a collective, shared experience can still be enriching and enjoyable.

Note: Harkins validates for four hours in approved Downtown Tempe parking garages. Check with the theater for details. The theater will also be easy to reach via light rail when train service starts just after Christmas in 2008.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

31

379

Kristin C.

Phoenix, AZ

Fun fact: Dan Harkins was conceived here.  Yep, the guy who owns the chain of Harkins theaters was conceived here when his mom and dad ran the place way back when.  This is one of the big reasons why, when the place was looking a bit run down with it's old owners, Dan snatched it back up.  And thank goodness he did.  

Personal Fun Fact: I saw a concert here.  Yes, a concert.  Because she was still so small she was too small for any other location.  She didn't even quite fill up the theater.  And who was that?  Oh yea... Tori Amos.  Yup.  Right after Little Earthquakes came out and before she went big.  I still have a promo-poster from it because I knew one day no one would believe that she performed there.  

Back to film - I love catching the Sick and Twisted shows here.  I haven't done that in years, but it was always a good time.  Between the college students and those of us willing to travel, the place was usually at least 3/4 full.  And for those - sometimes it's nice to know you aren't laughing alone. It was also a great place to see Rocky Horror, but they haven't done that there in a long time.

Independent Films, styled old school with a big marquee, where you can walk right in on Mill Avenue is a really great option no matter what they're showing.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

25

131

Kelly W.

Tempe, AZ

Want to see that indie film that's not in the big theatres? Chances are, it'll be screened sooner or later at Harkins Valley Art Theatre. The movie theatre is historic and has been on Mill Avenue for years. I love the funky marquee outside and the old-box office feel. You'll feel like you've been transported into another era.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

44

225

Lauren V.

Phoenix, AZ

I have to say Harkins theaters are good about supporting independent film and they saved this theater from being demolished or becoming another trashy dance club on Mill, and got a Tempe Beautification Award (whatever that is) in 2001, probably when Harkins bought it.

to their respect, they didn't try to make it something it's not, they kept the old school marquee out front and show mostly indy films and hold film fests there like Spike and Mike's and the Edge held a free music movie thing there the same weekend as a arts festival, pretty cool. oh, and Arizona filmmakers held their opening of Never Been Thawed here.

if you want to see that indy film that has made it into the mainstream theaters, come here instead and support those that do their part to support independent and local theater.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review