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Landmark Century Centre Cinema
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Lakeview
2828 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 509-4949
2828 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 509-4949
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
222 reviews for Landmark Century Centre Cinema
I spend A LOT of time at this spot so it's only fitting that I give it a stellar review. It is THE FINEST PLACE in the city to see independent and foreign film.
The theatre is always showing something worth seeing...so it's perfect for an impromptu visit. To boot, it's centrally located...near the train, several bus stops and close to some great casual restaurants (Crisp, Soupbox, Hai Yen, Toro sushi, Mayan Palace). It's especially good following a Sunday brunch at The Bagel, Orange, La Crêperie, or Ann Sather.
With the exception of praising the lord, there's no better way to spend a Sunday!
I went to two (different) shows in one day here. Was a bit surprised that a matinee ticket costs $8, but I suppose you pay a premium because these are not wide-released films.
Inside the actual theater, there were some issues with noise. Foremost, the seats in both theaters I watched films in were INSANELY squeaky!! (Seriously, WD40 that shit!)
Also, during the first film, the bass from whatever was playing next door was cranked up so high that it was making the seats in our theater vibrate. At first I thought someone down the row was jogging their knee or something to make the adjoining seats tremble, but no, it was because of the sound next door. Very distracting.
Still, the films I saw were good, with good previews, the seats were comfortable, and the audience generally quiet (why is this such a rare thing anymore??) So for that Landmark deserves a thumbs up. My other thumb goes down due to the squeaky seats and noise issues. Three stars is all this film emporium is getting for now.
I was a regular at the Sunshine Cinema in NYC (another Landmark venue) so the Chicago Landmark theater was nothing overly spectacular. I knew I could count on at least one good inde film to play, and I definitely knew I could count on that free gourmet white cheddar powder to gleefully sprinkle over that savory buttered popcorn.
My only complaint about this theater is the poor location and pathetic parking availability.
I've been going here more and more often these days. I saw Taking Woodstock here, and the Baader-Meinhof complex, and just this week, A Serious Man. I like Landmark because they tend to play a lot of movies that nobody else will play. The weird indie flix, the controversial films. They also have a pretty great snack bar (vegan cookies are there, just in case), an adorable staff, and a great location.
OMG, please please PLEASE patronize this theater so it remains in business. I'm so worried. The store closings in this mall have been working their way up the odd ramp like the ebola virus. It all seemed to start with Eatzi's in the basement and it keeps spreading.
Soon, I fear, it'll take out the Express stores. Which might not be a bad thing since those stores just remind me of how skinny I am not.
But I LOVE this theater. I love the movies they show - they're almost always highly, highly rated on http://rottentomatoes.com and the popcorn is superior to anything you'll get at most places. Plus, the odd ramp that swirls around and around and around intersected only by a few escalators just makes going up to this theater seem like you're in an adventure - like an Escher drawing or something. It's kinda awesome.
Tip of the day: check back at what's playing at Landmark and put it on your Netflix queue.
Anyway, so yea, great value for the money and they even offer student discounts (with ID).
Oh yea, stadium seating too.
I love this place.
Landmark often plays stuff that falls in the indie limbo between wide-release studio films and, say, stuff that would play at the Music Box or the Siskel. As such, it's often the only place in town showing certain films, and it's not a bad place to see a movie.
Mostly, anyway. At a recent screening, the air conditioning wasn't on and it felt stifling in the auditorium. And it's $5 for parking in the garage next door. And the prices are pretty awful. But, as they say, you want to see certain movies, you don't really have a choice.
I love this theater. I love the selection. I love the staff. I love the prices. I could go on, but others have already pointed out many of the glowing points. Go to this theater for good movies. Oh and "you're welcome, in advance."
This is my go-to place when I'm itching to see a good indie flick. They always have something interesting showing here. There's a parking garage that costs $5 after validation, not bad for the area. Parking at Clark and Diversey is a pain in general. Plus if you get there early, there's an Express and Victoria's Secret so you can shop a little.
My only caveat is the seats. I think it's because I'm short, but the head of the seat sticks out and strains my neck. So it's actually very uncomfortable, and half the time I leave with a headache. Not everyone would have this problem.
I Love This Theater!
The building is really cool (but a little vacan these days). The theater itself is great it shows so many great indie movies and is a nice place to take someone on a date or even just go see a movie with friends.
Plus you ahve the added bonus of a student discout!
If you haven't already check out a few of the movies playing here they and the theater may surprise you.
Landmark is my favorite theater in the city in terms of film selection.
But they seriously need to invest in some WD40 so the seats don't squeak during the movies! Theater #3 is the worst in this regard. It's been an issue for a while, but during the recent "Food, Inc." showing, people fidgeted in their seats more than usual (for obvious reasons) and the squeaking became a real problem.
There's a lot to like about this theater, but I must open with this: the seats are murder on your back. First-degree, premeditated murder. So that knocked down the overall enjoyment quite a bit.
But I like the theater alright. The atrium in the shopping center feels like Escher's stairs. Ticket prices are better than AMC ($10 adults, $8 for students M-F). And the film selection is excellent.
I was here for an advance screening, so I'm not sure if the Securitas guards with metal detectors are a regular institution... but if that's what you gotta do, thanks for doing it! That said, for a theater with that much security, I have never seen so much potlucking. People around me brought in, among other things, Starbucks, deli sandwiches in ziplock bags, and personal pan pizza. Maybe if I had brought some takeout I wouldn't have minded the seats so much and I'd bump the place up a star...
I like going here because it is nestled in a non-tourist area of the city. It is always quiet when I see movies. The hood rats from town don't hang out here either which is nice.
I also like the selection of independent films. It isn't the nicest, most-modern theater by I like it because of the atmosphere. I tend to go weekly.
This is where I have to go to see all those indie films and documentaries that I like, such as Food, Inc., 10 Questions to Ask the Dalai Lama, Away We Go, and other such films. You get a workout going up three floors to get here, then relax in stadium seating...although I really don't like the chairs there. They're uncomfy.
They sell Intelligentsia Coffee here, but I'd rather wait and go to the one on Broadway after the show.
This theater is truly unique in Chicago. They always have the greatest independent and artistic films- movies that spark conversation. I also love that they have a parking lot and the price isn't too expensive ($5 I think) Great location, always clean, but very crowded on weekends, so go early!
I agree with JR! Although this theater is located at Clark/Broadway/Diversey, many people don't know it's there, or what some of the movies are. I appreciate the occasional departure from the crowds and mega-million dollar blockbusters at the downtown AMC. They also have a deal for buy $25 in gift certificates, get a free popcorn. A great deal for a night out for 2 at the movies.
Minus one star for the weird M.C. escher layout, though.
I really really really enjoy this place! I'm there at least twice a month. It's easily accessible by our great CTA and there's tons of stuff to do around the area. In fact, most of my Yelp reviews in this area are because I visit different locales after seeing a great movie.
The first time I went, I tried the popcorn, and thought to ask for extra butter. For some reason, the butter was not so good and I couldn't eat it. Thus, I don't get the popcorn anymore because of my first experience, but others say it tastes good.
The crowd here is mixed which is nice (age, gender, ethnicity, class, etc). Also, if you see the first movie of the day you save almost $4...the only way to go baby. Plus, I love the selection of movies here.
Yes, it seems a little older and it's not the nicest movie theater ever, but the seats are better than Piper's Alley and there's surround sound, big screens, and clean seats. I can't wait for the next film I'll see there (probably next week, since I just went yesterday).
This theatre is oddly tucked away on the top floors of a mall looking thing. I went there to see all 3 installments of The Animation Show as well as on a few other occasions. The selection of films is good, though it still has a bit too much of that corporate megaplex feel.
Great Location
Very Clean
Small Cozy Theater
Good Selection of Movie's and Indie
Bathrooms: Clean
We had dinner in the area and made a last minute decision to see a movie.
They have the best popcorn....umm, umm good!
I could go to a four on this very easily, but two things prevent me from doing so.
1. The exit method, walking around and around in a seemingly endless circle for 5 floors, is enough to make me vom.
2. The chairs were designed for someone either much taller or shorter than my abnormal 5' 10" frame because I can never get comfortable in them.
Aside from these two hindrances I really love this place. It is a short bus ride from my place, they usually show things other than your typical big box office productions, they have a student discount during the week and they saved a great facade and historic building when making it, especially the interior is a complete gut rehab.
A really great theater in lakeview/Lincoln Park that I thoroughly enjoy.
If they were to charge less than 3.75 for a bottle of water they might also get 4 stars. How can you justify that? It has to be like 300% margin on that bad boy...
Pros- close to my house, good popcorn, friendly staff, shows movies that others aren't showing, it's the best thing in this "shopping mall"
Cons- I asked for a glass of water and was passed a dixie cup and told to fill it up at the water fountain, otherwise a glass of water would have cost $4... really?? I should have remembered my water bottle; there is also a VERY awkward bathroom
How can you not love a theater that shows indie/ foreign/ independent films and hosts the International film festival. What is even more shocking is that it has been open in Chicago since 2000.
Comfortable seats, good sound and great picture. The minuses the lines can be long sometimes but that's anywhere, the nachos (Kyle) could be better too, one of the theaters shakes (per Colleen C. it's due to the proximity to Bally's Fitness Center.), but the worst is that once you get your ticket validated you have to be out within 15min or you are hosed (I won't even tell you what you have to pay, it's sick).
I lost my wallet here last week. Someone found it and mailed it back to me. Yipeee!
If you're looking for a place with good karma, this is it.
One of my favorite theaters to go to. It's not too big, not too small...just the right size. You'll find a variety of films from foreign, indie and some of the newer releases. Basically, Landmark consists of the finer films of the movie industry.
The theaters are clean ad the staff has always been quite pleasant. If you get a chance, get in a few minutes early and snag the 2 JVC blue seats that sit in the middle of the theater that are supposed to be the best seats in the house. I've had the chance to get them a few times and they are probably the best seats there.
I'm not too fond of the popcorn and probably the worst popcorn in any theater I've been. It's the "butter." It doesn't even taste like butter. They do have flavored powder salt to add, but still doesn't help. Not worth deducting a star.
If it's a busy movie, you might want to order tickets online and pick them up at the kiosk. Make sure that when using your credit card, pay attention to the diagram on which way your credit card goes in. Swipe your credit card with the stripe facing you! I didn't see that and looked like a fool trying to figure it out. Surely, after my temper tantrum the staff swiped it through without making fun of me. I think they are used to it.
Please remember to pick up your trash on the way out. Your momma raised to know better than to leave your trash behind.
Landmark, you earned 5 thumbs up.
You'd think you're watching a movie with mice from all the squeaking you hear throughout the film. No, it isn't mice, it's the seats. Drove me crazy! Otherwise, this place is alright. Priced decently as far as theatres go these days, and it plays less mainstream movies. The theatres are somewhat clean. The staff was helpful and courteous.
Just a a few notes...
Like: Plays great movies not found at the other big boxes. Accessible indie films. Good choices. \
Like: Very clean, well taken care of. Studious looking staff.
Dislike: Theater 2 SHAKES due to the proximity to Bally's Fitness Center!
Yes, it shakes.
Slumdog Millionaire was still stellar, thought. Even if I felt like I was in one of those pedicure massage chairs.
This is a quaint little movie theater on the top couple floors of a mall in lincoln park. I love the outside decor, it's so elegant and grand, like a theater from 50 years ago. Which is probably at least as old as the building is, and it kind of shows inside. They haven't updated a lot of things in a while. Some of the theaters are a little smaller, which I think makes them cozy, and there are a lot of other things to like about the theater that give it "character," but that can sometimes be a little annoying. In particular, the chairs are kind of old and can be a little uncomfortable. They're somewhat squeaky and don't quite have that "spring" that newer movie theater chairs have.
The theater is in a great location, unfortunately it doesn't play a lot of mainstream movies. Or maybe fortunately, if that's your taste. Which mine can be at times, so I suppose it's nice to have a theater nearby to catch up on all the indie films, especially as they're more upbeat and less depressing these days.
It's also kind of cool that the theater's in a mall, you don't see many indoor malls in the city. Although sadly the mall seems to be dying out, businesses shutting down one by one..
I love this place, because I can always find a movie to see here that I know I can't find easily anywhere else in the city or suburbs. There are rarely any mainstream movies that play here, and most of the films are independent movies. I like that it hardly plays mainstream movies, so it doesn't attract the types that go for those movies. Call me snooty or what you want, but I love my independent movie-watching experience to be as free of the mainstream movie-lovers as possible.
I may have a special fondness of this place because it's also within a walking distance from my home. Although, it's easily reachable by public transportation (bus or train).
Another nice thing is that the theater is in a neighborhood with a lot of restaurants and cafes within a walking distance, so you can get your tickets, then go grab food and/or drinks then go see the movie, or see a movie then go for food and drinks. It's all very nicely close to each other.
If this place wasn't the most comfortable place to see independent movies in Chicago, I'd wish it didn't exist. First of all, it's a total clusterf#@k on the inside. It's at the top of a crappy shopping center and there are nooks and crannies and obnoxiousness abounding. Nothing screams "yuppie" to me more than being in there.
When you finally get to the counter, there are usually snarky people manning the ticket booth and concession counter.
They DO have intelligensia coffee at the concessions so I will give them respect for that.
After you've finally ducked LP/Lakeview moms and douche bags and made it to the top, AND dealt with the snotty employees, you get into comfortable seats and the worst decor ever conceived of by any theater designer. Random weird shapes in lame colors all look awful.
They still get three stars, though, because I go to the movies to see movies, and Century is the only game in town.
It's hard for a movie theater to get good customer reviews because unless you go every week, you forget just how much it costs to get the popcorn/soda combo on top of ticket prices.
The Landmark's claim to fame will always be the great independent films they show. I used to live nearby and saw many great flicks in their theaters.
My one tiny complaint - the popcorn here is TERRIBLE! I know what you're thinking - how can ANY popcorn carry a "terrible" rating? It involves this weird tasting butter they have for it. I don't know what's in that stuff, but it's gross. Luckily, there's (I'm not joking) TWO popcorn shops outside, so as long as it doesn't break your moral code to sneak a little food into the movies once in a while, that's an option.
A mall cineplex in an interesting and convenient location that plays almost exclusively independent and high brow Oscar-type films. I'm a fan for that reason.
Seating is standard fare; if the movie is full, you'll be stuck with unwatchable seats very close to the front, but all cineplexes are like that anymore. Would like the seats better if the cup holders could lift up for sitting close together.
Not as fond of the mall it sits in. Because the theater sits on top, leaving requires one to walk down a spiral toward the exits. It's like the Guggenheim, except instead of walking past modern art, one strolls by a series of closed shops and a fitness gym. Said fitness gym also curiously causes theater 2 to shake slightly, but management has helpfully posted a note offering a full refund if shaking detracts from your experience.
Remember to buy your tickets from the concession stand: the box office is for display only.
Overall its a great theater, especially for the non-mainstream movies that they show. Places like this are hard to find these days, so its even more important that its still around. Sure the seats are squeaky and not the best, but they get great movies and there is plenty of room so you really can't complain..
I used to live really close to the Landmark Century and would go catch a movie whenever I was bored. I had a great pulse on the indie movie scene for a couple of years. Seats are nice and cushy, and I've never encountered bad service here. This mall probably has the worst layout ever. I escalator up for my movies and head down the ramps upon exiting.
The bathrooms are a little shady, which is why I took a star off. I definitely miss having this nearby though.
While in Chicago last week the girlfriend and I decided we would go see a late night movie. She loved this movie theater because they seem to play more independent type movies than the main stream garbage. She wanted to see The Reader, and so we walked the block and a half from the hotel to here in order to get the theater (located on the top floors of the mall.
For some reason when you walk in there is a box office for the movie theater, but its not used. As you go to the floor the theater starts on you see another box office, but again it was not used. I guess because it was a Thursday night and they weren't crowded they sold the movie theater tickets at concessions, but it definitely was not clearly marked.
Being that we were thirsty I decided to try out a coffee. They offered both hot and iced lattes, since I prefer ice that's how I ordered it. The guy there clearly had no clue what he was doing. He asked someone else how to make it, who also didn't know, so he said to guess. Seriously? If you don't know don't make it. They made it hot, added a little bit of ice and served it to me, in the hot cup. It was definitely bizarre.
The theater itself however was huge and the place was pretty clean and comfortable. I would definitely go back, but I definitely will not try ordering a coffee again.
An average summer night in the life of Linds...it all begins a few months before, when a cool preview or some buzz spreads about a movie that won't be released in Chicago for approximately two months. Get excited that it will be playing at Century, then promptly forget about it.
Fast forward three months, said movie has been out for a while and everyone cool has already seen it (twice). Get reminded somehow, and decide to go. Argue with fiance about walking vs. taking the bus. Start walking, then see a #36 and decide to take it. Immediately regret getting on bus because everyone smells/there are annoying children running the aisle.
Eat dinner at La Creperie, eat too fast and feel sleepy. Have time to waste, go into Borders and consider buying many timeless, intelligent books. Buy wedding magazine instead. Still sleepy.
Enter theater, get lost among ramps. Buy tickets, get lost among ramps. Get into seats, realize imminent bathroom needs, get lost among ramps. No line, nice bathroom, get lost among ramps. Return to seat, feel much less cool than other cinema patrons, enjoy film in comfortable seats. Get lost among ramps. Resume bus vs. walking debate. The end.
Round and Round up and up I go to see my movie. I don't like the layout.
I'm not a big Independent movie fan.... However, I did see MILK, Slumdog Millionaire, and some movie I fell a sleep on a date. I would go more often if more nonindependent movies hit this joint.
It's an O.K. place.
The good:
- Best selection of independent films in the city
- Very clean
- Friendly staff
- Comfortable seating
- Parking validation
The not so good:
- Their ticket kiosks rarely seem to work
- Ditto the machines where you pay for parking
- Theatres are a little on the small side
- In the winter, theatres border on being uncomfortably warm - wear layers!
I like this place.I'm not a fan of the weird layout or feeling like I'm working my quads to see a flick but it's cool.I love that this theater is focused on Indie flicks and I'm really surprised that my boyfriend has enjoyed the films.My advice is to park on the fourth parking level,but to pay the fee($5)on the first floor parking level.You only have 15 minutes after paying to get out so this approach makes the most sense(in case there is a line).This theater has a nice selection of concessions but they are more overpriced than other theaters.
My days of being the youngest person in the room are long gone, but for a 4:30 movie on a Saturday afternoon I swear I had stepped into a showing of "Cocoon: The Return."
Every man, woman (no child though - remember my 30-something tired old ass is the baby here) appeared to be past retirement age.
Which confused me and my 30-something aging hipster friends because we didn't think that the movie we chose was appealing to the Golden Girls crowd at all (It was a French thriller of a childhood love gone wrong 30 years later, and with a surprising and dramatic conclusion 8 years after that).
Theater is clean. Concession stand is good (expresso bar!), but the line was insane (had 2 people waiting on at least 30 people). Acoustics are great in the theaters.
I'll go again. Especially when I need an ego boost before my next *ahem* birthday.
What do you get if you mix great indie movies with a fresh snack bar status, a ridiculous amount of elevators/ramps/escalators, a beauty school, an art gallery, smelly lotion shop and some ladies lingerie? Well its the Landmark Multiplex of course!
One of the most random buildings in chicago, but its all worth it. This theater is nice, clean, has good snacks, and plays some of the best films in Chicago.
I work here. I'm not saying this theatre is without its problems, but let me just clear some things up for you guys.
Typical Complaints:
1. "hard to get to" - ...what? Both the (three) elevators and the escalator lead directly to the theater lobby.
2. "expensive concessions" - movie theatres only pull a profit on concessions. I defy you to find a chain theatre (Landmark = chain) that doesn't rape your wallet for a bag of popcorn.
3. By the way, the "weird-tasting butter" is real butter. So, check your palate before complaining.
4. The previews are always louder than the movies. I don't know if anyone complained about that. If not, this is a preventative Yelp.
5. We have to inventory drink cups and popcorn bags. We can't give you an empty one or we'll get written up. Write a letter to Mark Cuban if this is a major problem.
6. Sorry if we're snarky. Think of us as the Ed Debevic's of theaters. If we're not busy, talk to us about movies. I promise our pretense is at least supported by knowledge and opinions that we'd love to discuss with you.
7. EatZi's has been closed for almost 2 years. It's gone. It's not coming back. I'm sorry if this is an inconvenience, but in the future, try The Counter, Panera, Chipotle, Renaldi's, Mickey's, Noodles & Co., La Creperie, La Nuevo Mexicano, Aladdin's, Yummy Yummy, Nancy's, Yango's, Pita Queen, Potbelly, Matisse, Half Shell or one of the other bazillion restaurants in the area.
8. On weekdays, the box office is located at the concession stand. I know that this is a difficult concept, but all we can do (short of constructing a blinking neon arrow) is put up a big blue sign that says Box Office. I promise it's there.
9. If you want to know our movie times, check our website or call our hotline. Please. There is no publication that has been 100% flawless in publishing our schedule.
10. The usher will tell you where your theatre is. The layout is confusing. Don't be a hero. Let them help you. It's their job.
11. Hey! Seniors! Students! Tell us that you want a discount BEFORE we print out your tickets.
12. There IS seating in the lobby area. Benches. Are for sitting. Right?
13. And hey. Pick up after yourself. Be a grown up. Nobody, no matter what they're paid, wants to pick up the used tissue that you stuffed in the cup holder. Gross, gross, gross. Gross.
14. After your movie is over, go out the door you came in. You may think "Oh, hey! There's this door that says Emergency Exit that looks so tempting..." but you'll only end up on the sixth floor, which the elevators do not visit. Totally trapped. Don't do it.
You're right about several things: Theater 2 shakes. The seats in Theater 3 squeak. The kiosks have more break downs than an entire season of "Intervention." The chairs are weirdly uncomfortable. It's like the placement of the head rest is off. I've noticed that, too. I apologize on behalf of the theater for these things. I feel your pain.
As for everything else...use your head a little and you'll find that this theater makes WAY more sense than you give it credit for.
