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Roxie Cinema

4 star rating
based on 127 reviews

Category: Cinema  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Mission
3117 16th St
(at Valencia St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 863-1087
Good for Kids:
No

127 reviews for Roxie Cinema

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Photo of David M.

 

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David M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/18/2009

The Roxy get s 5 stars because it plays movies nobody else does. It is their independent spirit that makes them awesome! They show movies that "Independent" movie chains like Landmark don't show which is very funny to me.
Their seating and facilities are more of a three star level but that's neither here nor there because sometimes you must suffer for the greater good. Candy, drinks, pop corn and the rest of the goodies are naturally available for your consumption.
Go support your local cinema and business and see a film you've never heard of!

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Photo of Chelsea C.

Elite '09

81

99

Chelsea C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
7/21/2009

I have been here twice, both for screenings of 48 Hour FIlm Festival.  And I have to say that I really like the Roxie.  The staff is always friendly and kind, never getting mad when they totally dont get their pencils back from 48HFF voters.

I would love to come here and see a real movie, something longer than 7 minutes :)

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Photo of Lashanda G.

Elite '09

181

343

Lashanda G.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
6/6/2009

I came here this week for the first time, to see the San Francisco premiere of a documentary a friend of mine produced about the pets and pet owners of Hurricane Katrina.  Great film!  It's called MINE and it was selected for the Audience Choice award at South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin.  Hopefully be showing at more places around the country this year.

http://www.minethemovi...

As far as the theater itself, the Roxie was ok.  The process of figuring out which line was to get  into the theater and which line was for Will Call, was a bit chaotic.  Actually, for awhile there wasn't a line, just a cluster of people pushing towards the door.   The theater was clean and the seats were reasonably comfortable, although the lighting was a bit dismal, and the decor/atmosphere was a bit dark, drab, and relatively uninspied.  But the manager seemed personable and enthusiastic about the wonderful turnout for the film, and I appreciate that the Roxie hosting the event!

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Photo of Sunil R.

Elite '09

59

202

Sunil R.

Union City, CA

4 star rating
11/7/2009

Was here for the South Asian Film Festival last night.  It looked like they had not upgraded this place in 50 years. Small screen, musty hall and unique movies that you have probably never heard of. And you know what, I LIKED IT. Quite a departure from the typical 30 screen chains that I usually go to.

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Photo of gwynnie p.

Elite '09

462

448

gwynnie p.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
3/23/2009

Many many stars for having nutritional yeast for popcorn. Minus a star for not turning on the heat no matter how cold it gets. Maybe they don't have heat?

$6 matinees=awesome. Also, at least yesterday, straight to the feature without 20 mins of bothersome promotional material.

Yay! I'm a fan.

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Photo of aspasia s.

Elite '09

265

881

aspasia s.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
3/8/2009

It is not a five star cinema.  It is an underground and edgy movie house that shows documentaries, foreign films, and other non-mainstream selections.  The showing room is very small and musty.  Interestingly enough, they have one large seat that occupies two, a film-love-seat.

Last night's showing:  Blood and Crips: Made in America.  It was a powerful and inspiring documentary that presented the perverse illness of South Central's ghetto society from a historical, topological, socio-economic and global perspective.  It was a moment of awakening, for my kindred girlfriend and I were motivated into action, finally.

Boxing gym for inner city youth, takers?  That's the type of inspiration the films from this underground cinema has elicited.  We can go on and on complaining about our neighbors, environment and other mediocrity that exists around us.  Yet, if we do not strive to seek action, what's the point of complaining?

Just do it!  I want, I hope, I will.

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Photo of Jaimie M.

Elite '09

99

124

Jaimie M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
3/19/2009

Went here for a screening last night and just fell in love with this beautiful old theater.  Founded in 1909, it is San Francisco's oldest continuously operating movie theater - over 100 years of popcorn, sodas, and great movies!

Obviously not the place to go if you're looking for stadium seating, Imax, or a tricked out concession stand, but if you enjoy being taken back to the true golden age of cinema, the Roxie is the genuine article.

One warning though, especially for the female movie lovers - there is only one ladies room stall, so lines might get prohibitive, depending on your timing.  Someone mentioned ducking out to one of the local bars in a pinch, which I think could be a good solution.

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Photo of Susy C.

Elite '09

450

661

Susy C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
4/21/2009

As nostalgic icons in SF are starting to slowly disappear, my appreciation for the Roxie and Castro theaters grows.

Hey, any theater that shows "Freeway" for Yelpers is 5 star in my books!!!!

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Photo of Kristy H.

Elite '09

26

86

Kristy H.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
4/2/2009

Literally, a hole in the wall movie theater. This place is a dump. It reminds me of say, a run down high school theater that is about to get remodeled. Yet they never do get remodeled, so it remains shitty on the inside. Anyway, interior aside, this place rules for many reasons.

#1 The Another Hole in the Head horror film festival, seriously my favorite time of year in San Francisco. You can get a pass and see unlimited crazy weird foreign and independent horror films for a full week! Some are scary, others are just out right hilarious. Last year I saw the Meatball Machine--a romance between a slave cyborg and aliens..need I say more?, The Machine Girl (Japanese girl takes revenge on yakuza villians with a machine gun prosthesis) just over the top crazy, and the year before I saw Feed (don't watch! super disturbing film about a serial killer who holds captive and feeds obese women. Anyway, you can see the variety of films to choose from during that week. It is so much fun. If you love horror films go to Another Hole in the Head this year.

Enough about Another Hole in the Head, this theatre is great and always plays indie/rare films. It's also nice that it's central, close to 16th st. bart and there are tons of things to do around the neighborhood after the film.

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Photo of Lisbeth O.

 

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37

Lisbeth O.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
6/4/2009

The Roxie is solid -  I've been here two times...last year, I saw Paranormal Activity as part of the SF Indie Film Fest...and that movie experience was FANTASTIC.    I came back about a week ago to see 2 noir films as part of their noir series, and it was also a good experience.

My boyfriend's mom told me they have another smaller theatre off to the side called the Little Roxie...I've never been there, but I'm intrigued.

Some small theatres can be lacking in a quality here and there, but this theatre has it all around.

It's considerably spacious inside - there are lots of seats for a large audience.  The screen size is proportionate to the theatre size...so, it's big enough!  The lobby is small and cute, and offers a good selection of popcorn (kind of overpriced but nothing outrageous), candy, and drinks - and water.  They have cute little couches and pillows at each end of the lobby, too.

I saw they had a poster for Another Hole in the Head fest coming around again, so I'll be back soon!

Oh yeah, there was some sort of mention of a pass that you can buy to see multiple movies for one price?  I think this is something they do, but I have to look into it...someone mentioned this in another review, too.

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Photo of Alexis B.

Elite '09

106

375

Alexis B.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
2/14/2009

I do like old movie theaters and this one falls somewhere in between the Castro & the Red Vic. In that it doesn't have crappy seating but it certainly doesn't speak to me in that "unique experience that is worth having" way. But they do play movies you wouldn't see anywhere else.

I had a date to see a "horror" flick at the Roxy that was part of the SFIFF. "Horror" in quotations because it wasn't as horrifying as it was hilarious in that "OMG, Crow and Tom Servo should be here!" But some girls that I went to high school with were in it and they were always good actors. Which they were in this. Unfortunately, it didn't save the movie.

Anyway, other than the original movie runs, I don't feel like this theater is anything to write home about. It's okay.

And that's all I have to say about that.

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Photo of Ken G.

Elite '09

43

418

Ken G.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
3/23/2009

This theater is pretty cool; it shows independent film, which I can definitely appreciate.  

The best thing about the theater is the architecture.  They've managed to keep the building in very good condition despite the many years it's been around (100 years or so?).  This is definitely one of those places that I hope never gets torn down - it's a big piece of San Francisco history.

The theater itself (inside) is alright - it's fairly small...the good thing is that if you have to sit in the first few rows, you won't get one of those headaches...you can actually enjoy the film.

Sometimes there are annoying hipsters or street urchins outside, but that shouldn't stop you from experiencing a very San Francisco tradition.

BTW - I really enjoy all the cool Yelp-posted pics of The Roxie through the years - pretty awesome!

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Photo of Brian K.

 

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Brian K.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
1/20/2009

If the following question were to be asked: Brian, what did you think of Roxie Cinema?

I'd have to respond as such: In general, I'd say I've had better times watching poop fall from a dog's anus.

I'm completely over places with a hipster staff whose aloofness is equally if not more frustrating than any overbearingly saccharine customer service you'd receive at corporate chains. People may not like phoneys, but they at least want to be acknowledged when they're patrons to the place that pays for your ratty knit hats!

Beyond the service complaint, the sound quality throughout the film was god-awful. It would get crackly and static-y for five minutes at a time (long enough to miss a scene or two of dialogue), then fade only to resurface a half hour later. Couldn't they have done SOMETHING about that?

Lastly, b/c of said sound problem, they said they would offer us some vouchers for a free ticket next time we came. They ran out (understandably many patrons must have wanted a refund), and told us to hold tight, they would hand-draft some more once the next film began. Considering I didn't want to drag my ass over to the mission only to endure another sub-par experience, I left. My roommate Benji, however, stuck it out for another 20 minutes or so. Unfortunately, they ignored the rest of the people waiting for vouchers, and he left empty handed as well.

Really, it's not worth any of the effort you might put forth to go here. If the employees don't give a shit, why should you?

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Photo of Zac H.

Elite '09

48

224

Zac H.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
2/13/2009

It seems I only ever come here for the Horror Fest stuff. I don't now how many fXXXXd up Korean slashers and independent thrillers I've seen here, but its enough to associate this place with all things creepy. Truth be told, the place is kind of dumpy, but that's not why you go to the Roxie. You go to pay the person in the old school booth, buy some stale popcorn and get the sXXt scared out of you at some obscure movie starring a cabbage and a chainsaw.

TIP: Sneak a tall can in from the liquor store next door.

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Photo of Suzanne W.

 

2

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Suzanne W.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
4/15/2009

I saw this Australian film called Forbidden Lie$ at the Kabuki Theatre one year at a film festival and it was THE BEST MOVIE EVER!  Incredible.  Magnifique.  Yes.  Please.  Like, just yes.  
Anyway, I saw it alone and I wanted every person I have ever known in my life to see it as well but it was not offered on American-form DVD and didn't seem to be playing anywhere ever so I eventually had to let it go.  It was really depressing.

Then, maybe a year later, The Roxie was playing it!  I grabbed my BFF and we ran over.  We were one of, like, 6 people in there which was a damn shame but she of course LOVED IT!  Yay for The Roxie for having impeccable taste, despite the semi-uncomfortable seats.

Forbidden Lie$+my bitchy but lovable BFF+half a bag of Skittles=good, clean fun

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Photo of Cristina R.

 

29

79

Cristina R.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
1/27/2009

I have only been here a handful of times, but every time I have watched unforgettable movies! The popcorn is great with butter and nutritional yeast! On Mondays it is only $5 per person. The seats could be more comfortable and the theater warmer, but hey, I can't complaint about the amazing quality of the films they show here! Save the neighborhood theaters!!! Come here and come often!!!!
Take bart or walk, parking is a challenge...

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Photo of Cat T.

 

11

70

Cat T.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
7/14/2009

I saw the Frozen Film Festival - Best Animated Short Films showing. I'm totally a fan. It is such a casual atmosphere. It does kind of feel like you're in your living room but way bigger and with lots more chairs and a huge screen (relative to your TV). I will definitely be back.

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Photo of Britt A.

 

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11

Britt A.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
3/14/2009

Roxie has consistently excellent film selection. They play most of the underground or indie movies I want to see but are hard to find in the theaters. I'm also consistently impressed with the amount of documentaries they show. Seems the Roxie is also home to many small film-festivals that go through SF.

Recently I came across the documentary 'Throw Down Your Heart.'  I really wanted to see it so I went to the film's website to check locations. Surprise! It was playing at the Roxie that following weekend AND Bela Fleck (who produced and 'starred' in it) and the director were scheduled to be there for a Q&A afterward. I find that happens with the Roxie-- serendipitously things I'm interested in appear there. And, Bela even brought his banjo and played us all a tune. The Roxie has that kind of creative spirit to it.

The one thing that's hard to deal with is that the theater seating is pretty much flat. Every seat is positioned right in front of the other without any incline so if you get a tall person in front of you will probably not be able to see the entire screen. Last time I went the guy in front of me was really tall, and there were tall people in the rows in front of him so it was a constant chain-reaction of heads adjusting from left to right to left to get a good view of the entire screen.

Keep up the good programming!

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Photo of maria s.

 

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7

maria s.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
7/15/2009

Four not Five Stars Because of the Risk of Dying When Returning to My Car Late at Night.
Great indies, first runs, and festivals
Support them, not the mega plexes.
Parking is fuched.

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Photo of Yousef A.

 

3

70

Yousef A.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
1/27/2009

In a world filled with AMC's and Century theaters, it's a breath of fresh air to find a small neighboorhood cinema like the Roxie. They play movies that you can't find at a chain theater, not always good movies mind you. Prices on Monday are cheap, $5 a ticket, and prices for snacks are waaaay cheaper than any AMC.

Of course, it's not as nice or as comfy as the bigger movie theaters. I do love that bar in front of the seats at AMC's that I can keep my feet on....

...but I like this place. It has a certain romance to it, a certain je ne sais quoi that keeps it alive. It's the same reason I love grimy parts of the city or Grandma's house, that nostalgic this-is-part-of-history kind of feeling mixed with a sense of down-to-earth groundedness... I confuse even myself.

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Photo of Veronica V.

Elite '09

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476

Veronica V.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
6/8/2008

The Roxie is a grimy, party cinema in the heart of the Mission. Buy your tickets, go next door pick up a tall can and some snacks and you're set.  The selection of obscure and locally made films is solid. Don't come here looking for  a fancy movie experience, the seats are old, lacking cupholders and the restrooms have just one stall.

Watched Trailer Park of Terror and as we were walking out Barbarella was starting and they were giving out free beer.  Can't get much better than that.  

Small theatre, fills up fast, especially during film festivals.

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Photo of Cat K.

Elite '09

187

239

Cat K.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
12/3/2008

I like it here a lot.  I was first introduced to it through the Dead Channels Film Festival - it's shabby, a little run down, but it has a... certain je ne sais quoi about it that makes it endearing - at least to me.

You can go see a lot of films here you wouldn't have even heard about otherwise, which is pretty neat.

You can also buy a burrito from the place around the corner and bring it in (well actually, I'm not sure if you can.  My girlfriend and I did, but we're also rebels like that), which is pretty awesome.

Plus the location is perfect for grabbing great grub or drinks afterwards.

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Photo of Patrick G.

Elite '09

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Patrick G.

San Diego, CA

2 star rating
10/21/2008

Indie theatre. Sweet. Saw "Come on Down: The Road to The Price is Right" last night. Hysterical doc.

The staff sucked. Both the ticket seller and concessions girl had serious attitude issues. I'm not sure if they were both pissed that they aren't cute enough to be Mission bartenders or what. I over heard them complaining about work and how much they hated film festivals.....ummmm....ok.

As mentioned before, leg room was a slight issue, but hey, I'm short so I could deal with it.  Sound and picture were decent.

Roxie needs to come down off it's high horse.

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Photo of Fatty A.

 

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738

Fatty A.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
3/2/2009

I saw "Crips and Bloods: Made in America".  I felt like I was watching a shitty version of Gangland on the History channel.  It was produced by Boom Dizzle aka Baron Davis so maybe thats why it sucked.  The venue is much nicer than the 4 star and Opera Cinema for independent films.  I didn't feel like I was a dirty whore watching a peep show.  Thats the feeling I get when I am at the other two theaters.  I love it.  Only bad thing is it costs $10 to see a movie.  They need to reduce the fees for this non glitz and glam theater.  I can get into the AMC theaters for $8 and they have surround sound.

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Photo of Jesse C.

 

2

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Jesse C.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
6/11/2009

I went to the Roxie theater in San Francisco with my girlfriend a little over a week ago. It's a small theater with a 4:3 screen, I believe. Apparently there's a "Little Roxie" next door that was showing some movie about mushrooms, but we were there for a double feature of the B movie fllm noir variety. It was a lot of fun and the crowd was full of fans of the genre. I really recommend this theater, simply based on the quality of the programming.

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Photo of colin m.

 

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12

colin m.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
5/27/2009

I would like to commend the Roxie on their recent efforts to spruce the place up a bit.  The marquee looks fantastic and the new (used?) seats are a marked improvement over the old (Surf Theatre?) seats.  I even believe there's new carpet on the floor.  It's now a pleasure to see a film there.  I highly recommend a visit to those who've shied away from the place due to its "fleabag" reputation in the past.  A very grateful "thanks" to the new management of the Roxie for caring about this San Francisco landmark.

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Photo of tinna h.

Elite '09

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tinna h.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
12/26/2007

I like independent films and the theaters that show them.

The Big Roxie resembles a lecture hall. I've yet to sit in the Little Roxie next door. The seats aren't the most comfortable [good for staying awake to watch a documentary on typography!], but they are bearable and clean. No gum on my pants this time around. Location is convenient. I can hop on and off BART [16th Street] with ease.

$9 tickets. $6 matinee on the weekends. Something useful. There is a discount card [think it's called the "Roxie Card"]: $30 for 5 or 6 tickets - I can't recall because I didn't get one. I will the next time.

The card is limited to one.

That's alright.

I enjoy a movie alone - sometimes.

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Photo of Jared Z.

 

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Jared Z.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
4/23/2009

The main theater is fine. The small one is a little cozy for my taste and it's more than a little annoying that you can hear the thumping bass from dalva next door.

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Photo of Yvonne C.

Elite '09

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77

Yvonne C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
1/6/2009

Great theater to watch all those MNON, i.e. movies not on Netflix (Hollywood blockbusters I save to watch at home on my elliptical). People working here are pretty friendly... There's two screens, big roxie and small roxie. Oh and don't forget about the great restaurants and cafes next to the theater.

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Photo of Nadja M.

Elite '09

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Nadja M.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
4/12/2007

I saw Enter the Dragon on the big screen here.  

I was 22.  In love with the Mission.  In love with a martial arts instructor, and it was at the Roxie that I fell in love with Mr. Lee.

A whole world of tragedy, gratuitous violence and strange guttural sounds opened up to me.  (I'm not just describing my love life either)

When the manager and Executive Director spoke of upgrades and changes I couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic and melancholy.  

I had some great times in those funky seats and smelly lobby!

Oh well.  
"Time marches on"
"In with the new out with the old"
"Don't spit into the wind"

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Photo of KayJay ..

 

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KayJay ..

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
4/12/2007

I'm bad ass.

Wait.  Let me say that one more time so you can hear it.

I  AM BAD TO THE ASS!

Why?  Because I'm sitting, awating friends to walk their late butts into the Roxie, and holding seats for five-to-six people.  

A kindly, handsome fella and his date walk up.  They eye the seats.  My  +1 shrivels in his chair, afraid to do what he knows he should.  I step up to the plate, consequences be DAMNED, and do what I know I have to do.

I lift my hands and do a "No,no,no!" type of wave.  I then give the "Opps... too slow buddy! Sorry for ya pal!" look with a sweet smile to the kindly, handsome fella.

Now, I don't wanna drop any names, but I'll just say the kindly, handsome fellas name starts with a J and ends with a Y.

Again... I AM BAD ASS!

Please Mr. J and ends with Y, don't kick me off Yelp.  Oh, and don't de-elite me.  I love you.  You're my schmoopie.  Honest, you are.  If you want the names of the late ones, I'll tell ya.  Punish them... not me.  You want a cookie?  I can make you some cookies.  You want some chocolate milk with your cookies?  How about a nice pot pie and a foot rub?

Kudos to the Roxie for continuing the independent spirit and giving true movie goers a place to watch true movies.  Also, look out biz-nitches, cuz as soon as those comfy new theater chairs come in, I don't care if Jesus himself tries to swoop in on the seats I'm saving, I'll say "Shoulda got here earlier dude!" in a heartbeat.

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Photo of Nicholas B.

 

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Nicholas B.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
4/19/2008

Where else can you one week go see a documentary about Joe Strummer, the next week one about a typeface, the next week some obscure German film and the week after a Michael Haneke retrospective?  Probably no where.

Yes, its an indie art house, its a bit run down, the sound isnt THX digital whatever, but instead of all the high tech pageantry you get films with heart as opposed to those who hide their lack of depth behind millions of dollars of special effects.

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Photo of Drue C.

Elite '09

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860

Drue C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
4/12/2007

Growing up my parents would always make me go places with my older sister. For some reason they thought she was the responsible one and this was a fun way for us to bond. Sure, mom and dad...me and the girl who would sneak her boyfriends in the window of her bedroom late at night, who sold candy bars for "charity" to make a little extra money, who would scream at the top of her lungs that I was hitting her when I was really 3 rooms away, the person who would cut school and go get stoned in the field across the street.

Yes, this was my "responsible" chaperon...who I was made to promise not to hit if she took me to the mall or the movies or wherever.This was an easy promise to keep because I never actually did hit her, for fear of her manipulative retaliation. Besides, she would high tail it away from me 50% of the time, not staying at the intended destination, leaving me all alone, and threatening death should I tell our parents she didn't do the approved activity nor keep an eye on me.

So, there was this movie theater we used to go to, where she couldn't really ditch me because it was in a strip mall in the burbs and there was nothing else around to go to except the actual movie. I thought I was safe here. I was wrong. She always found a way to make our sisterly bonding a truly fucked up experience. At this particular venue instead of getting grounded for allegedly hitting my sister I was getting kicked out of the theater and getting grounded for hitting people with spitballs....none of which I launched.

The Roxie reminds me very much of this theater, from the old marginally comfortable seating to the old marquee, single window box office, small lobby and snack stand and one screen setup, as well as the bizarre but awesome movie choices played there.
The difference is that when I go to the Roxie I don't get grounded afterward and they have never kicked me out. I have almost gotten over my childhood scarring thanks to their kind treatment over the years. Almost.

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Photo of Viv C.

 

153

303

Viv C.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
7/16/2006

Now I don't know if this is a normal night at the Roxie or what, but the people who were there this particular night tainted my experience at the Roxie (the Little Roxie) and I'll only go back if it's some amazing film and I have NO other way of seeing it.

So what happened?

First off, so we (my boyfriend and I) ended up getting to the movie with probably 5 minutes to spare to find seating. All that was left was a few scattered single seats here and there and the first two neck-craning rows in front.

The usher offered my boyfriend to have two folding chairs so that we could sit in the aisle. He assured us that if there was a fire, we'd be able to get out just fine. However, my bf saw that if we could move some patrons inward we could open up one seat on the aisle so instead of both of us wouldn't be in the aisle blocking everyone, one could sit on a folding chair in the aisle and another could sit in an actual theatre chair.

We approached an older gentleman and his lady friend and asked if they could scoot over.

The older man flat out said, "No, I don't want to move. I rather sit here."

My bf replied, "But if you move, we can both sit together."

The older man said, pointing to empty single seats, "Look, there's a empty seat here and an empty seat there, go sit separately."

WHAT THE HELL? Thanks so much for your general KINDNESS SIR!!!

So we decided to try sitting in the aisle in folding chairs, potentially being a fire hazard. A guy in the fourth row kept looking back at us, with an odd look on his face. After a few minutes, we decided to just sit in the neck-craning second row and deal with it.

I folded up my chair and set it aside while my BF left his unfolded and set it aside an aisle seat for someone else to sit.

As we walked toward the second row, the man in the fourth row called out to me, "FOLD UP THE CHAIR."

Ignoring him, I continued toward my seat in the second row, when the man said again, "FOLD UP THE CHAIR, PRINCESS!"

EXCUSE ME?!?!

I immediately turned around and walked toward the man and said, "LOOK, you DON'T have to call me names! I'll fold up the chair, but it's NOT necessary to call me names!" And I went to fold up the chair.

I walked back to my seat FUMING. I mean, what the HELL is wrong with people nowadays? What is up with the unnecessary anger and need to be disagreeable and COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL???

It really sadden me to see such UGLY people in a place where I thought the crowd would be enjoyable and open to community.

BUT NO.

The name-calling man DID apologize after a few minutes later, coming up to my seat to explain that he had been in a theatre before where there was a fire and there were people sitting in the aisles which made exiting more difficult. Understandable fear and explanation, but SHOOT, NAME CALLING IS NEVER NECESSARY. I accepted his apology because at least he REALIZED his rudeness.

The immovable older gentleman did not apologize.

And what did the Roxie staff do through out all of this? NOTHING.

I've been in large multiplexes where the ushers come in and announce that the house is fairly packed and that the patrons should move inward and fill any empty seats to allow stragglers to find seating more easily.

But nope. The guy working there that night did nothing to prevent or help EITHER situation.

I give them 2 stars because I would like to believe there is hope. And I would like to believe it was just a bad night. BUT STILL...

SIGH. WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BEING POLITE?

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349

617

Herra Chink y.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
9/6/2006

The Roxie epitomizes definitely qualite over quantite.  (As an aside, how the hell do I type the e accent aigu all frenchy style on Yelp?)  The San Francisco Independent Film Festival is shown here and at the Castro Theatre every year, and I always catch some amazing first-run features here that obviously would never show anywhere else in The City.  The chairs are obviously old movie theatre style, and it is a little bit stuffy in there, but the quality and atmosphere of actually going to a movie, plus their *amazing* location at 16th and Valence makes the Roxie Theatre one of my favorite movie-going places.

Judging the Roxie directly by its theatre, I probably would give it three stars.  But it's commitment to first-run art house-y type movies, its support of the local community, and its eclectic staff and clientele, it's one of those places that makes San Francisco "San Francisco."  Hoozah, you've been granted the magical 5 stars by Ed!

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403

635

B.K. W.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
4/12/2007

Last night's Yelp Elite event, the screening of "Freeway" at the Roxie, was the first time I'd ever been in the Roxie Cinema.  It was also the first time I'd ever seen "Freeway," and I have to say that I really liked both the movie and the theater.

So, where's that fifth star, then?  Management of the Roxie informed us last night that within the month, thanks to generous donations, they should have brand new seats.  They will also be renovating the lobby.

So, I just wanted to leave a little room to bump the rating up for when I return after the renovations and see the sparkly new and fabulous improvements.

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8

165

Levi B.

Cook, IL

4 star rating
2/21/2008

Checked out one of the Indie Film Fest movies here last week.  I had never been here before, and it basically turned out to be like I thought it would.  Small, long, and skinny.  (That's what s/he said!)

But the seats were comfortable and there was more than enough leg room.  Almost too much leg room!  I was allowed to slouch to my hearts content.

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34

36

Kasey S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
12/4/2006

I live so close to the Roxie that I'm embarassed to say that it took me so long to visit this crazy cool place.  If you want to sample a taste of the true essence of the Mission then this is your venue!  Yes, it's old and has plenty of quirks...reminds me of the movie theater I used to walk to in my home town on Sundays, I felt so independent going to the movies with just my little brother in tow...

I saw Richard Dawkins' The Root of All Evil?  It was extremely good, lots of food for thought.  I am more than ready to pronounce myself a Humanist, and plan on reading The God Delusion as soon as possible!  Check out his page on Wikipedia, there's great information for those interested in his work.

I definitely recommend The Roxie for great, hard to find Indie films in a  very interesting venue with a lot of history!

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5

16

Colleen C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
4/17/2009

Go see "In a Dream" at the Roxie.  The film is both personal and moving,  honest and beautiful.  The Roxie is a gem on the outside with it's recent neon upgrades and new paint.  The theater has new chairs and when the lights go down all that matters is what's on the screen.  The Roxie exposes us to creative talents and reminds us of how wonderful good story telling can be.

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Elite '09

405

558

Gretchen T.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
4/12/2007

Thank you Yelp for bringing me back to the Roxie after a long hiatus. I am now re-signed up for the monthly calendar and will be back to enjoy the good sound, the quality film choices, and the comfortable layout.

Many upgrades and changes were mentioned last night (new seats, renovated bathrooms), but don't go changin for me! To me you're just like Old Milwaukee, you just keep gettin better!

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