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Roxy Theatre
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- No
26 reviews for Roxy Theatre
The Roxy is Allllllllll-right. Back in the day, this joint was skanky, but they seem to have cleaned it up a little (still, if you drop a napkin on the floor...don't pick it up) and it's cheaper and less crowded than the Bridge.
The popcorn is a little stale (although still delicious when drenched in butter!) and the chairs a wee bit uncomfortable (but at least they're cushioned!) The screen is smaller than other theaters, but still way bigger than my TV at home. And you can smuggle in beer and no one yells at you, and really, they have just as many good movies as any other theater.
The one downside? There's only one bathroom. And beer + lots of people = lots of people needing to pee. Go before you come -- and pace yourself.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (4)
Seemed this was the only place available when Dark Knight came out.
Here's the highlights of my only visit to this "theatre"
1-Went to buy the tickets, and was greeted by an old woman at the front. After I gave her my money, she wrote it down in a notebook, and gave me the tickets, which were raffle tickets.
2-My friends were really amused by the place, and we thought we were in a porn theatre.
3-Seats were AWFUL and I could barely see the screen.
4-People were drinking and there were lots of brown bag drinks. Also, I smelled someone smoking. Wish I would have known ahead of time!
I give it two stars as it would be fun to bring a drink to a comedy and have a ball. But the seats hurt so, so I'd have to really think about it before returning.
Nevertheless, definately an experience and was entertained more by the theatre than the movie.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
The seats creak because they're old, the screen is diminutive in comparison to what you're used to, and the walls and floor are mucky.
Nevertheless, I have a great date idea.
If you're with someone who appreciates grit and novelty, here's what I suggest:
1. Blindfold him/her, take a walk to the beer shop on 21st and Chestnut; look both ways before you cross the street.
2. Open a fridge and have your date blind-pick a 40oz.
3. Walk over to the Roxy for your movie (bring a satchel to hide your booze).
4. Maybe unblindfold your date once you've entered the theater; keeping the blindfold on might defeat the purpose of enjoying a movie.
5. They'll probably think your quirky spontaneity is really cute and say something like, "wow, you're so Michael Cera or Ellen Page."
6. After the movie, maybe you'll be drunk and have a guitar and sit on a stoop while performing a duet to Kimya Dawson's "Anyone Else But You."
People thought this was:
- Useful (10)
- Funny (12)
- Cool (14)
The Roxy Theatre is a nice theatre. My daughter took me there to see Sex and the City. It was a very memorable evening.
I like the Roxy Theatre a lot. As soon as I sat down in my seat, I got this feeling like I was in the scene in Taxi Driver where Travis Bickle takes a classy lady to see a dirty picture. Any place that triggers instant movie nostalgia is okay by me.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (4)
I see a lot of movies and went here on a whim with my gf to kill some time before dinner. Saw Whiteout... horrible flick. Regardless the place is sort of hip and grungy but DAAAAM those seats are uncomfortable. My gf had to sit on my lap. I prob. wouldn't go back but if you are looking for that old school feel and a dirty feel go.
I don't see how people could complain about the Roxy. Located on the alley-like Sansom St, it's more like you're going into someone's 3 screen apartment opposed to a theatre. It's like going back in time. So what if they're out of popcorn occasionally? Not that big of a deal. As for the size I'd say about 8 seats wide by 25 deep. Never crowded when i've been there. A fun place to go. Would be good for a first date.
My gf and i were the only ones in there for Hound Dog starring Dakota Fanning as a 12 year old Elvis fan who gets raped. The owner, an older strange little woman, fell asleep in the last row. I guess it was a slow night. Also saw Vincent Gallo's penis in Brown Bunny. Lots of strange 50 and 60 year old men in the seats that night.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (2)
Tiny, old, questionable audio/video equipment, slightly stale bagged popcorn, looks a little like what I imagine the porn theaters in Philly look like but...
I loved this place. I just met this woman the day before and this was our first real date. She wanted to see "The Hangover" and it wasn't playing anywwhere else. We walked into the theater and started laughing. My ex-brother in-law has a bigger screen in his family room with a better sound system!
But we sat four rows from the screen and had a perfect view. Not sure if the other rooms are the same layout, but this one had two seats on the left and then about 8 on the right...sort of looked like an airplane.
The seats were old, but comfortable. I am 6' tall and had no issues.
We sat on the side with just two seats and it was almost like we were there by ourselves.
We enjoyed it for what it was...a cheezy little local theater with a small intimate crowd.
If you like whizz-bang, don't go. If you like crowds of loud teenagers, don't go.
Otherwise, have fun...it's a great little place!
Disclaimer: My review might be completely tainted because the Roxy was the only place in the city you could see Dark Knight on a whim last night.
That being said, they only take cash. It is a few dollars cheaper and you will soon find out why. The concession stand was out of muthaf#$%in popcorn. What movie theater runs out of popcorn? Tell me that. The ice also melted instantly upon penetration into my cup of soda. I do have to say that your saving grace in the concession area is your decision to stock Dr. Pepper, the greatest soft drink known to man.
We sat early for the movie so we got the full "is this place a porn theater" experience, complete with the vocal stylings of blaxpoitive r and b love jams. Good god, though. It is time to update the seats. I can't even describe how bad they are. See for yourself.
With so many bad bullets in this review, you might be wondering how it earned a three star. The answer, my friends, is simple. During the entire movie, I heard not one voice. Not one obnoxious conversation, not one cell phone ringer that went off. I enjoyed my film in peace, and that is such a rare gem in Philadelphia, it should garner a fourth star on general principle. The seats kill it though. They suck. It's a fun place though. You will be glad that you went. Don't see a blockbuster there, though. And see The Dark Knight on IMAX.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (3)
I've been to this theater twice, once to see Passion of the Christ years ago and the most recent time was to see Grindhouse.
The admission price is similar to one at a multiplex but you'll be seated in a theater with no cup holders and the occasional mouse. The screen is nothing to write about, it was really small, I'm sure the well off have better screens in their living rooms. I wouldn't be complaining about the conditions if the ticket prices weren't competitive. I know they need to make money to stay alive, though. I do like that they sometimes screen movies that aren't shown at the Ritz nor the mainstream theaters. Like George Bataille's Story of the Eye (I missed the screening because I was working).
Parking is street (metered) but there is a garage a couple of doors away. Plenty of places to eat in the area and public transportation accessible (the 17 bus runs on 20th Street up to Front and Market, back south on 19th Street).
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (1)
Showed up 35 mins prior to the 7:35 showing of the SATC movie. There was a line of people waiting to buy tickets snaking out the door, but it wasn't too long maybe 30 people max - we were 10th in line. The line slowly progresses until we get up to the ticket counter. That's when the woman at the counter realizes she doesn't know how many tickets she's sold for the show already. She says, "Well, people are showing up late for the 7, so we have to let them in the 7:35 showing instead." (uh, really??) A quick glance at the accounting system reveals a well-worn spiral notebook with tic marks. Exxxxcellent. So we stand around waiting for the final head count prior to the movie so they can decide how many more tickets they can sell, but.... ooops. They oversold it.
This is not rocket science!
1. If someone misses the showtime they bought a ticket for they should be turned away.
2. Count how many tickets you sell for each showing.
Seems pretty simple, right? Well, we bought tickets for tomorrow's showing already. So I guess I'll be back to update re: film, screen, sound quality. I don't have my hopes too high.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (2)
I'm all about a bargain and a $6 ticket for a matinee is great. I recently went to see a new release at the Roxy and I knew what I was getting myself into. I imagined an older theater with bad seats, no surround sound, and maybe 'ye olde theater musk'. Let me say that the actual theater itself surpassed my poor expectations.
The ceiling was caved in from water damage in several areas, the seats in the row I sat in were only partially anchored into the ground, and the row in front of us was resting on our legs. It was cool to have that roller coaster effect of being strapped down while watching the movie, but it does get tiring on the knees during a two hour film.
The sound was stereo at best with defunct surround sound speakers hanging on for their life on the walls. The projection screen was minuscule. I've been to some old school theaters before, but this was ridiculous.
About the only good thing I can add is that the reel switchover mechanism didn't fail and the movie went from start to finish without a hitch.
ONLY go here if you want to see a movie that is playing no where else or you want to see a new movie for a really low price. I can't say that I'll be returning here any time in the future by my own free will.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
So I like this place a lot as for a movie theater it's awesome...except...the screens are really small and the sound isn't the best. But it's close and it's clean!
I saw the 300 here...maybe not the best choice of theater to see it in. Oh yeah....but guess what I paid 8 dollars for my ticket...now that's nice. I hate that going to other theaters means I'm spending an arm and a leg. I don't mind paying...but lets not go broke going to the movies.
Anyway I suggest this place for movies that aren't larger than life! Or go see anything during matinee time because it's worth it!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
It definitely isn't the best theater quality wise, in fact it's probably the worst. but you can't beat the ticket price or random selection of films it offers. One theater generally has a big Hollywood film like 300, or any of the Harry Potter's, while the other will house an obscure independent or foreign film, most that have been just dropped by the Ritz too.
Over the years it has showcased diverse movies like Toxic Avenger 4, The Brown Bunny, and re-releases of bizarre 70's retro porn (???). If you like this kind of obscurity you might love this place. but if not you might be better off avoiding it. I'm middle ground, hence the 3 stars.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
I love the Roxy... beginning with its name.
More over, yeah... film buffs may be put off by the archaic sound, dingier screen, and challenging seats. I'm put off by film buffs. That's why, while they're eating poached salmon salads watching CGI movies up at The Bridge, I keep it gully at The Roxy.
This theater is small, it resides in what seems to be an old row home. The movies vary from really indie to the lower echelon of the major markets i.e., you can see your Scorsese, Crowe, Stone movies here whenever they come out, but also your Vincent Gallos, your foreigns, and maybe some retro film.
I also like the Roxy because in an era of http://MovieTickets.com, this is a theater that decides if it's gonna be open or closed each night IF anybody comes. I love the personality here... and this reminds me of all the old school moviehouses that were kicked out of the city by the big boys.
If you can, go. If you can't get past the missing features, go to...The Bridge/Ritz.
i am always for the underdog, the dark horse. this theater is a mom and pop operated place. they basically get their butts kicked for movie openings by the ritz and amc. this being said, they have the BEST cookies there. the theater space is small and the selection sparse, but the crowd who goes here is there for the movie and have the courtesy not to have their darn cell phone ring during the movie or to carry a conversation during the movie.
it is one of my fave theaters to go by myself and catch a matinee. ok ok ok, the fact that it is right near fat jacks where i can load up on comics doesn't hurt either.
good food and a good atmosphere for movies. there are no bad seats in this theater due to its size, so that is good, especially since i am tiny and always get the tallest guy sitting in front of me, despite an empty theater.
see a movie here and support local businesses! eat a cookie or two.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
If you want to pay money to sit in a chair that's about to break to watch a movie on a screen slightly larger than your TV, then this is the place for you. If not, I would suggest waiting for the DVD release.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
i like theatres like this. i dont mind the awful seats or the smaller scene. i like supporting small places like this that still only charge 8 dollars for a movie. its kinda like theyre saying a big "fuck you" to everyone. theyre not trying to be anything big and fancy or artsy, theyre just trying to show a couple of cheap movies for your entertainment. they dont take debit cards, so make sure to bring cash. we were running a little late for the movie and than the guy said they only took cash, so he waited to start the movie til we got back! its was only us and two other ppl in the theatre so i guess he figured "what's the harm". i'm def going back to see the Cruise Nazi movie.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (3)
The only movie I have ever seen and ever will see at the Roxy was Breakfast on Pluto. I was very excited for this movie and went with my sister, but my excitement quickly fizzled into annoyance. The sound was fuzzy and god-awful and it completely ruined a great movie for me. Also, the seats are the most uncomfortable theatre seats I have ever sat in and I would rather subject myself to sitting on the floor of the theatre than in one of their too-small, metal chairs with zero leg room.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (1)
I wish I liked this place more. I see the appeal - small, independent, family owned, eclectic. But I feel like raving about this place is a little pretentious. The sound system is always fuzzy and the picture's not that great. They do show some art-house features but they also show stuff like "War of the Worlds" and "Batman" when they come out. Also, they close sometimes, unexpectedly. I know we're supposed to be anti-corporate, but I still want quality (and this place isn't any cheaper than the Ritz). I will say that the service is great and the crowd is very respectful. It's also near the Square, where there are no other movie theaters (unless you count "adult film"). Maybe it will grow on me.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
If you're a film buff who cares a lot about sound and projection, this may not be your place. It's an older theater with a small screen and long, narrow seating area. No stadium seating with state of the art THX/Dolby/surround sound. But it's not horrible. The seats are in good shape and the floor is not sticky.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
I love the fact that this has a independent feel to it. I thought the price was a bit steep for the actually quality of the picture. I there was a background static to the soundtrack that was a bit distracting. However given the choice I would choose a mom and pop over a corporate theater.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
I love small, independent theaters and try to support them as much as possible, but this place is just awful. The seats are comfortable and clean, but offer so little leg room that it's hard to sit comfortably without propping your legs over the seat in front of you. Seriously. I'm only 5'3 and couldn't even sit comfortably. The screens are less than half the size of most movie theater screens. And, the ticket prices aren't that much cheaper than the Ritz or other local theaters. Even though I only live a few blocks from the Roxy, I would only come back again if there was some movie I was dying to see and a natural disaster wiped out both Old City and West Philly making it impossible to get to The Bridge or The Ritz theaters. Shit, I might even drive to Jersey just to avoid coming back to this place.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (2)
The way I see it; going into any kind of theatre you should know what you're getting yourself into and considering this is an independently owned movie theatre; it isn't going to meet everyone's expectations. As for me, I like it. I went only once and it was a late showing (in the 9:00pm hour) for L.I.E. on Tuesday November 27, 2001. To me, the screen was perfectly sized however I enjoy the bigger screen experience as well but it's the intimacy of the setting that's important to me; I tend to flock to theatres like this. They were also showing Audition (never seen it although I have heard enough things about it) and Bread & Tulips (another film I haven't seen) The seats weren't the most comfortable but considering how great the film is; it didn't really matter. From what I remember of the place; I love how from the outside it looks like an apartment building and that is the only theatre I've seen that looks that way and I've been to many; I'm a film fanatic. The lobby was pretty small and there was only the concession person ringing up the tickets; I loved it! The look inside the auditorium is of one that I will always love; maybe I'm just old school that way; it was a long enough aisle leading up to the screen and a number of seats on either side (quite possibly 130 seats total) It was the second auditorium, which was hidden around the corner from the bathrooms. The intermission music was playing oldies; how cool! As for the people there; it was just me, a friend of mine and two other middle aged men sitting away from each other. I would most definitely go back again; it's just what I have been hearing of Philly lately isn't good so I have avoided that entire city like the plague for the past couple of years.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
The Roxy is a hidden gem in Center City now that all of the older movie theaters downtown have closed. Yes, everything about it is more intimate and smaller--including the seating and the screen size. I think that is the appeal of the theater, because it's never too crowded and the price to see a movie is cheaper than most other places. Sometimes the theater can be so empty on weeknight that it can feel as if you are receiving a private screening (with a few random strangers in attendance as well.) It's a great place to see independent films if you are in the neighborhood and don't want to head down to any of the Ritz theaters Olde City.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
this place is cheap. it is a bit oldschool. definately not my taste. i felt somewhat conned when i purchased my tickets for a movie here and found out they had metal chairs, and a oldschool projector. so i returned my ticket and went to the bridge.
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- Useful (1)
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