Cinefamily

Reviews 16

AN

Andrew Maxwell

If like James Woods in Videodrome, your penchant is to go farther, faster, deeper into your visual media experience, then Cinefamily is your wicked personal smart grid. Its programming is a bold, pagan mix of arthouse, grindhouse, avant-garde, academic, psychotronic, repertory, mumblecore and madness – "other cinema" at its height and depth, with no middle ground or proxy mood stabilization. Granted, its own mise-en-scène can be occasionally dank and DIY, with sometimes janky seats and projection (though with successful fundraising, thats getting better), but its braintrust is full of full-throated, fever-sick cineastes with prows projecting ever toward transcendence, as would befit any lumpy-robed Cult of the White Light adherents. This isnt where you go for stadium seats and perfectly calibrated James Cameron man-cavery – this is where you go to sink low in a sofa, get wobbly, sketched-out, and vision-quested in a private-public sort of way. Youll be among a crowd of bent, curious, somewhat illegible types. But more likely than not, theyll be a lot like you. One of the reasons Los Angeles is livable, despite its unavoidable cruelties. The Cinefamily imagines otherwise.

---

MI

Michael Teoli

I had heard of "The Silent Movie Theatre" ever since I moved to LA over 10 years ago, and had driven by several times. My understanding was they used to play exclusively silent films here, but Cinefamily took over in 2007 and now they play all kinds of films here. Mostly classics, art and cult films. I saw "Q: The Winged Serpent" here and it was a wonderful experience. This isnt going to be a stadium seating, 3D, state-of-the-art experience... this is going to be more nostalgic of the seeing midnight movies in the 1980s... a bit cleaner. But there still is something special about the place. Their programming is awesome as well! Check it out! PS... Upon looking them up again, I guess members of their board were caught up on some sort of sexual assault allegations and they are closed until the end of investigations... YIKES! On a positive note... those folks did resign so they are no longer part of the company, so hopefully this will open back up with new and better ownership. It looks like it will be back up soon.

---

HA

Hanae K

My hidden gem :) I found a great deal on groupon so me and my film-loving date checked it out. The tickets are cheap (for two movies) and its pretty small. The place isnt a fancy movie theater and the seats arefold out chairs unless you show up early for the couch in the front row. I forgot what we watched but it was directed by a famous director years ago. The movie was foreign so there were subtitles. We only watched the first movie then had to leave because it was getting late :( I really love the underground/artistic vibe and i would love to come back and watch some more famous/classic films that I have never heard of. I heard they show scary movie marathons during Halloween, i.e. leprachan.

---

KE

Kevin Murray

The Silent Movie Theater a.k.a. Cinefamily (come on, change the sign already!) is an institution in LA. They program some of the most interesting films, both new and old, that no one here would get to see otherwise. Im not always a fan of their choices but this movie house is desperately needed in a town overrun by industry hype and megaplexes (sorry, Scientologists!). Dont expect a high-end movie experience here, though. Its a classic art house theater with warts and all.

---

CO

Corrie Davidson

I love this historic old cinema - especially its sordid past. Squeeze your way past the ticket window and the snack stand with its popcorn and cupcakes and move into the roomy theatre ringed with photos of old Hollywood celebrities. The premium seats are in the front row on cushy leather couches. The back patio is a lovely slice of heaven amidst the urban sprawl. Perfect for corproate events, private events, film screenings (of course) and a great venue.

---

ZA

Zachary Welch

What a great piece of Los Angeles. Theyre always booking great stuff. Sometimes theyll have events that involve the super cute patio, check those out, if you can its nice out there. They have couches which I think Ill go for next time because they have some of the most uncomfortable seats in town. But the movie was great and the overall experience was nice, so I totally cant wait to go back. Viva CInefamily!

---

KA

Kay Jay

Its a nice theater but really small. I saw some people come in on time but still couldnt find a seat which makes me question why they sold those tickets. Ticket prices seemed a little high but cant complain. The positives are that they show various movies and because of the size of the venue, you could get comfortable quickly and see a movie without crowd disruptions.

---

BI

Billy Shepard

When I lived in LA this was my favorite place in all of California. I havent been since the Cinefamily took over but im glad to see its still in business. I use to go when Lawrence Austin ran the place until he was killed (I even saw his killer a month before). Charlie Lustman turned it into even a better place and I havent been since he sold it.

---

A

A Private User

Dont use DVDs ever please. They sould have noticed that was DVDs but not films at least. I felt like deceived, which I really hate. They made me wait outside to enter, to start the move, and to finish it for a long time for the DVDs eventually. Its ridiculous to set subtitles with the MAIN MENU on a screen. Oh well, it was quite disappointing.

---

NO

Noboru Ito

okay yes the seats are uncomfortable but youre here for the cinematic experiences, right? They have some of the best selection of prints and restorations around. The prices are fair for the films and you can sign up for their membership which is even cheaper. You can also opt for the couch seats which arent that much more expensive.

---

A

A Private User

Easily the most special place in all of Los Angeles. Everything about Cinefamily is epic and awesome. Both the programming and crowd are always great. Their special events and weekends are an experience unlike anything you thought a movie theater could possibly be. Note to owner: Please move to the Bay Area! PLEASE!

---

JO

John S. Chaney

I cant say I was amazed by overall facilities and service provided there but it was OK. Im not form LA, I was stopping by and used some free time I had butsince this isnt my first time to be in Los Angeles, I can say Ive seen even better than this. Still, all in all good place to watch a movie.

---

JE

Jessie Danae

This place is hit or miss, but Ive never regretted coming out to a screening here, for better or worse its always memorable! There no middle ground with what the Cinefamilys screens, which is why I love this theater so much. Take a chance and go see something that looks interesting to you!

---

BE

Beth Oslander

I walked up to the ticket booth with my disabled friend in a wheelchair and asked for a schedule. The girl was rude and told me to look online. She didnt have anything printed to provide, not even something to verbally tell me from her own online resource. Terrible customer service!!!

---

GA

Garland Worley

Nice theater. Stadium seating. Rarely crowded. I dislike that 2 or 3 times a guy walks into the theater with a red flashlight. Its very disruptive and he walks in front of the screen. Always during an important part too. What manager thought that was a great idea?

---

M

M Garcia

Another great place in Los Angeles to see indie movies and other types in a variety of ways. I often go when they present a film in a newly minted 35mm print. What a joy when that happens. A comfortable place to see a movie and other visuals they present here.

---

---

Other organizations