It's been a hot minute since I've seen a movie at this location. Honestly, I try to support our…read morelocal independent theaters as much as I can. That said, it was Thanksgiving weekend and Moana 2 was definitely not playing at any of my go-to spots. Enter Marcus Sycamore Cinema. I popped online, easily selected our matinee seats. I liked that we (post pandemic) have assigned seats. So much easier with kids. You don't have to get there a million years early and you can ensure you have an aisle when they inevitably have to go the bathroom at the most important, action packed time. We arrived at the cinema about five minutes early and found no one taking tickets? So we just walked back. This was odd to me. Though it was insanely dark and hard to find the aisle numbers, due to no lighting-- we found our seats fine. The concessions were priced as you'd assume and were tasty. I do love me a super buttery, salty popcorn. The seats and venue itself was well maintained and comfy. No complaints! Bathrooms were nearby and clean. Though, as a slender human, I will say those stalls are even hard for me to navigate. Overall, good bang for buck. No complaints!

I went here to see a movie on a day off from the work training program here in Iowa city…read more This theater is in a dying mall, like many such places around the country. The movie theater itself is fine. The hot dog was made to order and was pretty bad. the bun was cold and chewy. The hot dog tasted terrible. Everything else was fine. The people working here are pleasant and trying. It's not their fault that these kind of theaters, in malls, are dying out with the malls. At least i hot to see my movie.

This is a hidden gem downtown. You literally could walk right by it and never know you had…read more FilmScene is a small, non-profit theater that lives in the pedmall. It shows over 300 feature films a year boasting a two-screen venue and a really cool rooftop. It's a small theater, for sure-- but with the Chauncy being built-- this is JUST the beginning. (I read over 200 seats, and three additional screens will live in the bottom two stories of the high-rise. I can't wait!) The movie going experience is exactly what you want it to be, but never really get anymore. Each theater is small with fabulous sound. There are small couches in the front row, and comfortable chairs in the back. The ads as you wait are silent and not at all gimmicky. All I could think was... the sense of community I felt as I watched. And that is rad. FilmScene boasts vegan popcorn, candy, hot drinks, soda, multiple local brews and wine. (With free refills on large popcorn and large sodas) Also, their membership programs look very reasonable. Between discounted ticket prices, discounter (or free) concessions and even 10% off at a handful of local restaurants. So much is done right. I'll leave you with this final amazing number. My family of four recently attended a kids movie. It was their first film of the day, sure-- but we bought two adult tickets, two kid tickets, a coffee, a large (refillable) popcorn and a water. We spent $21 total. Yes, you read that correctly-- with admission, we spent what you would on a bucket of popcorn at MOST theaters. All I know is, during the summer, their rooftop is open to enjoy a drink pre or post screening. And while I haven't done that, I will sooner than later AND YOU SHOULD TOO.

What can you say about this gem of a theater but has not already been said? Having worked at movie…read moretheaters throughout college I can tell you that the pressure for the big movie theaters to play the biggest movies that will sell out or bring it the largest crowd is, is immense. Those theaters rarely take any kind of risk with a small movie that may or may not be the next Hollywood blockbuster. Honestly, they really are a blockbuster hit but are often really good movies that have a voice which should be heard. That is where Film Scene comes in. It fills the void created by monstrous movie theaters which are more concerned with the quality of their heated reclining seats as opposed to the quality of the movie. Now, you should know, when you go to see a movie at this theater, do not expect super comfortable seats. There are some good seats in the back of the theater but the closer you get to the screen, the worse they are, so be sure you get there early. The concession stand is reasonably priced with a good selection of candy, decent popcorn, and a wonderful selection of beer. I would also highly recommend the rooftop viewing of any movie they show. It is really awesome up there. Get some tickets, grab some popcorn, twizzlers, a cold beer, and enjoy a really good movie lovingly presented by true film lovers.

It was fantastic wasn't messy you can hear the movie it was perfect really good movie theater I…read morerecommend

I haven't went, but I'm new here and looking for a good theater. Truthfully, those fabric seats…read morealone are enough to rate this theater a no go. Unless these are very old pictures. Yuck

Are you a cinephile? Do you enjoy good movies? Do you enjoy seeing movies that don't show at the…read more64-Screen-Multi-Plex? Bijou Cinema is THE ART-HOUSE alternative for you in the IC area. It's really great to have an opportunity to see something other than the main-stream-media-schlepp-fest that you normally find at your big chain theaters, They always have a really interesting selection of movies showing here, and the concessions are dirt cheap too. $1.00 pop-corn $1.00 pop (20 oz. Coke Products) $1.00 candy. The few drawbacks are that sometimes the movie selection isn't the most up-to-date, but, again, you're not going to find the type of movies they show here anywhere-else in Eastern Iowa. Check it out at least once. Also, there isn't much in the way of free parking nearby. There is a paid ramp just to the east of the IMU (Iowa Memorial Union - Which the theater is located inside of), or metered parking on street, and in a small lot just to the south.

The Englert Theatre is an Iowa City treasure…read more I had the pleasure of attending the Nutcracker with my family this past weekend and The Englert Theatre did not disappoint. The theatre is well maintained; it's a cozy space and there isn't a bad seat in the house. Additionally, the staff is passionate and insanely helpful. The Theatre was opened over 100 years ago (1912) by a husband and wife (the Englerts) -- it actually used to be a stable. Mr. Englert passed away in 1920 and it changed ownership (of which ended up running the theatre for 80 years before selling). It almost burned down in 1926 but after a huge amount of fundraising, was rebuilt to its 1920s glory and charm. Eventually, the City of Iowa City was persuaded to purchase the theater and hold it in trust until funds could be raised for a newly formed nonprofit to purchase and renovate the space. In 2004, after an immense amount of fundraising, the Englert returned to the community with its first live performance in over 40 years. Truly, a Downtown Iowa City, gem. The Englert has two huge festivals each year -- Mission Creek and Witching Hour. Beside that you can catch a plethora of different shows throughout the year-- all of which seem to be priced accordingly. I'd probably give this closer to a 4.5 rating, vs 5. I only say that because in my nearly 30 years as an Iowa City resident, I can't say many of the shows have attracted me to attend. Additionally, concessions are limited. I must note: my mother-in-law wasn't insanely thrilled with how handicapped accessible the bathrooms were. (Though there is an elevator and there are wheelchair accessible seating areas on both floors.) Iowa City has a parking problem, so it's not the Englert's fault. I'd recommend the Dubuque Street Parking Ramp. But all in all, how lucky are we to have The Englert live and thrive in Iowa City?

I finally got an inside look at the Englert Theatre while attending the Social Brand Forum and what…read morea regal event space this is! The antique qualities of the building have been well-restored and there's a level of nostalgia to the space that makes me eager to return for future performances. There are certain details that could use updating (like the elevator, oh lordie), but considering this theatre was rescued from becoming condemned and is now run by a community-involved non-profit, it's definitely a space that I look forward to revisiting soon.

I hadn't been to Hancher Auditorium since it was rebuilt-- having been destroyed in the 2008 flood…read moreand reopening in 2016. Well, I can say I finally got to see and experience this updated IC gem this weekend and it does not disappoint. My kiddos got me Mean Girl tickets for Mother's Day last year and alas, it was finally here! The show was dynamite, the venue was gorgeous, acoustics were great and staff were lovely. We got there insanely early, so parking wasn't an issue though I hear closer to showtime it can be! Tickets were priced as you'd expect. Even bathroom lines weren't horrendous, you got in and out no problem. Hancher offers many types of shows, and honestly many don't appeal to me but I appreciate the wide variety they showcase and all of the art they bring to Iowa City! When their new schedule comes out each year I am always sure to take a look, in hopes something catches my eye. I can't wait for my next time enjoying a show at Hancher!

Sierra Ferrell was my first experience at Hancher, but it was a great first impression. I arrived…read morereally early (2pm lol) not knowing what to expect, had an easy enough time parking in Lot 55, and headed inside to get my free shirt from the box office staff. Then headed out to the green, got official tour merch, and chatted with Greg, a veteran UIowa event staffer holding it down on the lawn. (He was fantastic, big shoutout Greg!) After sound check, we staked out a great spot for our group, but plenty of people had gotten there well ahead of us and some had even put blankets at the rail! The crowd was pretty navigable, even as it filled in and got dark. I think they could've had the sound louder, but it sounded good. We did spend entirely too long in the food truck line for them to run out. This happened truck by truck leaving many unsatisfied and jumping ship even before trucks closed. And only 5 portapotties were provided for an anticipated crowd of 5000-7000 folks? I ran back inside instead. As with any venue, we waited in the parking lot at least an hour before attempting to even back out of our spots because of the traffic getting out of the lot. Overall a good experience though they seemed unprepared for the impressive crowd.

I'm a sucker for art co-ops and architecture and design stores, of which Akar is one. It's located…read morejust off Downtown Iowa City, and to my surprise, my review is one of the first in at least a couple of years. And after COVID, it's nice to see that Akar is still standing. Akar has strong ceramics selections, some nice pens, and a whole bunch of interesting tchotchkes. The store is well laid out, displayed, and curated. It's one of those place that you need to visit a couple times to appreciate the merchandise layers. That also helped with my tendency to wander and only be struck by 1 or 2 things at a time.

The unique pottery is enough in itself to have me coming back again and again. It is displayed in…read moresuch a way that makes you feel as though you are in an art museum yet able to pick something up and buy it. The rest of the store has fun items, jewelry, seasonal decor, kids items, and more, but the pottery area stands out. Great little gem in Iowa City.

I take my daughter to dance at Nolte Academy of Dance in Coralville, Iowa. She has taken ballet and…read morecurrently takes jazz at Nolte and has been very happy with her experiences and with her overall learning of dance there. The building is large and spacious inside, with windows lining many of the dance classrooms. Parking is great as well. Affordable dance classes with lots of different times available for different needs with availability. I definitely recommend Nolte Academy of Dance to all.

Head over heals in love with Nolte dance. The Children's Dance 1 teachers work a special kind of…read moremagic with all the toddlers. Everything is perfect ... the facility, the staff, the Philosophy. It's been so wonderful for our family to be a part of the Nolte Family.