Wife and myself are from Europe and English our second language. As such we sometimes try use automatic machines when we can because our accent very heavy. And sometimes hard to speak and be understood by many. Had a problem with the self purchase ticket kiosk. The manager or asst. manager young woman named Rachel seen us having a problem came over on her own and helped us out. was very helpful and professionally and took the time to explain how to use machine the right way. She listen and help and made us even laugh a few times. Very good young lady. also cinema was very clean and very comfortable food and drinks cost a lot but not more than any other cinema we have frequented in this state Thank you manager Rachel for very good help and the humor. Definitely a good place to see a film. read more

Very disappointed with this experience all together! Were told we couldn't bring in outside food or drink; then right before we walked out we saw an older couple get into a movie with outside food and drink in their hands... and were excepted in. The service wasn't pleasant. You get eye rolls and bad attitudes. We could hear the next movie playing the whole time. The place smelt terrible, definitely not well taken care of. The lights turned on 15 minutes before the movie was over. Next time definitely driving farther for an AMC. If I could give this experience 0 stars I would. read more

GTC Beacon Cinemas - Cinema Near Me - Sumter, South Carolina

Doesn't look like much on the outside however the inside is decent. Prices are what you expect and the place is clean for the most part. Apparently there is a no back-pack rule and that includes diaper bags. While I was giving my order at concession what I assume is a manager (average with slim build black male) told my husband he couldn't bring in a backpack. While my husband was showing him it was a diaper bag another worker (short with large build white male) rudely interrupted and lashed out saying "it's a backpack and can't be in here!". The other patrons voiced their disdain with his behavior and he continued to work with his head down avoiding eye contact. Honestly, the rule regarding a diaper bag is ridiculous and the behavior was unacceptable and disgusting. Truly disappointing to be treated this way and there's no excuse. However, Savannah and Josh were very pleasant and helpful. I would name the other two but they didn't have on name tags only striped shirt and slacks. read more

Cold. I was shivering throughout the movie. Popcorn was extremely buttery, it was almost a weird texture because of it, and it was cold in my opinion. But if you're into that stuff I guess that popcorn is for you. Super expensive food, which is normal for movies but ‍ five dollars for a candy, and 45 dollars for two popcorns and 4 drinks. Overall a good movie experience though, there's speakers all throughout the theater, so depending on what movie you're watching it'll be pretty loud. It's not the worst, but I've been to better. read more

The reviews mentioning how this theater are out of date as well. The theater does in fact accept credit cards, you can purchase tickets online and pickup at a digital kiosk inside, and aside from the fact that we saw a matinee, the ticket prices were very fair and cheaper than anything near me in Charleston. I was in town escaping a hurricane on the coast and ended up here to see Deep Water Horizon during the day. Needless to say, there's not a ton to do in Sumpter so a theater with current films was more than welcome. I figured it would be pretty quiet being that we were there around 3pm and a storm was on it's way it, but I didn't expect to be the only 4 people in a theater that probably seats a few hundred. Didn't have anything really to complain about. We got some popcorn and a water from the concession stand, enjoyed our movie, and headed out afterwards. I'm sure this is the only game in town and compared to newer theaters in larger cities, this one's missing a few bells and whistles, but our group all enjoyed our experience. If we didn't loose power from Hurricane Matthew, we probably would have been back again before we left. read more

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Came here recently with a friend and was so surprised at how clean the theater. I had absolutely no complaints! Getting a ticket was painless and the popcorn was great! (Didn't get overloaded with too much butter). The theater was not too crowded and above all else the movie was just as good as I'd hoped. There were plenty of bright lights when walking to the car after the movie and there was a police officer at the door when we were leaving. Felt super safe.. more safe than some of the Columbia movie theaters I've been to. Definitely coming back soon. read more

For a small town theater, it wasn't bad. The workers were friendly and seemed very helpful. I went with some friends to watch Peter Rabbit. The theater wasn't that packed for a 2:30 showing. Plenty of seats to choose from. It was nice not to have any cell phones being used or anything disruptive. The majority of the kids were well behaved and didn't leave trash around. I only saw my seat in the dark but it looked clean and the floor wasn't sticky. ***Order butter between the layers of popcorn *** read more

Theater was clean and the staff was friendly. We are from out of town and traveling on Christmas. We got to the theater early and went to the restrooms which were clean and fully stocked. We were there for a few minutes before the theater was ready but waited in the lobby. While waiting I had the opportunity to watch several employees offer to help the manager with cleaning the theaters or where they could best be of service. It was nice to see such willingness to be helpful even on Christmas day. The chairs to watch the movie were comfortable for your standard theatre chair. They do not recline but that was perfectly fine. Everyone enjoyed the movie and the theatre. read more

So to start off with nobody turned off the lights the whole time in theater one. The food was absolutely disgusting I got the pizza and the pizza was really cold. The popcorn was also insanely stale. read more

My 1st time back in more than years. The entire moviehouse, theater, bathrooms, and concession stand are extremely clean and well kept. However, there was no heat inside the theater/showing room. There were only 3 people inside at the time. In addition, the movie's volume was n hard to hear. However, the coming attractions were very loud. I appreciate they have a senior rate available. read more

OK, the old Beacon continues to decline. I really hate this as it is the only choice for the ever growing Sumter SC. I went this Sunday to a matinee of the new Rodriguez film (Aleta Battle Angle). Good Movie by the way, but the outside temperature was 46 degrees, and Aleta was shown on screen #7. Only problem here was NO HEAT! I complained one at first and was told they would take care of it, (they did not). At the end of the movie I went to complain again, I was told the heat was not working in screen # 7...?!? "really" Here is a free suggestion..... if the heat is not working in the middle of February DO RUN THAT SHOW!!!! God this ruined what would have been a pretty good movie. My wife wanted to go half way through because she was so cold, I gave her my coat to add to her own...miserable Sumter please entice an AMC, Cenimark, or any modern theater to Sumter.... or at least one with heat!!!! read more

It's funny, I actually thought I had already written this review considering how long I've been in the area but after looking through my own reviews, I realized that wasn't the case. So, onward! "The Beacon" isn't that bad really as far as movie theatres go, but in all honesty I only really use it for a quick flick (ie: no need to go to Columbia that day). Some of the screens are actually pretty small with minimal seating, so it doesn't always have that night at the movies feel to it. Which is funny in a cynical way because it's actually more expensive for a movie ticket at Beacon then the larger/newer cinemas in Columbia. This is why I only go if I'm NOT already going to Columbia... technically the gas price makes up the difference so I "Suck it up". When I do go here, it tends to be the afternoon showings. Past 7 it gets a bit uncomfortable with cops babysitting everyone (worries me about what's happened here before) and annoying as kids/teens randomly jump from cinema to cinema all while having conversations at night club volumes. Clearly manners aren't really instilled in everyone. All that said, the afternoon movies I've seen have been good experiences. No conversations during the movie, service at both the ticket booth and concession stand is friendly and expeditious, and though the selection is limited they still have tasty snacks. For a big night out or group outing, I'll still go to Sandhill or Columbiana, but for a quick little movie afternoon, I'll continue to visit Beacon while I'm in the area. read more

So, this is the first time I've been to this (or any) theater since my last review more than 3 years ago. I don't know why I gave it 4-stars at that time, as it should have been 3. I went today because, for more than a year, I've been dying for the release of The Expendables. I decided to avoid the opening night rush and, instead, went first thing this morning (Saturday) for the matinee (now $7, up from the $6 in my previous review. I almost didn't enjoy the movie because my stomach was getting upset from the smell of the theater and the seats, which was a mixture of wet pets, sick old people, sweat, urine, and who knows what else. The dampness of the grimy seats felt like it was soaking through my shirt... I'm glad that I'm only enticed to attend a theatrical release once every three years, as it gives me ample time to forget the reasons I had for not wanting to come back again. *Previous review* With a small child entertainment opportunities don't provide themselves all that frequently. This is the first time in the 3 years I've lived here that I've been to the Beacon (though I have been to the Carmike once) Cinemas. I caught the Harry Potter 5 matinee which was a reasonable $6 and the snack bar prices were naturally obscene, but I decided to treat myself to a $3.50 box of Skittles. That actually turned into a $4.75 box of Skittles because the theater charges $1.25 to run a debit card. The clerk made no mention of it and I only noticed a small 8pt font sticker on the pad when I was prompted to enter my PIN. Too late now... None of the staff was friendly or helpful, from the ticket booth to the usher to the snack bar folks. The seating was ok, sort of an attempt at stadium seating. The chairs themselves were uncomfortable - I found myself shifting every few minutes - but the arm rests lifted out of the way which helped a little. The theaters were larger than I was expecting. Sound & picture was of decent quality. Overall an ok experience but make sure to bring cash... read more

I always think this theater is very clean and the staff always seems to be working pretty hard. Here are the reasons in where they can improve. Sure it's from corporate, but I'm the summer the theaters are always just a little to hot. If I am going to pay this much to see a first run movie, turn it down to 76 or less. Second when I ask for butter in the middle, I didn't ask for EXTRA butter, just the regular amount spread evenly through the bag. Last time there was so darn much that it left a slick spot in the floor where I say the bag. So happy it was not on my leg! Lastly, they use to turn the lights on to clean before credits where completed but the I think they finally got the idea that some people watch them all the way to the end, for whatever reason, maybe there is someone in the industry you know or there is a scene after them, doesn't matter. I paid for the entire movie. But like I said they have not done this to me in a while, so good job on fixing this behavior. All in all, this is a good place to catch a movie with your sweetie. read more

Very clean theaters and the staff is nice and professional. I really like the layout of most of the theaters! I suggest going early, like during the matinee! Freaks literally come out at night! The cops are all around trying to maintain peace because teens and immature adults come and forget how to act! Talking to each other and the screen during movies and being just plain annoying! A suggestion for the theater... PLEASE get new 3D glasses!! My husband and I went to see "The Jungle Book" and paid extra money to see it in 3D. The entire movie was blurry because the glasses were obviously NOT 3D compatible anymore! Maybe it's the way they are washing them! I was so disappointed and so were other viewers! We complained but they just gave us another pair that didn't work any better! read more

If you go after 7:00 don't forget your ID because they won't allow you to watch a movie no matter the rating. :) went last night and forgot my ID to watch a pg-13 movie and couldn't because I didn't have my ID keep in mind I am 21 years old and was with my girlfriend who HAD her ID. I'll never be back to that theater. read more

It's 2018 but the Beacon is stuck in 2008 with its limited 3D showings. Usually 2x per day. More often than not, at times when kids are getting out of school & others are still at work. Meanwhile, the online showtimes in general almost never match the actual showtimes themselves. If you go to a later showtime, skip popcorn! It will be stale. Finally, the theater itself is dated & disorganized. Often, you'll have to buy tix at the concession stand & it gets crazy backed up. Recommend driving to Columbia or Florence for a better experience. read more

Giving three stars. It has improved so much over the 8 years i have been living in Sumter. One notable improvement was to either fire the old manager, or to tell her to keep her rude, inept presence out of the customer's view. In just one visit to the theater, i saw her yell at 2 different groups of people. Neither of whom I felt were doing wrong.(I have a pretty high standard of how we should act in public). The facility is cleaner than most I've been to here in South Carolina. The staff is clean professional looking and courteous, treating all customers well. That helps the mood of the whole theater. In the evenings the is a police cruiser outside ensuring a safer walk to your car. (Unfortunately the is almost a requirement in Sumter) The theater now takes credit cards and debits, they don't charge customers a fee to use debit cards anymore. Movies are very over priced, but that isn't the theater's fault. (Production companies take most of the revenue as their profit) Candy and popcorn is over priced. This is the way the business makes money. Maybe in the future i would give a higher star rating, provided things stay as the are now, or improve. And I don't see anymore of that horrible manager. read more

The only theater in Sumter. It's a dump. Disgusting. Someone please tear this down and rebuild it. I went and saw a movie on the day they were cleaning the seats. I wanted to barf. The seats had mold and so many food stains. You can't see it because they keep the lights dim. read more

Great date night can't beat the matinee loved time with the wife watching death wish friendly and clean

This theater is a monopoly in Sumter. Anyone that would like to open another theater, I would gladly support with my business. After reading the previous reviews, I have to laugh because prices are now at $9.50 PER ticket. That is flat out RIDICULOUS. There is no dinner and a movie date, it's either dinner OR the movie. I wouldn't give them my money if it were the last theater on earth. Get real. This is flipping Sumter. read more

Expensive, expensive, and did I mention it was expensive?! I will look for other cinemas in Columbia to go to in the future if I feel like seeing a movie. read more

Been living in Sumter for three years. I absolutely love movies but this theater is one of the worst theaters I've ever been too. Way overpriced tickets. Not friendly staff. Always long lines for concessions. Pretty disappointing. The theater is out dated but at least the picture quality is decent. However many times I can hear action movies "thundering" in the comedy I'm watching. If you're planning a date night.....go to Columbia. read more

Overpriced and doesn't offer any type of military or student discount. I also waited for almost 10 min for the ticket person to show up and take my ticket. Whish there was more early movie times also. read more

Went and saw Avengers Endgame last night with friends. WOW! Had an AMAZING experience. Theater packed (first viewing) but crowd was great. We clapped, we cried, we sat in utter silence. The way a movie should make you feel. However, I write this review to give kudos to Beacon theater. Last night I lost my credit card while sitting in one of the chairs it fell out of my pocket. I didn't realize it till I was home. So a little after 10pm I drove back to the theater to see if it was found or under the seat. I went to the guy taking tickets he immediately assisted me, got a flashlight and helped me look for the card under the seats. When we didn't find it he went to the guys who clean the theater after the show and came out of one of the rooms, asked me my name and handed me my credit card. Kudos to the honest kids that work there and that turned it in. Someone could've definitely used it and put some good old charges on it. I had already canceled it but I was glad to have it back in hand to destroy of it properly. Thanks Beacon theater for a great experience! read more

I read the reviews before I went tonight and thought it could not be THAT bad. Boy was I wrong! Stood in line to get snacks only to find out it costs $18.95 for popcorn and two drinks! No way in heck they should be allowed to sell it for that much, highway robbery! I did not get any but decided to take my grandson to dinner after the movie instead. The theatre itself was musty and the handrail was too nasty to use. The volumn wa so loud I had a headache when I left. I was not going to even try the restrooms! The police were posted in numerous places when we were leaving so I guess I'm glad we went to the 5 pm movie. I won't be going back there anytime soon! read more

The staff was extremely helpful and pleasant. That's about the best part of this theater. It needs to be totally steam cleaned and washed. The bars in the theatre you hold onto to get to your seat while are sticky and dirty "YUCK", the ladies bathroom floor needed mopping, dirty. And, the carpets have a musty smell and appear to be dirty. I would think with the over high cost of snacks you are charging you would be able to hire a good company to do a major cleaning. read more

The staff was friendly and the prices were comparable, and in some cases cheaper, than other theatres I've been to. It was clean, including the bathrooms. My only complaint is that the chairs are a little uncomfortable but that's fairly standard. read more

The only REAL theater in Sumter and it is awful. The prices are terrible and the actual theater has poor seating, loud patrons and rude employees. We need a place like "Suds and Cinema"...those theaters are wonderful, don't charge as much and loads of fun! read more

Times posted on the website never match the times at the box office. Don't waste your time...spend some extra gas and drive to Columbia.

Okay. Tonight my brother, 16, and I (21) went to see the 9:45 pm showing of Conjuring 2. We got to the ticket booth and I was buying the tickets. They wouldn't sell me one because he was sixteen, even though I was his sister. However, three days ago my brother, my cousins (18 and 12), and I went to see The Purge: Election Year. We all four bought our tickets separately. They let my 12 year old cousin buy a ticket to a rated R movie ten times worse than the Conjuring 2. Bullshit. read more

Worst movie-going experience ever. We arrived once the lights were low and when we sat down in our seats, my son's girlfriend sat on a bag of popcorn. A drink was in the armrest of my chair , popcorn was at our feet and all around, generally, the place was trashed. As far as the movie, the film was about 6" off to the right, leaving a blue light to the left of the screen for the entire movie. The lower half of the screen was blurry. I have a recommendation for Beacon Theater. Hire an experienced projectionist and some people who don't mind actually working so that people who pay $9 to get into your money-hungry theater actually pay their money's worth. I used to work for a theater in Charleston, SC called The Terrace and I know first hand what it takes to keep the place clean and operating correctly. If I could do it, Beacon can find help that can do it as well. read more

We attended this theater only because it was the closest to the hotel we're staying in. Tickets were only $9.00 I shortly found out why. The screens were small, none hd, limited selections for for snacks, I can go on and on. Only watch movies here if you want to hear crying babies and rude people talking on cell phones and throughout the entire movie. That should have been a great indication when we say an armed policemen in the area! read more

I went today (on Father's Day) to see Superman. You'd think a theater that started showing movies at 1 would be prepared, nope. I was there 15 early to purchase my ticket for the 1:00 viewing. The line was very long because there was only one person selling tickets. I saw the line for concessions and that was long as well. By 1:05 I finally got my movie ticket for the 1:30 movie. I wanted some popcorn, but there were only 2 people working the concessions line. Popcorn was being cooked to order because they didn't have enough. A third girl showed up and her clothes were dirty. I ordered some popcorn. I saw her scoop popcorn seeds with her bare hands. She put it in a scoop added salt and poured it in the popper. That's disgusting! I told her supervisor and he said that's not what they do, but I explained myself again and he questioned her. She admitted it and she had to go wash her hands. The supervisor apologized and thanked me for pointing it out. The girl came back and scooped the bottom of the barrel of the old cold popcorn, than added the new dirty popcorn on top. The time is now 1:35. I walked away and asked for a refund on the popcorn. I waited almost 30mins for some cold old popcorn topped with hot dirty popcorn. Yuck. Would you share popcorn with a stranger that ran their hands through her hair, and touched the floor? Well that's what she did before she touched the popcorn seeds. I could have driven to Columbia or Florence if you add all the time I waited in line. I also could of had a better experience. The town just has poor service. read more

The Beacon is not the greatest theater, not even close. They have really tried to update the place replacing the seating and adding two 3D theaters. Overall I find the place acceptable, but honestly the only reason I don't go elsewhere is because the nearest theater is an hour away.... and this is a fact the Beacon is aware of. read more

Kinda dumpy. Not as clean as it should be. Screens are small. Too warm in the summer and too cold otherwise. Staffed by teenagers who don't give a damn. Cost me $30 to take my wife and two young kids during the afternoon. Not much good to say about the Beacon. read more

Went to see Finding Dory Saturday evening, July 16, 2016. Took two grandkids and their mom. The theater lobby was clean, the bathrooms were clean and the theater itself was clean. In fact, as we walked in a few minutes early, we caught the cleaning guy still sweeping and picking up. Entry fee is as usual high, and if you want a drink or popcorn, bring your bank account. An officer of the law was taking tickets and enforcing the curfew, all kids must be accompanied by parents after a certain time. Staff was friendly, seats were comfy, theater was clean, other patrons behaved themselves. No yelling or talking thru the movie. Ala in all a good time. Would have given 5 stars but for the prices, and apparently that isn't the theater's fault. They gotta pay so you do too. Thumbs UP!! read more

My husband and I went to see a movie last night. I left my cell phone in the cupholder--not even thinking about it. So I get a call this morning from someone who cannot speak english very well telling me that I left my phone there. (we also ate japanese last night so i didnt know where "there" was)... i go to pick up my cell phone and the manager is VERY VERY rude to me. not only did she ANSWER MY phone, she was rude to the person who called me. She said "What? did it fall out of your pocket or something?" i replied back "no, i just forgot it in the cupholder"... and she says "well next time you need to turn it off and put it in your purse"... whats wrong with putting it in the cupholder?? once in a blue moon will i forget my cell phone. im just sorry i forgot it THERE. read more

it is the most entertaining movie theater I've ever goon to so the reviews that were posted before this one u r so rong about beacon that i bet u needed help to see what a nice place it is and that some people cant afford to go read more

Rating this Beacon Theater, two stars is being Nice. Prices are outrageous, $9.50 a ticket. Movies are not even what they used to be. The service is alright, but where do all the polite people work nowadays? read more