Back again at the Carlton Imagine Cinemas! It's still $5 Tuesday movies (ignore the building poster advertising $7, it's old) and concession is still discounted as well. We got cinema 7 this time, it's near the back, and one of the smaller theatres. Likely due to the nature of the movie being more drama, the audience was way less messy than last time. For smaller theatres like these, it feels like rows 6 - 10 are the ideal spots to be close enough without craning the neck. Will be back again soon! read more

This cinema took me back in time to the 80s when the movie theaters were smaller and less grandiose. It felt like a small family business with all the current movies playing. They have sell serve kiosks and the movie theaters are smaller but comfortable and do have reclining seats. The snack bar is small but has all the usual suspects snack wise. It's walking distance from many of the major hotels nearby and after a hot day of walking around we just wanted to sit and relax. read more

This is the best theater. It has power seats. They're leather and recline. I don't know why you would go anywhere else? Also I don't like a lot of popcorn and they let me get the kids meal. The perfect amount of food. For me at least. read more

*Please read*IF U WANT LUXURY RECLINERs which the other imagine cinema location has, NO THEY DONT HAVE IT AND IF THATS WHAT U WAnT U SHOULD GO TO MARKET SQUARE ONE. Reason why I used all caps is because, this was my first time there and I have only been to market square location. I checked the reviews and people all said they have SUPER COMFY SEATs. I'm more than shocked when I sat down, since not only it is not a recliner, it does not move or recline at all. It's like THE LEAST COMFY seat I have ever sat on in any toronto Cinema. My neck hurts soooo much after 10 mins. It's cheap, the staff is nice, but which kind of cinema doesn't turn off their lights completely...... especially for scary movie.......... read more

one of the worst movie experiences ever with any theatre in my life. came here for a documentary screening, nothing was really organized until 10 minutes before the show, we were sequestered to the single theater to the left right beside the food stand. this was not a good experience what so ever, all of the seats are one way, in the aspect that you can only get into the seating on one side, the other side stops against the wall, isn't this a fire hazard? in any event, the movie started 20 minutes late, the coordinator of the documentary took a photo of us, that i still haven't seen released some two months later. the film quality was great, but the film stopped at the 45 minute mark and we were left without the movie for five minutes, the movie started up again,they took the liberty of rewinding the movie back a minute from where it stopped, and then like clockwork, the movie stopped for a second time, two minutes later, the movie starts back up, but not where the movie had cut, so all i could think about for the rest of the movie is "hey, what part did we miss out on". so the movie finished and we had a hard time getting out of our seats because the theatre was completely packed. the part that still bothers me about this situation is that no one, not a single person came in to apologize whatsoever, not during this situation, or afterwords as well. i would be very hard pressed to come back to this theatre under any circumsances just based on this experience alone, extreme lack of customer service and damage control for this situation was pathetic at best, i thought maybe i would have gotten an email or phone call later about it but nothing, if this has been the case where this theatre operates like this, i cant help but question why and how they are still in business. transit options are college ttc subway station and the 506 college streetcar, both options come with a bit of a walk, as this is down on college away from both the station and the surface stop. parking is in the area, but it would be above or below private lots with a bit of a walk. i hate movie theatres to begin with, but this didn't help my opinion on them whatsoever. read more

Imagine Cinemas - Cinema Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Came here to see Rogue One. Got a Groupon which meant that for $20 we got two tickets , two drinks and two medium popcorns. The theatre is old old school, no 3d and no thrills but that is just what I want. I don't really like 3d or fancy concessions. Seems like they serve beer though. read more

A good theatre right downtown close to College subway station. The price is great and the movie selection is generally good. My one complaint is that the staff are impatient and as soon as the end credits start rolling they stand at the back with a broom and dust pan coughing and muttering until all of the customers leave the auditorium. In general The Carlton is a great little theatre but the staff needs to learn basic politeness. read more

This is really charming movie theatre ! Enter, tickets to the right, piano to the left, concession to the back. Simple. I went for $5 Tuesday, and I suggest you go at least half an hour before your movie starts to snag seats, especially if you're a group-- it fills up! Some tips? *You can purchase tickets where they sell popcorn. *They serve liquor. Bahahaha. *Street parking right in front of the theatre allowed after 6:30pm at $3 every hour. (I did not know this and parked at Bay and College for a flat rate of $6, which is not bad either for downtown.) read more

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I got a gift card for this place as a Christmas present so decided to watch "The Interview" here. If you're going to watch a movie, see if it's playing here as ticket prices are so much cheaper than Cineplex. The items sold at the concession stand are a lot cheaper as well. Staff here seem to be people who are interested in movies and not high schoolers in need of a part-time job. The place is clean with comfortable seats and small theatres (you can sit anywhere and watch movies comfortably). I like the location as well as it's literally ten steps from College Station. Good for: movies read more

Purchased 2 groupons for this movie theatre because it happened to be very convenient. They're located right off College subway station. You can more or less get the same deal without purchasing the Groupon. We got 2 movie tickets, 1 large popcorn, 2 medium drinks and 2 chocolate bars for $20. That's a whole lotta bang for you buck. Unfortunately, Groupon service can be inconsistent and we weren't allowed to substitute slushies for drinks, even though they cost less and I did it the first time we came. Student pricing is $7 and Tuesdays are for $5. It's much cheaper than the regular theatre giants like Cineplex or Empire theatres, but you end up losing in quality. The theatres are small and may smell musty. They can get quite busy on the Friday night shows, so try to come a bit early if you want good seats. I understand it's a smaller place so they can't offer as many movies, but their selection is quite limited. They weren't playing some really popular movies like Imitation Game or 50 shades of Grey. read more

Honestly I love this theatre. I come here all the time whether it's on my day off or after work. They have super reasonable prices. On tuesdays it's even 5$. Take in, you can get a ticket, a popcorn and a drink for 12-14$! They even have specials for students on Mondays and Wednesday's. And if you go on a regular day it's a 10$ ticket which is still a good price. The staff is really nice and helpful and the popcorn is good. They don't have real butter but they have an alcohol license so you could get a vodka slushie and forget about the fake butter. They play blockbuster, indie, and classic movies. It's such a wide variety that you have to keep updated with their Facebook page so you don't miss any cool screenings. I guess the only thing that people would say isn't great about this place is the seats and the actual size of the theatres. Which, in my opinion aren't the worst seats. And I enjoy the smaller theatre experience. It's one of those situations where you get what you pay for. They lack in comfort but they make up for in every other aspect of running a movie theatre. read more

This was my first time coming here, and hopefully it won't be my last. Went to see The Interview with two of my cousins and we all had a great time. The theatre had waiting tables and benches, plus there was a piano that a guy was playing at (he was really good). The bathrooms, were small but clean and well maintained. But I have to say the best part was the snacks we got! 1 large butter popcorn 2 large candies (sour patch and Peanut Glossets !! Which they hardly have in franchise theatre's anymore, so I was excited about that) 1 nacho combo that comes with Beer! AND we got a margarita slushie And a vodka swirl slushie!! (all for a total of 42$ which may sound like a lot but going to a silvercity it's like 35$ for just a regular combo, here we got alcohol!) This Carleton's theatre had a Bar! And considering we were going to see a Seth Rogen and James Franco movie it was well appreciated The only thing is, the actual movie screens are smaller than your average cineplex theatre and the floor is all one level (so if there is someone sitting in front of you, be where because you will most likely have a blocked view) where as other theatres have their seats on a slanted floor. Honestly, I didn't know this about the place, but it didn't really bother me, we sat closer up front and there was a 1 couple in front of us so it was totally fine. Overall, the staff were friendly, cheap ticket prices, great snack/drink selection, and clean and we'll maintained bathrooms. This place is not your average franchise movie place, it's different with a lot of character and cool selections. I would recommend coming to this place for sure. And I will be back read more

Imagine Cinemas - All our snacks for the movie! 1 large popcorn 2 large candies 1 nacho and Beer Combo 1 tequila margarita slushie, vodka slushie - Cinema Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I love this little theatre - so much character, no pretence, very friendly staff. Walking in feels like you are being transported to a small town community theatre despite being located in downtown Toronto. $5 on Tuesday's, can't get better than this deal. However, be warned that this is a small theatre and some screens are more like home theatre sized screens - don't come here for something you want to see on a giant screen. The best part is that they sell alcohol drinks in combos that come with snacks! Tip - you get a free movie on your birthday with proof of ID! read more

I had to give five stars because this place has a lot going for it despite not being a traditional 5-star destination. By that, I mean that there's nothing fancy here as far as amenities go. However, this theatre boasts a comfortable, community-driven feeling (in the heart of downtown!) and is just what some people desire over the Big Box (big price) of larger chain theatres. The screens here aren't the biggest, creating an intimate viewing experience, but I have no complaints on image quality. The seating isn't the best - tall people in front can be more problematic without stadium style seating (which has become the norm in newer cinemas). The staff friendliness, great film selection, lower prices, and the old time movie-going vibe are what make this place a stand out from the pack. Arrive early and listen to a guy on piano play for a lobby buzzing before show time. It's like discovering a new favourite food, at an unassuming diner. They serve up the classic night out, with a slice of love. read more

Saw a cheapy, 5 dollar movie here last night and loved the experience! Carlton Cinemas has a homey feel to it. It's not just pimply teenagers, it's people that genuinely like movies! Well, who knows? But it sure seems that way. Lots of smiles. For six dollars you can get a mini combo which is a small popcorn, a small drink and twizzlers. Who needs more than that?? Not me. As a matter of fact, I shared this with a friend and we were both satisfied. Pretty standard fare. I never really take in or reflect on anything past the movie itself when seeing a movie but this place forced me to. Even the guy taking the tickets just stole my heart, a quieter, happy-go-lucky Seth Rogan who will point you to your theatre. The theatres are tiny compared to what I usually see but no one was squished and the seats were comfortable. If you want to catch up on your films before the Oscars, this is the place to do it. read more

In an age of rising movie prices, one cinema stands firm to provide movie goers with the affordable experience of classy movie watching! $5 movies all day on Tuesdays. Completely worth it! The audio and visual quality is lacking and the concession stand could do with reduced pricing. But the seats are comfy and I would seriously consider Carlton Cinemas for anything that does not involve any special effects shots because for a more entertaining movie with epic scenes I would still choose AMC or Scotia over this. One should note that the washrooms are also a bit of a walk since they are on the other side of the concession stand. Over the past few months, I've noticed a dip in quality in movies playing at Cumberland which I used to associate with top notch movie selections, but at the same time Carlton seemed to have upped it's ante and has provided me with some very good movies not playing anywhere else. The staff here are wonderful and the crowd (or the lack thereof) is for the most part very well "behaved". On most screenings, there have probably been less than 10 people apart from me. read more

What a great theatre experience. Not in a visually stunning way, but in a old-fashioned fun and clean way. Since the renovations, the prices per flick haven't changed. $7.50 matinees before 5PM and $7.00 for students. The layout is more spacious and a bit more modern now but still feels dated. Small-town feel, old school snack bar, noticeably small screens but with super comfortable seats. The best part of it all is that it's a more personal movie experience. You're watching with a much smaller audience and you do hear yourself laughing. You're view isn't obstructed by someone with a garden hat nor do you have to worry about the availability of a decent seat. Forget leaving a jacket, your hat, an umbrella, your wallet and your pants to "reserve" seats for your friends, none of that is needed. I sat with my legs through the arm rests of the empty row in front. Luxury! Don't assume that the movie selection is poor. It's really not and at this price point, it's impressive. In fact at this price, it's O.K. to gamble on a movie you're not too sure about watching because in the end, it was only $7.00. Guilt free entertainment. That being said, I would opt out to Scotia bank or Varsity for action/3-D movies. Everything in between, I choose you Carlton Cinemas! read more

We went last night to catch a little known indie film, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes", and had a rather great time. Sure the theatre is small, but it's absolutely charming! Almost as charming as that monkey* up on the screen. * Spoiler: "He's an ape!" (see below) I'm not sure how common this is, but there was a trio playing live tunes with the piano in the lounge area. That was our first impression: Live lounge music, at a movie theatre, in 2011, in Toronto. WHAAA??? Yes! Anyway, the screen was about 1/8 the size of the ginormous Cineplex screens... which, as I now realize, I actually prefer. The volume didn't make my ears bleed (which, surprise surprise, I actually prefer). The seats were maybe a bit cramped for my liking, but I'm rather tall, so I've long since reconciled myself to squeezing into hobbit-spaces. Two anecdotes stuck with me after the night: 1) A couple comes in shortly after us, and the girl loudly declares, "oh my god, this is soooo tiny, I wouldn't be caught dead here if the tickets weren't free!". I held my tongue. Her beau looked like he wanted to crawl into a hole (alone) and die. I mean, talk about spoiled tool of a girl. I took solace in the fact I'm not a stuck up prissy bitch and this made me feel good about myself. 2) Family sits down next to us. Father (in his 40s) is a talker. I mean, seriously, he talked constantly. He made such luminous observations as "wow, those are tall!" (concerning redwood trees), "so beautiful!" x3 (concerning redwood trees), and "he's gonna climb 'em!" x2 (concerning an ape and, you guessed it, redwood trees). I convinced myself he was a toddler-aged talking-monkey and it actually enhanced my viewing experience. He was filled with such gleeful innocence! Would I have experienced either of these things at a Cineplex or Famous Players? Nope. #1 would have been pleased at the sheer magnitude of a theatre built juuuuuuust for her; and #2 would have been drowned out by the ear-bleeding awesomeness of the surround sound. So, to (Magic Lantern) Carlton Cinemas: Thank You! read more

Come on a Tuesday and you'll be paying way less than most of the theatres in Toronto. The seats are not very comfy and rather squeaky but man, it's cheap. I've been there quite a few times on both Tuesdays and weekends. You can skip the line up at the ticket booth by ordering online. Some bonus perks: 1. You can play the piano at the lobby 2. Watch someone play the piano 3. Large drink comes with a free refill (but how many pop can you really drink) 4. Staff are awesome!!! read more

Sure, Carlton Cinemas might be nothing super fancy, but it is still a great cinema, with good movie selection, friendly staff, and excellent prices! On a regular day, movies here are $7, and on Tuesdays there are a mere $5! While the screens might not be huge, and there is no "stadium" style seating, if you're not watching an action movie, it really isn't necessary. The added bonus of Carlton Cinema is that the staff seem really friendly. When you go to a big cinema such as AMC and Scotiabank, there is so much turn over and the staff are so young - that they are often just kind of...useless. But not the case at Carlton! Though I haven't been too many times, I could tell the staff were knowledgeable, and they were extremely friendly. I definitely recommend checking out this theatre if you're not so into the special effects. Definitely worth your $7! read more

Love Carlton! I'd like to think of this place as bloor cinema meets amc or something. They show alot of indie movies + they get the huge blockbusters (albeit late, but who cares) In the same fashion of Rainbow (it's sister company) the food sucks, but its part of the experience. I come here to get my art house fix when I want to pretend to be indie/hipster/artsy. Last movie I saw here was Shame with Michael Fassbender, except I didnt really think the movie was that great. Oh right. That's why I'm not Indie/Hipster/Artsy. Anyways. Great place. Cheap as fuck. Great if you don't wanna go to Market Square. Sushi is like next door. Also across the street. read more

You already know that this isn't an IMAX theatre. That's not why you're going. The screens are small and there is no 3-D but that's no problem at all. It costs $6 for a ticket ($5 on Tuesdays). They have a mix of art house movies and blockbusters. Sometimes someone takes to the piano in the lobby and you get a little performance just before or just after your film. The staff is friendly and it feels like you're going to the movies. I love this place and will keep going back. read more

The price is right here! Movies are 5 dollars here on Tuesdays! CAN'T GO WRONG. And this place is SO ADORABLE. The theatre is smaller but so cozy. I really feel like I'm getting a unique and different experience when I come here. AND...there's a piano in the lobby! How cool is that? This is by far my favorite cinema because its different and the staff are super great. The popcorn is also better here which is important. Popcorn is a MUST with a movie. I LOVE THIS PLACE! read more

I went to the Carlton as today was the final closing day. The nostalgia of it had me in there watching Good Hair. There weren't many people in the theatre but there was a camaraderie at laughing together in this quaint venue that wouldn't be much longer. I kept feeling a little sad as the movie drew to a close, knowing this was my last experience. It really was a good theatre. The prices were decent and, like Kat F., I usually saw two movies for the price of one. After the movie, a lot of people were in the lobby looking at pics on the wall and I got swept up in it too. The black and white pics of movie stills made me linger a lot longer afterwards. Carlton always felt like that comfy, "Toronto's own" theatre. I loved the intimacy of it and will miss it dearly. Farewell Carlton! read more

I like this small cinema! The price is reasonable and there's unlimited popcorn :) Sometimes they have Groupons which make for a nice cheap date option. Usually you buy your ticket at the concession. It does get busy on Tuesdays, just come earlier for seats. As with any small cinema, the rooms are quite narrow and the incline of the rows is not a lot. I am short and during one time when a tall person sat in front of me, I was craning my head the entire movie. They also have show new releases which is awesome! You can check out their movie schedules on their website. read more

This theatre has so much character and the friendliest staff and service. It may not have fancy seats but it's a special experience. Great for events, parties and screenings! read more

Great little theater. I love the selection of movies that they show, in particular their selection of foreign films and indie films (the ones typically shown at film festivals). The best day to come is on Tuesdays because all day the shows are $5. My small popcorn with butter that I bought was $4....almost the price of my ticket. I'd say it's an amazing deal that you just can't beat. Note that even if you don't come on Tuesdays the shows are still ridiculously cheap compared to Cineplex. - My guess is because the screens and theater rooms are smaller. If you're downtown, then go treat yourself to a movie. It's a great experience for just $5. read more

The Carleton, one of my favourites. How civilized to be able to buy a beer with your movie. I was out of luck today though, because I saw a 'kids' movie, they refused me my Mill Street Tank House. The movie was 'Inside Out', an enjoyable movie but not a kid in sight. I must remember next time to sneak a can in with me. (Shhh, don't tell anybody). Otherwise, The Carleton is as good as most reviewers say. Cheap and close to the College Subway station to make a quick getaway. read more

Carlton cinema lays on the charm, watch out or you just might fall in love. Arrive on a Friday evening and you'll be greeted by a live pianist, playing movie theme adaptations for your pleasure as you wait for your showtime. Don't even think about dropping a fortune on popcorn; Carlton makes sure you'll still have some change left for the TTC with their pre-millennium prices. They'll even remind you that a large comes with a refill so you can share with wild abandon even though it's still unlikely that you'd require a top-up. Sure, the screens may be a little smaller, maybe even a tad fuzzy (compared to HD) but the service offers a warm and comforting movie-going experience that I have yet to find anywhere else. If you're not yet convinced, try $5 Tuesdays! read more

This is a much nicer/less bustling with blockbustery crowds location of the small chain cinema (Magic Lantern/Rainbow) that is down on Front. As it's all been recently refurbished there's not too much to disparage as far as the facilities go - plenty of room to loiter in the lobby, a decent snack bar, and the cinemas are well-kept. (The seats aren't super-fantastic, and some of the cinemas are small but that's a small niggle). I like the mix of smaller releases/foreign films/documentaries they play here - there's occasionally a bigger action/drama thrown in, but the general list of titles means you can catch something a little more out of the ordinary. Other nice things: cheap tix (you'll save a good few dollars compared to AMC/Cineplex), super close to TTC (College Station and College Streetcar) and a stone's throw from a whole bunch of eateries in the Yonge/College and Church area. Shine on, you crazy Magic Lantern. read more

This isn't quite as fancy as some places but I'm a fan because the price is right, it's always clean, and they screen exclusive titles here too. I'm impressed by how comfy the seats are here - definitely on par with the Yonge AMC theater just a few blocks away. Check out the free art shows and occasional live music in the lobby if you're waiting for staff to clean out your theater before the show! read more

First and foremost, I like to support my local movie houses. Yes, The Carlton is part of and owned by Magic Lantern Theatres, which is based in Edmonton, so although they are not true-blood local, they very much act like one. How? Well, price-wise they are very inexpensive in case you just want to get out of the house, specially on Tuesdays. True their screens are smaller in comparison to the now state of the art ScotiaBank or Colossus theaters. Heck, at the Carlton, at least one of the smallest screens are run via DVD player. Where the so-called projectionist is literally one of the staff who comes down to the front(!), opens a door behind the screen(!!) and presses play. Ghetto-liscious! But here is the most important thing, the selection you will find at the Carlton is always excellent. A lot of art house and foreign films that only a few other Toronto theater's show. The place although modest, welcoming and there is something to be said when you meet and see people who may also enjoy your slightly cooky if avant garde (for Toronto) taste in movies. The confectionery and pop-corn is only a mild rip-off in comparison to the 'we'll-also-be-taking-your first-born' prices your will find at other movie theaters in Toronto, so it is acceptable, by comparison. Besides it would be a shame if this movie house went out of business. Also, they have an old if a tinsy-bit out of tune upright piano which if you know how to play they will be more than willing to allow you to add a bit of music to the place. Which I do. Every time I go. It is a great place for a fifth or sixth date since there are also a lot of nearby restaurants to pick. From Japanese to Italian to just a drink. I recommend it. read more

So my sister took me here a few weeks ago. Although I had been before, I was still pleasantly surprised with the night. We went to see the Vow (With Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams and it was great.... because I am obsessed with rom coms!) and we walked in to a bit of a line. But this is because the ticket booth was closed, and they were selling tickets at the refreshment counter. The only problem was with everyone paying debit, it slowed down the one cashier. But no biggie, we arrived early ;) After we purchased tickets we went into the theatre. It was a pleasant surprise to walk into a theatre (the movie had only been out a week) and be able to have our pick of seats. Everyone was comfortably spread out in the theatre. No one sitting directly beside you to laugh at your ridiculous and excessive tears (and occasional quiet sob). It was quite nice to be able to whisper to your neighbour without a shush or cut eye stare through the dark. Haha! The only awkward thing was when getting up to leave, if you leave before the credits are done, some people who sit through it get annoyed because you need to stand up in the way, and the slope of the theatre is quite gradual that you block the screen. We went to the washroom after the theatre and that is when I heard the piano! Brilliant! It was so lovely. I had never heard that in a theatre before, and I have been to older ones in the past. If you like a place with the popular movies, but less people, this is the place for you. Escaping Varsity and Scotiabank for a night was well worth it! read more

This is a good theatre when it's not busy. It's $4 cheaper than a normal movie theatre and if very few people are in your theatre, you should be able to see well. If it's busy, I can imagine it would be difficult to see since the seats are not on a big slope like they would be at any Cineplex theatre. We went on a Wednesday night and there were four other people in the theatre, so we were able to see perfectly. read more

When I was a kid, there was a theatre near my house that we used to go to ALL THE TIME. In particular, I remember my dad taking me to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and having the best time EVER. The theatre eventually shut down, and now all they play is Bollywood films. But, whatever. If I want that old movie theatre feel, I can just go to the Carlton. When I walk into the Carlton, I feel the years fall off me, I hear the TMNT theme song...just kidding. This theatre is OLD. They don't renovate, they keep it clean but that's about it. Even their debit machines are ghetto. But who cares, because there's no other theatre in the downtown core where you'll get the same collection of films. And the admission price is a little cheaper. Hey, I'll take what I can get. Luckily I was never one of the Ryerson kids who got stuck having a theatre at the Carlton as a classroom. If I did, I'm not sure I'd like it as much. read more

Other Yelpers have made it clear enough, but I figured I shall reiterate their point again, in honour of today (Tuesday)... $$$ FIVE DOLLA TUESDAYS TODAY $$$ Beyond that, I would recommend this to people who like to support small-time, non-giant corporations and like to avoid crowds (me). I used to enjoy watching independent films and rare-to-find documentaries - they used to have more of those, but nowadays it seems their repertoire has become the standard Blockbusters as well. I do enjoy the cheaper admission, although as a very occasional movie-goer, I sometimes long for the big screen if I actually do step out for one. Definitely worth it for a $5 Tuesday date though ;) Plus, it's just down the street from me, how can I resist? read more

An awesome "small" movie theatre in the heart of downtown. We came here to check out the film "Maggie", it was originally supposed to be released during TIFF last year. The service was great, personable and friendly. The theatre was small and intimate, but clean. Great experience, will return again for other independent movies. read more

Probably my favourite cinema in Toronto (and I've been to a lot). The staff is super friendly, they serve alcohol, tickets & food are cheap, and they play indie movies on top of blockbusters - I have zero reason to go anywhere else! read more

Thank God for the Carlton. If a vaguely independent film that gets festival accolades, or a foreign film Oscar winner (or runner-up for that matter), the big theatres won't touch it, in order to bring you the latest big feature starring Jack Black in some form of spandex unitard. You could also wait for the likes of the repertory cinemas to get hold of them, but distribution channels being what they are, and scheduling being what it is, you can count on the Carlton to bring you the stuff that isn't mainstream fast. With a clutch of small screens in small theatres, you aren't there for the huge expansive theatre experience. You get a pared-down version of the movie experience, but indeed you get to see your independent film fast. Note that the some of the theatres are small. Like really small. Like you'll feel like you're in someone's living room watching the movie in some cases. But that's a small price to pay for being able to see good yet uncommon films in a theatre and not have to wait for DVDs to be released or reps to get their hands on them. read more

In my head, Carleton Cinemas is very much like the second run cinemas (the Bloor, the Revue, etc) in Toronto, but they are not a second run cinema. While they never play classics or even just old fun movies, Carleton Cinemas does have an always rotating line up of new movies. The great thing about the Carleton is that it's the only provider of independent films in the area. While it's not the best purveyor of such things, it certainly does a decent job, and more importantly it's the only one doing this job. The AMC doesn't play anything remotely independent, and the while the Varsity does do a good job of playing indie films, they don't always have the same selection that Carleton offers. read more