Great films with reasonable prices, good seating in a charming, funky theatre! Although not closely, I hop the TTC and go. Never disappointed! read more

The food and drinks are okay (cheaper $ than cineplex), and I don't think the facility has been updated in decades. But maybe it's the nostalgia? The eery feeling of this outdated theatre just somehow amplifies the watching experience of whatever B-Movie is being shown. I still have yet to come see their special Friday/Saturday night 35MM shows. Sadly missed out on the Indiana Jones anniversary showing. Love it or hate it, this theatre is an experience and a solid option for your next date night. read more

Awesome old school theatre. Seats were super comfortable, screen size was fantastic, sound was excellent, even the popcorn was good! Sure it has seen better days, the ceiling looked like it needed work, but the air was good. Working theatres like this are rare and deserve respect - and attendance! Where is the community support for this facility?!? read more

If you can believe this, do NOT go see a movie in this theatre in the winter because you're going to be sitting in a refrigerator. Barely any heat. When I told the owner/manager, he said sit beside the heat vent. I was sitting beside the heat vent. His cashier offered us a refund and then he went back on that and said no refunds! Sit beside the heating vent or leave! We left. Joke. If the place looks like a run down dump, smells like a mouldy basement and it's freezing, that's because it is. Never been there before, and won't be back. Good luck bro. read more

I love old theatres but this one definitely needs a huge upgrade. Don't let the outside/lobby fool you. It's charming, but once you go inside, you'll be hit with a basement/gross washroom smell. The regular popcorn also goes for $7 - not cheap but I guess that's how they keep the theatre running. Unfortunately, as the first ones in... my boyfriend spotted a mouse. That eventually made us look all everything else - the ruined walls, the random areas of storage (covered with tarp), the vent on the floor in the middle of the theatre... we didn't take off our jackets and sat with our feet up the whole time. I wouldn't return. read more

Kingsway Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Great little theater good for a quiet little date when you don't mind some old movies and don't want the crowd from a big box store. I watched a movie (almost a short film) that's not even available at Cineplex. The theater I was in only had 28 seats available and on a holiday (Family Day) it was not even full. There are other rooms of course with larger screens and more seats but the small theater was surprisingly comfy. The audio and visual cannot be compared with Cineplex but you get what you paid for. The good thing is, they serve alcohol (beer, wine etc.) and you're allowed to bring it into the theater. If you compare the price of that and the Cineplex VIP, you're definitely gaining there. I see that people gave this place a low grade because of multiple horrible experiences with the owner. I personally did not get the honour to meet the person so I can't speak for it and thus my review does not reflect on it. Overall, it's a nice little place to spend some quality time with a date so I'd definitely come back. There is meter parking just across the street. read more

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I've only gone to this theatre once, because it was the only one still showing a movie I had really wanted to see with friends. We checked prices of food and drinks online, which were one price, but when you got there, the price of food was more than doubled. ($8 for nachos online, $18 when you got there). I hadn't noticed the price difference when I ordered as the menu on the screen changed too fast for me to properly register. The seats in the upstairs theatre room are terrible. Every time I moved let out a bad creak, and I was worried I was breaking the seats. I also have a bad back, and by the end of the movie, I almost couldn't bear how bad the pain was due to these seats. I didn't have any issues with sound quality, beyond it being not as crisp as most other theatres. Also, the quality of the food was disappointing. The popcorn felt like it was made early in the day, and had been sitting, and the nachos were almost inedible. The sour cream and cheese tasted off. Had the flavour of melted cheese slices with a bit of burnt edges (the edge of the container had over cooked bits). The salsa was also not great. I don't recommend going, unless you really want to see a certain movie and it's not playing anywhere else. If you have any sort of pain issue when it comes to joints or back, don't go. It's not disability friendly. read more

Dear Kingsway, We were looking forward to seeing a movie and with a few extra minutes, bought a coffee across the street. Upon arrival, the woman attendant informed us in an abrupt fashion that we would have to finish our drinks prior to buying tickets and then very quickly followed up with more abrupt information about doing so outside ( it's winter ). When I commented that her language and demeanor was militant-like, we moved past some other patrons that commented on her also. This was apparently less than satisfactory for the woman and she quite promptly decided to escort us out. We/I was quite surprised that an attendant who represents the business would take such a harsh approach. For future patrons, I recommend not taking anything from the outside world into Kingsway Theatre, and perhaps some people management and communication skills training is in order. read more

Terrific old marquee.. Numerous fond memories from the 90's and on... Recent upgrades (sound, picture) are appreciated, the size has been diminished; doesn't have that big/spacious feel anymore (went to see BAD GRANDPA recently). If you go; don't sit on the side with the humongous hanging heater; near back on right side when you enter; kids and i had to move, couldn't hear dialogue over the 'annoyance' and loudness of this monster.. I would return and hope others do as well; special for a city to retain it's REP theatres.. Long live the KINGSWAY! read more

Good grief!! Even if you are desperate to see a movie do yourself a huge favour and avoid this theatre. We waited outside in the cold for almost an hour and when we got closer to the cashier to buy a ticket we realized that there was only one person selling tickets and food at the same time and this was the reason that the line moved excruciatingly slow. The manager kept announcing that they would not start the film until everyone was seated. I felt bad for those who had bought a ticket in advance meaning that they would wait in their seats for at least an hour. The gentleman in front of me complained to the manager about the long wait and the manager was rude to him and started yelling at him and even charged at him. I was shocked!! The man and his girlfriend then left. The manager then announced that if anyone else has an issue they could leave as well. I asked if he was the manager and owner and he said he was and that if I had an issue with the wait that I could leave. So we left. He continued to rant and charged at me and my teen daughter like a lunatic as we were leaving. I informed him that if he touched me that he would be charged with assault. I had a few choice words for him and was shocked at his crazy unhinged behaviour. I will never set foot in that horrible theatre again. Also the price of an adult ticket was $16.00. After seeing the poor and abusive behaviour of management I could not stomach giving money to such a poorly run business. I can't imagine working for that man who is clearly unstable and bordering on dangerous. This is not RETRO! Back in the day when we lined up outside the theatre the line moved much faster and the theatre hired enough people to allow for the movie to play as scheduled. People were professional and had customer service skills. This place seems to hate people and customers; either that or they are devoid of people skills and common sense or poisoned by the toxic work environment. After reading the other reviews I can see by the comments and low rating that this is not a community hot spot to say the least. Also the manager could have opened the retro box office outside the theatre and could have sold some tickets himself if he were on the ball. In the least he should have been apologetic for the long wait to all of his customers, and should have offered a discount instead of flipping like a maniac when people complained. After we left we glanced back and saw more people leave. I'm guessing that in a few years I will drive by this theatre and it will be a condo or run by people who have some business sense. read more

I'm a friend of San Francisco Jerry who encountered the soup nazi this afternoon. I called moments ago to speak with the manager. It went like this: i'd like to speak to the manager about an incident that occurred this morning... (fortissimo) WHAT DO YOU WANT? YOU DON'T BREAK MY RULES!! Well.... (mucho fortissimo) IF YOU ARE CALLING ABOUT THE COFFEE, DO NOT CALL AGAIN! HANG UP OR I WILL CALL THE POLICE! AND DO NOT COME TO MY THEATRE AGAIN...(click) Beware this man's wrath... seriously read more

Aggressively rude owner doesn't follow COVID vaccine protocol. Owner (the only person working at the theatre) was making popcorn, his shield pushed way up on his head and he was not wearing a mask. He pulled his shield over his face (but still didn't wear a mask) when he finally came to sell us tickets. He refused to answer our question as to whether he checks for proof of COVID vaccination, and, when we persisted and said we do not wish to purchase tickets if he does not screen for proof of vaccination, he kicked us out. He physically and extremely aggressively pushed my friend out the door, then locked the door. The only other party waiting to purchase tickets ran out after us, telling us he had chased them out as well because they wanted to know if patrons were vaccinated. The owner's rude unwillingness to answer our question (he kept saying, "this is not how it works") and his aggression were scary. Avoid this theatre at all costs! read more

Kingsway has become a staple location in my local rounds in the west end. They are the only indie theater showing FREE horror double bills amongst other classics and cult favourites (recently showed Tarkovsky's Solaris FREE). They have a strict policy when it comes to bags & outside drinks but I have never personally had a bad experience with them because.. I don't go there TRYING to start a fight over food & drink. They are a very old theater and they have to put up with a lot of shit from customers who think they can do whatever they want and are used to getting away with whatever at Cineplex. The beer is $8 for a tall can which is around the same price as anywhere else on the Kingsway and they make great sausages with toppings for $5. There is a committed group of regulars who frequent the more obscure showings and have formed a friendly and interesting environment for new and old patrons. For people complaining about the state of the premises: they are an OLD theater that is trying to keep a unique culture alive. They are INDEPENDENT unlike any other cinema in the area and thus do not have the funds to add all the fancy nonsense that people have come to expect from Cineplex. The theater has character and they regularly show films that Cineplex wouldn't dare attempt to screen. I have NEVER seen an altercation here like other reviews are claiming. Although I don't doubt there have been confrontations, the people who are angry are much more likely to post a review than the satisfied customers who don't feel the need to post something in the first place. read more

Well..... I have read the other reviews and it seems like the two people working the theatre need to be fired .. pronto!! Or if they are owners, need to pack up and hand over the theatre to new management.. The theatre itself is old.. but well worth it for second around screenings.. I have seen many great films there over the years and have a fondness and respect for old community cinemas:) We should all support the theatre itself even though the miscreants that run it will eventually have to leave.. hint hint... Support this theatre... I do.. u will miss it when it is gone and becomes another Starbucks or Tim Hortons:((( read more

Hugely overpriced. I regularly see films at the Mt Pleasant and Regent as well as Got Docs which are priced $3-$6 less than the Kingsway. Staff person on the day I attended (yesterday) was surly and rude. Both washrooms stunk so bad with chemical and fishy smells. It was so cold in the cinema that I kept my parka on through the entire film and my feet were cold despite my wool socks and boots. The entire ambience there is a surreal bad retro with bad vibes. I will not return. read more

I think a lot of the negative reviews of the Kingsway are a bit unfair. But to each their own. In my experience, the Kingsway is an old theatre and there's no mistaking it for such. We recently saw a film which was only screening there. First, it great that they can pick up some material that Cineplex won't give screen time to. Secondly, if you're lucky enough to catch a screening on the small screen at the Kingsway then take it up. The theatre smells old, like an old library, and that's wonderful. The small theatre is an old screening room with large chairs, plenty of legroom, and limited to four rows of 6-7 seats. So a small audience is guaranteed, limiting chances of the asshats who can't stop checking their phones. Finally, pricing for a regular screening is barely more expensive than a larger Cineplex screen and the snack options are way better. Support this local business when you can. If we were in the West End more we'd make more trips. read more

Please take heed from my experience, and all the others who have also written recent reviews (elsewhere), about this miserably mismanaged (and seemingly mouldy) old theatre......Stay away from the Kingsway! After seeing BladeRunner2049, I made a joking comment to the person working the front counter, about the theatre being freezing cold to give us the experience of being in the film... This foolishly arrogant little person, who called herself the "manager", flatly told me that I was wrong and insisted that the theatre was 72 degrees...Even though people around me were all complaining to themselves about the cold on the way out...Turns out that this is a notoriously bad theatre for climate control, all year long. There's also a huge, creepy looking, and very noisy open floor-grate right in the centre cross-aisle that blows musty/smelly and ice-cold air - with a creepy/loud noise that's way louder than the film during the quiet dialogue scenes! I also tried to helpfully mention that there were two marks(tears?) on their screen (poorly framed with projection spilling over btw), and that the frigid cold was also messing up their projection, and was interrupted with an ignorant assertion that there was nothing wrong with the projection - even though I again tried to describe that the heat rising from the projector through the ice-cold air in front of the lens was causing (wavy-heat) distortions on the entire left side of the screen...She interrupted again and told me I didn't know what I was talking about, then stared blankly when I asked if that was all she had to say. This shows astoundingly bad theatre management to say the least....but other reviews show that this is a chronic problem. It's no surprise that this theatre seems to be in a sharp downhill slide, and is probably an unhealthy space to work in as well. Despite its historic appeal, this is a sadly overpriced, and mis-managed theatre, with bad air, poor projection standards, and an astoundingly rude staff... Do yourself a favour, and don't set foot inside this truly awful theatre! read more

Went here for the first time over the weekend since it was the only spot that had the movie I wanted to see still playing. I love the old-skool-ness of this place!!! There's a little waiting area/cafe for when you are waiting for the theatre to empty (there aren't a lot of screening rooms here, maybe 2-3?) which was alright. I prefer to wait in the theatre and get settled in, but granted I've been used to Cineplex monster theatres my whole life. I love that there are no commercials for 20 mins before the movie, and I suspect that's why the admission is a little steep. You can also order beer and ice cream waffles! If I could complain about anything, it would be that we felt that the girl at the counter was slightly condescending...it was our first time there, and we didn't know how it all worked, but in the end it's a minor complaint. Like, we weren't 'cool' enough to know the deal. LOL. That could all be in my head though. This place is great and I hope it sticks around for awhile. A bit turned off by the comments below about the owner but ...I guess there are 2 sides to every story. I'll come back! read more

I went there with my friends and it was a lot of fun. It's a cute retro theatre, and the food there is pretty good. Definitely recommend.

So Kingsway theatre has super rude employees, the movies start over an hour late, the lobby smells like old grease and the theatre itself reeked like mold & sewage. We had to leave, and no apology whatsoever from the staff. It was hands down the worst theatre experience I've ever had. The girl working the cash and snack bar was incredibly sour and her male counterpart yelled at customers who asked why the movie was late, saying "I'm not going to have this discussion with you. If you don't want to be here, get a refund and leave!" If you are gonna pay to see a movie on the big screen, you may want to do it elsewhere. -edit- after I posted this review, the owner/manager felt compelled to message me some delightful words. And by delightful, I mean derogatory and mean. Good luck with that customer service!! ***UPDATE*** - just going to leave this here.... https://www.ebosscanada.com/canadian-actress-denied-access-to-kingsway-theatre-cops-called-owner-trolls-her-on-social-media/ read more

Kingsway Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Went there with my cousin and my aunt to watch a Japanese movie called Tampopo, it was the only place that was showing the movie really enjoyed the place real comfortable seating very good place to just relax with a little cafe on the side you can get refills on the popcorn and the drinks plus they gave beer and wine read more

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Disorganized & unprofessional, but they DID play Blade Runner, so where else are going to go? When I called ahead of the w/ a question the man acted like I was an idiot. After buying my ticket & heading in a man chased me down impatiently because they hadn't told me the previous film was running late. There was huge scaffolding left next to the screen - kind of weird. The chairs were sinky & squeaky. And our tickets were $15. But they DID run Blade Runner so... read more

What a dump. First, we were kicked out because we were carrying cups of coffee - the ignorant girl working there didn't offer a typical "sorry, we serve alcohol, so we can't have outside beverages" - she just told us to leave. When I asked if we could sit in the adjacent room - again she could have at least been polite, but no, she flat out told us to leave. When we returned (we already had puchased tickets - which are outrageously priced at $16 per adult), the theatre itself was scuzzy and dirty, the ceilings are crumbling and covered in black mold. Gross. And to top off the wonderful experience, they left the projection room light on the entire movie, so 1/4 of the screen was unviewable. Just don't go. read more

The only reason this horrible theatre got one star from me is due to their exceptional programming. Be careful if you ever choose to go there - the owner has sent me abusive comments! He has repeatedly trolled me with foul, ignorant, cowardly venom. Here's why I'll never go back unless changes are made: for starters, walking into the lobby, you're met with poor design. There's very little space because of an awkward boxed off "café" area that makes everyone waiting to get in the theatre smushed together. It wouldn't surprise me if it's a fire hazard. I did not feel safe. The staff kept yelling at us to move back - there was nowhere to go! The storage room next to the café area was already packed with people waiting. After standing around feeling claustrophobic for 30 minutes, we were finally granted access inside, AFTER the posted starting time of the film. Very unprofessional. Next, there was scaffolding near the front. Ugly. Scrambling to get our coats off in time, we discovered the seats were too small. My hips did not fit. I had to sit on the edge of the chair, and got a backache as a result. FYI, I'm an avid movie goer, seeing 1-4 films per week. NEVER have I had any of these issues at the other theaters I frequent. The film itself was excellent. The pop was watered down, the popcorn was mediocre. The smoke from the popper triggered my asthma. The washroom has another example of poor design: glossy floor tiles affording no privacy in the stalls. My male partner told me he felt very uncomfortable in the men's washroom - the urinal is in plain view of the door. After paying $15 for what I had hoped would be a lovely evening, I decided to be pro-active and share my disappointing experience with the owner, with the hopes things might change for the better in the future. I took the time to voice what likely many others were feeling but perhaps not sharing. Having run a successful business myself for over a decade, and having trained entrepreneurs in doing the same, I know just how valuable negative feedback can be for those who truly care about their customer's experience. There is no contact email on The Kingsway's website. I had to use FaceBook to get a written message through to the owner. The abusive cowardly response was not only "don't come back" but also "go f*** yourself." Since then he's called me a "fat c*nt" and other insults. Shocking and infantile, his comments to me show not only an utter lack of respect, but more importantly, zero regard for his client's well being. I have since read MULTIPLE negative reviews about The Kingsway on YELP, and the cowardly responses were also abusive. Police were recently contacted regarding a racist incident. The list goes on. He does not deserve anyone's business. There are many excellent movie theaters in Toronto with respectful staff, providing wonderful service, where movie fans like me can feel safe and happy. Sadly, The Kingsway is not one of them. Also, apparently the owner sadly, and pathetically has not many better things to do with his time than insult paying customers. If you check news feeds you can find stories of his abominable behaviour. So very very sad. Poor pitiable bully. read more

Went here looking forward to a fun period movie experience. The lounge is pretty. However the movie started late and the theatre was around 60F or lower. I kept my coat on but it was too cold to stay - my fingers and toes were numb - so I left an hour before the movie was up. The attendant said there was a heater in the middle of the theatre - that's actually where I was sitting. No attempt on their part to assure customer comfort for the overpriced $15 ticket. Later when we reviewed the place online we were insulted and called rude trolls. Now that's a business strategy for success. Spend your $15 on a ticket somewhere else and use the extra money for some popcorn or coffee. I have no idea why this place is still open. read more

Here's my HONEST encounter. 445pm Jan 11, 2019, Looking so forward to a A Star is Born, meeting a friend who came all the way from downtown to join me. Theatre was absolutely freezing!, The staff extremely rude, claiming 68 degrees was the reading on the thermostat and that was acceptable,,,We were wrapped up in our winter coats in complete discomfort the entire film....the staff didn't give a hoot,,,beyond rude in every way,,,refused to refund our tickets and hung up on me twice when I called to discuss with the so called manager. Never again, paying 16 dollars to give business to a theatre that doesn't give a shit about its patrons. read more

Please share. Horrible , horrible experience at Kingsway theatre where the owner and woman at desk were beyond disgusting in front of my disabled mother in law and two crying children. It began with the woman grabbing my husbands Starbucks coffee out of his hand as we were buying a second popcorn . My husband said he would finish it outside but that wasn't good enough. She said she was refunding us all , that this was a private establishment and we had to leave. She then began to physically push my husband outside. Grabbed his jacket and arm. Physically pushing him. I had a stroller. Kids jackets were all off. Disabled mother in law in tow. Not that easy. I said please stop, calm down . We understand rules , he said he would finish coffee outside why are you acting this way?? What followed became a vulgar yelling and physical grabbing of my husband from the woman behind the concession and then the manager. I had heard he was strange but I've never seen this before. It was so disturbing to the point where he was provoking my husband yelling that my husband was hiding behind our two children! Telling him to fuck off numerous times. Calling my husband every name. Physically coming at him, finger pointed in face. Coming at him. People around us left in disgust and shock. We NEED to stop supporting this local theatre. I am so upset. My son is crying having witnessed this. My toddler was crying. I'm shaking. We've called police but have to wait here. I want to wait as it must be on their video cameras inside and feel that they police should see what occurred. Irrational, unprofessional and most of all shameful in front of our children. read more

Terribly rude and aggressive Manager. I can't rate the actual theatre, as we never got to actually purchasing tickets. The manager/owner was ready to sell us movie tickets without asking for any proof of vaccination (now required at movie theatres). When I asked if he required proof of vaccination, he said "you can show it to me if you want". I explained that yes I had it, but for my own safety, I just wanted to ensure that all people in the theatre were being screened for vaccination. He said "that's not the way it works" and again stated that I can show him proof of vaccination if I want to. He refused to confirm whether he was screening other customers for proof of vaccination. I advised that we did not want to go into the theatre unless we knew that everybody was being screened for vaccination. There were other patrons in line asking the same questions who were also concerned about the lack of screening. He then stated that we were causing trouble and that we better leave or he would call police. On my way out, he squeezed my arm and very aggressively pushed me out of the theatre. Outside, I asked many people leaving from the previous show, whether or not they had to show proof of vaccination and they all said that they had not. I'd really love to be able to support this little neighbourhood theatre, it is a gem in a great location. But with the way this manager treats people, his extremely rude and physically aggressive manner towards customers, I just can't support his theatre. Now I see all the other negative reviews regarding the treatment of customers and I can understand why. read more

careful folks--loose cannons abound at the kingsway. i must say, this is THE worst customer service experience i've ever endured. we arrive, 2 minutes late for the movie (start time: rush hour, location of theatre: under construction). while waiting in line to buy tickets, the owner walks by. anxiously, we ask, "has the movie started yet?". his reply, "the girl can help you when she's ready." uhh, okay, not the question, but whatever. for those of you who haven't been here, it's a tiny place, one show at a time. the owner then starts chatting with another employee finishing her shift. he's casually checking his phone. so we're standing there, time ticking by, waiting to buy tickets and the OWNER is lollygagging about. there's two other parties in line behind us. so we're standing there waiting. and this older women with thick eyeglasses asks where something is located. the owner sighs, and condescendingly says, "it's riiiight there, i told you already, the door with the....". i turn around to see the owner pantomiming to the poor old woman, belittling her. my partner says, "should we just leave?". as we're walking out, i hear the older woman attempt to defend herself and maintain her dignity, "you know, there's no such thing as a stupid question." as we walk out the front door, i say over my shoulder, "you just lost two customers!" crisp, winter air slaps us in the face as we depart. i was about to start in to my partner about what kind of person speaks to a little old woman (or anyone at all for that matter) like that, when i hear him say, "what was the problem?". the owner followed us out. wow, i thought, he cares!!! he's going to apologize! he's a real human! instead, this: "go to the cinexplex on the queensway!" "i don't need your support--f**k you!" "now you've f**ked yourself! how else are you going to see this movie?!?" "i don't go to your work and tell you how to do your job!" "go f**k yourself" as he's following us & we pass the UPS store, "you gonna go into UPS & tell them how to do their jobs?" "where do you work? you sit in a sh*tty cubicle all day?" and on and on and on. now keep in mind, we're walking down the street, he's following us this whole way screaming at us. the traffic stopped on bloor street is looking out their windows at the spectacle he's creating. a mother shoved her kids away from him. a woman took her earbuds out to hear his fuss. this went on for a full block!! 20 storefronts! it wasn't until i said to my partner, "this guy is crazy. gimme your phone, i'm going to call 911." that he finally stopped and cowardly, turned around. we're people who try to support local, private, small. we're even willing to pay a bit more to do it. but who does this guy think he is--the pope? that we should be lucky to be allowed into his cinema? he doesn't want our business? fine, no problem! we did go to the queensway theatre. and you know what? it was great! and by great, i mean we weren't accosted by anyone. all i wanted was some attention. some service. sure, we were a couple (!) minutes late. so what? so were the other people in line. (this wasn't helped by the sweet girl behind the counter moving at a snail's pace.) if this guy, the owner, had time to chat, check his phone, in front of the very customers that are keeping the lights on in his business, it would be a great opportunity to...i don't know...serve them! just because you have the means to buy a business doesn't mean you have any business running it. know your strengths. people, unfortunately, aren't one of his. sadly, the kingsway theatre is a shell of what it once was. today, the kingsway is a zombie. sure, it's physically there, but its dead. its guts, its heart, its spirit, all gone. my guess is that the kingsway theatre isn't long for this world. which is sadly bittersweet. it's better that the landmark disappear altogether than the owner drag its name any deeper through the mud. i shudder to think how many times in the grave poor, dizzy, Robert Home Smith rolled at the notion that his creation has devolved to this. p.s. just found this interesting article about the owner & his previous stint at the humber cinema: "...a mid-screening physical altercation with investor and partner...". can't say i'm surprised. read more

I love it that you can walk to the Kingsway and watch a movie and then be able to shop or dine without all the noise and traffic at a big box cinema. I don't mind paying the $13 for a movie or $6+ for a popcorn, I have been conditioned for this to enjoy the experience. BUT to charge the big dollars and get stale popcorn that was made yesterday and be dropped back into the 60's with picture quality of an old Zenith Colour TV, the sound of a transistor radio and the chilling temp of the air conditioning this experience left me cold,literally. read more

Went to see Arrival - and wow, what a disappointment. Clunky method of buying tickets ( you have to get in the line for snacks, so don't be in a hurry), then, oh, the movie you want is UPSTAIRS. Huh? You walk by a window onto a gorgeous huge theatre, and into YOURS ... a dinky 4-row living-room. OK, maybe it's a great projector? The weird previews blare at you with the Christie Digital projector throwing its very limited pixels onto the screen. OK maybe this will be OK, like watching the movie on a very large video monitor? Nope nope. NOPE. Muddy digital copy of a recent release, dark, dank blacks you could hardly make it the actors in dark (key) scenes - skin tones that made everyone look like Donald Trump, blues blaring off the screen. Dammit. We had endured an asinine traffic jam to get out to here from the east end, and probably should have asked for a refund - not sure how that would have gone over, based on other reviews here. Never again though. How on earth are we supposed to know when we are to get stuffed into the off-colour closet? No way to know. The website is enthusiastic but inept. Sad to say our support of indie theatres has hit a wall here. read more

As Yelp and Google are officially associated with this theater, I thought it would be well run and and have pleasant customer service. The opposite was the case in fact. Rude owner, terrible projector quality, and even worse sound. read more

I wrote about my experience at the kingsway theatre last week & for some reason, it doesn't show up. Yelp has told me the reason is because it was not a chosen "featured review" for any given day....what?. In any case, here is the abusive email I received from the owner in response to my original review: " Hi *******, Rui P. sent you a message on Yelp: Subject: Your Review "You are truly a miserable c**t. Never come back here you fu*k*n b*tch. Go F*CK YOURSELF and the boat you rode in on." " That pretty much reflects how I saw him treating his staff member & my experience in general at the theatre. read more

We went there on Family Day, the owner screamed at a bunch of us lined up waiting to see a movie. His staff were even upset, they were terrified of him. This man should not be running a business or dealing with the public and go see a doctor. read more

Horrendous experience! The lady at the front is the rudest and most unpleasant front desk/host staff I've ever encountered, has no concept of customer service. I feel like this place is poorly run, it is evident in many ways. It is definitely not worth the $16 per person - don't go. Place desperately needs an upgrade, it almost smells of old. read more

My family and I went to see a movie at the Kingsway this weekend - as soon as we walked into the theatre we were hit by a very strong musty, moldy smell. After about 10 minutes, I had a blinding headache and had to leave. I spoke to the woman at the counter and told her that the theatre smelled and due to my health issues, I couldn't stay. She immediately told me "there's no moldy smell". I told her I wasn't imagining it and asked if I could have a refund. She told me there were no refunds - it says it on the ticket. I tried to explain that I wasn't leaving because I didn't like the movie but because it wasn't good for my health to stay. I also told her it was cold and everyone in the theatre was wearing their coats. She said "it's not cold, it's 69F". I asked to speak to a manager - she said she was the manager. I asked to speak to the owner, she told me no one else was available. She wouldn't give her name, the name of the owner or a phone number. I was flabbergasted by how rude she was and how she argued with me about everything. I left and went back in when I saw a man behind the counter - hoping that he was the owner and I could express my concerns to him. He immediately told me he refused to speak to me, that he didn't want to hear anything I said and that I was on private property and had to leave. I told him my family were still in the theatre and he said they weren't welcome either and should leave. Admittedly, I was agitated but I remained calm - I didn't yell, or swear. I was horrified by how they were treating a customer who had a legitimate complaint. (And I see from the other comments, that the musty smell is not a new issue.) As I was leaving the woman behind the counter called me a bitch. I have never in my life experienced such terrible customer service - I think they should have taken my concern about more seriously given that mould is a significant health concern. My family left shortly after as they were also starting to get headaches from the smell. We spent $42 for 3 tickets to see a second run film and didn't deserve to be treated the way we were. While I am a huge supporter of independent cinemas, needless to say, we won't be going back. read more

The theatre was very cold inside. It was cold outside but it was almost as cold inside. Had to keep my coat and gloves on for the film. Also $12 for a senior admission for a 2:15 showing is too steep. Won't be going back. read more

I am so sad to be writing this review, as I have loved coming here in the past years and supporting a small business. Last night, I went to the theatre and when I walked into the building, I was finishing about a quarter of a bagel. Stuffing it in my face as I wanted to get more food. The girl working had came up to me and said her manager has asked me to finish the food outside. So I walked back to the door all while continuing to chew fast and shoving it in my face as I didn't want to miss the movie. As I got to the outside door, she came back again and said my manager has asked again you finish it outside. I said I just shoved it in my mouth so I am chewing fast! I then went back in line, no food in hand, and waited to pay for a ticket. She then came back to me and said my manager has asked that you leave the premise. I asked why, and she said because you were eating. I mentioned that I ate it as fast as I could and respected that I needed to finish it before entering. As I left, I called the manager as he wouldn't come down and speak to me. And he picked up and yelled at me and then hung up. I called back 2 more times to fully understand (I am in customer service, and this is appalling) to which he continued to not take my call and just hang up. How sad is this? When a local is trying to support this business and get turned away so rudely and abruptly. I then turned around and went to see a movie at Cineplex. I am devastated about this experience but after reading the other reviews, it seems pretty common :( read more

If the price point for admission and food at the Kingsway Theatre were reasonable I would attend once or twice a week. As it stands I don't go at all. It's great that the owners read these reviews. Perhaps they'll give this some consideration. read more

Do NOT go to the Kingsway EVER!!!!! There is no movie worth seeing if you have to watch it at the Kingsway. I went over Christmas and I had to sit in the dank, small, smelly theatre upstairs (had no idea there was a theatre upstairs). BTW, the movie cost me $16- ridiculously overpriced. Also, I am not sure why the Kingsway feels they have to right to take your knapsack from you? Against my better judgement I went back to see a movie and I can honestly say, it was the worst, weirdest, rudest experience I have ever had anywhere. I momentarily misplaced my ticket (the one I had purchased in front of the manager/man in charge (?) and the counter girl, 5 min previously). He refused to let me in, although he had clearly seen me buy my ticket. I then located my ticket on their sticky, dirty floor, went into the movie, but told the manager I thought he had been unreasonable (BTW there were about 8 people in the theatre, so not an overwhelming crowd). In response, he then went on a CRAZY, SENSELESS, BIZARRE, IRRATIONAL TIRADE and told me I had to leave. Honestly, this man was not only rude, but actually scary. I was glad to get out of there. I only gave the Kingsway 1 star (as opposed to -5) because you have to post something. Beth C. read more