My wife and I came here for the first time to see a movie. This is a small theater, two screens, the larger one seating about a hundred folks. This place was clean and appeared well maintained. The staff person was friendly and efficient getting our wine and popcorn. We liked the popcorn being in a metal bowl with endless refills; it was also fresh popped and warm. The wine was in actual glass. You should give this theater a try. read more

See all

The Magic Lantern is a local treasure. The people are friendly and the prices are reasonable. This is a great place to go for a low-cost date night. read more

Read a few other reviews even talked to the managers about some of them, particularly the comment about movies skipping in some guests and, they admit, is true. According to them it's not alway for the same reason, sometimes it's their fault other times for whatever ungodly reason, it's the disc it their equipment. But none of the above, thankfully, was my experience. My wife and I barely made it in time, paying 50 cents for parking at 6:30 on a Thursday evening (after 7:00 meters are free) for the last showing of song of the sea and what a movie!!! I chatted up with the 2 fellows that where running the magic lantern that night and they where pleasant. The theater has a pretty decent stocked concession stand with DOMA coffee (great choice). The theater is a one room cute thing. Quite small but there where only 4 patrons total that night so it was a nice and quite-movie viewing pleasant experience. I recommend this place :) read more

See all

I am liking the movie selection that the theater has. Films that don't usually get a first run at major theater chains. My complaints are small....there is not much seating so you HAVE to get their early to be seated or you do not get into the showing. The largest of their two theaters only has about 100 seats. So, it is first come, first serve, if the movie showing is popular. The other small complaint? It smelt a bit "gerbil cage" the last time I was there. A bit like there is a rodent problem. I am hoping not but it was something I noticed and the smell it made me think of a rodent cage. Other than that? A funky, cool, little theater. A real addition to the community. read more

Just a fantastic hidden gem. The staff are so friendly. The atmosphere is the right balance of quirky and classic. Drinks during a movie? Yes please! Go here! read more

Magic Lantern was always the darling art house theater (or, um...the ONLY one?) in Spokane. This is the place to go for any indy film, documentary, etc. They get all the great quirky stuff that is easily accessible in larger metro areas -- so kudos to them just for that. The theaters are small and comfortable. Sound and visuals are great. Yummy snacks and beverages are available and they actually ~dont~ cost and arm and a leg. But what sets these guys above and beyond is their customer service. The people who work here are fabulous, friendly, and the most accommodating people I have ever come across in a theater. My most recent experience occurred while I was visiting friends. One of them had noted that "Hobo with a Shotgun" was supposed to play. This sort of campy, stupid, pop-corn fair is right up our alley so we all planned to go. Something went wrong -- either the friend had the wrong date or the website wasn't updated, but when we got there the movie we wanted to see wasn't playing until the ~next~ night. We were all prepared to leave and come back -- but lo and behold they told us to sit tight for 10-20 min and they would give us all a private showing in their smaller theater. And they did! And it was a perfect evening. For that alone these guys will forever be awesome in my book , but even while we were waiting the employees were friendly and engaging and asked us about movies we had seen, etc. I love the Magic Lantern. Love them. read more

Best selection of interesting movies in Spokane with intimate theaters and comfortable seating. You'll see movies here not offered in any other theaters this side of the Cascades (and some main stream goodies too!) I appreciate that they serve their endless popcorn in actual bowls that get washed and reused and have a nice water station with real glasses! read more

Yay for an independent movie theater in Spokane! I only went here a few times after the remodel. As with all smaller theaters, the seating isn't ideal, but it is worth it to: 1) avoid crowds at AMC down the street 2) bring your drinks in with you to the movie and 3) watch fabulous independent films If you haven't been here yet, give it a try. read more

This place was recently remodeled; everything looked new and clean. It's sort of hard to find, because there is no obvious sign (but it's right next door to Isabella's Restaurant). They did a great job on the inside, the theaters are small but with nice seats and, best of all, no annoying commercials or previews--the movie just started! Magic Lantern has a great variety of concession food, not just soda and popcorn, but different candy bars and even health bars. Although I did not partake in the food, it was nice to see some healthy options. I will certainly be coming back for off-the-beaten-path movies. Highly recommended! read more

This is my favorite theater in the greater Coeur d'Alene/Spokane area. If we decide to see a movie we always check here first. They usually have new movie(s) weekly and a lot of them are independents and foreign. They even play "cult" classics often. The past two years they have had a Big Lebowski movie night that sounds like a lot of fun. If you enjoy popcorn, dessert, beer, wine or a tasty coffee with your movie, then you're in luck, because this place supply's all of them. If you have a choice come and support a local business that supply's a relatively cheap admission and a good selections of treats. read more

I always love their selection of indie movies, and their location is great! I wish they still had wine for sale in the concessions area, but oh well... I was delighted to see Melancholia here when it wasn't playing anywhere else. Although the movie brought me to tears, the experiences I have dining in the adjacent restaurant or wandering around the rustic building always leave me feeling happy. read more

Conceptually, I adore the Magic Lantern. Independent theaters are vital to our culture and I will support that till the cows come home. With that said, there's a reoccurring and harmful problem with their projectors, or the hard drives which store the new digital screenings where skipping, lagging, and occasional halts in the presentation occur. This can not only irk some but interrupt the experience of cinema. I was disappointed when this happened during the SpIFF screening of Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter. During a vital scene, the film skips and eventually resets past where we were and it resulted in the Q&A host having to explain the climax and ending of film to us, which really sucked. The ticket wasn't cheap, $10 is in the higher end for Spokane evening movie ticket prices, and when these issues occur with AMC/Regal, the audience is usually rewarded with a pass to return to another movie. This didn't happen at Magic Lantern and it was really disappointing. The guy next to me mutters "This happens every time I come here!" and that bums me out. Indie cinema is so important and I want to see the Magic Lantern survive, but with these technical issues and a shrugging attitude towards them, I felt left in the cold like poor Kumiko. This review is subject to change with future experiences, obviously. read more

Small little hipster theater that serves you bottomless popcorn out of what look like dog bowls, and canned soda with a glass of ice. Don't get me wrong, I like that about the place! My main gripe is the size. The theaters are small (under 50 people small), so if you're someone who's anti-people (like me), be prepared to hear everything everyone in the theater is munching on, drinking, or chatting about with their buddy. read more

Nice theater, nice people. They typically have a interesting array of film choices, including those otherwise hard to see in/around Spokane. Especially good if you're interested in foreign films. I also like the smaller theatre rooms. You can order a latté and sit down to your movie. However, within this convenience lies my one criticism: the loud clanking of coffee mugs and saucers while I'm trying to watch a flipping movie. It may have just been the particular crowds at the showings I went to, but the people drinking coffee were making the related noises (in a small theater) which was distracting and obnoxious. Easy solution, use paper cups! read more

The Magic Lantern is fantastic. My family and I rented the theater for my university graduation party. The staff were so nice and took every step necessary to make sure we were well taken care of. read more

Love this theatre. We've been so sick of the big franchise films Hollywood has been producing lately that I only want to go here. Go see an artsy indie film at this theatre and you won't be disappointed. They have free water and you can bring wine in to drink. Go to dinner at Saranac before hand and get the pretzel. Love the old building and the movie buff critic crowd discussion afterword. The only thing that could be improved on is the rickety old original stiff seats. We recently saw Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri here and it was one of the best films Ive seen in a while. read more

The Magic Lantern was so cool! This a small theater movie theater. We saw a movie with about 40 other people (that's how many seat there were I think?). There was no bad seat in the theater. They had bowls of popcorn served in reusable bowls (the eco friendly person in me really liked this). The staff was really great. On top of that, it is in a great location. You can buy your movie ticket, go grab a beer next door or even check out the art studio that is in the same building. It is a great location, showed great movies, and gets a definite recommend from me. Go to Magic Lantern Theater for a great experience! read more

On it's uniqueness alone this place is a five. It is in a great up and coming part of downtown. The people are very nice and genuine. Each time I have gone here they have had a unique selection of good but under the radar movies. It seems like going back in time to sit in a small intimate theater. ( At times I even felt like I was in a Wes Anderson movie myself.) The added flare is the real glasses for beverages and metal bowls for fresh popcorn just like home. It is always a fun and unique experience at The Magic Lantern Theater. read more

I love indie movie theaters because 1) the movies and 2) they're always kinda quirky. Magic Lantern doesn't disappoint. I really enjoy coming here. I especially love the popcorn, which is served in randomly sized kitchen bowls and can be refilled as many times as your little heart desires. read more

I absolutely adore this place! The theater is so quaint and cozy, the movies they show are superb, and the prices are better than anywhere else. And you gotta love bottomless popcorn that comes in a metal bowl! It just feels so homey! read more

This is the way a theatre experience SHOULD be. Super friendly personalized service, amazing indy (sometimes exclusive) films, small screen but very appropriate for the theatre size and with great sound. Super affordable drinks (yummy espressos, sodas, bottled water, etc) and snacks (theatre candy, bottomless popcorn!). What is not to love?? read more

My first visit to the Magic Lantern Theatre was last week to view the french animated film, "My Life as a Zucchini". I was pleasantly surprised at how cozy and comfortable this theatre is. Although rather petite in size it sure make up with it's ambiance and charm. The gentleman working was pleasant and even offered to show the film in it's original French version, "My Life as a Courgette" however my husband was thrilled when we decided to air the American version. The movie was phenomenal! This place is a hidden gem!!! read more

The best (and only) indie/art/foreign house in Spokane. It's really an unmissable if you're a Spokanite who loves movies. Seating is comfortable, small, intimate. Good fresh bakery goodies and coffee at the refreshment stand. Lots of interesting one time films come and go so it pays to keep an eye on their website. Local social action groups will often commandeer the place for an evening to show a documentary about their particular cause. SPIFF shows its smaller films here. The programmer is good at finding little-known stuff for the college crowd as well as more staid film lovers. Very community oriented. I like it! read more

I keep reading about customer service at this theater --- and boy, we sure didn't experience it today. Two very disinterested guys were working --- and neither one of them had customer service skills. Perhaps they weren't interested in working the holiday, or perhaps it's the "B Team" --- but they weren't friendly or helpful at all. I appreciate the independent movies and the small intimate theater space --- but I'm not sure I'm coming back. read more

The only problem with the Magic Lantern, is that I don't go often enough. We recently saw Brooklyn. Not only do I enjoy the small and quaint atmosphere...with plenty of restaurants in the area...but they have the best popcorn of any theater I've ever been to anywhere! I love that they serve the popcorn in metal mixing bowls like you might use at home. Love to go to movies here...for $6! read more

These guys work hard and do business right. Support indie film. Support independent movie theatres.

The place to see off the beaten path movies and foreign films in the area at reasonable prices. Love it when they bring in cookies from next door to sell- There are glasses of free water and you can not beat the popcorn deal. They are friendly folks and want their movie goers to enjoy the experience, Sometimes by the end of the movie I did find my a seat to be a bit uncomfortable depending where I am sitting. Other times I am very comfortable. Several of the showings feature discussions before or after the film or even feature local talent. I enjoyed to Spokane with Love :) which I saw awhile ago- also some documentaries that are not shown in any other theater in the area- I like it when the audience is courteous and does not talk during the film otherwise the small sized theater gives you privy to their conversations when you rather be watching and listening to the film. Its a fun place to go with friends. read more

Great spot to catch a good movie that isn't filled with over priced tickets or popcorn. It's like having your own home theater for $8 bucks a visit. Usually are playing highly rated films just have to keep an eye out. read more

Spokane's best independent movie theater. Great for off-the-beaten path films and bottomless popcorn bowls. Two screens. Tasty restaurants nearby. Give yourself a few extra minutes to find parking. read more

I love the intimacy of this theatre. Refreshments are served in glasses and bowls that you drop off on your way out. The theaters was small and seating is a little cramped, which can be irritating if you have a loud chewer at your show. read more

A great place to see a movie. Order a big latte and the bottomless popcorn. The two guys who work there are big movie fans. They can't be making a lot of money, but they're doing what they love. Don't you want to be a part of that? read more

Comfortable and nice change of pace. The popcorn is delish!

I went here so I can feel that I'm better than everyone else in Spokane because my taste in film is just a cut above the rest.

So YAY I love Magic Lantern butttt today I rushed out of work early to go see a show (last day it is on) and was running about 10 minutes late, so I showed up for it and had to wake the ticket guy up from his nap only to be told that "no one" had shown up at the showtime 10 minutes earlier and so he wasn't going to show it. That was a real big bummer and not a great way to encourage people to support the Lantern......I was really dissappointed and I had already paid for parking....so the moral of the story is. DON"T BE LATE or your outta luck. Still love the Lantern though....great place and great shows.....I think the employee is the only real issue in my situation. read more

Love the Lantern. It's always a nice night to get a pretzel and a drink at the Saranac and go to some wonderful movie (or a series of shorts!) 20 yards away. Come on! You want independent cinema in Spokane, get your self down there and support them! read more

Great theater, great location, great service, great movies, great prices. Support indie movie houses! An asset for Spokane.

Phenomenal experience. Great atmosphere, incredible service by employees, reasonable prices for tickets/popcorn/soda. Very homey, and a great movie selection. My one complaint is that the bathrooms were pretty gnarly. All around a great theater. read more

This place is fantastic! Affordable and the only place to see some of the lesser known indie films that come out. It is a quaint and comfortable place to see s movie. I only wish they had more show times! read more