WHAT! I've been living here over 3 years and haven't reviewed this place yet? To me, Naro Cinema is a little piece of home. I'm from Los Angeles where art house films can be seen at art house theaters or established theaters like AMC or Regal. Naro is THE place I can count on to play awards campaign films, but they'll also have an incredible showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show :) The staff is super friendly and you can tell they love to be there - they're my kind of people who love film. Ticket prices are cheap (I usually buy them online) and food prices are reasonable. I love coming here because theaters are dying and places like this need to continue living! So please, support cinema art and watch movies at the Naro. read more

Fantastic Norfolk theater! This place is a Ghent staple of course. Get the ticket books! You will save money in the long run. You'll forget you have it and then you find it and you're like "these are basically free tickets now, awesome!" Check this place out if you haven't already. It's wonderful. RIP Naro Video. Long live The Naro. read more

Very old timey, I guess that's the idea here. Seats need to be updated, wonder if there are bugs or mites - yikes! The service was notably very friendly. You're asked for your ticket and even when mine was bought online (digital), they could look up the transaction that I bought online by just giving my name! The popcorn was not warm and can't taste the butter they asked if I wanted some. They have home baked goods like brownies and baklava, wonder whose home they came from, no labels of ingredients or when they're good until! Neat part is that there is a balcony section. My first time here, had always wanted to go in the almost 7 years that I relocated to VA Beach from NoVA/DC area. Speaking of which the draw of this theatre is that they show independent films, love it! Wish they have more choices though, only two film showings per day. Am watching Black Bag today, should be a good spy thriller movie starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender. read more

Naro Cinema - From the street view - Cinema Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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As close to home as you can get without turning on your own TV! Naro is phenomenal - cheap concessions and admission, with niche to mainstream offerings every week and a super friendly staff. Their ticket book is a great deal, and be sure to keep tabs on their website or instagram so you know what's coming! The best place to see movies in the local area. read more

If you have an appreciation for the movies, make sure to support the Naro. A historic theatre in Ghent, this one screen movie theatre is an amazing place to visit. Playing everything from classic films, to Rocky Horror with live cast, to big blockbusters, it's not hard to find something that gets you in the door! We recently saw Dune Part Two, and it was a great experience. The box office opens a half hour before the show, but you can also buy tickets online. There's no reserved seating, but that's something I like! Tickets are super fairly priced, and the concession stand? I don't know if any other movie theatre where you can get two drinks, a homemade XL chocolate cookie, candy, and a large popcorn for less than $20. You can here! The Naro is truly an amazing place that deserves your patronage! read more

Naro Cinema - The Naro Marquee - Cinema Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Hands down still my favorite place for a movie. Love their combination of new features and old classics.

They always have the best films and special films. The one place you can go to see the best in cinema,

Local haunt, happy to see they've weathered the Covid storm. Remember Rocky Horror showings on Fri/Sat nights in my teens. Funny my recent visit was for a close friends' daughter's 13yo birthday. No better way to celebrate than a private party to watch Ferris Bueller's Day Off, complete with concessions and a personal marquee message (extra charges for the latter 2 options). 500 seat theater was clean, including lobby and restrooms. Movie sound (Dolby digital) and picture quality was great. "Life Moves Pretty Fast. If You Don't Stop And Look Around Once In A While, You Could Miss It." read more

Naro Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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After attending the 8th annual galentines movie showing I was left with quite the distaste for this theatre. After purchasing tickets online we were given the time period of 7:15-10:15 (direct from the theatre). The movie ended early around 9:30 so I instantly called my ride that was 30 minutes away because the time is inaccurate. We totally understood the time mess up but on top of this, they kicked every single person out onto the streets at 9:45. So instead of protecting women and giving us at least until the allowed time indoors, you must go stand on the street in the cold. There were close to 20 groups of women awaiting rides standing outside alone in the cold. It is one block away from project housing so this felt quite insane of the theatre to do. I guess I recommend if you drive yourself and are a man that can park on the projects block, because they have no parking. read more

Naro Cinema - Ticket with time stamps - Cinema Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

It's our local community theater and we love its eclectic offerings, an old-school vibe. I've got snacks, etc..as well.

This place has a long history with our family and we all love it. From the 10 year old to my 86 year old mother they have something for everyone. Rock Horror is a regular here. You can catch new and independent movies that may not play anywhere else. You can see the classics and modern classics as well. Where else can you see The Wall. I could go on for days about this place and wouldn't even come close to telling you how awesome it is. Go and support truly awesome local. read more

This here was my 2nd visit to Naro Cinema. On this particular night, they played The Room, one of the worst movies of all time. Might you ask why would I check out a really bad movie? Since being made by Tommy Wiseau in 2003, The Room turned out to be so bad (it was REALLY awful) that every year since its release it would play year-round as a cult movie across the nation. Fans would even dress up as some of the characters, yell movie lines during the showing (A tip to give you: if you haven't seen the movie, watch it at home first instead at a theater) and throw spoons everywhere inside when a scene with a portrait of a spoon would show up. But enough about Tommy Wiseau's 'masterpiece'. Let's talk about the cinema itself. Naro Cinema is an old school place that you would check out growing up way back when. They do serve condiments and the screen's not a big screen like you see in hi-tech theaters nowadays. And the seats come as they are without any reclining as well, which is a-OK. They show classic movies, new independent movies, cult hits like The Room and Rocky Horror Picture Show (which was during my first trip out to Naro years ago) and on Fridays they have Flick-It Fridays where they play movies of various genres (horror, 80's movies, etc). Price of tickets is $10 for adults, which seems very reasonable. It's really worth checking out if you want to go through nostalgia on how cinemas used to be back in the 50's. read more

Naro Cinema - Screenshot of when I was in line - Cinema Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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I love Norfolk and the Naro is one of a kind. They have fun themes nights where they play cult classic faves. I'm here watching Mean Girls! I definitely recommend visiting at least once! read more

Naro Cinema - Burn Book from Mean Girls - Cinema Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Really enjoyed our visit here we watched "it's a wonderful life" which you can watch on television but I like hearing people laugh and react to the movie. The concession counter was at little small I would like to see more choices but is not a big deal. Definitely will return , I like the movies that are selected to play here. read more

Such a fun place to watch a movie. I love that they show movies I grew w up with and can now share with my daughter. read more

Naro Cinema - Balcony view! - Cinema Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I absolutely love this theatre. I just moved here not long ago after a traumatic fire. I found movies keep my mind occupied and have helped me heal. I've probably gone to at least 40 movies here and it feels like home. The people who work here are some of the kindest, warmest, and most accepting people I've ever met. The other patrons are also amazing, chatting in the theatre before the curtains open. Their flashback features are interactive and I love how the crowd really gets hyped up and into it. They sell some extra concessions during those to help local community efforts like the Muse Writing Center. Their Rocky Horror Picture Show is *so much fun!* The live cast is such a hoot. I'll always be the one in a sweatshirt who looks like I should be on my couch at home with a cat on my lap because corsets are just not happening for me anymore, but I love that everyone dresses up for it. I also love that no one judges me for my oversized sweatshirt and messy ponytail either! A local movie critic, Mal Vincent, continues to live on in this theatre as they play classic movies at certain times during the year. Those special events have broadened my horizons and introduced me to old movies with great stories to tell. I've learned so much from the people who introduce them. Their festive features around the holidays have helped me keep the Christmas spirit. They played White Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, Elf, A Christmas Story, and my absolute favorite Muppet Christmas Carol (light the lamp not the rat!). Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't mention their showing of Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. Who doesn't love Marcel?! I've lived pretty much everywhere and I can tell you places like the Naro just don't exist anymore. It's a true community movie theatre filled with wonderful people. Please go visit them, you won't be disappointed. :) read more

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This theatre is nothing less than a Norfolk treasure! It is the heart and soul of the Ghent neighborhood. This classic retro theater has been hub of the local arts scene for decades. They screen a diverse and eclectic variety of films, from independent and foreign releases, to revivals of classics and cult classics. They also host several film festivals during the year. They also host a midnight showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, complete with a great live cast, on the 4th and 5th Fridays of the month. That is certainly something you must experience in your lifetime. As for the theatre itself, it is comfortable and in good shape. They also have the best concessions in town. They are not only reasonable in price, but offer a great selection of local baked goodies on top of the classics. To properly experience Norfolk culture, you must attend a film at the Naro! read more

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My husband used to live in the area and frequent Naro Cinema a lot. They specialize in art-house, independent and foreign cinema, so each time we're in the area, visiting, we got see a movie at Naro's. This is an independent theater who's been around for decades, an institution of the area in my opinion. Yes, it is a smaller, older theater, it's kinda cold inside and the restrooms are tiny. But if you love great cinema, things like these shouldn't bother you. It's not your typical mall theater, so if you want to see something interesting, better, this is the best place in the area. Check their site for special programs, events, deals. They have plenty of cool things going on here. Also, Naro Cinema is located in a cool part of town, with lots of nice indie shops (great shopping area) and cute restaurants. So, you can spend at least half of day here in a cool, old neighborhood full of character. Naro is a must-go to indie theater for movie fans around Norfolk area. read more

I love this cinema. It still has the classic feel of going out to the movies. Instead of a commercially run place you get plush chairs and balcony seating. The concession stand is filled with delicious locally made goodies and of course awesome drinks. If you come in on Flick It Fridays they even serve beer and wine, which profits go to a local charity. They show Rocky Horror with a live cast twice a month, and even have live shows like Burlesque seasonally. It is am awesome place run by awesome people. I recently got to see Hocus Pocus on the big screen. The show sold out and it was a blast!! I recommend it to anyone who wants a special night out at the movies. And once you finish you can go grab a bite at one of the many amazing places on Colley or in Ghent. read more

Naro Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Places like the Naro are a part of Norfolk's quirky charm and a big reason why I fell in love with this city. At the Naro, you'll enjoy movies the way our parents and grandparents did: with one-theater, reasonably priced concessions, a box office that opens a few minutes before the show, and a balcony for viewing the movie from above. The Naro often shows indie movies not featured at Regal MacArthur. Because there is only one theater, they have limited showings daily. But they do an excellent job of offering it at varying times on different days, which helps with busy schedules. My favorite feature of the Naro is their 'Flick It Fridays' where they show older movies, often cult-classics. If you attend one, be prepared for a long line around the building to get in (the box office opens about 15 minutes before the show. People tend to be big fans of the movies shown during the Flick It Friday events, so talking during the film is common, and folks will often come dressed in costume. (I'm still in awe of the perfect Joker costume dawned when The Naro showed '89s Batman). The Naro is one of the best attractions Norfolk has to offer. Nestled in charming Ghent, The Naro is surrounded by terrific local restaurants making it the ideal date-spot for locals and visitors alike. read more

Naro Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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This theatre is charming and has a rich history. What's more, they offer balcony seating, a luxury that is often unavailable in newer movie theatres. The cost of tickets and food is reasonable, though the selection is a bit limited. Fortunately, there are plenty of great restaurants in the area to dine at before or after your movie. You absolutely have to try their popcorn - it's delicious! While I haven't tried it myself, I'm pretty sure you can purchase tickets online and print them out to bring with you (although there is no assigned seating). I've been to both matinees and busier showings, and while seating can be tight during peak times, there's usually plenty of room during matinees. The chairs are also quite comfortable, even for plus-sized individuals. If you're unsure, consider starting with a matinee showing to test things out and avoid being cramped on top of others. Overall, the Naro is a great place to catch indie and contemporary films - it's definitely worth your time and is Norfolk's best-kept secret! read more

It is unfortunate that since reopening they haven't been the same. Prior to the shut down, it was the only Art House theater in the area. They had a commitment to indie films, true classics and Rocky Horror Picture Show. Since reopening they show a few political indie films, one or two classics (black and white) but only 2 showings of Rocky Horror Picture Show, and one of those was without the troupe. I heard the pre-covid owner turned over the reins, too bad. I'll be back when I see a Humphrey Bogart film or Rocky Horror Picture Show back. Sad that this bastion of cinematic culture has lost who it was and is becoming, just a 3rd run movie house living on past glory. read more

Was so pleasantly surprised with this theatre experience! The theatre is old school...not many of these left. There's a balcony...when's the last time you went to a movie theatre with a balcony?! They offer older movies as well as modern. I will def keep an eye an their schedule. read more

A Norfolk classic! An old school one room theater which has plenty of variety to keep you coming back. I love it when they play some of the older classics and when they do their holiday movie rotation! read more

I wanted to see Marcel the Shell while I had time, but the sound system was down when I got there. The staff were apologetic and friendly. It looks like a wonderful venue, though. read more

I just recently moved to Hampton Roads from Florida, a place with little history and a lot of cookie-cutter business. This is the kind of place I was hoping to find when coming to Hampton Roads. I absolutely love the Naro Cinema and adjacent video store/archive (which is a non-profit!). The ambiance is fantastic for seeing either a cult classic movie or an indie you can't find in the cineplex. It's cozy, it's relaxing, and it's right near all the other interesting things in Ghent, so it's the perfect centerpiece for a date night. Just an absolute cultural treasure that you don't get in places like where I grew-up in Orlando. I hope the people of Hampton Roads appreciate it. I've come to love the area along with this place, so I hope to be at Naro's 100th anniversary in 2036! read more

Plenty of my high school days have been spent at the Naro Cinema for it's rustic and eclectic feel. I love how the screen here is covered by a curtain until the movie starts. The Naro shows both mainstream and indie films that you may not be able to see anywhere else in the immediate area. My most recent visit here was with friends to see "Amy" a documentary released mostly overseas about the life of the late singer Amy Winehouse. There's a good view of the screen from all areas, but my friends and I prefer to sit up in the balcony, I don't know about them, but it makes me feel important. Keep in mind that this is an older theater when the national average of body size wasn't as large, so the seats are a bit tight, and they don't have any cup holders to accommodate mega sized sodas. haha Other than that no complaints. They have an arraignment of snacks that you'll find cheaper than at any Regal or Cinemark, and their cookies are to die for. I had one of their peanut butter cup cookies, and I almost got up mid showing to go back downstairs and get another one. Another thing to be noted is that since this is an indie theater, it's usually not as crowded as other theaters, and that's definitely a good thing in my book. read more

I stopped in here on a recent Monday afternoon to catch a flick and wow does it bring back a lot of memories. I have been an on off visitor of the Naro for at least 30 years, starting back in the late 80's, trying to sneak in beer to catch a midnight flick like The Wall, or catching Aliens in 70mm. Later on I would always go to the Naro to catch a David Lynch film. You gotta love those. This place has a lot of charm. From the ticket booth at the front door, to the tiny dimly lit lobby with the ancient popcorn machine and glass counter filled with candy. From there you step into the old theater and see the red curtains covering the screen while you wait to be seated. This is a medium sized theater however on this hot Monday afternoon I'd say it was half to three quarters full. The AC was perfect. :) While this may be an old theater don't let that fool you. They have an excellent modern projection and sound systems. All in all a great experience. This is a great place for a date or to catch an indy flick. Also parking is on Colley or in the lot out back. read more

Naro Cinema - Waiting for the movie to start. - Cinema Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

My first visit to the NARO and I really enjoyed it. I did not see a classic or a documentary which would be great to do it the future. The theater was not packed at all and I got a great seat. the concession prices were much better than at any other theater and they had some unique items-fresh baked cookies and baklava, which were enjoyed on this trip. Also there was a pitcher of water and cups to be enjoyed for free. Looking forward to my next visit. P.S. Tickets go on sale 10 minute before the show. If you are there wayy early you can pop into the video store next door. If you're with a friend, peruse the titles reminiscing/comparing your favorite movies and TV series. You may learn a few things. oh one more cool thing...the guy next door to the Naro playing his guitar. He was there for hours. read more

This place has been around for 76 years and it's still going strong. Having grown up in Norfolk, I've known about this place since I was old enough to watch movies. I love watching films and even was a part-time film critic for 4 years. In Hampton Roads this is the first place I would choose go to see a film. Owned and run by Thom and Tench, this is great place to experience what it's like to see movie on a big screen. It's a single-screen theater, which means there will always be a line for a ticket, but if you watch enough movies then a Naro Ticket Book will fix that (you pay up front for ten passes which can be used for nearly any feature they screen - in turn you can skip the box office and go straight into the theater). Part of its charm is the aforementioned single-screen format, the awesome balcony (which is non-existent at major chains) and the appeal of seeing foreign films, cult films, revivals, classics, indie favorites and otherwise hard-to-find releases that a major chain would normally avoid. Every fall and winter they offer a great opportunity for film fans to screen and review unreleased and foreign films, and afterwards they open up the floor to discussion. It's known as the First Look Film Forum and they usually offer two separate sessions that take place for about 7 Sunday mornings. It's a great way to expand your film palette and discuss films with other "cinephiles." The Naro does mix it up and will screen some major studio blockbusters, but from my experience they tend to screen the ones that have some artistic merit to it (so you won't see any Michael Bay flicks here). And if that doesn't impress you, then at least recognize their ticket prices are far more reasonable ($6.50 for a matinee, senior citizens and kids 12 & under; $9 for evening shows) and you won't pay $7 for a large soda. Right now the only thing that I fear is how this Norfolk landmark will handle the conversion from film to digital. Within 4 years all theater chains will stop using film projectors and go digital - some local theater chains have already made the change. Chains can afford to make the change, but for an independent theater like the Naro it will cost some big money to undergo the metamorphosis. A place like this needs to go on because it's the only theater in the area that treats film like an art and caters to the varying tastes of filmgoers in the area. Needless to say, I love this place and hope that it will be able to successfully convert to digital and thrive for the next 76 years. If you are a Hampton Roads local, please do yourself a favor and check out a film here. This is a place that understands the importance and simplicity of the classic filmgoing experience. JV read more

Naro Cinema - Heading to the theater for the First Look Film Forum & decided to take a pic of the marquee. - Cinema Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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I have to agree that I do like the Naro. It was the first movie theater in the Hampton Roads area to show Milk. It's your traditional Indy theater so you'll be able to find movies shown here that aren't likely shown anywhere else. They don't have a wide selection of movies at any one time since it's a relatively small theater, but they generally switch out their movies often. read more

Naro Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

The Naro is a fun, old, one screen theatre. The seating is comfortable, the screen and sound are decent and the environment is great. The concessions are inexpensive and the price of a movie there was (when I went) only $7. From what I hear, it's hardly ever full so you won't need to buy tickets in advance. read more

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I went here a while ago for a rocky horror show night and it was my first time being at this theatre so I wasn't sure what to expect. We walked in quickly and they had a small table where they were selling prop bags, which had a lot of stuff in them which was pretty cool! The theatre itself is a good size and it was a little warm but it wasn't that bad. I love love action theatre and I love the concept of how they performed under the actual movie screen. The actors were all excellent and very expressive. This experience would have been five stars if it weren't for the audience being so rowdy. I know were all there to have a good time and it's fun to make comments at the actors but it got to a point where we couldn't hear anything from the movie because the people around us were screaming so loud. I was a little disappointed but my friends weren't theatre nerds in high school like I was so they were pretty irritated and we left early. Overall the establishment and acting was great but it would be nice if they tried to quiet the crowd down just a little for those who haven't been to a show their before. read more

I've loved the Naro for years - and apparently I'm not the only one! I can't say I'm surprised by all the 5-star reviews (although it is a tad rare for there not to be even one outlier in the bunch); it's just a testament to how incredible this theater really is! I have so many memories of this theater - from school fieldtrips to watching The Blair Witch Project with my mom to arriving early with friends and trying to snag front row balcony seats. The Naro has character, charm, and truly offers something for everyone! I was a fan as a kid and I'm still a fan as an adult, although I appreciate this gem just a little more now. This independent theater hosts a FirstLook Film Forum (check the website for dates, as I think it's held on a seasonal basis - but don't quote me on that), perfect for film buffs looking to preview advanced screenings of new films. The Naro's also known for its late night Rocky Horror screenings - quite the experience! This is not your typical theater. It's just so much better than any big box, multi-screen chain. read more

It smells like stale popcorn. The sound system isn't the best. When the theater is only a quarter full some ignorant woman who can't stop texting will sit right in front of you. Parking can be a challenge. But I love this place! They only play those movies that you thought you had to scour the Netflix library for six months to a year after they get released. That makes this cinema a cultural treasure for Hampton Roads. What is really great is that you have all of Ghent within walking distance if you want to get dinner and drinks before or after a movie. Date night perfection. It's enough to make Norfolk feel like a real city. Next thing you know they might put in a light rail system. By the way...we saw "The Guard" last night. One of the best films in years if you don't mind Irish accents. read more

Sure it's an old-fashioned theater with only one screen and sure the times of the movies change every day so that you have to plan in advance to see certain movies, but the Naro remains one of the best movie theaters (and, really, the only one in the area) to see non-blockbusters. They usually have a great selection of movies, and whoever picks their selection is a genius. I have yet to leave a movie there unsatisfied, even if I wasn't all that interested in the movie when I walked in. Plus, their prices (tickets as well as concessions) are way cheaper than a normal movie theater. Add the fact that they still have audience-participation and real-time acted Rocky Horror showings twice a month, and the Naro becomes a truly unique and wonderful indie theater. read more

Holding its own among the corporate giants, Naro Expanded Cinema takes fruitful risks in its film selections. The exterior and interior of the theater hints at the traditional charm you'll find in the way it's run. Movies aren't limited to when they were released or the expected revenue, but by what patrons are looking to see. I often buy a ticket to a movie I've never even heard of because I trust the selection at the Naro and it always pays off. This community cinema brings people together who are interested in seeing thoughtful and artistic movies. One event that you cannot miss is the monthly showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Actors dress as characters and act out the scenes while the movie runs simultaneously. Scandalous "virgins", or people who have never attended, are initiated (by choice) with a big paddle to the rear on stage. What more can you for than a movie theater that can play serious movies without taking itself too seriously? read more

Naro Cinema - Naro - Cinema Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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The classics, the quirky, the local, the documentary, the indie... this may be one of the last places you'll find something other than the big blockbusters. This independent, locally owned landmark of Norfolk needs our respect and patronage. Service is super friendly, and really everyone here is family. I think it's very important to support the last few of these classic cinemas. If you can, stop by. If not, think about donating to the Clarence fund to help them convert to digital so they won't have to close their doors this year. read more

I love the Naro. It is not just a movie theater, it is a community resource. The films they choose to play are always make me think about the deeper stuff. I love the baklava also. Best popcorn around. read more

Naro Cinema is, simply put, a Norfolk treasure we should all feel fortunate to have in this day and age. The historic one screen theater, with lush velvet curtains and a balcony, is locatedright in the middle of Colley Ave. The owners carefully select the best limited releases, indie, and foreign films which often makes the Naro the first (sometimes only) place in Hampton Roads where you can view them. The films and concessions are cheaper than going to MacArthur too. Purchase one of their 10 film ticket packs and the price per movie is even cheaper (plus they honor those tickets at most other events)! They also host film series, such as Mal Vincent's themed series that tend to focus on classic films. I can't begin to describe how exciting it has been to see classics such as "High Noon" and "Bringing Up Baby" on the big screen over the years... where else would you get that opportunity? On Sunday mornings, they host the First Look Film Forum (for the folks who'd rather go to the movies than church) which gives audiences a chance to have brunch (Yorgo's mmmm) and see sneak previews of films weeks to even months before they get released elsewhere (example: Match Point, Capote, Crazy Heart, Paradise Now). Oftentimes, the films are kept a secret til just a few days beforehand. Discussion always follows the film and patrons are encouraged to participate (it doesn't matter how much you "know" about films). It's one of the best ways to spend a Sunday. Recently, they've been partnering with AltDaily to show cult classics such as Back to the Future (complete with a real Delorean parked out front), the Big Lebowski, Dazed and Confused, and The Princess Bride. If you can deal with a slightly rowdy crowd, you'll enjoy the fun atmosphere of these shows. It's another great way to see modern classics on the big screen (especially those you never had an opportunity to see in their initial release). And while you're at it, stop by the locally owned and operated Naro Video next door (a true cinephile's dream). read more