Cinema 21

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About

Come see movies! They're almost as awesome as we are.

Address: 616 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA

Phone: (503) 223-4515

Website

State: Oregon

Zip Code: 97209

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Reviews

Cinema 21 is theater done well. They were the single screen art house, slightly run down and holding on by a shoe string. Today, even in the age of people just sitting at home, they have revitalized and have several screens with comfortable seats. Decent food and beer and cider available to eat as well. But most critically, a long standing commitment to bringing in great films from all over the world to their theater. Do yourself a favor and subscribe to their mailing list as they'll turn you on to great cinema you might otherwise miss.

 7 years ago (21-11-2017)

Wonderful place. Exceptional selection of special movies plus mainstream. Very open minded. There is also the annual German film festival. And they have also an annual week of gay and lesbian movies.

 7 years ago (17-01-2018)

I grew up in Portland not far from here but for some reason, had never been until recently. Highly recommend! They seem to have a talent at picking out films that are interesting, entertaining, etc... Also, no overpriced food/drinks here! Decent beverage/food choices at a decent price

 7 years ago (13-10-2017)

One of my favorite theaters in Portland! They will show a variety of interesting films that other theaters don't show. Super tasty and good quality items in the concession stand.

 7 years ago (13-12-2017)

First impression left me unimpressed. A sign (seen in attached photo) states doors will open 30 minutes before the first showing. Went to a 1:15 showing, and doors didn't open until 1:00. Was hungry so wanted to grab some pizza but didn't want to risk a sit-down restaurant as there might not be enough time to get to the movie and get decent seating. 

At any rate, the staff scrambled to open as they all seemed to show up late to work. The staff were also unkempt and not the friendliest. 

The movie played in a secondary auditorium that has a very, very small screen. The auditorium was very poorly designed; seating went right up against the wall on one side, which meant only one aisle to get in and out of seating. This meant I had to get up to let people in and out. I'm trying to eat a pizza slice drink a beer, and people want to squeeze by, and ultimately, I have to stand up so they don't stomp my toes as the rows are very narrow. After the third group went in, left their coats, and came back out, I moved to the front row, the only row where I wouldn't have to get up a dozen or more times in 15 minutes. The front row is too close, even on a small screen, to enjoy the movie.

The Escape from New York Pizza was so good, and only marked up $1 a slice, so not a bad deal. I should have just gone to Escape from New York Pizza first, though, especially given the late opening and the inability to eat my slice in peace.

Prices were reasonable at $8 for a matinee, but if you're driving, add in parking, which was about $5. Makes the cost of going to a movie at a multiplex with free parking cheaper. Speaking of parking, I got parking just down the street due to the fact that Portlanders don't read the fine print on parking signs; I was able to get in a loading zone that you can park at after 11:00 AM. Read the fine print, and you might get easy parking, too.

In short, I'd only see a movie here again in the big auditorium and only if it's not playing elsewhere. I wouldn't go to the first showing expecting to be able to eat before the show.

 7 years ago (13-01-2018)

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