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Carlton Cinemas
Category: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Cinema [Edit]
20 Carlton StToronto, ON M5B 2H5
Neighbourhoods: Church-Wellesley Village, Downtown Core
(416) 494-9371
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
32 reviews for Carlton Cinemas
32 reviews in English
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Review from Johnny H.
Toronto, ON
5/22/2012
The movie screen and you are connected by your passion for cinema. That's it. No fancy bars or state-of-the-art technology. No fancy decor or comfortable seating. Movie screens are small and sound quality is acceptable. Just pure movie-watching experience.
Back in the day, they screened independent films that are rare to find. By independent, I don't mean movies that are made to compete in festivals. The movies you just don't find anywhere. The type of movies only chosen few watch. The type of movies that are not for everyone. Movies that are distinguished and discernible in eyes of movie lovers. They had a nice mix of indie studio movies and harsh films to digest. But now half the screens are taken up by big studio movies. It is kind of sad. Think about the movies, the gems, they could have put on the screens. But still, their movie selection is quite nice, and I just head to the theater after school. -
Review from Janelle W.
Toronto, ON
4/24/2012
This is my neighbourhood cinema and it accesses some primitive nostalgia, likely because it looks like its aesthetic hasn't been updated since I was a cinechild.
It's cheap for tickets and snacks, it's not slathered in the suffocating cream cheese of corporate marketing, it shows reasonably new releases and the odd indie film, and as far as the abyss of movie-theatre-cashier-customer-service standards go, it's pretty good. I've never had a bad experience.
Other neat touches: an olde upright piano, Tuesday $5 tickets. -
Review from Reynold P.
Toronto, ON
3/25/2012
What a great theatre experience. Not in a visually stunning way, but in a old-fashioned fun and clean way. Since the renovations, the prices per flick haven't changed. $7.50 matinees before 5PM and $7.00 for students. The layout is more spacious and a bit more modern now but still feels dated. Small-town feel, old school snack bar, noticeably small screens but with super comfortable seats.
The best part of it all is that it's a more personal movie experience. You're watching with a much smaller audience and you do hear yourself laughing. You're view isn't obstructed by someone with a garden hat nor do you have to worry about the availability of a decent seat. Forget leaving a jacket, your hat, an umbrella, your wallet and your pants to "reserve" seats for your friends, none of that is needed. I sat with my legs through the arm rests of the empty row in front. Luxury!
Don't assume that the movie selection is poor. It's really not and at this price point, it's impressive. In fact at this price, it's O.K. to gamble on a movie you're not too sure about watching because in the end, it was only $7.00. Guilt free entertainment. That being said, I would opt out to Scotia bank or Varsity for action/3-D movies. Everything in between, I choose you Carlton Cinemas! -
Review from Emily H.
2/7/2012
Other Yelpers have made it clear enough, but I figured I shall reiterate their point again, in honour of today (Tuesday)... $$$ FIVE DOLLA TUESDAYS TODAY $$$
Beyond that, I would recommend this to people who like to support small-time, non-giant corporations and like to avoid crowds (me). I used to enjoy watching independent films and rare-to-find documentaries - they used to have more of those, but nowadays it seems their repertoire has become the standard Blockbusters as well.
I do enjoy the cheaper admission, although as a very occasional movie-goer, I sometimes long for the big screen if I actually do step out for one. Definitely worth it for a $5 Tuesday date though ;) Plus, it's just down the street from me, how can I resist? -
Review from Laz C.
Toronto, ON
1/11/2012
Carlton cinema lays on the charm, watch out or you just might fall in love. Arrive on a Friday evening and you'll be greeted by a live pianist, playing movie theme adaptations for your pleasure as you wait for your showtime. Don't even think about dropping a fortune on popcorn; Carlton makes sure you'll still have some change left for the TTC with their pre-millennium prices. They'll even remind you that a large comes with a refill so you can share with wild abandon even though it's still unlikely that you'd require a top-up.
Sure, the screens may be a little smaller, maybe even a tad fuzzy (compared to HD) but the service offers a warm and comforting movie-going experience that I have yet to find anywhere else.
If you're not yet convinced, try $5 Tuesdays! -
Review from Alex x.
NORTH YORK, ON
12/2/2011
$5 Tuesdays! $5 Tuesdays! $5 Tuesdays! $5 Tuesdays!
Fuck yeah!
$5 Tuesdays! $5 Tuesdays! $5 Tuesdays! $5 Tuesdays! -
Review from Patrick M.
Toronto, ON
9/11/2011
We went last night to catch a little known indie film, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes", and had a rather great time. Sure the theatre is small, but it's absolutely charming! Almost as charming as that monkey* up on the screen.
* Spoiler: "He's an ape!" (see below)
I'm not sure how common this is, but there was a trio playing live tunes with the piano in the lounge area. That was our first impression: Live lounge music, at a movie theatre, in 2011, in Toronto. WHAAA??? Yes!
Anyway, the screen was about 1/8 the size of the ginormous Cineplex screens... which, as I now realize, I actually prefer. The volume didn't make my ears bleed (which, surprise surprise, I actually prefer). The seats were maybe a bit cramped for my liking, but I'm rather tall, so I've long since reconciled myself to squeezing into hobbit-spaces.
Two anecdotes stuck with me after the night:
1) A couple comes in shortly after us, and the girl loudly declares, "oh my god, this is soooo tiny, I wouldn't be caught dead here if the tickets weren't free!". I held my tongue. Her beau looked like he wanted to crawl into a hole (alone) and die. I mean, talk about spoiled tool of a girl. I took solace in the fact I'm not a stuck up prissy bitch and this made me feel good about myself.
2) Family sits down next to us. Father (in his 40s) is a talker. I mean, seriously, he talked constantly. He made such luminous observations as "wow, those are tall!" (concerning redwood trees), "so beautiful!" x3 (concerning redwood trees), and "he's gonna climb 'em!" x2 (concerning an ape and, you guessed it, redwood trees). I convinced myself he was a toddler-aged talking-monkey and it actually enhanced my viewing experience. He was filled with such gleeful innocence!
Would I have experienced either of these things at a Cineplex or Famous Players? Nope. #1 would have been pleased at the sheer magnitude of a theatre built juuuuuuust for her; and #2 would have been drowned out by the ear-bleeding awesomeness of the surround sound.
So, to (Magic Lantern) Carlton Cinemas: Thank You! -
Review from Susan G.
10/4/2011
Sure, Carlton Cinemas might be nothing super fancy, but it is still a great cinema, with good movie selection, friendly staff, and excellent prices!
On a regular day, movies here are $7, and on Tuesdays there are a mere $5! While the screens might not be huge, and there is no "stadium" style seating, if you're not watching an action movie, it really isn't necessary.
The added bonus of Carlton Cinema is that the staff seem really friendly. When you go to a big cinema such as AMC and Scotiabank, there is so much turn over and the staff are so young - that they are often just kind of...useless. But not the case at Carlton! Though I haven't been too many times, I could tell the staff were knowledgeable, and they were extremely friendly.
I definitely recommend checking out this theatre if you're not so into the special effects. Definitely worth your $7!Listed in: My October 30
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Review from Mauricio A.
Toronto, ON
10/5/2011
First and foremost, I like to support my local movie houses. Yes, The Carlton is part of and owned by Magic Lantern Theatres, which is based in Edmonton, so although they are not true-blood local, they very much act like one.
How? Well, price-wise they are very inexpensive in case you just want to get out of the house, specially on Tuesdays. True their screens are smaller in comparison to the now state of the art ScotiaBank or Colossus theaters. Heck, at the Carlton, at least one of the smallest screens are run via DVD player. Where the so-called projectionist is literally one of the staff who comes down to the front(!), opens a door behind the screen(!!) and presses play.
Ghetto-liscious!
But here is the most important thing, the selection you will find at the Carlton is always excellent. A lot of art house and foreign films that only a few other Toronto theater's show. The place although modest, welcoming and there is something to be said when you meet and see people who may also enjoy your slightly cooky if avant garde (for Toronto) taste in movies. The confectionery and pop-corn is only a mild rip-off in comparison to the 'we'll-also-be-taking-your first-born' prices your will find at other movie theaters in Toronto, so it is acceptable, by comparison. Besides it would be a shame if this movie house went out of business.
Also, they have an old if a tinsy-bit out of tune upright piano which if you know how to play they will be more than willing to allow you to add a bit of music to the place. Which I do. Every time I go.
It is a great place for a fifth or sixth date since there are also a lot of nearby restaurants to pick. From Japanese to Italian to just a drink.
I recommend it.Listed in: My Reviews, 30-Day Oct '11 Challenge &…
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Review from Danielle F.
Toronto, ON
2/16/2011 ROTD 3/15/2011
Saw a cheapy, 5 dollar movie here last night and loved the experience! Carlton Cinemas has a homey feel to it. It's not just pimply teenagers, it's people that genuinely like movies! Well, who knows? But it sure seems that way. Lots of smiles.
For six dollars you can get a mini combo which is a small popcorn, a small drink and twizzlers. Who needs more than that?? Not me. As a matter of fact, I shared this with a friend and we were both satisfied. Pretty standard fare.
I never really take in or reflect on anything past the movie itself when seeing a movie but this place forced me to. Even the guy taking the tickets just stole my heart, a quieter, happy-go-lucky Seth Rogan who will point you to your theatre. The theatres are tiny compared to what I usually see but no one was squished and the seats were comfortable.
If you want to catch up on your films before the Oscars, this is the place to do it.Listed in: ROTD'ed
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Review from Janna S.
5/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
This isn't quite as fancy as some places but I'm a fan because the price is right, it's always clean, and they screen exclusive titles here too. I'm impressed by how comfy the seats are here - definitely on par with the Yonge AMC theater just a few blocks away.
Check out the free art shows and occasional live music in the lobby if you're waiting for staff to clean out your theater before the show! -
Review from Dishan W.
12/18/2010 4 Check-ins Here
In an age of rising movie prices, one cinema stands firm to provide movie goers with the affordable experience of classy movie watching!
$5 movies all day on Tuesdays. Completely worth it!
The audio and visual quality is lacking and the concession stand could do with reduced pricing. But the seats are comfy and I would seriously consider Carlton Cinemas for anything that does not involve any special effects shots because for a more entertaining movie with epic scenes I would still choose AMC or Scotia over this. One should note that the washrooms are also a bit of a walk since they are on the other side of the concession stand.
Over the past few months, I've noticed a dip in quality in movies playing at Cumberland which I used to associate with top notch movie selections, but at the same time Carlton seemed to have upped it's ante and has provided me with some very good movies not playing anywhere else.
The staff here are wonderful and the crowd (or the lack thereof) is for the most part very well "behaved". On most screenings, there have probably been less than 10 people apart from me. -
Review from Cindy H.
Toronto, ON
3/9/2012
This is totally my new 'go to' theatre. Staff are always so friendly and accommodating--a rarity at cinemas these days (why is that?). The prices are good vs the varsity or amc, for example. There tends to be no 'hoodlums' or loud, rude customers. People even turn their cell phones 'off' for the most part (wow). The live entertainment on Fridays is kinda cool and unexpected. It is a fun, reasonably priced, reliably good place to see a flick. Love it.
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Review from Avitania B.
Toronto, ON
8/11/2011 6 Check-ins Here
While the Carlton isn't the fanciest or the most luxurious movie theater around, what they lack in style they certainly make up in value and quality. I mean, movies are $5 on Tuesdays! How awesome is that? They feature a decent mix of big studio movies and independents, plus the people that work there have always been super friendly. Plus, the crisp air conditioning makes the Carlton Cinemas a nice place to spend a hot summer afternoon.
Listed in: Toronto Favorites
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Review from Nicole H.
Toronto, ON
5/27/2011 6 Check-ins Here
This is a much nicer/less bustling with blockbustery crowds location of the small chain cinema (Magic Lantern/Rainbow) that is down on Front. As it's all been recently refurbished there's not too much to disparage as far as the facilities go - plenty of room to loiter in the lobby, a decent snack bar, and the cinemas are well-kept. (The seats aren't super-fantastic, and some of the cinemas are small but that's a small niggle).
I like the mix of smaller releases/foreign films/documentaries they play here - there's occasionally a bigger action/drama thrown in, but the general list of titles means you can catch something a little more out of the ordinary.
Other nice things: cheap tix (you'll save a good few dollars compared to AMC/Cineplex), super close to TTC (College Station and College Streetcar) and a stone's throw from a whole bunch of eateries in the Yonge/College and Church area.
Shine on, you crazy Magic Lantern. -
Review from U U.
Toronto, ON
6/21/2011
Sheesh, who are you people giving less than 4 stars for the Carlton? ;-)
Pros:
-They really make an honest attempt at keeping alternative films here - this includes a lot of great foreign films, and some documentaries.
-Great staff - I often have a fun conversation with staff here.
-Reasonably priced - cheaper than your big box theatre for sure.
-Clean
Cons:
-It's quiet - but that's only because our city doesn't seem to take an interest in a great little theatre playing foreign films!
I'm giving this place 5 stars because it is always good. I once saw a documentary here, and because it was the premere, the person featured in the documentary (the principal of a chartered school) actually attended in person. We had a great conversation with him. -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
7/19/2009 16 Check-ins Here
The closest theatre to my house other than the colossal AMC down the street. But Carlton caters to a different crowd with their assortment of Foreign Films. Anytime I look up what's playing there is a selection of at least four languages!
The cinemas aren't large or spacious by any means but it's typically deserted so it's easy to occupy numerous seats for your belongings and such.
It's around $10 for admission which is better than others but they should still have a cheap night- either late screenings or perhaps Tuesdays. -
Review from Nicole B.
12/6/2009
I went to the Carlton as today was the final closing day. The nostalgia of it had me in there watching Good Hair. There weren't many people in the theatre but there was a camaraderie at laughing together in this quaint venue that wouldn't be much longer. I kept feeling a little sad as the movie drew to a close, knowing this was my last experience.
It really was a good theatre. The prices were decent and, like Kat F., I usually saw two movies for the price of one. After the movie, a lot of people were in the lobby looking at pics on the wall and I got swept up in it too. The black and white pics of movie stills made me linger a lot longer afterwards. Carlton always felt like that comfy, "Toronto's own" theatre. I loved the intimacy of it and will miss it dearly. Farewell Carlton! -
Review from Kent P.
8/10/2010
After the renovations the place is now cleaner, cheaper than before, and shows better movies.
It's smaller than your giant multi-plexes, both in number of screens and screen size...but that's OK. Those new seats blow anything else I've sat in out of the water (in a theatre, obvy). $9 on Friday night isn't too shabby. $5 on Tuesdays!
three pats
patpatpat -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
12/8/2008
I want to like this theatre more, but truth is, the place kind of depresses me and reminds me way too much of my backward university years spent there and in the area. The screening rooms are shoe-box like, and for the $10 price tag, I'd rather sit and watch DVDs on a friend's big-screen TV.
But despite my personal distaste for going there to see movies, it was an amazing neighbourhood cinema and great time-waster when I lived in the area. I love it in theory, and think, of all the first-run theatres, it offers the highest quality of films... Then again, I tend to sway towards indie/arthouse/foreign films anyway, so knock-em-out blockbuster fans should definitely go elsewhere. -
Review from Chris L.
Toronto, ON
3/9/2011
Went to the Carleton Cinemas for the first time in many years. They have done a good job renovating the place. The seats are comfortable, and a smaller theatre size is more intimate and cozy. Great place for watching movies that don't emphasize special effects.
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Review from Eugene M.
Toronto, ON
12/23/2010
It's much improved after its sale and renovation. Lots of hidden gems you won't find playing elsewhere in the neighbourhood and documentaries as well. Viewing experience is worth the full price (film-dependent, of course), let alone the $5 Tuesdays.
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Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
12/23/2008
When I was a kid, there was a theatre near my house that we used to go to ALL THE TIME. In particular, I remember my dad taking me to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and having the best time EVER. The theatre eventually shut down, and now all they play is Bollywood films.
But, whatever. If I want that old movie theatre feel, I can just go to the Carlton. When I walk into the Carlton, I feel the years fall off me, I hear the TMNT theme song...just kidding.
This theatre is OLD. They don't renovate, they keep it clean but that's about it. Even their debit machines are ghetto. But who cares, because there's no other theatre in the downtown core where you'll get the same collection of films. And the admission price is a little cheaper. Hey, I'll take what I can get.
Luckily I was never one of the Ryerson kids who got stuck having a theatre at the Carlton as a classroom. If I did, I'm not sure I'd like it as much. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
11/28/2008
Thank God for the Carlton. If a vaguely independent film that gets festival accolades, or a foreign film Oscar winner (or runner-up for that matter), the big theatres won't touch it, in order to bring you the latest big feature starring Jack Black in some form of spandex unitard. You could also wait for the likes of the repertory cinemas to get hold of them, but distribution channels being what they are, and scheduling being what it is, you can count on the Carlton to bring you the stuff that isn't mainstream fast.
With a clutch of small screens in small theatres, you aren't there for the huge expansive theatre experience. You get a pared-down version of the movie experience, but indeed you get to see your independent film fast. Note that the some of the theatres are small. Like really small. Like you'll feel like you're in someone's living room watching the movie in some cases. But that's a small price to pay for being able to see good yet uncommon films in a theatre and not have to wait for DVDs to be released or reps to get their hands on them. -
Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
12/22/2008
In my head, Carleton Cinemas is very much like the second run cinemas (the Bloor, the Revue, etc) in Toronto, but they are not a second run cinema. While they never play classics or even just old fun movies, Carleton Cinemas does have an always rotating line up of new movies.
The great thing about the Carleton is that it's the only provider of independent films in the area. While it's not the best purveyor of such things, it certainly does a decent job, and more importantly it's the only one doing this job. The AMC doesn't play anything remotely independent, and the while the Varsity does do a good job of playing indie films, they don't always have the same selection that Carleton offers. -
Review from Daniel S.
Toronto, ON
5/20/2011
I love this place, it has a good mix of first run Hollywood as well as some artier fare. $5.00 Tuesdays and matinees which is a great deal and free popcorn refills as well. Not much else to say.
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Review from Luis H.
Toronto, ON
11/4/2011
Very small cinema located in the Church & Wellesley neighborhood Toronto. Airing the latest arthouse/independent films and sometimes mainstream Hollywood (and Bollywood) films, the small size of the theater adds to its overall charm as it is not a hustle & bustle place like bigger cinema chains such as AMC. Conviently located close to the College Subway Station, the cinema is popular with many Ryerson and University of Toronto students, as well as people residing in the neighboring Village.
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Review from Kat F.
4/4/2009
Carlton is great for seeing obscure movies that aren't playing anywhere else, or movies that are in between their regular run and the rep run. Also a lot cheaper at $10 per movie. If you have the time it's usually pretty easy to see a double header as there is minimal security in the theatre and I'm convinced the staff doesn't actually mind.
Listed in: Decent Movie Theatres
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Review from Karen M.
Ottawa, ON
6/17/2009
I like this theatre. I like the little café with tea light candles. I like how I can't figure out how they get all the theatres into the space. I like how you can hear the projector playing during the movie. I also like the movies they show: documentaries, foreign and arty type films. This cinema might not be for everyone since the theatres are very small, there is no digital anything, and it is lacking the fast food type food amenities that most other Toronto theatres have these days but whatevs, I like it!
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Review from A K.
Toronto, ON
2/22/2010
Ok, I have gotten so busy this year that I haven't gotten around to watching any good films. I just went to check what' s playing in the Carlton and sadly it's closed! I can't believe this didn't cross my radar. Good thing it's opening again in June apparently.
Anyways, I loved how this theater plays a great mix of indie and foreign films. I love the feel of the theater, it's small, intimate and dingy. I like how it has that haunted feeling, there really were no bells and whistles here. The staff was always great too, very very friendly. I can't wait for it to reopen again, I hope the new company retains its charm! -
Review from Jimi S.
ON
12/23/2008
though the carlton doesnt have quite the stadium seating youd expect from larger theatres, it still provides a pleasurable movie-going experience. the clincher will always be the movies they decide to show. theres a mix between more popular movies of the day and a greater weight on smaller (probably better) movies. there was a movie i worked on, a canadian movie, that was shown there in a normal run for example.
its also provides coffee options for refreshments, a comfortable loungey area and overall, will not be bombarded by too much extraneous teenage noise and hooplah. -
Review from Andy O.
6/30/2010
It's their first day after reopening today, so I hope I'll be able to upgrade my rating soon but I'll probably only give them one other chance.
The theater I was in (#2) had a screen the size of the video projector screen I had at home until recently... but with inferior material (or maybe it was the projected image that was pixelated, I couldn't really tell), at a larger viewing distance, at a steeper angle and with just semi-soft seats.
That's not a good combination.
Also, I'm pretty damn sure the aspect ratio was wrong. It looked 4:3-ish from the size of the whole picture and the faces looked vertically stretched...
So, after ~4 minutes I left because I can have a better viewing experience at home.
Being a movie buff, I was really looking forward to having a great semi-arthouse cinema near where I live with plenty of movies that I want to see at a nice price point (at least on tuesdays). But unless they have other screens that are about double the size and/or they play movies I desperately want to see and can't see anywhere else, it would just be a huge disappointment and at least to me unusable.
In case you're wondering why I rated it 2/5 if i didn't like anything about it - well... it was clean. Which I guess isn't a miracle on the first day. still...
UPDATE:
I just received the information that all of their screens are the same size - so that's it for me. No matter what the movie might be, it's not worth it to pay even 5$ (on Tuesdays only) to watch it on such a tiny screen. 2$ would be more like it. But at 5$, I'll wait for DVD rental or watch it somewhere else.
