AMC Loews Norridge 10

I was expecting this theater to be super run-​down, but I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t. No, it’s not a fancy theater, and no, it doesn’t have stadium seating, but it’s cheaper and less crowded.
I saw «The Avengers» at Norridge, and the theater and bathrooms were clean. I thought the theater’s audio was good and so was the picture quality.
I do have to mention that the theater was super-​cold. I know movie theaters are always chilly, but this one seemed super cold, like they had the AC on full blast. Bring a sweater!
Other than the temperature, I had no complaints!

The only reason this gets 2 stars is because I go here when I want to watch a movie and no one is there. It makes no sense that they still have the ticket booths as you would always have to go to the concession stand to purchase tickets. Everytime I go in there, the entrance is always dim lighted and the same soda stains on the carpet are there too! I don’t care if it’s a theater with much activity, but it’s just the overall cleanliness of the place. It’s not busy, so why are there finger prints all over the glass where the snacks are? Why are the floors always sticky if there’s only 10 people in the theater? Why is the popcorn cold and stale? Overall, I go to this theater as a last resort, and I take in my snacks with me. I normally don’t like to do that but it’s just horrible. Theater floors are extremely sticky and everytime I go there 9 times out of 10 it smells like vomit. So you’re probably wondering why 2 stars and not 1, well it’s because you get overall privacy; which is hard to say for theaters like Cinemark or Muvico. Watching a movie without interruptions such as cell phones going off, people yelling for no particular reason and/​or a baby crying is just priceless. The overall theater has taken a turn for the worst, I remember when this theater was clean and prestine. Last time it had been liked that was when I had been watching Episode 1 of Star Wars. It’s a shame to see such a historic theater coming to be more of a drag.
Pros:
Quiet and usually no distractions with cell phone lights
Cons:
Dirty-​glass always has prints on them, bathroom floors are always drenched, and theater floors are sticky
Cold and stale popcorn
Seats are really squeeky and are very uncomfortable.

This may be the worst theatre I’ve ever been to, but at least it was playing a movie I wanted to see (and we had a gift card to an AMC) and at least I have another story to tell about poor theatre etiquete shown by a small group of movie goers who chose to sit directly behind me, talk, open soda cans and other loud items, and who became disgusted and left one hour and fifteen minutes into the film in a theatre that literally only had 5 people in it but that sat over 300. I guess that’s worth an extra star because I sure love having material to add to my hypothetical book titled «Why don’t you just stay at home and watch a movie, you rude bastard,» which I’m sure would be a hit, but I digress. Back to the review…
Theatre looked legitimately closed and abandoned. Lights in the theatre were out. Although we don’t know if that was due to the fact that they were simply broken or optionally turned off, either way, it was probably in its best interest given the GIANT holes in the ceiling and the «i don’t know the last time they were cleaned» ceiling fans. Screen didn’t turn on until 5 minutes before movie started (presuming this was to save money). Sound was fine and seats were more comfortable than some other theatres that I’ve visited. The kids working were nice, but in a «I hate my job, but my boss told me I had to offer the AMC special membership card thingy» apathy sort of way. The bathrooms were awful too (the toilet paper dispenser literally fell on me). All in all, this theatre sucked.

This place was like walking into time warp. The Snack stand looks straight out of the 70s and the theater itself feels the same. The old standard sloped backward seating arrangement made me laugh after seeing it. Then the previews started the left side of the screen had the cut outs from the picture film clearly visable though out the entire movie. If this was a discount theater i could forgive the problems but this place costs full price. We won’t be back.

Had it not been for the $ 5.00 matinée or the mall like two minutes away from the theater, this sucker would easily get a 1 in my book. It’s crowded, overpriced, and noisy. First of all, this theater charges $ 9.50 at night when in actuality, this place is a dump. The floors can get sticky (and fast I may add), this theater isn’t 3D equipped, and there’s NO stadium seating (a huge turn off).
However, I must say, the matinees are very tempting. And considering the fact that the mall, like I previously mentioned, is very close. Although, even the mall is getting outdated. Sorry Norridge, Melrose Park is my fun night out!

Haven’t been here in years, but every time I drive by it I feel sad and grossed out. It just looks dirty and run down.

Someone called it the theatre time forgot, and that couldn’t be more true. When my husband and I went here on Labor Day so he could see Machete, and I’d go see Eat Pray Love… we got to experience both sides of the theatre. That’s right, two theatres in one… One side is a little brighter and modern, while the ‘older’ side is vintage and dingy.
I stayed at the older side. This place is in serious need of renovation, and it’s the kind of place I didn’t want to put my feet on the floor. The first thing I noticed was the overwhelming smell of mildew and dankness. Someone mentioned the roof leaks, and this room smelled of it. The seats were stained and spotted, they were squeaky and busted in the centers. I looked around for dirty floors, and honestly, I don’t think that’s an issue here. I think it was as clean as they could keep it, but this place is old and stinky.
The movie was $ 5, my icee + popcorn were $ 10.50! After reading other reviews, I wish I hadn’t gotten popcorn because it might be from the day before. The employees were not rude or overly friendly, but if I worked here, I’d be bored too. This is a strange place and we won’t be back.
I was more bothered that my husband and I were in two separate theatres that felt very far away. I sat with my feet up the whole time and tried not to touch anything, but really… gross. The only redeeming factor: Elusive white cherry icees. Otherwise, it was pretty hard to get over the mildew smell, and I left when hubby’s movie was finished. Not my kinda place, I’ll stick to the nice, clean, comfy movie theatres everywhere else.

Years ago this was a foremost theatre. Even when it was divided. Although, The main partition ain’t too bad. But if you go to the lesser divisions, THEY’RE ROCK BOTTOM. The toilets are dirty, One concession stand employee had a noticeably nasty attitude. Gee, Do I miss the heydays of the 1980’s, Concerning this cinema.

I went here last night. Though it was nothing I’d call special it wasn’t the worst joint I’d ever been at to catch a flick. Yeah the concessions are high priced but find me a place where they don’t pretty much ask for your first born for a freakin’ popcorn and a coke. At least the employees were cool and they didn’t care enough to the point where they let me bring in a bottle of Bacardi. No one gave me any shit during the movie, it was a pleasant viewing experience. A-​OK for me.

«Oh.. .. . wow! What type of fuckery IS this?,» is exactly what I said when I had only seen the marquee from Harlem. Then we pulled into the parking lot and I saw the actual theater. I had to go here since I wanted to see «The Box» badly and this was the only theater within like a 35mile radius that was playing it. (pause) I know. But back to the theater– I won’t even go into describing anything. I’m just going to give you the script that took place from after we pulled into the lot.
Me:” That’s not the theater is it?“
OP (other person): «Yea, I think it is».
Me: «The box office is outside but it’s closed. Seriously.. . wtf?»
OP: «How do you buy your tickets?»
Me: «Idk! I rolled up when you did! I guess we just should go in and see.»
OP: «Hmm.. . this theater is dated.»
Me: «Yea, and not a good vintage-​y type of dated either.»
[We reluctantly exit the vehicle and go into the theater]
Guy at concession stand:” Hello folks! Please buy your tickets over here.“
Me + OP:” Huh? At the concession stand?“
Me: «This theater really is crappy. What? Are they really charging $ 9.50 here? For this?»
OP: (to the only employee that seems to be there; Concession Stand/​Box Office/​Usher man) «Do you have any hotdogs?»
[Concession Stand/​Box Office/​Usher man looks in some type of drawer then makes a quick weird expression]
Concession Stand/​Box Office/​Usher man: «Yes we do.»
Me: «Why did you make that face? What’s wrong with them?» (to OP) «Did you see the face he made? Don’t you eat that death dog!»
OP: «Yea. I’ll pass on the hotdog.»
[We make our way into our theater which is ten steps from the concession stand as are almost all the theaters give or take]
Me: «I haven’t be in a theater like this since 1990!»
OP just shakes their head.
[10 minutes later]
OP: «The movie is starting. Isn’t anyone going to close the doors?»
Me: «I don’t think Concession Stand/​Box Office/​Usher man is going make it happen.»
OP: «Are you kidding me? Ugh.»
[OP gets up to close the doors. The theater becomes so dark upon the doors closing that OP almost sat back down with other people.]
I want to add they had the thermostats taped to the wall, a huge hole in the ceiling of the women’s bathroom — that I can only hope leads to Narnia — and no surround sound. Unless Aslan and benevolent tree spirits are waiting for me on the other side of that hole, there is no way I would go back there. No way, no how! Leason learned; wait for it to come on video if it’s only playing at this theater.

The theater that time forgot.
Starring:
bored adolescent as Ticket taker/​concessionista
Introducing:
popcorn that may or may not have been made yesterday
Rated G-​ross
This theater may not be suited for anyone who cares about the many stains on the seats or the overall creepy feel of a deserted theater.
Critics give :
One finger, and it’s probably not a thumb.
Choose another theater.

Unlike other reviewers, I don’t entirely hate this theater. I agree that this theater isn’t as nice, and is mostly a no-​frills place to see movies compared to nearby multiplexes it competes with, but it still holds many memories for me over the years. From going here as a kid when I was in a park day camp (first movie I believe I ever saw here was Honey I Shrunk the Kids), to today, where I mostly go to this theater for nothing else other than the fact it’ll work in a pinch (saw Dark Knight here on Friday), it’s always been there for me.
Props to having very friendly concession staff too, as I had an interesting chat with the concession supervisor here. (he also told me that they sold out their 3 Thu. midnight showings of Dark Knight) It also quickly dawned right back to me, after not going to any AMC theaters in awhile, how expensive AMC concessions are in general ($ 3.75 for a small soda!). Not to also mention they don’t have as liberal of a policy on free refills on soda or popcorn (only can get’em if you get a large popcorn/​soda), as Kerasotes theaters do where you can get refills on any size of popcorn/​soda.
In addition, I’m not surprised that this theater has been slowly cutting back its hours of operation in non-​peak months (probably b/​c of increasing competition, though its currently operating at full hours b/​c of the summer season), and that increasing signs of its age are visible. They altered their Harlem Ave. sign a few years back, which made me a little sad, since I always use to laugh at the fake movie titles people made up (a la what Sharin noted).
Most recent rumor I’ve heard about this theater is that it may close in February 2009, to start construction on the Costco-​anchored shopping center, and the deal hasn’t quite been 100% finalized yet to my knowledge. If the crowds this place gets for Dark Knight is the last hurrah the Norridge ever gets attendance-​wise, I’m glad to say I was there to witness it. R.I.P., Norridge. (2 stars, and an extra star for all the memories it holds for me)

It was just *ok* before, but ever since AMC took over the Norridge Theatre it has totally gone down the toilet. Bored employees who are never around when you need to get something from the concession, like I would go to their concession stand anyway as a large popcorn and drink will set you back about $ 12. The sign off of Harlem Ave. is very confusing to read, they had the movies listed in the wrong theatre #s. I was all excited about seeing a recent movie in the newer half of the theatre (cinemas 6 – 10) but to my dismay it was playing in cinema 1 which is in the craphole section that seems like it hasn’t been updated since the 80s :(.
The newer half is very nice, hence the extra star. However, since we have been going to the Kerasotes Theatre in Golf Mill, it makes even the newer section of the Norridge look… um…ghetto. Like the mister says «Once you’ve been to the penthouse, you don’t ever want to go back to the outhouse!»

It really is that bad. The roof leaks. Part of the roof hangs down over one of the screens in one theater. Bad sound, bad lighting. The seats are so dirty and old. The whole place is dirty and old. Bored, clueless teenagers running the concession stands. Very expensive snacks.
It does have some video games that aren’t too bad, a nice star wars game.
Please do not go here… it will ruin whatever movie you see.

Because it is closest to where I live, 2 stars. But I always hate going here. Two weeks in a row now, for Transformers and Harry Potter, my husband bought tickets here. He mentioned Norridge for another movie coming up and I said why can’t we go somewhere with nicer seats? He said that I dozed off for a few seconds during Harry Potter so it must not be that bad. He said he likes how they recline… Just seems like EVERY other theatre looks newer and nicer! I COULD NOT BELIEVE how many kids there were for the 2 movies we went to at around ¹⁰⁄₁₁ at night! Geez — get a baby sitter and go out! How cruel is it to bring a toddler to an 11:00 movie? Just terrible. I haven’t had popcorn there in a long time — I just can’t do eating that late at night! So well… overall, it is an ok place but would SO much rather see a movie anywhere else!

This theater is one of the best places to avoid if at all possible. If you look up «Ghettoplex» in a dictionary, you will find a picture of this place.
I find this place to be rather dirty, and am shocked that new forms of life haven’t emerged from the various theaters… yet.

I personally hate the these theatres and only go there because they’re the only ones around. Cosco is planning to buy the land along with all the other stores, but the deal isn’t settled since they don’t have the rights to Shooters or Go Bananas yet. Half of the theatres are dirty while the newer half is the cleanest thing I’ve ever seen. The only reason these theatres are still open is because the only other theatres are 15 minutes away.

I don’t like to give places 1 star but this place deserves it. It is the only theatere around (until the new one opens in rosemont) but deserves to be torn down. Its just plain scary to go into this place. And the movie itself isn’t the best quality. Theres a huge parking lot that I am suprised hasn’t been developed into condos yet.

I haven’t been to this dump in about 10 years, but it is the classic «We don’t want to get a babysitter so let’s bring our 3 month old to the 10:30 show and then sit there miffed when the baby doesn’t stop crying» theater. I think my first movie at this joint was «The Program» back in 1993 Including the dangerous «laying in traffic» scene that they cut out of the DVD because people actually got killed imitating the scene. That’s called natural selection, but somehow, folks got all uppity. I’m not very political, but is it the conservative or liberals that get all angry when really stupid folks do society a favor and get themselves killed?

I used to come here a lot to see movies in the old days, but now this place is more of a backup plan as there are nicer theaters around Chicagoland. The ten screens are divided into two sections that are not physically together, so be sure not to park too far from the section you are going to.