This theatre is a hidden gem…read more It's tucked away in Carpentersville and the large marquee that used to show the current films has been decimated by damaging storms over the past few years. And though Classic Cinemas (CC) is a smaller chain, it doesn't mean you're getting less of an experience. I've been here about 3 times in the last two months and I've been very happy with my experience. First... when they say $5 Tuesday, they mean $5 flat, tax included. It is an absolute steal. The theaters have been equipped with reclining leather seats, but one unique feature is that they have built-in seat warmers with two levels of heat! If you're wearing pants or jeans, it's not super strong, but it's still warm enough to keep you from getting cold in the theater. The seats are very comfortable. Second... if you're like me and you can't help but get some popcorn and a drink sometimes, the prices here are way cheaper than in the big chains. I may have to edit this review if I'm off a bit, but from memory... popcorn was like $7/$6/$5 with unlimited refills and drinks were like $5.50/$5.00/$4.50 and also unlimited. One of the times I went, the person working the popcorn machine asked if I wanted butter and when I responded in the affirmative they said, "I got you!" This person then added a scoop of popcorn, then butter, then another scoop of popcorn, followed again by another generous amount of butter, and so on until the bucket was full... the result of which was the best bucket of movie popcorn I have ever eaten. Sadly, when I returned the following week, there was someone else working and when I asked for butter, they pointed to the kiosk behind me and said, "It's over there." So I guess it was a one-time moment of kindness. If you're the employee who likes buttering the popcorn behind the counter and you're reading this, kudos to you! The only reason for 4 stars is that it's not stadium seating, which isn't bad unless the people in front of you need to go to the bathroom frequently. Also, I haven't tried the XQ theater for the ultimate experience, so maybe after that, I'll bring it up to 5.

My favorite cinema has an old-time feel to it and very reasonable prices. I won't go anywhere else…read more The seats are comfortable, fairly new, reclining, and heated. They are so soft you can fall asleep in them. Each cinema gives you an intimate feel without feeling like you are in a stadium. The screen widens for movies just like they used to and there are delicious mints waiting for you when you exit the movie. The best part is the prices and the employees though. Best movie theater around.