Laemmle Sunset 5

With a Starbucks next door and $ 12 tickets (ordered on line right before the film and got the best seats), perhaps the theatre would do better if it allowed outside beverages. The doorman was insufferable and obsequious. I’m sitting outside, chilly and drinking my coffee. Next film I see will be at the Landmark or Laemmle! — why drive to WeHo for this type of treatment?

I was so excited for the West Coast première weekend of Being Elmo. (Even Elmo was there!) It’s awesome that Laemmle plays some independent films that are hard to find elsewhere. And I was pleasantly surprised that the theater validated parking for 3 hours (you know how difficult parking can be in weho).
The theater itself looked worn and old. The bathroom was disgusting. Half of the stalls looked like they hadn’t been cleaned in days. 2 out of the 4 faucets were out-​of-​order and 2 out of the 3 paper towel dispensers were out of paper.
If this were a mainstream theater, I’d give it 3 stars at most but I love independent films so I bumped it up for that reason alone.

So, before I even begin, I have an admission to make — I’m a Roomie.
I’m one of Tommy Wiseau’s crazed groupies that makes a monthly pilgrimage from San Diego to attend the screenings of «The Room» in WeHo at the Sunset 5. I feel it important to mention, as I realize that I’m already biased in favor of the cinema on behalf of the madcap, drunken revelry that I associate therewith.
That being said, what fuzzy, booze-​riddled memories remain the morning after aren’t unpleasant. The employees in the box office do their job, and have never had trouble deciphering my slurred attempts at human communication. The staff working admission is wise enough to realize that many of us are bringing liquor into the establishment, and thankfully don’t check bags at the midnight screenings. The building itself carries a sense of age and the mark of a worn-​down theater, and is due for renovations; the bathrooms are functional and conveniently easy to find while stumbling into walls.
And, of course, there is the fact that they’re responsible for carrying «The Room» in L.A., and have for years. There isn’t a single complaint to voice over the circus of those screenings. My god, it’s such terrible fun.
However, as a side note, the Sunset 5 will be closing down in December for renovations by the new owners taking over the location. In the meantime (and uncertain of whether the new ownership intends to continue screening «The Room» after re-​opening), Tommy’s lunatic following can attend screenings at the Laemmle in Santa Monica.
And thank god for that.
I don’t know WHAT I’d do without my «Room» fix.

I really thought long and hard about whether to put 3 or 4 stars for this theater. I guess the indecision comes from the fact that I’ve only seen one movie here and I didn’t get a chance to get any food or anything. We just ran in and walked out.
The auditorium was ok, the location and everything was ok. The Parking is not good. Parking in the parking structure is the most convenient but it is not designed well. This place stressed me out.
But over-​all I had pretty good movie going experience and this was the only place showing the movie I wanted to see.

Parking under ground — 3 hours free with validation. Seats were super comfy, sound system worked flawlessly. The most surprising part was the comfy seats. Def not expected. The prepubescent kids working are lifeless, but I would be too if I was working late on a Saturday night.

Great parking. Wasn’t over crowded. Didn’t eat any food but a triple plus for the comfy seating!

This is an amazing gem of a theater in a great location in West Hollywood. They get a really impressive selection of indie and foreign movies that you usually can’t find anywhere else. I cannot express my excitement when I saw that my beloved and highly sought-​after Korean action movie, «I Saw The Devil», was playing here (with English subs, no less!!!) (welcome to Koreatown, kids), and sprung over there like a rocket on a Tuesday night to see my darling baby. That’s often my experience with this place.
They have a special on Tuesdays where all movies are $ 7, or something like that. And I think there’s something about discounted popcorn too, though their popcorn is so reasonably priced to begin with it’s hard to imagine that they could add a discount on top of it.
The parking garage is, well, weird, and we always get lost when we go there (don’t ask), and it’s kind of pricey too (though not as bad as some). IF you manage to get in and park your car, emphasis on IF, the place has a cute little courtyard to hang in while waiting for your movie, or whatever.
The inside is nice, clean, and friendly. Picture and sound quality is usually good, though it can sometimes get a bit chilly, so bring a sweater.
On top of their basic awesomeness, they provided me with an opportunity to meet Tommy Wiseau. Can Arclight Hollywood give me that kind of personable cinematic experience? Didn’t think so.
Don’t forget your spoons.

Came here for the Los Angeles Asian Film Festival — watched «One Big Hapa Family».
It’s nice to come to a theater that shows independent films for a change. Thumbs up!

It’s nice that theaters like the Laemmle are still around.
Not every movie has to be a huge, soul-​less Hollywood production. The Laemmle continues to show great quality, provocative and thought-​stirring independent and foreign movies — plus, their shorts festivals are AMAZING!
Support independent theater and give the Laemmle a whirl! You’ll surprise yourself!

My wife and I caught «Super» this past Friday with a Q and A with director James Gunn.
The fact that a brilliant film like «Super» can be shown at this theater with the director in the audience is too much to handle.
I love catching smaller independent films at this theater.
Just wish the projection was in HD, but that’s the only downside to this terrific theater.

Came here to see the vidal sassoon documentary. I loved all the previews, some great upcoming foreign movies. Living in orange county we dont ever really get to hear of any of those films. I will be coming up more regularly to see movies here. Not stadium seating but its fine, easy concession stand.

Sunday, 3/​13, 5pm showing of «Black Death» (good scary movie: so paranoia-​inducing that I Ieft the theater coughing & thinking I had the plague)
Let me be perfectly clear: the 3-​star rating is only because this theater often runs movies that can be found nowhere else in LA county. Without the arthouse cred, this is a –1 (minus 1) star theater.
Wow. Just wow. This place is worse than the Laemmle in Pasadena, and I think that one is horrible. They are both clean, but dirty. Dirty from wear, tear, and years of deferred maintenance (you know, when you own a business and reinvest NONE of the profits into upkeep).
Note to the owners: just pull the carpet. The ripples, the waves, the stains, etc. cannot possibly be worse than what lies beneath. The restroom (I can only speak for the ladies’ side) is, again, clean but in horrifically bad shape.
Parking: Despite the other reviews, my experience was easy-​peasy. Pull in from Laurel (you can also enter from Crescent Heights), park, and keep it moving. I arrived at 4:20, left at 7, and parking was free.
There is a Trader Joe’s on site, in case you want to smuggle in some food/​drink.
So what have we learned?
Wear some old jeans and go to this theater, if it has sole possession of a must-​see movie. Otherwise, go somewhere less grunge-​tastic.

Saw a screening of «The Room» here last night. It was epic. Tommy Wiseau made an appearance, totally bizarre and awesome. The audience participation was off the hook. So many flying spoons. Can’t wait to come back next month for the next screening.
Only downside. parking is ex pen sive!
ps… you’re tearing me apart Lisa!!!

They screen The Room every month. That alone is 4 star worthy.
Seats aren’t broken. Sound isn’t the best. Great movie selection.

The Laemmle Theaters show some of the best cinema available in this country and outside of it. It is a brave, un-​status quo indy film experience that gives me hope … every film I see at Laemmle is thought provoking and inspiring.
A tip on ticket prices: bargains are before evening; weekends, first show is matinée. To get around this, you can get a Laemmle card, load it with around $ 100 and get a discount every time you go! The discounts can be substantial, because no matter what, you always get them. And 20% off all concessions!
Right now they are running «New Deal Tuesdays» for $ 5 and $ 1 popcorn. They have the best prices in town for popcorn. …
This theater has small screening rooms that are old-​fashioned, but comfortable. The bathroom is nearby. It’s like the small neighborhood theaters where I used to go when I was a child.
The parking is free, but don’t dawdle or you could get gauged. There is a Trader Joe’s on one level which is convenient for snacks and shopping. There is also some decent cuisine nearby — Greenblatt’s deli across the street also has free parking, but DON’T park there for the movie or you WILL get towed. Just letting you know so you can get food there before or after if you like.
Film festivals and other events take place here where directors, writer and actors often show up to host.
Definitely worth it!

The place to catch independent and foreign films.
Parking lot, affordable cover, and great location on the sunset strip

Very Impressed… haven’t been to movie here for sum time. saw indie’Prodigal Sons’last sat. very few ppl for the 9:45p show.
very clean, no sticky floor thing… seats very comfortable, high–
backs, cup holders. there was a really nice woman employee
who helped my partner find her water bottle after the movie.
it slipped out of the holder & rolled to the front facia below
the screen. she also asked 2x if we needed parking validation…

This theater is exactly as I remember it, except a few of the places around it have closed thanks to our struggling economy. The line for THE ROOM was longer than the hottest night club in town. You have to experience it here to get the full effect. The legendary Tommy Wiseau even made a guest appearance. I wish I had heard a Shakespeare sonnet though. It would’ve definitely been worth the long drive there. Regardless, the crowd made this experience worthwhile. This is where the screening of the awesomely bad cult classic started so the crowd definitely knows what’s up. I’m happy to see the phenomenon is hitting other markets.
Looks like I’ll be arranging a screening of the Room in SF too.

Located right across the Laugh Factory on Sunset Blvd. Came here for a free screening for” Whatever Works”. Came to realize majority of their shows are Indies and Foreign films. Which is so cool! Other then watching one of those films, I wouldn’t come here for big motion pics movies. The theaters are small and sound system are not so good. But my sister was impress with the reclining seats. I don’t know if it is just for the screening or it’s ok for regular shows too, but they let you bring in food and drinks. I asked if I can get some starbucks from downstairs and trader Joes snacks, they said I could. Cool! While others paid $ 8 for their large popcorn, I only paid $ 1.59 from TJ. lol
oh, and they validate for free parking too!

This Laemmle barely gets 3 stars. Like Santa Monica Laemmle, Laemmle Sunset 5 shows great independent films. Over the years, I’ve seen many good films here such as Your Friends & Neighbors, Boys Don’t Cry, and Memento. However, the overall theater quality is not that strong.
Still, I prefer this Laemmle to the Santa Monica Laemmle for the following reasons. The picture and sound quality are a little better. The seats are more comfortable. Parking is easier. And finally, the theater is just in better shape.
Arclight is a much better option, but occasionally, the Laemmle Sunset 5 is showing a movie that no one else in town is showing. Reason enough to go.
Best moviegoing experience at this theater: Your Friends & Neighbors (1998).