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Only in Theaters

Play trailer Poster for Only in Theaters Released Nov 18, 2022 1h 34m Documentary Biography History Play Trailer Watchlist
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89% Tomatometer 19 Reviews 97% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
ONLY IN THEATERS, a film by actor/director Raphael Sbarge, is an intimate and moving journey taken with the Laemmle family, spanning nearly three years of challenges, losses, and personal triumphs.
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Only in Theaters

Critics Reviews

View All (19) Critics Reviews
Randy Myers San Jose Mercury News It’s essential viewing for any film fan and should — yes — be seen on the big screen. Rated: 3.5/4 Feb 22, 2023 Full Review Glenn Kenny New York Times The narrative about the theaters’ present-day fight for survival is undeniably compelling. Jan 19, 2023 Full Review Claudia Puig FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles) A fascinating and poignant look at the Laemmle family. Nov 30, 2022 Full Review Stephen Silver The SS Ben Hecht The film will have you rooting for the family to succeed, although since I watched the movie on VOD, and not in theaters, I guess I’m part of the problem. Rated: 3.5/5 Jan 1, 2024 Full Review Adam Mock Film Inquiry Only In Theaters is a love letter to film. A history lesson. The biography of a legacy. The sum of its parts is layered and vast, evoking happiness, sorrow, love, fear, loss, and victory. Nov 2, 2023 Full Review Ian Simmons Kicking the Seat This isn’t just “a movie about the movie business”; it’s about how a calling gets into the blood and trickles down, generation to generation. Rated: 3.5 / 4 Sep 11, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (17) audience reviews
Margee Great documentary about movies and movie theatres and the local to Los Angeles art houses Laemmle Theatres. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/19/22 Full Review Stewart H I finally saw the film on Apple+ (sorry I missed it in a theater here in San Diego). As a former stock analyst who covered the entertainment and exhibition sector and appreciates the history of the business, I loved it. And as an avid filmgoer I also loved it. Not so much as the story of the determination to survive, as inspiring as that storyline is. But rather as a series of nested love stories: the love of the movies; the LA and broader cinema world's love for the Laemmle chain, and especially the various love stories across the generations of the Laemmle family. And then there's Alyse! How wonderfully precious she is!!!! Thank you to all involved for this delightful film! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/17/23 Full Review David F This documentary film about a family-owned art house theater circuit in California has great Hollywood history, great film exhibition history, and a really interesting story to tell. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 06/07/23 Full Review Megan Such incredible passion was put into the making of this film. It gives the inspiring history of the theater chain owned by the Laemmle family and I instantly cared about the theaters and the family that owned them for over 80 years. It focused on the struggles of Laemmle theaters as well as the struggles of all independent theaters. This film shows the passion of independent filmmakers and theaters and we are reminded of how important they are in our culture. Nothing beats the experience of seeing a movie in a theater and theaters need our support now more than ever. I was in such suspense for this entire movie, hoping that Laemmle theaters would pull through the challenges. I also loved seeing the history of movies and theaters as well as the passion everyone has for them. This film was so well done and I highly recommend it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/20/23 Full Review Mary Lou B We loved this touching story of Hollywood history...and the real people behind it! Sbarge has done an excellent job at getting to the heart of this story and paced it well so it moves you and moves along to keep you on the edge of your seat. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/01/23 Full Review Stacey B This is a heartfelt story about one family's journey to save their beloved movie theater chain in Los Angeles, but it speaks to universal struggles faced by so many small, independent businesses. Greg and Tish Laemmle share their story in a remarkably honest way that will win your heart and challenge your assumptions. I'd consider this a must-see film for all lovers of independent films and theaters. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/05/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Only in Theaters

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Movie Info

Synopsis ONLY IN THEATERS, a film by actor/director Raphael Sbarge, is an intimate and moving journey taken with the Laemmle family, spanning nearly three years of challenges, losses, and personal triumphs.
Director
Raphael Sbarge
Producer
Thomas Cassetta, Matt Kubas, Freida Orange, Rick Pratt
Distributor
The Film Collaborative
Production Co
Wishing Well Entertainment
Genre
Documentary, Biography, History
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 18, 2022, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA)
$34.1K
Runtime
1h 34m
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