June 16, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Laemmle Brings an Edge to Art House Film:

By Samuel Harwood

After an almost two-year renovation, Santa Monica’s historic Laemmle cinemas have reopened their doors, showing off more than a flashy coat of paint.

The first time you walk into the newly renovated Laemmle Monica Film Center on 2nd Street, you may feel like you’re not in Kansas anymore. However, like the movie, once you leave, you will realize that you’ve been home all along.

The theater, formerly the Monica 4-Plex, closed for construction in May 2014 for the first time since 1981. It originally opened in 1972 as the Monica Twin. For years it offered the gritty charm of an arthouse cinema, but its need for an upgrade was apparent.

“The cinema environment is about to get more competitive in Santa Monica,” said CEO Greg Laemmle. With the opening of the Arclight at the Santa Monica mall and broader changes in the city, the theater decided it needed to modernize to stay competitive, according to Laemmle.

“The original 4-plex had a lot of charm but was in need of being updated due to an older style that prevented optimal use of the space,” said Laemmle General Manager Isaac Wade. “The goal was to keep the charm of the original space while creating an atmosphere that allowed us to provide patrons with more amenities and events than were possible before.”

The changes include an expansion from four to six theaters, all with digital projection, and comfy leather seating. “It also boasts an upstairs lounge and an expanded menu at the concession stand which will soon include beer and wine,” Wade explained.

Staff members from the original 4-Plex have been retained, as has the affinity for the theater within the community. In the initial days since reopening January 29, locals have been regularly dropping by to check out the new digs, and plan their next trip to the movies.

In the long term, the theater hopes to build on its initial welcome by Santa Monicans by expanding what it has to offer them, according to Wade.

“We want to be able to consistently provide an improved viewing experience of the kinds of films our loyal patrons have come to expect from Laemmle Theatres and to expand that reach to bring new patrons into the Laemmle fold,” Wade said.

He hopes to create a community of movie lovers who see the Laemmle Monica Film Center as a place where they can not only enjoy a film with friends and great food and drinks, but also to give the city more than just standard movie fare.

On the bill: special events, film series, and festivals.

For more information head to laemmle.com

in News
<>Related Posts

Senator Alex Padilla Forcibly Removed, Handcuffed at DHS Press Briefing in Los Angeles

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Security or Censorship? Padilla Removed After Questioning Secretary Kristi Noem U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., was forcibly removed Thursday during...

Film Review: Ballerina

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

FILM REVIEWBALLERIINARated R125 MinutesReleased June 6th I’m happy to see the contrast in the style of movies playing this summer....

(Video) Senator Alex Padilla Being Forcibly Removed at Secretary Kristi Noem’s DHS Press Conference for Attempting to Ask Questions

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

In a disturbing and unprecedented move, FBI agents grabbed the sitting California Senator, dragged him out of the room, and...

THIS WEEKEND: Skate Series Hits Venice with $25K Top Prize

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

The Venice Beach event will showcase street-level action, judged on amplitude, trick difficulty, execution, style, and overall impression Skateboarders are...

Virtual Event to Explore Palisades’ Horticultural Heritage

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

The event will highlight how these trees continue to inspire community resilience and regrowth The Santa Monica Mosaic series will...

SMPD Announces Safety Measures Ahead of Upcoming ‘No Kings’ Rally on Westside

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

Enhanced patrols, rapid-response teams, and advanced technology for situational awareness are part of a detailed operational plan The Santa Monica...

THIS WEEKEND: Santa Monica Hosts 33rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

The event, which draws over 2,000 attendees annually from Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, and beyond, was first funded by...

World-Class Chefs and Local Farms Bring Culinary Magic to Santa Monica This June

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

3 Nights, 3 Unforgettable Dinners: Santa Monica’s Michelin + Farm Feast Series A trio of exclusive culinary events is set...

Third Annual Rosé on Rose Wine Fest Comes to Venice Beach This Weekend

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Rosé offerings priced between $8 and $10 per glass at various Rose Avenue establishments The third annual Rosé on Rose...

Mastro’s Malibu Reopens With Ocean Views, Signature Steaks, and Nearly Entire Staff Intact

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Iconic Oceanfront Steakhouse Returns With Its Beloved Butter Cake, Nightly Live Music, and Sunset Glamour After a five-month closure due...

Chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken Serve Up Pride Month Specials That Give Back

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Limited-Time Food, Cocktail Offerings at Socalo and Alice B. Support LGBTQ+ Centers In honor of Pride Month, acclaimed chefs Susan...

New Gourmet Store O&V CA Opens on Montana Avenue

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

The store, which celebrated its grand opening recently, specializes in a carefully curated selection of fresh, extra-virgin olive oils  A...

Santa Monica Secures Nearly $1M to Expand Neighborhood Greenway Projects

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

The 36-month project, set to begin this summer, includes community engagement through pop-ups, walk audits, and a citywide survey Santa...

Congregation and Family Fight to Stop Sale of Historic Venice Church

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Descendants and supporters rally against alleged unlawful sale, seeking historic status and legal action Members of Friendship Baptist Church and...

Rodeo Realty’s Palisades Office Becomes First Rebuild Post-Fire

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

The structure, now fully framed, is set to reopen this year Rodeo Realty announced that the reconstruction of its Pacific...