Gateway Film Center

I really like what they have done with this theater!  I believe in an earlier incarnation it was just your typical first-run theater with nothing specific to recommend it above any other one.  Today, the film center has a lot more character than that.  

First of all, the space is really nice.  There is an upstairs bar in the balcony area, and there is a nice seating area by the refreshment area.  The theaters themselves are stadium style with comfy seats and arm rests.  Bathrooms are clean and large.

The film selection is wonderful.  There are the typical first run blockbuster types, plus a good selection of independent films and documentaries.  They also run special events, like Columbus Documentary Week, movies made from books in conjunction with the library, beer tastings with classic flicks, and TV on the Big Screen.  

The Film Center also functions as an event space, for everything from their regularly hosted trivia nights to being rented out for other events.  The location in the Gateway is nice and gives easy access to the parking garage (and parking can be validated by the theater for $1 for 3 hours).

The Martini Shot Bistro is well-named - it seems odd to say a bistro in conjunction with a movie theater, but the selection here supports it.  In addition to the usual popcorn, candy, and pop that are well associated with going to the movies, there is even a healthier choice with a hummus plate, and a great bar selection featuring beers on draft and bottled seasonal selections, plus wine and cocktails.  There are also fun offerings like Jeni's ice cream, White Castle sliders, and pizza from Gateway neighbor Pizza Rustica.

Yes, close to campus means there can be a hefty college student draw, but depending on when you go, it may or may not affect you.  Earlier flicks seem to be less attended - even the last 8 pm one we went to had only a handful of people in the theater - it wasn't until we headed out at 10 pm that we saw a crowd.

Definitely worth checking out, especially if you are looking for a lesser known or independent film.

This theater is pretty awesome. We saw a Film Festival movie here and I was so thankful that they brought the Journey movie here. It was great and I really appreciated that they don't solely show mainstream movies like other theaters. The snack bar is pretty good. They have unique (well for a movie theater) items and the staff is pretty cool. There was nothing show stopping (ha ha ha) about the theaters themselves. They were much like any other theater. I would not go out of my way to go to this particular theater unless, like in this instance, they had a movie that no other theater was showing. Thanks Gateway Film Center for showing stuff you can't get elsewhere. You got my business based on that alone.

A solid 4. The Gateway Film Center is pretty great in my opinion. I love the classic films they show around the holidays. It's really fun to see a film like Miracle on 34th Street on a big screen with great sound and all the usual movie theatre amenities. They also have cocktails and some local beer on tap.

I have been to a handful of events here and the layout is a little dodgy for vendors and stuff. It's a great floorplan for small groups, but anything over 50 and it gets a little congested.

Of course it's surrounded by the South Campus Gateway with a variety of food choices. None of them are world class, but some are ok. I like the soup and sandwiches at Potbelly quite a bit. $1 parking in the garage, take your ticket in with you and have fun paying attention while they explain how it works.

I love having a nice, modern theatre that serves draft beer a few blocks from my house. No complaints here.