The Logan Theatre — Attraction in Jefferson Township

I recently purchased two tickets to see Deadpool and Wolverine to celebrate with my brother, who visits from quite a distance (45 minutes away). We don't go to theaters often due to my work schedule and his travel time. Upon entering, I bought two large popcorn combos with drinks, spending approximately $28.

As we headed towards Theater 1, the manager approached me and conducted a search of my backpack with a flashlight, treating me as though I were a criminal despite having spent nearly $60 on tickets and concessions. He discovered some snacks in my bag and refused to allow me entry, stating that outside food was not permitted.

I attempted to reach a compromise by explaining that I had already paid for the tickets, but the manager remained inflexible and would not permit me to enter. I even asked if there was a secure place to store my bag during the movie, as my primary goal was to enjoy the evening with my brother. Instead of being reasonable, the manager was irate and handled the situation unprofessionally.

The manager continued pacing as he argued with me, treating me with contempt. He barely paid attention to what I was saying, as he seemed more interested in being right and was acting as though he was prepared for a confrontation. His mannerisms were very strange, and when I asked to speak to the manager, he approached me with a threatening and confrontational attitude, declaring, "I am the manager."

I tried to cooperate by saying, "I'm trying to work with you," to which he responded, "I'm trying to work with you too," despite never making any effort to do so. I have never encountered an adult on such a power trip, abusing his authority to this extent. It's important to note that I never instigated, disrespected, or was rude to the manager in any way. He was, by far, the worst part of the movie experience, and I hope no one else has to endure what I experienced that day.

Ultimately, I had to call a friend to retrieve my bag, which took about 15 minutes as they live some distance away. The manager's treatment was unprofessional, uncomfortable, unreasonable, and incredibly disrespectful. I will not be returning to this establishment due to this...

I used to go the Logan Movie Theatre when I was in elementary school and high school since I grew up in the neighborhood just off the Logan Boulevard. It has definitely come a long way from when I used to go here. Despite the renovations, it has maintained some, but not all, of the Art Deco and charm. However, most of the Art Deco has been removed when it was renovated a long time ago. The seats are comfortable and spacious with plenty of leg room in front. This theater offers versatility in terms of movie choices. In some cases, the movie may be playing at "limited" theaters, and this theater is almost always the one showing a "limited" movie release. I appreciate this for sure! The movie theater is nice and clean. There is street parking only, which can be challenging for an evening movie. However, we noticed that it is easier to find parking for their matinee movies versus their evening movies. The concession stand and area is spacious with large glass windows, albeit pricey, but if you can sneak in some candy, do. There are also several good restaurants walking distance to the movie theater, so I recommend you grab a bite before or after the movie. If you are in a hurry and do not have time for a sit down 2-hour dinner you can always grab a burger or salad at the McDonald's across the street and down a half-block. The movie theater is also very, very close to the CTA Blue Line, so if you prefer public transportation it is easy to reach via the Blue Line or even the Milwaukee Avenue CTA bus. Although I no longer live in the Logan Square neighborhood, we still come to the Logan Movie Theatre and hit up a good restaurant in the area (so many great choices on Milwaukee Avenue as well as Kedzie Ave). There is a fantastic Cuban restaurant on Pulaski and Wrightwood, "El Cubanito" which is only 10-15 minutes from the movie theater (delicious Cuban steak sandwiches). For all of the above reasons, I rate the Logan Theatre...

I recently attended this “cinematic experience” (a phrase I use with the gravity of a Supreme Court ruling) to see Weapons. Allow me to begin by stating that this theater is, without question, a time capsule of Old Hollywood charm. Outdoor ticket booths! Historic architecture! The kind of authenticity that makes you expect Al Capone himself to cut in line for popcorn.

And yet… friends, charm does not shield one from the reality of physics and light pollution.

The auditorium is a flat plane of seats, forcing every patron into the posture of a medieval peasant craning at stained-glass saints. The screen is modest, more “grandpa’s basement projector” than “silver screen.” The sound emanates exclusively from the front, creating the acoustic illusion that every character in the movie is speaking through a karaoke machine at a middle school dance.

But all of these pale in comparison to the theater’s pièce de résistance: the EXIT SIGN.

Let me clarify. This is no ordinary exit sign. This is the Eye of Sauron, blazing beneath the screen with the intensity of 10,000 suns, a relentless red beacon that declares, “Abandon hope, ye who enter here.” I spent two hours attempting to watch a film while simultaneously being interrogated by what can only be described as the world’s brightest emergency lamp.

At one point, I began to wonder if the movie was even being projected at all, or if I had paid $15 to sit in a room and meditate on this glowing rectangle of salvation. I could not not see it. My retinas will never forgive me.

And yet, perversely, I respect it. That sign is the true star of the theater. If Hollywood had any integrity left, they would submit it for Best Supporting Actor.

Would I return? Of course. Because masochism is a powerful force, and because if I’m going to be slowly blinded, it may as well be while eating Snowcaps in a...