Marquee Cinemas - Orchard 10 — Attraction in Toms River

THE MARQUEE CINEMA IS THE THEATER FOR THOSE WHO LIKE THEIR MOVIES WITH THE LIGHTS ON (three stars) It's been awhile since I've visited the Marquee Cinemas in Toms River, but today I drove some distance to get there in order to see a movie that wasn't showing elsewhere. The Marquee Cinema itself is designed fantastically which makes for a great movie experience: stadium seating, extremely comfortable power reclining seats, excellent sound system, not too large or small, clean, clean restrooms, a fairly large variety of movies showing on a given day, and an overall good environment and location.

However, even with all these positives, I only rate it three stars because my experience on this day had some drawbacks and one in particular cements it as three stars (at least for me). The biggest drawback for me was that they keep six fairly large wall lights on throughout the duration of the movie (theater #2). I am used to and prefer a darkened theater for viewing movies - it was quite lit up and you could see everything in the theater. During this particular showing, I experienced a sound like a radio playing coming from the front of the theater during the movie, but this could only be heard when the movie volume was low which wasn't often. Additionally, two people came to my row, two seats from me, looking for something they apparently lost and were using their cell phones as flash lights for about four minutes looking all around and under the seating and this was disruptive to the viewing experience as well. And finally, the movie appeared slightly out of focus.

I decided at the end of the movie that I'd mention these things to the manager, along with the many positives about the theater. I asked the ticket collector to send for the manager and she (the manager) took about four minutes to arrive. I explained what I felt were the many positive aspects of the theater (see above). I asked why the lights are kept on during the movie as I've never seen this at other theaters and I've been to quite a few. She said after they redesigned the theater the Marquee Cinema decided they would keep the lights on for all their movie presentations from then on. So, if you are like me and do not prefer lights on during a film you may wish to consider this factor in your theater selection. It's not terrible, but just not preferred by me. I strongly recommend that they consider turning the lights off or at least lowered during a movie. Regarding the "radio sound" and two disruptive individuals looking for something with their lights, the manager said that I should have left the theater when this occurred while the movie was playing to look for her or a representative who could then look into the issue. Well, I paid good money for admission and didn't care to leave the movie and miss the show. In addition, the ticket collectors were aware of the two people coming in looking for the item that they lost. To be fair, the two people were quiet and did not seem to disrupt anyone else as they were only near me (back row) and the dozen or so other people in the theater were in rows quite a bit in front of us. When I mentioned that the movie appeared slightly out of focus, the manager said that it couldn't be out of focus. The manager, who was a fairly young female with dark hair, came across to me as being somewhat uncaring and dismissive.

As you can read from my review, most of the issues I experienced were likely specific to this particular showing, e.g. radio sound and disruption by people looking for a lost item. But, the Marquee Cinema's policy of keeping the lights on during all of their movie presentations is the big negative for me which the theater should seriously consider reversing and should be able to easily change if enough people spoke up against it. The theater is great otherwise. I encourage people who enjoy movies to go to the theater (not necessarily this one) as there are many good movies out now and many others...

Setting the standard for movie theaters in the area.

When Marquee opened a few years ago, they put all other local movie theaters to shame, and still do. Their digital projectors have stunning quality and the sound systems are top notch. A lot of theaters are adopting this trend of eat-in, and selective seating with electric recliners, etc. I don't want to have to reserve my seats for a movie - I just want to watch the movie in considerable comfort! Marquee does that just fine. Marquee's seating is spacious and has a good amount of leg room. I'm a big guy, and have never felt cramped - even in a sold out showing. The armrests go up, so you could spread out if it's not a packed theater, or to hold your honey close without the obstacle. The floors are rarely ever sticky or gross - the theaters are overall very well kept. Bathrooms are clean as well. Recently, they have added flashback movie nights, which I think is an outstanding feature. Being able to watch old movies again on the big screen is a great treat. All in all - you really can't beat Marquee to catch a flick. Pair it with something from one of the adjacent eateries - everything from burgers and pizza to burritos and Chinese - and you've got a great day...

Where do I begin. Went to go see Nosferatu tonight and enjoyed the movie itself but felt very letdown by the theatre itself. First off, the lights never went off in the theatre for the entire movie and it is a DARK movie, so basically couldn’t see some things which isn’t what you wanna say you paid for. Even had another person in the theatre call the theatre to tell them they needed to turn the lights off and no one came to do it… Also saw someone’s ass crack when they went up to go to the bathroom and it was like I was staring but his pants were pretty much halfway off. If only those lights were off 😫. Had multiple people talking throughout the movie as well as pretty much everyone in the theatre getting up at least once to go use the bathroom. Also for whatever reason the whole theatre could audibly hear other people talking and shouting something from either outside the theatre or a theatre over and it was in the beginning of the movie which was mostly quiet dialogue so that took me out of it at that point. Also I don’t feel like the AC was on at all cause I was sweating with a t shirt on. Wanted to ask for my money back but honestly I just don’t think I’ll ever go back. No wonder why theatres are closing...