Film.Ca Cinemas — Local services in Oakville

I went to see the new Superman movie tonight — it sucked, mainly because, once again, Oakville shows its discrimination.

This is the same theater I stopped going to last year after they made an issue about me parking in a disabled spot, despite the fact that I’m disabled and have a valid parking permit. Back then, they waited until I had bought my food and drink and sat down before two different people came into the theater and told me to move my trike. They wouldn’t leave me alone, so not even five minutes into the movie, I got up and left.

I wrote a bad review at the time, but because I knew someone who knows the owner, I decided to let it go and delete it.

Fast forward to tonight — I decided to give them another chance. Just like with the empty parking lot during the wheelchair parking incident, they found another reason to complain to me. There were maybe five people in the theater, and the movie hadn’t even started yet. It was just playing the owner’s narcissistic commercials starring himself, pretending to be a comedian.

I picked up my phone to check the time, and within seconds, a staff member approached me and told me to put it away. I explained the movie hadn’t started yet, and that once it did, I paid to watch it, so I wouldn’t be on my phone. The fact they came over so quickly tells me they were watching me, just waiting for an excuse to hassle me so I’d leave.

They call this a “friendly theater,” but the staff is far from friendly. Years ago, when I first moved here, the staff were older and respectful. Now, eight and a half years later, the staff are rude and unprofessional.

I will not be leaving them a good review. It’s too bad — I used to go a couple of times a week years ago, and it’s right next door to me. But from now on, I’d rather pay more to go to the big-name theaters where I won’t be harassed by...

This place is going downhill fast. We ordered a large popcorn to split for my three kids. When asked for 3 little baggies to share they told us the owner had implemented some ridiculous policy about only two sharing bags per popcorn. I tried to explain to the staff that I have three young kids and I didn't understand what the point of the policy was. To save 5 cents? It really put a damper on what was supposed to be a nice family night. I'd be interested in hearing directly from the owner on why he has implemented such a rigid and backwards policy. Is it part of his standards to ensure families with young children are not having a good time?

Update after response from Jeff:

Why don't you increase your ticket prices by 10-25 cents if your margins are so razor thin? Yes I did get my third bag for sharing after about a 15 min conversation with staff trying to understand why such a ridiculous policy would be enforced in front of my three children aged 8 6 4. After them being visibly upset yes one of your staff was kind enough to get us a third bag. The fact of the matter is the whole experience was soured over such a small issue. We didn't refill our bag, we didn't try to take advantage of the situation. We recognize that small businesses are important and I don't need to go through the math with you. At the end of the day it's your job to keep your customers coming back. I would rather pay 50 cents more for the ticket than go through that terrible customer experience in front of my family. You should strategically rethink your approach and focus on the customer not just the bottom line.

Update after 2nd Response from Jeff:

Your policy only hurts people who actually require the bags. Any group of people who truly want to take advantage of the free refills etc will just do it. I still don't understand how you are justifying...

Friendly staff, very affordable price, screen is perfect size, seats are decently sized and comfortable, and I don't have to go out of my way to avoid 3D movies here. As all their prices are well rounded I'm more than willing to buy concessions from here too. Best part is they are a Canadian theatre from the locale. I only go here for movies. Now that they also accept Cineplex gift cards I have no reason to go back there anymore. Love this place!

Personal favourite of this place: they do a theatre experience Rocky Horror Picture show in October, complete with shouting things and throwing stuff (safely). I always show up in costume and have an amazing time every year.

2021 edit: they are still amazing, but have been unfairly targeting by COVID shutdowns despite theatres not spreading the virus. They have take out, and I've watched the staff in the theatre since the reopening, they take COVID protocols very seriously. You can be certain you'll be safe in there, and theatre seats are reserved to ensure proper distancing at all times. The experience of going to a movie theatre is not something that can be done at home for free with a streaming service. I still go back, and will continue to. Please support this local business! Big name theatres don't need help, they have plenty of money and lots of ways to keep making money besides just direct...