AMC Monmouth Mall 15 — Local services in Eatontown

This place deserves 4.5 stars (though I can only rate 4), because while it is amazing, the assigned seating is a big problem. My first time going here in at least 10 years, the person I was with and I were all the way in the front left, so my neck was really sore by the end of the movie. That, however, is my biggest problem. Like I said, I hadn't been there in at least 10 years, so everything was completely updated. I couldn't even figure out the automatic soda machine, I had to have help with that. That, however, is my problem, and not the fault of the theater itself. They also have automated seats, which you can adjust to recline, sit up, etc., which is really nice. The bathrooms are also really different, but better than many other bathrooms I've seen. Another really cool thing is how, because it's right there in the mall, you can go shopping, get some food, or just roam around after purchasing your tickets to help kill time. If you're going to pay this place a visit though, I have to say it is quite expensive. Tickets are nearly twice the amount here than they are at Middlebrook, so if you're on a budget, you may want to go there or wait for the movie to come out on DVD or be available on Netflix or On Demand, whatever floats your boat. However, the theater is amazing, the sound quality is phenomenal, the 3D is extraordinary (at least it was when I saw Mad Max: Fury Road), it's all just really excellent, borderline extravagant in my opinion.

If you don't feel like reading a paragraph, I'll do my best to be brief: the theaters are amazing, with really great sound and visuals. Most of the things are now automated, which could take getting used to if you, like me, haven't been in 10 years. It can be a expensive, but if you really love going to the movies like I do, it's worth it. The only drawback is the assigned seating, which can be good if you order your tickets ahead of time and get to select your seats like we did last time, or it can really take away from the experience. All in all, it's a great experience, and I HIGHLY recommend it if you want a really fantastic...

2023 Update: Went to our first Fathom Event to see Howl's Moving Castle. Movie started 35 minutes after the ticket time. Theater seats had a black film coming down the arm rests and tears all across tops of the vinyl. Picture format wasn't set up correctly for the screen and about 12-15" of image was cut off all around. This cut off 90% of the subtitles and they only appeared when they were more than one line, which showed the top line. Images attached.

A dollar cinema that charges $15-$20 to watch a movie in a dirty, rundown, sticky and wet seats theater.

We have been going to the movies here since it open as Sony Theaters in 1994. Since then it has been "the best" movie theater in the area to see blockbuster releases. In the lake 90s that was certainly true, due to the large screens, sound systems and upkeep that Sony did. It made all the other theaters feel like "mom and pop's" and they quickly disappeared from the area.

Nowadays, "the best" is a far cry from the late 90s. It is the only theater guaranteed to get big release movies within 10 miles, and the only IMAX and Dolby theaters within 25 miles. While the pandemic took a big toll on movie theaters, this place has been in a downward spiral for decades. It had a big renovation in 2014 that added reclining seats, and the IMAX and Dolby. For a moment it seemed like AMC cared about this theater. Fast forward to 2019 and the seats are torn up, screens have stains and wrinkles, and you can walk clean out of your shoes due to the sticky floors in the concession and bathroom areas. In 2022, it has only gotten more dingy, dirty, sticky, wet and rundown. I really hope AMC and the managers can find a way to turn this place around. Right now, it is very clear that they have abandoned their customers and employees and are simply coasting on the lack of competition...

Caught a Dolby Cinema screening of "Mission: Impossible Fallout" in early August and an IMAX screening of "2001: A Space Odyssey" in late August.

The Dolby Cinema presentation was very impressive and I highly recommend it. I personally liked the first normal row (C?) in the center. Terrific quality with 4K laser projection and HDR and very comfy reclining seats.

The IMAX screening was a little off. The screen is a bit smaller than average at about 52' wide (average is 58' wide) and the theater size is kinda small. I sat in row E which was a bit too close, with some seatbacks from the front rows obstructing the bottom of the screen. I think rows F or G toward the center would be the sweet spot if you prefer sitting closer. Seats were the cushy red leather sort but do not recline. Of more concern, it appeared the dual projectors were a bit misaligned during my screening, leading to slightly blurry image with jagged pixelation around edges (the same movie looked great at another IMAX location two days earlier). I informed the theater staff after my screening so hopefully this was a one off occurrence.

I've also been to this theater in the past, maybe 6 years back. It seems they renovated it more recently and it's pretty clean. Haven't checked out any regular screenings here since 2012 or so as I have a theater closer to me which I prefer for those. Pretty good theater and would definitely recommend the Dolby Cinema...