Stanwood Cinemas at the Pavilion — Local services in Stanwood

I don't like giving low stars to local businesses that are obviously just trying to survive, but I'm disappointed in how much this theater continues to deteriorate. I'm not sure if the bathroom issues are a landlord not fixing things situation or if those repairs are on the theater itself, but the broken toilets, etc., need to be repaired. The women's bathroom had several out of order signs, water on the floor of one of the few working stalls, there was a smell in the bathroom(and in the hallway) that seemed like a mix of garbage and mold? Hopefully not mold, but with all the out of order toilets, it wouldn't be surprising. The stair lights on the left side of theater three (I think) were out and I saw the other guests at our movie struggling with descending the stairs in the dark. Not safe, could absolutely lead to lawsuits. I have loved this theater since moving out this way six years ago. I still prefer it to the Marysville and Burlington theaters. But I joked the first time we visited about the "haunted bathrooms" that have somehow just continually gone downhill. The seats are kind of hit or miss on being comfortable, but I honestly don't even knock many points for that. I prefer the old style theater and seats, rather than the new recliner seats other theaters have with a much higher ticket cost (though I do bet the lack of those keeps some from spending their money here). I desperately want this quirky little movie theater to continue to exist and operate in Stanwood, but it won't be able to without completing some repairs. Please stay in business, folks. Do you need a fundraiser for bathroom repairs, maybe? An electrician who wants to work on some stair lights in exchange for movie tickets? Figure it out, include the community. Plenty of us want...

New review

Not complete yet (haven't had a chance to see whether they have improved the bathrooms). Carpeting is decent and new, seats much better and in better repair, wall hangings fixed. In general, worth another star now.

Food is still crappy. I'll update when I know whether they still make you stand in a food line to get your tickets (which they do at the later shows and which can make you miss part of your film if the person in front of you cannot make up their mind about the food). Still need to see the bathroom condition.

Old review below -

It's just ok. Management doesn't care about the place - no investment since upgrade to digital projectors. Floors crappy, paint terrible. They've moved the ticket sales to the food counter in the evening so don't arrive anywhere near time for your movie or you'll have some idiot standing in front of you ordering four buckets of popcorn and drinks and candy and taking ten minutes to do it (a really stupid decision to make the person selling food sell tickets). Just because they are understaffed - more minimal investment. I sound like I hate the place - it's just a very poor experience as a movie theatre compared to more modern wants (with reclining seats, easy access, and clean bathrooms). But the films show well and the floor isn't TOO sticky. And it doesn't smell....

After reading the reviews I was scared of the state of the theater nowadays but I was pleasantly surprised, the bathrooms were clean and stocked. The theater is very obviously old and can use some help but nothing out of the ordinary for an old theater. A little maintenance and TLC and help from community and this place would be amazing.

I came here a few years ago, and it was in way worse condition, and extremely dirty, staff were rude, I can see there have been improvements made and place touched up since then.

There was only one person working the entire theater, and she did a great job, I believe she was the manager, she was very sweet and helpful, and was every where doing everything by herself. She was at one point scrubbing the carpet on her hands and knees while going back and forth to counter to help customers.

I'm glad to see some improvement on this theater, its a staple in our small town and wish it the best...