Carol L.
Yelp
I am a long time member of the Coolidge and just upped my membership to get more perks. They show first run films, but frankly, I can see those anywhere. What I go there for is their Signature Programs (Science on the Screen, Big Screen Classics, etc.) and their Educational Programs. They have series on different topics but also bring in a film critic or professor to deliver a 50 minute seminar before a particular film. I've seen great lectures on Clockers, Do the Right Thing, All About Eve, The Big Lebowski, and many more. During the pandemic there was a fantastic educational series on Zoom about the films of Roger Corman. Oh, and let me not forget their movie marathons--last year I saw The Lord of the Rings marathon, and just this month The Matrix trilogy. Coming soon is the "Before" series with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. Need I say more? Their programming is exceptional, and the staff responsible for it, who often come in to introduce the films, are knowledgeable and personable.
Attending a film there is a treat. The theater is clean, with one large screen on the ground floor a mid-sized and two smaller screens on the 2nd floor. (Stay tuned, they have been building an expanded area for the last year or so and should be due to open soon, which will offer more screens, and INDOOR ticket purchasing (CC fans know what I mean!) Plus an auditorium for educational events. There is a good sized public parking lot behind the theater, and often on-street parking as well. Oh and Coolidge Corner is awash with fantastic places to eat if you want to do lunch/dinner and a movie.
I can't say enough about the staff, friendly, dedicated, and more than competent. The popcorn is fresh and served with REAL BUTTER! Wine and beer are available in the evening.
The Coolidge is also a presence in the Brookline and Boston community. They've hosted author events in partnership with the Brookline Booksmith across the street (Karin Slaughter, Michael Connelly, Harlen Coben), and feature musicians from the Brookline Music School before each of their Cinema Jukebox series (last one I saw was School of Rock which was awesome!). They also partner with the Huntington Theater and show films that relate to a current production, bringing in people associated with the production for a Q and A after a film.
I could go on and on, I am leaving out other unique aspects to the Coolidge (awards that bring in high flyers like Ruth Carter, Julianne Moore, Meryl Streep and Michael Douglas! NT Live presentations! ) Take a look at their website to see what else. In an era when local independent theaters are sadly closing, The Coolidge is a model for excellence and sustainability.