M. Alan B.
Yelp
In reality this is a tough review to write because there are a number of unique branches yo this review, each with positives and negatives.
They are:
Programming content
Art Gallery exhibits
External non profit programs
Engagement and serving the customer base
Brand
Lets start with brand.
While who they are and their mission is clear enough the execution on that ebbs and flows. On one level they are a kind of ersatz urbane, intellectual bohemian enclave of styles, mediums and hipster chic. The appearance of, without the reality of substance. Its what I'd call a strong, fake brand. This is also the core of the other elements to their cinematic theatre show.
Programming content
While their "let's play theatre" act is a bit frayed at the edges, their programming content is pretty strong. The strongest piece of the endeavor and certainly the main attraction. Were it not for fairly consistent film programming, I'm not sure what would attract anyone here.
They have a solid screen, viewing space, concessions offering and good selection of filmic content they fall down around more ambitious, adventurous, and limited viewing attractions. It seems they simply don't have the machinery or connections for road shows, 70" mm special offerings (Hateful Eight, Roma or The Phantom Thread) or Bullets over Broadway roadshow.
Their part time epicurean program director seems like the real deal but the appearance of access is a different thing than actual access. Regardless, he's knowledgable, adept and trained in film.
So, three and a half stars out of five here.
The Art Gallery
The space itself is multi functional. On the one hand a waiting area for access to the cinema. On the other, concessions and ticketing and on the third hand (huh?) it is a mix of quasi-bohemia, suburban Connecticut and upscale retail where they hang art to make shoppers feel Klassey. Kind of a, wait what is this for? Sort of an enigma and mismash of multi-media, video, crafts and post modern aesthetic.
Its not offensive and with couches and tables near concessions rather comfy and welcoming - in a pottery barn kind of way but mostly...meh. Theres just no there, there.
The best you can really say about the space is, you could've done a worst job filling it. Nothing to really criticize, nothing to praise.
Two stars.
Educational outreach and external programming
This is an area I have no experience or data on so I can't comment. From what I know they appear to focus on younger demographics and the local urban population. Which is good, if something comes from it.
Stars - no comment
Engagement and Serving Customer base
While their customer demographic seems to extend geographically a bit beyond Hartford proper the funding, from what I've gathered is primary and secondary corporate. Meaning insurance companies and local business people subscribing to memberships. To this degree the non profit element of the organization is predominantly run like a LORT B local theatre company. But not being the source of original material and productions and not having the "swagger" to mount special productions (roadshows, 70 mm, etc) keeps them off the map of major local players in NYC or places in Boston and Coolidge Corner.
This combined with a skeletal, double duty, PT staff prevents them from true engagement, interaction and input from donors, members and occasional movie goers. Its got a kitschy mom and pop "Dad's got a theatre we can turn into a barn feel".
No doubt this could be disheartening since I believe their desire us deeper engagement but if yiu don't got it, you don't got it. In addition the simple opportunities are there, they're just not taking advantage of them.
The recent Oscars -shorts, live action, animated festival was ideal but their answer was...we'll have people vote on their favorites! Ok, alright - and then what?! What happens with that info, who cares what so eone else's vote was? Not me. Why did they cast that vote? What did they like or not in what they saw. Soldout shows - missed opportunity. Its again, a bush league attempt. "We'll put some effort into it...just not enough" geez! You couldn't do one video call with a single aspiring Director? Arggghh.
One star on engagement. Just nominally better than the multiplex, nominally!