The New York Times
“The narrative about the theaters’ present-day fight for survival is undeniably compelling” – Glenn Kenny
Film Threat
“Essential viewing for every filmgoer.” – Jason Delgado, Film Threat
LA Daily News
“Only in Theaters isn’t just a celebration of the Laemmles and their love of sharing cinema but the American Dream. At a time with much uncertainty in the film business, this film couldn’t be more important” – Peter Larsen
LA TIMES
“It’s a beautiful film and a timely one.” –Claudia Puig, Film Critic and President, LA Film Critics Association
Six Word Review
“Terrific Doc about importance of movies.” – Neil Turitz
SANTA MONICA DAILY PRESS
“New film tells the story of LA institution Laemmle Theaters”
claremont courier
“Only in Theaters, the surprisingly moving documentary about the Laemmle family’s long history in the film industry.”
Wasteland Film Review
Only in Theaters (2023) – Wasteland Documentary Film Review
FILMUFORIA
“Only in Theatres is passionate but never sentimental. The battle of art versus commerce is fought out in the open with DoP Matt Kubas’ handheld camera being a witness to this war for the ‘soul of cinema’. A informative piece of living film history.” – Meredith Taylor, Critic
GALWAY FILM FLEADH
“With appearances from Cameron Crowe, Ava DuVernay, Nicole Holofcener and Alison Anders, Only in Theatres works as both a state-of-industry insight for those with a professional interest, and an irresistible story of an American dynasty and love letter to cinema for a general audience.” — William Fitzgerald, Program Director, Galway Film Festival
IMBD
“Above all it’s an appreciation of the things we take for granted: local book stores, coffee shops, family farms, local theaters & more, & a reminder that they exist because of the ingenuity, guts, & industry of individuals who pour more into their life’s work & legacy than they likely ever get out of it. Director Raphael Sbarge captures a moment in time…” – Keith Simanton, Senior Film Editor, IMDB (IMDBKEITH)
Crescenta Valley Weekly
Glendale Arts Hosts ‘Only in Theaters’ Documentary Screening
NYC Movie Guru
“Only in Theaters is a poignant love letter to independent cinema” –Avi Offer
Film Festival Traveler
“The urgency of a family-owned business in an entertainment industry seeing the massive popularity of streaming and further changes in audience’s moviegoing habits makes the film a cautionary tale about the survival of the fittest.”
The Jewish News of northern California
‘Only in Theaters’: Jewish family behind SoCal’s Laemmle Theaters share their story in new documentary
SF Chronicle: Datebook
“This man is trying to save movie theaters, starting with his own”
Solzy at the movies
“The film isn’t just about the Laemmle family but the American Dream.”
nEWPORT THIS WEEK
““Only in Theaters” documents how bold independent cinema shaped generations of films and filmgoers and asserted a cautiously optimistic promise for the future.”
Independent Magazine
“In many ways, “Only in Theaters” is an honest and subtle call to action.” – Taylor Lena McTootle
Ira’s Everything Bagel
NOSHING WITH RAPHAEL SBARGE – APRIL 13, 2023
FILM REVIEW: Only In Theaters
“Only in Theaters’ isn’t just about 24 months in the history of Laemmle Theaters – that would have been compelling enough, though! It’s also a celebration of independent cinema in general. It honors the cultural legacy of these spaces dedicated to collective experience, elevating them as sacred. After watching it, my first impulse was to go out to see a movie.”
Review: Alliance of women film journalists
“I can’t imagine anyone watchingOnly in Theatersnot rooting 100% for him and his family.” – Diane Carson
Review: “Only in Theaters” Review by Parker Otto
““Only in Theaters” is a love letter to the theatrical experience and the independent arthouse cinema which especially hit home for me. ” – Parker Otto
Focus Newspaper
“From actor turned filmmaker, Raphael Sbarge, comes this beautifully made documentary about the Laemmle chain of art house cinemas in LA and their struggle to survive during the pandemic of several years back. The film serves as both a history of the family’s theater chain and a look at where the art house business is in these current times. Highly recommended for film buffs and fans of great documentary films (Also on DVD from Kino)” – Focus Newspaper
The Digital Bits
“Only in Theaters does not presume to predict what the future will hold for the Laemmles and their beloved theaters. Film is art and art should be presented in the best possible format and setting. The documentary makes a strong case that movie theaters are that place.” – The Digital Bits
Pasadena Weekly
“It’s just a beautifully told story; must watch for any fans or enthusiasts of LA history, film history, independent film history.” – Maria Sahakian
