Movies are expensive to go to and lately with our poor economy, some theaters have been going out of business. Unfortunately, the most expensive and corporate ones are still standing and constantly flooded with people. Here's a list of some cheaper and more interesting alternatives that not everybody knows about.
Academy 6 1003 Colorado Blvd (Pasadena)
This is hands down my favorite theater in Los Angeles. Showing all the movies you might have missed, mainstream and independent, its a great place to go if you want to avoid crowds and inflated movie/popcorn prices. The free parking lot in the back and its proximity to the Lake metro station make your trip worthwhile and if that doesn't, the $3 admission will. The best part, however, is $2 matinees and $1 Sundays. Even better is the tiny Gourmet Cobbler Factory on your way back to the parking lot, which you should stop at and pick up the most delicious peach cobbler ever made!
Highland 3 5604 N. Figueroa St (Highland Park)
Not the most amazing selection of movies (mostly mainstream) and not the cleanest theater but the movies are $3 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. All other days, movies are $6. It's also in close proximity to the highland park metro station and there's plenty of street parking.
Los Feliz 3 1822 Vermont Ave (Los Feliz)
I've only been here once but my experience was pretty satisfying. The theater room was narrow and the screen was very small and high up, I felt as if I were in an old train. Some people may find this slightly bothersome but I really enjoyed it. My favorite movies of 2008 have been playing at this theater all year, its relatively cheap ($6 matinees), and its located right next to Fred 62 (great food)!
Laemmle's Playhouse 7 (Pasadena)
This is the ultimate place to go for independent and less mainstream movies. A little pricier than others ($8.50 students / $7 matinee), but it is walking distance from the Memorial Park metro station and it has a free parking lot located 1 block behind the theater.
Vista 4473 Sunset Dr (Silverlake)
A beautiful and elegant theater, screening one movie at a time at a rather cheap price of $8 ($5 matinee). Occasionally they have midnight screenings but currently there isn't anything scheduled that I know of. Street parking is a bit tricky but the theater is in walking distance from the Vermont/Sunset metro station.
Echo Park Film Center 1200 N. Alvarado St (Echo Park)
Not actually a theater but on Thursday nights they have open screenings where anyone can come and show films they have made. Its free, inspiring and fun. They also sell super 8 film and rent out camera equipment. If you are a student you can get a yearly membership for $20 and get 50% off all equipment you rent.
Fairfax Regency 7907 Beverly Blvd (West Hollywood)
A quick drive down the 10 freeway will get you to this theater, where admission is $7.50 ($5 matinee) and parking is available around the corner. The chairs are comfortable but the rooms are quite cold. I have only had great experiences at this theater and they tend to show intelligent and interesting movies. They also screen midnight movies every Friday and over the next few weeks you can go see The Big Lebowski, Robocop, The Princess Bride, and Ghostbusters among other cult favorites.
Good movies out right now:
Waltz with Bashir
Slumdog Millionaire
Milk
Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Doubt
The Wrestler
Wendy & Lucy (Fairfax & Academy 6)
Let The Right One In (Fairfax)
Synecdoche, New York (Fairfax)
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 10:03PM 
army navy with modest bling
other lives bringing oklahoma to l.a. and also professing their love for pete carroll.
gangi with colorful props.
