Re-opening of Toronto's Carlton Cinema: free screenings June 30-July 1

It was sad for Toronto cinephiles when the Carlton Cinema was closed by Cineplex Odeon back in December 2009. It was a modest theatre that often showed films that weren't the usual blockbuster fare, but more interesting and thoughtful work such as documentary, foreign, Canadian and independent films. Showing them at the Carlton allowed them to show for longer runs than they would otherwise have at the repertory cinemas.

But now there's good news for film lovers. In addition to the recent opening of the Toronto Underground Cinema and the coming September 12 opening of the Toronto International Film Festival's Bell Lightbox, the Carlton Cinema is reopening on June 30,  this time as a Magic Lantern theatre. They've spent $1.5 million on renovations, including new screens and sound systems, and more spacious and comfortable seating. It will have 9 auditoriums with 80-120 seats, and tickets will be $6-9 with $5 tickets on Tuesdays.

To promote its relaunch, the Carlton is offering free screenings of recent award-winning films on June 30 and July 1 before beginning its regular schedule and ticketing on July 2. Tickets are available an hour before screening on a first-come, first-served basis. Although admission is free, they will be accepting donations for The Toronto Star’s Fresh Air Fund to help send underprivileged kids to summer camp.

The schedule for the free screenings on Wednesday and Thursday is as follows:

The Blind Side (PG) – 1:00 3:50
Departures (14A) Japanese with English subtitles – 6:40 9:20
Julie & Julia (PG) – 1:30 4:10 7:10 9:50
The Class (PG) French with English subtitles – 1:15 4:00
The Cove (PG) – 6:50 9:00
Crazy Heart (14A) – 1:45 4:20 7:00 9:30
Up in the Air (14A) – 2:00 4:30 7:20 9:40
A Single Man (PG) – 2:15 (July 1 only) 4:40 7:30 9:45
The Hurt Locker (14A) – 12:45 3:40 6:30 9:15
The Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG) – 2:30 4:50
Away From Her (PG) – 6:45 9:10
How To Train Your Dragon (PG) – 12:30 3:30
Chloe (18A) – 6:20 8:45

Carlton Cinemas, 20 Carlton Street (between Yonge & Church Streets)
24hr movie info: 416 494-9371 CarltonCinema.ca