Press
The New York Times
“The narrative about the theaters’ present-day fight for survival is undeniably compelling” – Glenn Kenny
LA Times
“The Story here is beautiful and complicated, one in which the twin weights of legacy and calling bear down on the need to survive in changing times” – Robert Abele
Forward
“Only in Theaters is a funny, heartbreaking and moving story about the power of movies” – PJ Grisar
Film Threat
The Wrap
“An intimate portrait of a man burdened by legacy, navigating uncharted waters, not even sure that he wants to.” – Katie Walsh, TheWrap
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)
NBC
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.”
Arts Fuse
Coming Attractions: April 10 Through 25 – Only in Theaters
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 watching Only in Theaters not 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
Filmweek
“Such an American story.” – Larry Mantle, KPCC’s FilmWeek
“More than just a movie to us…it’s a celebration of people to whom I think we owe an enormous debt locally. There just would not be arthouse cinema in Los Angeles without the Laemmles.” – Wade Major, KPCC’s FilmWeek
Golden Globe Awards
Docs: Affecting “Only in Theaters” Ponders Future of Film Exhibition Via Legacy of Laemmles
Solzy at the Movies
Only In Theaters: The Laemmle Family and the American Dream by Danielle Solzman
MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE
“Only in Theaters takes a look inside the beloved chain known for championing independent cinema — and the Laemmle family, who have been pouring their blood, sweat, and tears into making sure it has stayed in business all these years.”
Cinema Daily
Only in Theaters : Exclusive Interview with Director Raphael Sbarge on “Laemmle Theatres”
Movie Web
Exclusive: Director Raphael Sbarge on His New Documentary and Keeping Arthouse Cinema Alive
Unseen Films
“…anyone who truly loves the movies and the movie going experience should really see this.”- Steve Kopian
Claremont Courier
Laemmle to screen eponymous documentary Saturday, CEO will take questions at Q and A
Filmwax
Filmwax TV: Greg Laemmle & Raphael Sbarge (ONLY IN THEATERS)
Verde Independent/KUDOS
“Northern Arizona Premiere Of ‘Only In Theaters’ Jan. 13-19 Presented By SIFF“
Hammer to Nail
“Filled with testimonials from a wide range of filmmakers who love the Laemmles, the movie examines what a dedicated team of cinephiles can accomplish.” – Christopher Reed
SHOULD I SEE IT? BLOG
“Sbarge portrays the cinematic experience as a deeply personal and rewarding experience for all involved.“
Celluloid Dreams The Movie Show
RAPHAEL SBARGE talks ONLY IN THEATERS on CELLULOID DREAMS THE MOVIE SHOW (11/24/22)
VARIETY MAGAZINE
“2022’s most emotional theatrical experience…” – Bob Stauss
Deadline
“Santa Barbara Film Festival Sets Lineup: Brit Comedy ‘The Phantom of the Open’ To Tee It Off” by Patrick Hipes
KCSB
“SBIFF 2022: Only in Theaters” by Harry Lawton
LOS ANGELES TIMES
“Eager to gather in person to ‘celebrate art’” by Glenn Whipp
MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE
“Only In Theaters: Inside the Laemmle Family’s Battle to Keep Beloved Local Theater Chain Alive” by Margeaux Sippell
LOCAL OC NEWS
Only in Theaters’ at Newport Beach Film Festival Shines a Light on Laemmle Movie Theaters
Hollywood Times
A Conversation About “ONLY IN THEATERS” – A Documentary Film by Raphael Sbarge about the Leammle Family Business
The Mercury News
“It’s essential viewing for any film fan and should — yes — be seen on the big screen.” – RANDY MYERS
KSRO Interview
Ky Boyd hosted Greg Laemmle, head of the Laemmle theater chain in Los Angeles, on the Rialto Cinemas Big Friday Movie Segment on the The Drive with Steve Jaxon & Harry Duke on KSRO.
KDHX
An homage to the eighty-four-year old Laemmle cinema chain devoted to arthouse fare, the documentary “Only in Theaters” elucidates the dire prospects for immensely rewarding, but financially unprofitable, exhibition of independent and foreign productions.
The Arts Fuse
“Without giving away what happened to the Laemmles and their theatres, it’s safe to say the film ends on a note of hope.” – Ed Symkus
The Daily Free Press
The Laemmle legacy: Arthouse theater prevails despite the pandemic
REVIEW: Raphael Sbarge’s ‘Only in Theaters’
““Only in Theaters” is a deeply heartfelt film.”
PJFM In Conversation -
Raphael Sbarge, Director of ONLY IN THEATERS, Lindy SpringFest 2023
Animation World Network
Only in Theaters,’ The History of Laemmle Theaters, Opens Today
Review: Movie going with Bill
“Family (and cinema) Matters Most in “Only in Theaters””
Review: The Spool
“Only in Theaters (Kino Lorber): Raphael Sbarge tells the story of Los Angeles’ Laemmle Theatres chain, an essential resource for arthouse and international cinema, and the dedicated family that has run the big-screen business for generations.” – The Spool
Film Review: The Epoch Times
“(In) director Raphael Sbarge’s brilliant documentary…Mr. Greg Laemmle displays the patience of Job and displays a type of courage and love of family that is beyond uplifting and inspirational.” – Epoch Times
Kicking the Seat
“This isn’t just “a movie about the movie business”; it’s about how a calling gets into the blood and trickles down, generation to generation.” – Ian Simmons, Kicking the Seat
