Cinemark University City Penn 6

Maurice a month ago

After purchasing my movie ticket, I made my way toward the theater entrance. There were three employees standing near the ticket scanning area — one person on the left, who I assumed would be scanning tickets, and two individuals on the right wearing black vests. After my ticket was scanned and I began walking toward my designated theater, I suddenly heard an aggressive voice yell, “Red hoodie, come back!” Assuming he was speaking to me, I turned around and said, “Yes?” He immediately responded by saying he needed to check my jacket. I asked, “For what?” and his response was simply, “Because I have to.” At no point did this individual introduce himself, identify that he worked for the theater, or explain the reason for the search. Naturally, I was confused and uncomfortable. I asked if he was attempting to search my person, and he replied, “No, I have to check your jacket.” Since my jacket was on my person and is my personal property, I again asked for clarification about exactly what he was trying to do and why. What followed was an unnecessary back-and-forth simply because I was trying to understand who this individual was and why he believed he could search me without explanation. During this interaction, I observed him selectively asking certain patrons — primarily people with darker skin — to open or check their belongings, while others walked by without issue. That observation was deeply concerning. I also asked whether there was any visible signage stating that patrons may be searched upon entry. I received no answer. At that point, Harold, the general manager, inserted himself into the conversation and explained that it was theater policy to conduct searches. However, he also stated that they search people who “look suspicious,” which only added to my concern given what I had personally observed regarding who was being stopped. Unfortunately, Harold demonstrated very poor de-escalation skills. A few minutes later, the police were called on me despite the fact that I was not being aggressive, belligerent, or disruptive. I was simply asking reasonable questions and attempting to have a conversation with a security employee who appeared incapable of communicating professionally. I requested both Harold’s name and the security officer’s name. Harold provided only his own, stating he could not provide the security officer’s name for “privacy reasons,” claiming people could look employees up on social media and harass them. I then asked for the name of the security company, and he refused to provide that as well, claiming it was “theater policy,” although it felt more like personal preference than actual policy. I am sharing this review because no customer should have to endure an experience like this simply for attending a movie. I am not someone who blindly complies when a complete stranger demands to search me without identifying themselves, explaining their authority, or communicating respectfully. This entire situation could have been avoided with basic professionalism, transparency, and proper communication. I left extremely disappointed by the experience and hope management takes steps to ensure future customers are treated with more respect and dignity.

Eboni Haynes 5 months ago

It’s fine. Just avoid times where you think you may run into the younger crowds, under 18 crew. Not insufferable, just being noisy and they run in groups. I don’t think there is good regulation there. No bag checks unless it’s huge. They have two kiosk to get tickets and someone working the counter. I haven’t experienced anything gross and bathrooms are clean. Can’t speak on food because the lines always look long.

Danielle Warah a month ago

Every time me and my husband come here we are greeted with polite friendly staff. Our movie didn’t work we got a free movie plus tickets two free tickets to another movie on another day. Kareem who works the ticket booth was my favorite excellent customer service 🩷

jan bean a year ago

So I hadn't been to 40th St since last year and some recent reviews had me under the impression this location had gone down the drain...I took a chance anyway and much to my surprise it was just fine! The workers at the concession stand were very pleasant,our snacks were fresh and the theatre was clean(could use a quick vacuuming) but NOTHING major. I even saw an armed security guard on duty for a little razzle dazzle in terms of safety! I went on a weekday in the evening,so it wasn't crowded...Ppl also need to keep in mind certain movies will draw a certain type of crowd,especially upon new release,so that's something to consider in terms of avoiding large crowds of teens/kids!

Sean Stoops a month ago

This theater is complete amateur hour, tech. wise. Apparently they had a minor flood days earlier and were still running loud exhaust fans in our theater playing a brand new release! The white noise of the motors could be heard the entire time, especially during the quieter scenes. If a theater is having technical issues, then don’t use it for screenings! Also, the staff failed to turn off the overhead house lights during the trailers and we had to go out and alert them, 10 minutes into the main feature! Will not be returning anytime soon and we’ll be telling our movie going friends to avoid this dump like the plague!!