Harkins Theatres

Harkins used to be the only place to see some of the good, smaller films in Phoenix, often mirroring NY/LA release dates within a couple of weeks but I've noticed now the selection of quality smaller films they show has been lacking. They used to be excellent at mixing these types of films in with the big blockbusters so it was the best for everyone.

Most noticeably, the new Spike Lee film 'Highest 2 Lowest' will be out for two weeks but Harkins isn't showing it. Why? They'll show Netflix's films all the time. And they've shown other AppleTv+ films in the past. Are they changing their stance now?

I know the Valley Art "temporarily" closed, five years ago, due to Covid-19 (not to mention the original Camelview closing down in 2015), but it definitely feels like there's been a recent change in how they select films and they're not showing the quality smaller films that many of us film lovers want to see along with the big tentpole event films.

In 2024, they showed Lumina and Guy Friends. But not Radu Jude's Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World or Victor Erice's Close Your Eyes.

This year, no Vulcanizadora, Cloud, or Misericordia. These are good, quality, smaller films that Harkins used to serve the people with.