USC Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre

I took an introductory film class here. It was a rich and satisfying experience, and greatly deepened my appreciation for the stylistic, thematic, and technical aspects of the medium.
This theater, though, is a bit strange. It’s blocky from the outside — clearly a holdover from another era. Inside, the facilities feel uninspired and dated. The theater is suited for viewing movies, but isn’t great for interactive lectures. It’s not an intimate place — not a place where you carry on conversations. The acoustics are clearly designed for listening to a movie rather than discussing it.

Norris is the best place you can imagine seeing a movie. I loved it when I had class here bc no one talks during the movie or texts or eats. The floors aren’t sticky and the place doesn’t reek of popcorn. The screen and sound are excellent. I’ve seen some rare 35 mm prints of classic films here that were just stunning.

If you haven’t been here, make a Trojan friend and go to some of the events, movies, and lectures the hold. This spacious theaters comfortably seats 300 hundred people. There is more leg room here than any other movie theater that I’ve been to. They hold everything from a Comedy Festival to pre-​screenings of popular movies. Because of the Trojan Network, they have brought Steven Spielberg and Paul Frommer, the linguist who created the Na’vi language in Avatar.
For movies, I would get here at least 30 minutes before the doors open. They tend to overbook and it’s first come, first served.

I swear Unilocal is just eating some of my reviews. Maybe the word FREE has something to do with it?
Can’t really fault this cinema from hosting free events. I’ve seen some great movies and even some Met HD broadcasts in here. They also host lectures.
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The seats aren’t the comfiest though and they can probably afford to update the restrooms.
But seriously, nothing beats FREEEEEEE!

My first exposure to this theatre was when I took CTCS-​466: Theatrical Film Symposium with Professor Leonard Maltin. This is one of the classes they say you have to take when you are at USC, and I’m sure glad I did! They pre-​screened some legit movies for us like Wreck it Ralph and Skyfall =D
The theatre itself is just okay, the seats are not that comfortable but at least you have a ton of leg room. There is space for over 300 people which is nice, but the bathrooms are very small and old which is unfortunate given how many people are usually here. This means long waiting times to use the bathroom, especially for the ladies =(In the end though I enjoyed coming here to watch some awesome movies, thanks USC!

Incredibly uncomfortable seats, small screen, poor image quality, mediocre sound system, no climate control/​freezing, small & dated bathrooms. Free has its price. Sad.

I can’t believe I never came in to the inside of this theater when I was at USC. Although time was very limited when I went here, I just went to class and leave everyday, I never really explored the entire campus which they have done many upgrades since over a decade ago. (Gosh I feel so old!) This is one of a classic. It’s not an average pay for theater because it’s only for their students and alumnis. I came here a few times when they have their movie screening and sometimes includes Q & A for their Cinematic program. Small and intimate but big enough to seat about a bit over 100 people and spacious seats and walkways so you don’t have to step over everyone when you need to step to the restroom.
Outside of the theater is the hallway of fame for Frank Sinatra. They have his prize collections of awards showcase.
If you’re ever here, remember to park in section 3! The closest to the theater. parking is always $ 8.

Can you believe the first reviewer to review Norris is a Bruin! In the spirit of the Unilocaler’s Oath I’ll do my utmost to be impartial.
This review is for my recent visit to USC for the Roger Corman Film Festival, as well as last year’s James Bond Film Festival at Norris. You have to hand it to them: this is cool programming, if not eclectic. We saw Death Race 2000 and Bucket of Blood. There was a catered reception which was a nice touch, because we were hungry. The theatre itself is large compared to lecture halls, but small compared to movie theatres. Seats while comfy, are small. The room is like a fancy college lecture hall, which isn’t saying much. My friend (also a Bruin) says the bathroom was small and hardly anyplace to pee. There is a Sinatra exhibit in the lobby which will captivate you for about 3 min and 30 sec. The Wilder by comparison is on a whole nother level.
The campus is nondescript and somewhat depressing. The roads are narrow. Almost hit a biker talking on a cell. 20 points! Hahaha! Every square foot of land is crammed with buildings and parking garages. Trees and green-​space are an afterthought. Open space is nonexistent. Let’s just call the campus «The Concrete Jungle.» No undue Bruin influence: this is based upon visits to numerous So Cal campuses such as LMU, Occidental, CSULA, Caltech and of course ULCA Fight Fight Fight. $ 8 to park, but only $ 5 if you’re going to the festival. Try for street parking if you feel lucky. Well, do ya, punk?
While SC kinda sucks, and the theatre is marginal, they have cool programming.