You’re standing on the corner of 71st and Continental, the air smells like a mix of street cart pretzels and that distinct dampness only Queens manages to hold onto after a rain. It’s a vibe. If you’re looking for movies at Forest Hill, you probably aren't just looking for a screen; you're looking for that specific blend of Tudor architecture and modern cinematic tech. Honestly, the neighborhood has changed a lot, but the ritual of catching a flick here remains a staple for anyone living along the E/F line.
It's weird.
In an era where everyone is rotting on their couch with five different streaming subscriptions, people still trek to Forest Hills. They do it because of the Regal UA Midway. This isn’t some shiny, sterile megaplex built in a parking lot in the middle of nowhere. It’s got history. Built in 1942, the Midway was originally a massive single-screen theater. If you look at the bones of the place, you can still feel that old-school grandeur, even if it's been chopped up into a multiplex over the decades to keep up with the blockbuster demand.
The Regal UA Midway Experience
When you talk about movies at Forest Hill, you are basically talking about the Midway. Located at 108-22 Queens Blvd, it’s the titan of the neighborhood.
I’ll be real with you—the Midway has its quirks. Some people complain about the escalators being out of service occasionally or the prices of a large popcorn hitting that "I could have bought a steak for this" territory. But then you walk into one of the RPX (Regal Premium Experience) theaters. The sound hits your chest. The seats recline. Suddenly, the $20 ticket feels a lot more justifiable. RPX is Regal’s answer to IMAX, and while purists might argue over the technical specs of the laser projection, the sheer immersion is undeniable.
Wait.
Don't forget the seating. We aren't in 1995 anymore. You don't have to worry about a tall guy in a fedora ruining your sightline because the stadium seating is steep enough to give you a clear view of every pixel. Plus, the luxury recliners in many of the auditoriums have basically ruined regular chairs for me. Once you can kick your feet up while watching a three-hour Marvel epic, there’s no going back.
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Why Location Is Everything
The beauty of seeing movies at Forest Hill is the "before and after." Most theaters are islands. You drive there, you park in a massive concrete desert, you watch the movie, and you leave.
Forest Hills doesn’t work like that.
You’ve got Austin Street right there. It’s one of the best walking strips in the city. You can grab a slice at Nick’s Pizza—which, let’s be honest, is legendary for a reason—or sit down for a massive burger at Bareburger before your 7:15 PM showing. The synergy between the theater and the local commerce is what keeps the area alive. It makes "going to the movies" an actual event again, rather than just a way to kill two hours on a Tuesday.
What Happened to the Cinemart?
We have to address the elephant in the room. Or rather, the ghost in the room.
For a long time, if you wanted a different flavor of movies at Forest Hill, you went to the Cinemart Cinemas on Metropolitan Avenue. It was that cozy, independent-feeling spot that had been around since the late 1920s. It was famous for its $5-to-$9 tickets and its slightly cramped but charming atmosphere. It survived the transition to digital, it survived the rise of the megaplexes, and it even survived some rough years in the early 2000s.
Then 2023 happened.
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The Cinemart closed its doors for good. It was a gut punch to the locals who preferred the quiet, neighborhood feel over the high-octane energy of the Midway. Nicholas Nicolaou, the owner (and the subject of the documentary The Last Reel), fought hard to keep it going. He even upgraded the seats and the sound system right before the end. But the economics of independent cinema in a post-pandemic world are brutal. Now, the space is being looked at for redevelopment. It serves as a reminder that these local landmarks are fragile. When you choose where to spend your movie money, you're essentially voting for which businesses get to exist next year.
Navigating the Logistics
Let’s talk practical stuff. If you’re heading to see movies at Forest Hill, don’t drive. Just don’t.
Queens Boulevard is a nightmare on a good day, and finding street parking near the Midway is like winning the lottery, only less likely. The E, F, M, and R trains drop you off at 71st-Continental Ave, literally steps from the theater entrance. It’s the smartest move.
If you absolutely must drive, there are a few parking garages on 71st Road and 70th Road, but expect to pay a premium. You’re looking at $20 to $30 just for the privilege of not taking the subway.
- Check the Regal app before you leave. They do this thing now where certain screenings are "value days" (usually Tuesdays), and you can save a significant chunk of change.
- Join the Regal Crown Club. It’s free. You get points. Eventually, you get free popcorn. It’s a no-brainer if you’re a local.
- Arrive 20 minutes early. Not for the trailers—though the trailers are fun—but because the concession line at the Midway can become a chaotic bottleneck on Friday nights.
Is the RPX Worth It?
This is the question everyone asks.
Is it?
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If it’s a visual spectacle—think Dune, Avatar, or whatever the latest Christopher Nolan project is—then yes. The sound system in the RPX rooms at Forest Hills is objectively superior to the standard auditoriums. It uses a high-frequency response system that catches the tiny details you’d miss in a smaller room. However, if you’re just seeing a romantic comedy or a quiet indie drama, the standard screens are perfectly fine. Save that extra five bucks for a drink afterward at Dirty Pierre's.
The Cultural Impact of Cinema in Forest Hills
There is a weird sense of community at these screenings. You’ll see teenagers on their first dates, grandparents who remember when the Midway had a single massive screen, and film buffs who traveled from Kew Gardens just because they like the vibe of Austin Street.
The movies at Forest Hill act as a social anchor.
In a world that feels increasingly digital and isolated, there is something deeply human about sitting in a dark room with 200 strangers and gasping at the same plot twist. It’s one of the few places where you still see a cross-section of the entire neighborhood. Forest Hills is an affluent area, sure, but it’s also incredibly diverse. The theater reflects that.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're planning to catch a show soon, do it right. Don't just show up and hope for the best.
- Book Reserved Seating: The Midway uses reserved seating for all shows now. Don't be that person wandering around in the dark looking for a spot. Book through the app or Fandango at least a few hours in advance, especially for opening weekends.
- Time Your Meal: If you want to eat on Austin Street, give yourself 90 minutes. The service at local spots like Martha’s Country Bakery or 5 Burro Cafe can be slow when they're slammed.
- Check for Special Screenings: Sometimes the Midway hosts Fathom Events or limited runs of international films that don't get wide releases. These are often tucked away at the bottom of the showtime listings.
- The "Secret" Exit: When the movie ends, follow the crowd toward the side exits if you want to get to the street faster, but remember that they usually let you out onto the side streets rather than Queens Blvd. It’s a great way to skip the lobby congestion.
The landscape of movies at Forest Hill has shifted, leaning heavily into the "premium" experience now that the independent options have faded. While the loss of the Cinemart is a bummer, the Midway remains a powerhouse that anchors the entertainment scene in Central Queens. It’s more than just a place to watch a film; it’s the heartbeat of a neighborhood that refuses to let the cinema die. Get your tickets early, take the train, and remember to silence your phone. The experience is worth the effort.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
To make the most of your trip, check the current schedule at the Regal UA Midway specifically for RPX showtimes if you want the best tech. If you're looking for a post-movie meal, head one block south to Austin Street where the densest concentration of dining options is located. For those interested in the history of the area, a quick walk past the old Cinemart site on Metropolitan Ave offers a look at the architectural heritage of the neighborhood, even if the screens are currently dark. Don't forget that Tuesday is the standard discount day for Regal members, making it the most cost-effective time for a visit.