Coolidge Corner Theatre

The Coolidge, with its impressive lineup of indie features, gives film buffs a place to call home. Adding to the charm: a new art deco–inspired marquee, a throwback to the picture houses of old. With a stellar schedule of surprise hits (Monsoon Wedding) and midnight movie series ("'80s Midnite Movie Explosion," "We Love John Cusack!"), the nonprofit theater gets extra kudos for supporting local filmmakers and creative programming. This year's special guest appearances have been attention-getting, too: The Independent's Janeane Garofalo and Jerry Stiller, director John Sayles, and the controversial Tammy Faye Bakker Messner. Now, that's what we call entertainment.