CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER
MAY 2007 ISSUE 26 “possibly Britain’s most beautiful cinema...” (BBC) www.therexcinema.com
BOOKINGS & 01442 877759 INFORMATION Mon-Sat 10.30-6pm Sun 4.30-6.30pm To advertise email [email protected] INTRODUCTION
May Matinees 10-14 May Evenings 15-24 Gallery 5 Coming Soon 24 May Films at a glance 24 Dear Mrs Trellis 29, 31 SEAT PRICES: Circle £7.00 Members & Concessions £5.50 At Table £9.00 Members & Concessions £7.50 Royal Box (seats 6) £11.00 or for the Box £60.00 Box Office: 01442 877759 Mon to Sat 10.30am – 6.00pm MATINEES… Sun 4.30pm – 6.30pm (Credit/Debit card booking fee 50p) y chance a man started up tell me how to run my business. Disabled and flat access: by gate on High the steps just ahead of me. It was “not giving people a chance Street. Tel: 01442 877999 BIt was about 9:30 on a very to see the best films in a nice place” Some of the girls and boys you see at the Box cold Tuesday night early in March. which stalled me. He didn’t use Office and Bar: He was a bit bad on his feet so I ‘money’ or ‘profit’ just “not good stayed a few steps behind. Once business”. It was frustration not Emily Doyle Linda Moss Christine Olivia Palmer safely in the foyer he turned to see it advice or accusation. It came from Fressineau Julian Paredes was me and said smiling “Ah just the heart on a cold night. Jemma Gask Jeremy Read the man. I was hoping to see you…” Holly Gilbert Amberley Rose Rosa Gilbert Charlotte Stephens End of smile! Like a parent he Box Office ‘children’ Olivia Glasser Tina Thorpe smacking the child just pulled from have been saying it for ages - Beth Hannaway Alex Tucker under the wheels of a hurtling bus, EXTRA MATINEES! Sarah Holloway Olivia Wilson T Eva Jaurena Marie-Francoise Wolff he turned and said something like I’ve resisted it. There was probably Jo Littlejohn Keymea Yazdanian this: “What’s the matter with you? a good reason, but I can’t remember.
Sally Thorpe In charge Nobody can get in to see the best When it starts in May, I might – all Alun Rees Chief projectionist (Original) things… It’s no way to run a too late. Jon Waugh 1st assistant projectionist business – you should put more Anyway, like all wisdoms and Martin Coffill Part-time assistant projectionist Jacquie Rose Chief Box Office & Bar shows on… In Hemel they show the advice, the one that shakes you into Greg Tomkins Film director films 3 or 4 times a day… action is unanticipated. It was Jane Clucas & Lynn Hendry What’s the matter with you?” seeing this man leave, slowly on PR/Marketing/FoH I mumbled something feeble about difficult steps. To emphasise the Laurence Wiper Bar supervisor an interesting programme. It only cold late night again, his wife was Ian Muirhead Accountant made matters worse. waiting in the car – yes, they had Alan Lambourne Caretaker In a gap, I learned he’d driven all the both come out! Resident creative builders way from Hemel to pick up a The next day the office discussed Darren Flindall programme at this time on a (very it at length (with lots of ‘told you Michael Glasheen cold) night. With no hint of sarcasm, so’s’). Artists it is a long way if you’re not as Later in The Goat I caught up with Andrew Dixon young as you were, are bad on your the ‘Rex children’ who had come to Paul Rowbottom feet and you’re not sure you’re even play pool and get away from me. Advisors and Investors Paul Fullagar going to have your say! Instead, amid the smoke and Alan Clooney He didn’t say goodbye. He got up to distractions of sport and skirt on TV Ed Mauger Genius the door and turned (again roughly monitors, they listened, thought and remembered). “You’re not giving talked passionately about all things Demiurge Design Designers 01582 791996 Allison Nunn Publisher 07786 540418 people the chance to see the popular and how extra matinees would work. James Hannaway CEO 01442 877999 films in a nice place. You have a Not only were they not phased by Betty Patterson Company Secretary and THE lovely cinema. You should show the idea of extra matinees but liked ORIGINAL VISIONARY of The Rex. what people want to see… It’s not the idea more than me (and no, not The Rex High Street (Three Close Lane) good business”. Though I listen to to increase their already very Berkhamsted HP4 2FG www.therexcinema.com all suggestions, I don’t let anyone minimum wage!). INTRODUCTION www.therexcinema.com 5
So after 48 hours thinking, held to ransom by whatever we talking and listening; this is feel like charging. When what we’ve come up with… there’s a big raffle queue, we There will be regular are grateful for a surprise, matinees (Starting 1st May) spare seat. At the last minute, from Monday to Thursday. our staff will even ring people Saturday matinees stay the who haven’t collected, to see if same, with added Sundays they’re on their way! when popularity gets out of Where else do you get this? hand. The only interruption No theatre in the West End or will be for conferences/ locally gives refunds. In many building/repairs/refurb - places, even being late, forfeits ishment/film location, etc). your right to get in – with no Here’s where the trouble refund. begins. The matinees will bring At the risk of being a soft back all the popular films you touch, we listen and absorb may have missed or want to Castle Street - first days of Spring your complaints, constantly see again, leaving the evenings questioning what we’re doing. free for the kind of repertory waited patiently for the raffle, do not Try it at Jarman Park or even programme we promised from the get turned away. Wouldn’t you hate Leicester Square. beginning. it more if we let them in free for I buckle-under most of the time, but Of course, new POPULAR titles turning up ten minutes before, after when I stand my ground, I stand it. will run in the evenings. Returning you may have queued for two hours lease don’t face me at the again and again, day and night. on release day? end of a long day and night It is another experiment. It won’t This is prompted by immediate Pto demand anything, be it a suit everybody. Luckily, most of you anger, as much at myself for not refund or to bitch about someone’s are with us. making it better as for the situation noisy eating habits. Tell us if it’s So here we go again. Whinge and itself. Five minutes ago, I was too hot or cold, you’re uncom - you’re out. Better, we’ll tell estate faced with a complaint about us fortable or there’s trouble, or agents where you live… ‘profiting’ twice from an empty something is wrong with the film PS. For a memorable afternoon at seat. – too loud or fuzzy subtitles, etc. the Pictures: from 1st May ALL No doubt the complainant is driving As for money and tickets, take matinee seats will be reduced to: home right this minute, feeling the your chances with what we have Upper circle £5, Tables £6.50, same. Isn’t it always so when the created in the spirit of what has ‘Royal’ boxes £10.. penny drops - seconds later - rage? been created. And if someone lets She was a nice young woman with you down, why not ask them for WE WILL SELL YOUR SEATS TWICE…. an unhappy complaint. It took me the seven quid? And no – it won’t off guard. She wasn’t old enough be going to charity. omplaining is the privilege and didn’t have a beard (the prime You have 48 hours or a sudden of old age. It is not the source of all our gripes), so I was difficulty to claim a replacement Cdomain of the young. It is surprised by her indignation at no voucher (‘sudden’ and ‘difficulty’ earned only by the luck of too many refund for the absent seat - sold is our judgement. ‘Forgot and birthdays. twice. traffic’ don’t count). If you want We will sell your seats twice. If on It was a polite but uneasy exchange. your money back, you can tout the night you find someone in your It is not the way to end a nice your extra seat(s) to the waiting party can’t come, and if there is a evening here. queue on the night. huge queue on the door, we will sell This place was rebuilt with real I don’t like this. It is humiliating, that seat. Not to sell it for the huge blood, real sweat and real tears. but if you want to, you are profit, but to get one more in, and The principle currency of the Rex is welcome. out of the half-hour raffle queue. its spirit of give and take. We’re not I confess - I hate dealing with I care as much about getting an all dollars and cents, like every tickets. I try to keep out of their extra seven quid as I do about multiplex or factory bar/restaurant. way. This is why you see so many losing it. Our prices are fair and we will never sweet faces in the box office and But I do care that people who have treat you like a captive audience, not mine… MAY FILMS 10 Box Office: 01442 877759 MAY MATINEES
Miss Potter The Good The Iron Giant Tue 1 12.30 German Sat 5 2.00 Thu 3 2.00 Wed 2 2.00 Matinee Warning: May contain babies
Director: Steven Soderbergh Starring: Tobey Maguire, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Beau Bridges Certificate: 15 Duration: 108 mins Origin: USA 2007 Unerringly beautifully from first By: Warner Brothers frame to last, this magical tale follows Beatrix Potter’s rise to being This time George’s mate the most successful children’s Soderbergh shoots him in black author of all time. Despite delighting and white, entirely in the style of It is directed by the noted generations of children with her Casablanca and other Bogart animator/director/writer Brad Bird books, she kept her own story classics like Big Sleep & Maltese – you can blame him for The carefully locked away. The film Falcon. To get the feel, he uses 1940s Simpsons. reveals how she developed storytelling lenses, sound-recording techniques, from a young age and rebelled against Based on Ted Hughes 1968 novel and a decidedly non-mobile camera. “The Iron Man”, this feature-length draconian convention by refusing to Thus it will either be very tedious or marry. Her first book, Tales of Peter animated adventure tells of a giant very clever. Either way it doesn’t metal machine that falls to earth, Rabbit, was a publishing phenomenon bode well. Soderbergh straddles the and led to a forbidden romance with frightening the residents of a small three fields of mainstream, town in Maine in 1958, until it her publisher Norman Warne (a most cult/trendy and lightweight. irritating Ewan Mc). befriends a 9-year old boy named Here he’s gone for the second with Hogarth and ultimately unselfishly “MISS POTTER wrenches the the safety of the first with bankable heart…Sure it’s shamelessly saves people from their own fears stars, but from all accounts has and prejudices. Featured among the sentimental, but strangely moving.” landed on the third. (Channel 4) voices are Jennifer Anniston as Annie Adapted from Joseph Kanon’s novel, Hughes, Hogarth’s mother; Harry Or… Jake (Clooney) is assigned the task “…barely scratches the Dickensian Connick Jr. as Dean McCoppen, one of covering the peace in Berlin, where of the town’s residents who befriends surface of true female repression. his former lover Lena (Blanchett, Zellweger tries to make up for this Hogarth and the giant; and newcomer with brown eyes!), is trying to escape Eli Marienthal as young Hogarth. with coy mannerisms, squinty-eyed her dark past. In his search, a grimaces and precision in studied Also on hand is Christopher complex web of deceit is woven… McDonald voicing the role of Kent ‘period’ gestures.” (Hollywood “Soderbergh’s films often have one Reporter) Mansley, a government agent foot in old ‘Noir’ Hollywood. determined to destroy the giant. Most comments on leaving refer to This one risks both feet and trips Renee as Brigid Jones - in costume. This film features 2D and CGI up...looks more like a stylish exercise animated characters. I think she’s great, but to remove the than a drama.” (Standard, March) clutter of ‘stardom’ and let the story It’s a good story, and apart from its As always... you will decide, but keep americanization, is pretty loyal to breathe, they should have used an eye on the driver… unknowns. All agree on its unaffected Hughes’ original. enchantment and charm. It is, as her tales, a perfect escape. If nothing else, come for this.
Director: Chris Noonan Director: Brad Bird Starring: Renee Zellweger, Ewan Starring: Vin Diesel, Eli Marienthal, McGregor, Bill Paterson, Emily Watson Harry Connick Jr, Jennifer Aniston Certificate: PG Certificate: U Duration: 93 mins Duration: 86 mins Origin: UK 2006 Origin: USA 1999 By: Momentum Pictures By: Warner Brothers MAY MATINEES www.therexcinema.com 11
Becoming Jane Amazing Grace The Princess Bride Tue 8 12.30 Wed 9 2.00 Sat 12 2.00 Thu 10 2.00 Matinee Warning: May contain babies Director: Rob Reiner Starring: Cary Elwes, Mandy Director: Julian Jarrold Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Starring: Anne Hathaway, James Guest, Wallace Shawn, Fred Savage, McAvoy, Maggie Smith, James Robin Wright, Peter Falk, Peter Cook, Cromwell, Julie Walters Billy Crystal Certificate: PG Certificate: PG Duration: 120 mins Duration: 97 mins Origin: UK 2007 Origin: USA 1987 By: Buena Vista International By: Lionsgate Films UK
“A tale of love, class and the So, it is Albert Finney we should Rob Reiner’s classic 1987 fairytale struggle to defy convention in the thank for all those bagpipes? with a healthy dose of tongue-in- name of artistic endeavour (wasn’t As John Newton, the reformed but still cheek humour, THE PRINCESS that Miss Potter???). guilty slave-trader, he absolves himself BRIDE remains as fresh and as Becoming Jane tells the story of the by writing that teary lament. entertaining today as when it was real-life love affair (didn’t happen?) “Apted’s biography of anti-slaver, first released. which inspired the young Jane Austen William Wilberforce (Gruffudd), All the standard fairytale characters to write romantic fiction. doesn’t pervert history, it just are here - the handsome prince, the When the 20-year-old Austen (pretty embellishes it. The familiar phrase is beautiful princess, the ugly but good- good for the American - Anne ‘making it relevant (palatable/ hearted ogre, the evil king and the Hathaway) meets the brilliant, roguish dumbing) for modern audiences’. wise old man with a knack for potion Irishman, Tom Lefroy (I’m-now-in- Never mind, the film is not so making - but holding it all together is everything-McAvoy), she falls madly inaccurate as to make the blood boil...” the inimitable humour of its creators in love. This little-known story is said (DM Standard) William Goldman (novel and to be the turning point in Jane’s life; Here is what non-film people have screenplay), Mel Brooks (Producer) from which she would emerge as the said about it: and of course Rob Reiner at the greatest romantic writer in English “I thoroughly enjoyed Amazing Grace, helm. Literature (until Barbara Cartland). even though, like most historical films, A kindly grandfather sits down with Nicely directed, it presents a fresh it occasionally makes free with the his poorly grandson and reads him a and surprising view of Austen’s early facts. Anyone who knows the period bedtime story. The story is one that years, claiming how her romantic will raise eyebrows at the sight of the has been passed down through from adventure with Tom would later future William IV speaking in the father to son for generations. inspire many of the male characters in House of Commons, or at Charles As the grandfather reads the story, her celebrated novels.” (City Screen) James Fox delivering a superbly the action comes alive. With all respect to the perfectly rousing speech five months after he The story is a classic tale of love and formed Ms Hathaway, Jane Austen had died!. adventure “Return to a time when students will know what to believe. But films and history books set out to men were men and swamps were It makes no difference, come for the do very different things. No doubt swamps…” beautifully captured English pedants will pick holes, but the film’s countryside, the manners and the broad narrative – the passage of the language. 1807 abolition act – rings broadly true. Contrary to some reports, the film does make an effort to depict the wider forces that drove the abolition of the slave trade, continued page 17
Director: Michael Apted Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Rufus Sewell, Ciaran Hinds, Toby Jones Certificate: PG Duration: 118 mins Origin: UK/USA 2007 By: Momentum Pictures 12 Box Office: 01442 877759 MAY MATINEES
The History Boys Curse of the Arthur & The Mon 14 2.00 Golden Flower Invisibles Tue 15 12.30 Wed 16 2.00 Sat 19 2.00 Thu 17 2.00 Matinee Warning: May contain babies
Director: Zhang Yimou Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Ye Liu, Gong Li, Jay Chou Certificate: 15 Duration: 114 mins Origin: China 2007 By: Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd
This ancient tale shimmers in golds, reds and every shade and colour under the sun. It is ridiculously, On the heels of his first foray into It doesn’t matter anymore what breathtakingly colourful, with more romantic comedy (Angel-A), this story is about, everybody is cleavage than you can shake a stick at. French filmmaker Luc Besson still talking about it – play or film. Zhang Yimou completes his thematic breaks new ground again with this It tells of a group of bright History trilogy which began with Hero and … computer-animated, family- students being pushed through Flying Daggers, with the most costly friendly adaptation of his own entrance exams for undergraduate film in Chinese cinema history. It is children’s book - Arthur and the places at Oxbridge. There’s a young set almost entirely within an Minimoys. history teacher, a squirming anachronistic Forbidden City in Ten-year-old Arthur’s (the forever headmaster, a huge Richard Griffiths, 928AD, where the once-powerful and Neverland boy, Freddie Highmore) having fun as the all-groping, decadent Tang Dynasty is in decline. vivid imagination is fuelled by the irreverently, queer ‘General Studies’ The Empress (Li) and her sons are colourful bedtime stories his professor. awaiting the return of the Emperor grandmother reads to him. The cast is extremely well (Yun-Fat) from a military campaign. His dreams are filled with African marshalled, albeit by a lightweight In the lavish palace with its elaborate tribes and the remarkable inventions director, Nicholas Hytner. and strict system of customs and detailed in the enigmatic book his Who wouldn’t know their lines after ceremonies, clandestine affairs, grandfather left behind after two years on stage, playing the same secrets and political intrigue bubble mysteriously disappearing four years parts? The teenage boys – horrible, under the surface, only to climax in a earlier. Arthur and his family are in faceless and pubescent at first - grow tragic ballet-battle of Shakespearian danger of losing their home to an on you. Inevitably, the proper grown- proportions. “Trouble at the Imperial unscrupulous developer – (surely ups are gorgeous throughout, with Palace in 10th-century China, with not!). the brilliant Ms de la Tour shining. bloody rebellion, family strife, However, if there is any truth in the You can’t wait for fatty Griffiths to forbidden love and tales of a treasure hidden deep come back on the screen, while Clive chrysanthemums…” (Guardian) beneath their garden, and with the Merrison’s Headmaster is an oily joy. Today’s Chinese studios make Busby help of the tiny, fairy-like creatures “The real strength of this appealing, Berkerly look like Mike Leigh. from his grandmother’s sketchbook, intelligent and enjoyable film is there may still be hope… Bennett’s writing…” (City Screen). Children, bring the whole family - So it is ‘the words’ then…? especially your grandparents.
Director: Nicholas Hytner Starring: Stephen Campbell-Moore, Director: Luc Besson Richard Griffiths, Frances de la Tour, Starring: Freddie Highmore, Mia Clive Merrison Farrow, Penny Balfour, Doug Rand Certificate: 15 Certificate: U Duration: 109 mins Duration: 93 mins Origin: UK 2006 Origin: France 2007 By: Twentieth Century Fox By: Momentum Pictures MAY MATINEES www.therexcinema.com 13
Notes on a Scandal Lives of Others Mon 21 2.00 Wed 23 2.00 Tue 22 12.30 Matinee Warning: May contain babies Thu 24 2.00 This remarkably assured first feature from von Donnersmarck Director: Richard Eyre paints a dark picture of life under Starring: Dame Judi Dench, Cate the Communist regime in East Blanchett, Bill Nighy, Alice Bird Germany. Certificate: 15 Set mainly in East Berlin during the Duration: 92 mins mid-‘80s, the film chronicles the Origin: UK 2006 consequences of the Minister of By: Twentieth Century Fox Culture’s decision to investigate, by means of surveillance, the lives of a Judi Dench should have won all the successful playwright and his actress prizes for what must be one of the wife (whose sexual favours the most complex and complete on- politician clearly lusts after). screen performance of all time - the The surveillance expert in charge of lonely, manipulative, treacherous, spying on the artists ends up as vulnerable, pitiable but very scary, profoundly affected by the bugging Barbara… as the couple as he comes to Richard Eyre teamed up with question the ethics of his work. screenwriter Patrick Marber (who The Lives Of Others succeeds both must never be forgiven for CLOSER, as a convincing historical recreation nor for some lines in this, unless and a compelling tale of individuals. they’re Zoe Heller’s, in which case, blame her). Though there are some A great cast of perfect faces. great lines, perfectly delivered. Take your pick. Cancel important things The tension between Dench and Blanchett is palpable. It turns an unconvincing playground into a gripping thriller. About Judi: “It is her refusal to play some kind of latterday Lady Macbeth that makes this portrait so subtle and Director: Florian Henckel von so powerful…She is not just an Donnersmarck ordinary villain. We see her Starring: Martina Gedeck, Ulrich vulnerability, her loneliness and her Mühe, Sebastian Koch desperation to be loved…” Certificate: 15 (D.Malcolm, Standard 29 Jan). Duration: 138 mins Over-shadowed, and over-looked in Origin: Germany 2007 all the prize-giving mallarkey, Cate By: Lionsgate Films UK Blanchett is mesmerising, rivetting and more than a match for Judi’s brilliance. An unnecessary piece of melodrama but brilliantly performed by all. 14 Box Office: 01442 877759 MAY MATINEES
Meet the Mr Bean’s Holiday Toy Story II Robinsons Tue 29 12.30 Thu 31 2.00 Sat 26 2.00 Wed 30 2.00 Wed Matinee Warning: May contain babies Director: Ash Brannon, Colin Brady Starring: Tim Allen, Don Reckless, Director: Stephen J Anderson Jim Varney, Tom Hanks Starring: Angela Bassett, Steve Certificate: U Zahn, Tom Selleck, Laurie Metcalf Duration: 95 mins Certificate: U Origin: USA 1999 Duration: 102 mins By: Buena Vista International Origin: USA 2007 By: Buena Vista International In “Toy Story 2,” the fun and adventure continues when Andy “Based on William Joyce’s - A Day Rowan Atkinson’s Mr Bean is an goes off to summer camp and the with Wilbur Robinson, an orphan acquired taste. toys are left to their own devices. who dreams of someday finding a Tired of the dreary London weather, Things shift into high gear when an family to call his own finds his fate Mr Bean heads to Cannes for some obsessive toy collector kidnaps taking an unexpected turn when a sun. But he falls face first into a Woody who unbeknownst to himself mysterious stranger named Wilbur series of mishaps and coincidences. is a highly valued collectable. Robinson transports him into the “With its obvious nods to Tati, a It’s now up to Buzz Lightyear and future in a computer-animated surprise for Charles Trenet lovers and the gang from Andy’s room - Mr. time-travel adventure for the whole much humour at the expense of Potato Head, Slinky Dog, Rex and family.” (now you can breathe) celluloid pretensions, there’s ample Hamm - to spring into action and “Lewis is an orphaned child genius diversion here for even the snootiest save their pal from winding up as a with a surprising number of clever cinemagoer, inclusively set alongside museum piece. inventions to his credit. the expected cavalcade of adeptly There’s plenty of excitement and fun His latest and most ambitious project choreographed pratfalls to tickle the as the toys get into all manner of is the Memory Scanner, a machine family audience. ‘He’s just Mr difficult scrapes in their daring race that will help him find his mother. Funny!’ piped up one excited little to get home before Andy does. But, his invention is stolen by the boy in the row behind me at the “It seemed impossible to match the dastardly Bowler Hat Guy and his preview, and even if the final reel original but, if anything, this sequel diabolical hat and constant perhaps takes contrivance further is better. companion, Doris. than one’s good-will would usually The story of Buzz Lightyear’s heroic Lewis has all but given up hope when allow, that’s still a pretty fair rescue of Woody from a toy collector a mysterious stranger named Wilbur assessment.” (Trevor Johnston Time is an inspired blend of high Robinson whisks him away in a time Out 28 March) [Wally, Please give excitement, relationships and another machine. Together they team up to your boys and girls a lesson in short hilarious script. track down Bowler Hat Guy in a sentences] And it adds splendidly to the showdown that ends with an “Atkinson’s Bean clearly takes his loveable cast and new characters…” unexpected and unbelievable twist of cue from both theatrical mime and (Guardian) fate.” (Blogger John) the silent cinema, especially in this I’m none the wiser - must be some film, where he hardly speaks. internet thing. Tom Sellick’s is ‘in it’. The difference is that the physical Come for the moustache. comedy involved comes largely from a myriad of facial expressions which is in direct contrast to Chaplin, Keaton or Harold Lloyd.” (And P. Sellarc).
Director: Steve Bendelack Starring: Rowan Atkinson, Karel Roden, Willem Dafoe Certificate: PG Duration: 89 mins Origin: UK 2007 By: Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd MAY EVENINGS www.therexcinema.com 15
The Page Turner The Good Mulholland Drive Tue 1 7.30 German Thu 3 7.30 Wed 2 7.30 Director: Denis Dercourt Director: David Lynch Starring: Catherine Frot, Déborah Starring: Justin Theroux, Naomi François, Pascal Greggory Watts, Robert Forster, Ann Miller, Certificate: 15 Laura Herring, Dan Hedaya Duration: 85 mins Certificate: 15 Origin: France 2006 Duration: 146 mins By: Artificial Eye Origin: USA 2001 By: Pathe Distribution Come, if only for Déborah This is a taste of David Lynch for François’ beautiful and unnerving the uninitiated – ahead of his latest lesson in exquisite and terrifying indulgent offering - Inland Empire stillness. on Sun 20th (5pm). If revenge is a ‘dish best served cold’, This time George’s mate Why this and not Blue Velvet or it doesn’t get any cooler than this. Soderbergh shoots him in black Eraserhead? To give you a better idea “Dercourt has crafted an expert and white, entirely in the style of of what you’re in for, it’s longer than thriller…with attention to meticulous Casablanca and other Bogart the first two! Moreover it plays into detail…” classics like Big Sleep & Maltese the mood of his latest indulgence, A young girl, Mélanie Prouvost Falcon. To get the feel, he uses 1940s with its actressy, theatricals and (François), nervously undergoes a lenses, sound-recording techniques, things that might not make sense. long awaited, make or break, piano and a decidedly non-mobile camera. It could even be a continuation of the audition. For her it is the climax of Thus it will either be very tedious or theme of self, consciousness, and a years of childhood practice and very clever. Either way it doesn’t treatise on whatever reality really sleepless nights. The examiner, famed bode well. Soderbergh straddles the might mean when all is said and recitalist Ariane Fouchécourt (Frot), three fields of mainstream, done...David? is carelessly distracted by an cult/trendy and lightweight. What’s more, Justin Theroux is in this autograph in the middle of Mélanie’s Here he’s gone for the second with and the other. Never mind, two audition … She fails. Uh oh… the safety of the first with bankable gorgeous women get it on. “Vanity, deception, selfishness and stars, but from all accounts has So come for that. false liberal charity play their part in landed on the third. The story… A bright-eyed young this beautifully observed film that Adapted from Joseph Kanon’s novel, actress travels to Hollywood, only to somehow works on the barest Jake (Clooney) is assigned the task be ensnared in a dark conspiracy elements of both plot and character of covering the peace in Berlin, involving a woman who was nearly development.” (City Screen). where his former lover Lena murdered, and now has amnesia For a small sub-titled film, it sold out (Blanchett, with brown eyes!), is because of a car crash. in no time in January, February and trying to escape her dark past. In his Eventually, both women are pulled March. search, a complex web of deceit is into a psychotic illusion involving a It is a riveting, cool and stylish woven… dangerous blue box, a film director thriller only the French can make… “Soderbergh’s films often have one and the mysterious night club. But not everyone thought so. Don’t foot in old ‘Noir’ Hollywood. Silencio…Uh oh. care. Lock your children in the shed This one risks both feet and trips to be here. up...looks more like a stylish exercise than a drama.” (Standard, March) As always... you will decide, but keep an eye on the driver…
Director: Steven Soderbergh Starring: Tobey Maguire, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Beau Bridges Certificate: 15 Duration: 108 mins Origin: USA 2007 By: Warner Brothers 16 Box Office: 01442 877759 MAY EVENINGS
I Want Candy Footloose Pan’s Labyrinth Fri 4 7.30 Sat 5 7.00 Sun 6 6.00
Director: Herbert Ross Starring: Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer Certificate: 15 Duration: 107 mins Origin: USA 1984 By: Paramount International Pictures
Sashaying out from Dirty Dancing every gang of girlies and grown women (who should know better) thrusted lists of demands at me ranging from Pretty Woman to An Cancel everything. Come and see New British films are like open-mic Officer and a Gentleman, with a this again and again. nights in the pub. They are hit and few weaker ones in between, How did it miss an Oscar for Best miss but everybody applauds each including Cocktail, Rocky Horror Foreign Film? Who cares? other, all the same. ‘I Want Candy’ and Top Gun (again). I asked the This rare inspiration has turned into should have been shelved to late-night kids in the box office and bars too. one of the most magical and exciting Channel 4, but someone persuaded So the list is now long. films of the year. Carmen Electra to say yes to playing a Footloose might not be the best A fairytale for adults inspired by porn star – in suburban England! choice to follow snake hips Swaze, Goya’s paintings and war. This is del Immediately it raised itself from open- but it’s the same old girl/boy story Toro’s best, even by his own standards. mic film-making. with a bit of dancing. It is 1940s Franco’s Spain. Finding her Frustrated by their arty film teacher, The others will follow and you can new life frightening, Ofelia finds wannabe producer Joe and his friend bet old Dirty D Patrick will be back refuge in a labyrinth. ‘Pan’ (the faun) Baggy, head to London with their in the Autumn. is the guardian of the doors. Through ‘script of pure-gold’. After many Free-spirited teenager Ren fairies, he tells her she is a long-lost slammed doors, their luck changes MacCormack (Bacon) arrives in a princess. To discover the truth, she when an equally desperate producer small Midwestern town from Chicago will have to complete three perilous needs a certain ‘star’. There’s just one to a wave of outrage in this eighties tasks armed with little more than a problem - the star - is porn legend iconic hit dance drama. piece of chalk! Candy Fiveways... Against all odds “Only the most cynical would never “del Toro’s startling vision rests on a they get her, but making a admit to tapping their toes to Kenny profoundly moving story.” groundbreaking graduation film with Loggins’ title track. Definitely not for children. It’s not the scenes of an adult nature in your Director Herbert Ross handles ‘monsters’ who are terrifying, as parents’ house was never going to be proceedings effectively, notably the always, it is the men in uniform. easy... “But thanks to Ms Fiveways lively dance sequence. “The special effects unnoticeable, (Carmen), living up to her stage name, This ridiculous but entertaining film therefore perfect, as the ghastly they eventually manage get something is further bolstered by a decent portrait of Franco’s Spain is equally fairly filthy on-screen… harmless supporting cast, that includes John repulsive”. wrist action…” (Derek Malcom, Lithgow and a frighteningly svelt “A major achievement, beautifully Standard) Christopher Penn.” Channel 4 “Despite the usual failings of a cash- acted and shot with almost unerring strapped British film, this cheerful certainty…...” (mixed crits) exploitation of ‘The Full Monty’ We will show it until ‘everybody in formula works -just.” (Anna Smith, the whole-wide-world’ has seen it. Time Out) Director: Guillermo Toro Director: Stephen Surjik Starring: Doug Jones, Ivana Starring: Carmen Electra, Tom Riley, Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Maribel Verdu, Kristian Erik Kiehling, Mackenzie Crook Sergi Lopez Certificate: 15 Certificate: 15 Duration: 90 mins Duration: 119 mins Origin: UK 2007 Origin: Spain 2006 By: Buena Vista International By: Optimum Releasing MAY EVENINGS www.therexcinema.com 17
Amazing Grace Amandla The Science of Mon 7 7.30 Thu 10 7.30 Sleep Tue 8 7.30 Fri 11 7.30 Wed 9 7.30 Director: Lee Hirsch Certificate: 12A Sat 12 7.00 Duration: 102 mins Origin: South Africa 2002 By: Metrodome Distributors
This film celebrates the power of song to communicate, motivate, console, unite and, in go a long way to herald Change. Plantation slave owners hated “that negro singing”. They were scared rigid by the power they could hear in those downtrodden but defiant voices. Continued from page 11... This ideal, gloriously realised, lies at notably the rise of Christian Written and directed by Michel the heart of director Lee Hirsch’s evangelicalism among the 18th – Gondry, this is an astonishing inspiring feature-documentary century middle classes…” roller-coaster ride through the bracketed: “A Revolution In Four- Dominic Sandbrook, Historian human consciousness. Gael García Part Harmony”. Winner of “Africans resisted their enslavement Bernal is shy, inhibited Stéphane, the Audience Award and Freedom of from the moment of capture. The who possesses a lively imagination Expression Award at the 2002 revolts on the ships and uprisings in and lives in an eccentric dream world Sundance Film Festival. A Freedom the America’s and Caribbean were which threatens to engulf his real of Expression award? Aren’t all pivotal in questioning the viability of life. He falls in love with his new things written and/or performed a the trade… neighbour, Stéphanie (Charlotte freedom of expression? A Freedom This largely unknown story can inspire Gainsbourg), whose fantasies match from Oppression award or a Defiance and motivate us now to demand an end his own. At the very point when his award, or an In-the-Face-of-all- to modern-day slavery, which affects wildest dreams seem to be coming Danger award might be worth more than 12 million people true, however, he suddenly has the something, but Expression? worldwide. Change, as events 200 impression that Stéphanie is rejecting Nine years in the making, this is the years ago show, is the result of action him. Or is he misinterpreting first film to specifically consider the by many, not the preserve of one something? Is it merely his music that sustained and galvanized member of the British Parliament...” insecurity rearing its ugly head black South Africans for more than Aidan McQuade Director, Anti- again? Torn between his dreams and 40 years. Slavery International reality, Stéphane begins to realise AMANDLA! tells the story of black “Apparently, Amazing Grace cost £15 that both worlds are spiralling out of South African freedom-music and million to make. Let’s just say the control. reveals the central role it played in money could have been better spent… Gael’s outstanding performance, both the long battle against apartheid. ” Michael Eboda New Nation funny and moving, anchors Gondry’s “An electrically expressive and Good turns from pro-slavery hardliners ceaseless energy and imagination. Lord Tarleton (Hinds) and the Duke of politically forthright portrait of South Stéphane “Through this (one of his Clarence (Jones). Come for the African life then and now…” (City crazy inventions) you can see life in argument. Screen) 3D. Stéphanie “Isn’t life already in Warning: (Contains references to the Come and be lifted by a thousand 3D?” (trailer) mistreatment of slaves and mild voices in pain and triumph in song. language) ??? Director: Michel Gondry Director: Michael Apted Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal, Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Rufus Charlotte Gainsbourg, Miou Miou, Sewell, Ciaran Hinds, Toby Jones Alain Chabat Certificate: PG Certificate: 15 Duration: 118 mins Duration: 106 mins Origin: UK/USA 2007 Origin: USA 2006 By: Momentum Pictures By: Warner Brothers 18 Box Office: 01442 877759 MAY EVENINGS
Les Destinees Bafta Preview - El Topo Sentimentales Zodiac Tue 15 7.30 Sun 13 5.00 Mon 14 7.00 Director: Alejandro Jodorowsky Starring: Alejandro Jodorowsky, Director: Olivier Assayas Brontis Jodorowsky Starring: Charles Berling, Certificate: 18 Emmanuelle Beart, Isabelle Huppert Duration: 125 mins Certificate: 12A Origin: Mexico 1970 Duration: 180 mins By: Tartan Films Origin: France/Switzerland 2000 By: Pathe Distribution EL TOPO was the landmark cult film that began the Midnight Movie Based on the classic French (turn phenomenon of the counterculture- of the century) novel by Jacques crazy 1970s. At the time, it was the Chardonne, this is a timeless tale of most talked-about, most shocking Another BAFTA preview. We’ve ‘Responsibility’ over ‘Happiness’ – and most controversial quasi-Western hosted two so far, both gems which one demanded, the other never to ‘head-trip’ ever made. It is said to eventually appeared in our normal be found. One is for others the other have transformed the way risk-taking programme and are set to run and for you. One lasts forever, the other audiences, seeking alternatives to run – Little Miss Sunshine and appears on sunny days and evaporates mainstream Hollywood, watched edgy Notes On A Scandal. in the rain (vice versa). Neither keeps underground films and how the There are no stars present, just its word in the cold. industry marketed them. Classic BAFTA members who are obliged to Jean (Charles Berling) and Pauline Americana and avant-garde European vote or just privileged to view titles (Emmanuelle Beart) meet at a ball. cinema sensibilities meet Zen before they are released. They don’t He is a young Protestant minister, Buddhism and the Bible as master fill the house so there are a limited heir to a porcelain fortune. She is a gunfighter and cosmic mystic El Topo number of seats available (140ish). mere ‘independent-minded’ niece of (played by writer/director Alejandro I suppose the best part is that you get snooty middle class parishioners. Jodorowsky) must defeat his four to see it before everyone else, but It is love at first sight. sharp-shooting rivals on an ever- that’s no big deal. But he has a severe wife - Nathalie increasingly bizarre path to So please don’t sharpen your elbows. (the magnificent Isabelle Huppert). allegorical self-enlightenment and Zodiac will be in the programme in Not a good start. surreal resurrection. June anyway so if you miss it, you In guilt, he submits his fortune to her. Pretentious hippy horse doings or won’t have to wait too long. In return he wins the beautiful something significant. It caused a big We know nothing about it, except its Pauline. They marry and live happily- noise on the international fringey Robert Downey Jnr’s latest film and ever-after in Switzerland, until… underground. So what? So did its well over two hours long – thus “…a slow but moving epic about moustaches! the 7.00pm start. love, life, war, death and porcelain in “Catch it while you can: Alejandro early 20th century France… this is a Jodorowsky’s psychedelic imaginative sumptuous drama boasting substance western should really be experienced and spectacle. Exquisitely shot” in all its beautiful and demented glory (Channel 4) on the big screen”. (Guardian 13 Forget it, come and be soaked in April) Worth one chance to see such a French-time… and the exquisite Mlle rare cinematic ‘masterpiece’. Come. Beart.
Director: David Fincher Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo, Chloe Sevigny, Anthony Edwards Certificate: 15 Duration: 158 mins Origin: USA 2007 By: Warners MAY EVENINGS www.therexcinema.com 19 Curse of the Golden Flower
Wed 16 7.30,Thu 17 7.30, Fri 18 7.30 Director: Zhang Yimou Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Ye Liu, This ancient tale shimmers in golds, Gong Li, Jay Chou reds and every shade and colour Certificate: 15 under the sun. It is ridiculously, Duration: 114 mins breathtakingly colourful, with more Origin: China 2007 cleavage than you can shake a stick By: Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd at. Zhang Yimou completes his thematic trilogy which began with Hero and … Flying Daggers, with the most costly film in Chinese cinema history. It is set almost entirely within an anachronistic Forbidden City in 928AD, where the once-powerful and decadent Tang Dynasty is in decline. The Empress (Li) and her sons are awaiting the return of the Emperor (Yun-Fat) from a military campaign. In the lavish palace with its elaborate and strict system of customs and ceremonies, clandestine affairs, secrets and political intrigue bubble under the surface, only to climax in a tragic ballet-battle of Shakespearian proportions. “Trouble at the Imperial Palace in 10th-century China, with bloody rebellion, family strife, forbidden love and chrysanthemums…” (Guardian) Today’s Chinese studios make Busby Berkerly look like Mike Leigh. 20 Box Office: 01442 877759 MAY EVENINGS
Buena Vista Social Inland Empire Orchestra Seats Club Sun 20 5.00 Mon 21 7.30
Sat 19 7.00 Director: Daniele Thompson Starring: Claude Brasseur, Cecile Director: Wim Wenders De France, Albert Dupontel, Valérie Starring: Ry Cooder, Joaquim Lemercier Cooder, Ibrahim Ferrer, Ruben Certificate: 12A Gonzalis, Eliades Ochoa, Omara Duration: 105 mins Portuondo, Compay Segundo Origin: France 2007 Certificate: U By: Optimum Releasing Duration: 105 mins “Mel Brookes once called David The cheerfulness of this assured Origin: Cuba, Germany 1999 Lynch “Jimmy Stewart from comedy is infectious as it moves By: Pathe Distribution Mars”. He’s certainly never made a between three storylines in an A group of ageing, legendary more unearthly movie than this three- upscale Paris neighbourhood at the Cuban musicians, some in their hour riff on identity and the intersection of Life, Love and Art. nineties, whose talents had been subconscious. Jessica (De France), new in town, virtually forgotten following Lynch makes you sit through all his becomes a waitress at the chic Bar Castro’s coup in 1959, are brought stuff unable to move or leave – even des Theatres as three major events out of retirement by Ry Cooder, though you are desperate to get up are about to occur on the same street: who travelled to Havana to bring and go. Is this his damned genius or soap-opera star Catherine Versen them together, resulting in are we pretending his films are (Lemercier) will open a Feydeau triumphant performances of dressed in gold and silks, when all farce at the theatre next door, extraordinary music, and the time they’re stark naked? celebrated pianist Jean-François resurrecting the musicians’ careers. Don’t expect logic, narrative or the Lefort (Dupontel) will perform a In their very late years they are smart physical look that his films Beethoven concert and financier suddenly touring the globe. have had since Eraserhead. Jacques Grumberg (Brasseur) will Some great footage from concerts in Don’t expect anything, in fact, or auction off his renowned art Amsterdam and New York City’s you’ll go home disappointed. Inland collection. Carnegie Hall. Empire is Lynch in extremis…” Jessica floats between three sets of Bless Ry Cooder – what a (Standard) characters, becoming part of remarkably optimistic journey into Made entirely on an ordinary digital everyone’s life even as she searches the unknown. video camera, partly in Poland with unsuccessfully for somewhere to This is a true gem, not just for musos Polish actors and in Los Angeles with live. “ORCHESTRA SEATS but for everybody who cherishes the LA actors, the ‘story’ has the aspect possesses wit, wisdom and ideal that lost is not forgotten… of a never-ending bad dream, often lit undeniable charm…” It has taken us nearly two years to in semi-darkness. “Most of Lynch’s “…there’s much to enjoy in esteemed trace a print copy so cancel previous tropes, subconscious or screenwriter Daniele Thompson’s everything to be here… otherwise, can be distinguished in the latest directorial feature… gloom.” Charming, if you’re in the mood” Yet there is something about its (Time Out) extraordinary audacity and its sense “…Gallic equivalent of Love of otherness that keeps you watching, Actually” (Channel 4) Never mind, a even when you’re willing it to end… surprise Rex gem in the making? This one is entirely up to you. Come.
Director: David Lynch Starring: Laura Dern, Jeremy Irons, Justin Theroux, Peter Lucas Certificate: 15 Duration: 180 mins Origin: USA 2007 By: Optimum Releasing MAY EVENINGS www.therexcinema.com 21 Lives of Others Tue 22 7.30, Wed 23 7.30
This remarkably assured first feature from von Donnersmarck paints a dark picture of life under the Communist regime in East Germany. Set mainly in East Berlin during the mid-‘80s, the film chronicles the consequences of the Minister of Culture’s decision to investigate, by means of surveillance, the lives of a successful playwright and his actress wife (whose sexual favours the politician clearly lusts after). The surveillance expert in charge of spying on the artists ends up as profoundly affected by the bugging as the couple as he comes to question the ethics of his work. The Lives Of Others succeeds both as a convincing historical recreation and a compelling tale of individuals.
A great cast of perfect faces.
Cancel important things.
Director: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck Starring: Martina Gedeck, Ulrich Mühe, Sebastian Koch Certificate: 15 Duration: 138 mins Origin: Germany 2007 By: Lionsgate Films UK 22 Box Office: 01442 877759 MAY EVENINGS
Director: Zack Snyder Days of Glory Starring: David Wenham, Gerard Sun 27 6.00 Butler, Lena Heady, Dominic West 300 Certificate: 15 Duration: 117 mins Thu 24 7.30 Origin: USA 2007 Fri 25 7.30 By: Warner Brothers Sat 26 7.00
Should there be any doubt whether history is bunk, 300 proves it. Sin City creator, Frank Miller’s sweeping take on this historic brawl swaggers onto the screen in an all- action special effects extravaganza. Bouchareb’s DAYS OF GLORY is It is about the celebrated battle of a tribute to the sacrifices made by Thermopylae in 480BC, when 300 hundreds of thousands of North Spartans under Leonidas sacrificed Africans drafted into the French themselves by decimating a huge army during WWII. It follows the horde of invading Persians under the fate of five Algerians and Moroccans legendary Xerxes, thus saving on their perilous treck through Italy, Western civilisation and by chance and France. The ensemble won the giving birth to the modern concept of Best Actor prize at Cannes. democracy! Through clear and powerful It is certainly not for the squeamish. storytelling, it is a scathing critique of The battles are gory, visceral and the racism, exploitation and injustices ceaseless. suffered by North African soldiers at With more greased pecs than you can the hands of their French shake a stick at. counterparts. “This visually stunning, War films are taking a more unintentionally homoerotic comic audacious turn now that patriotism book adaptation shows how 300 and heroics are no longer the order of Spartans decimated a superior Persian the day. force at Thermopylae, in 480 BC. The five relatively inexperienced A pumped-up and very butch cast principles are so good, they won goes to it against the effete ‘boy Cannes through their eloquence and loving’ Persians… probable perverts, credibility. up to no good on the ding-dong front, Without trying to achieve spectacular the Spartans seem likely to be much battle scenes, they become at home at an exclusive bondage dangerously real. club… extreme right wing… Bouchareb’s refusal to overload homophobic and macho posturing” sympathy upon the sometimes naive (DM Standard) men, works throughout and nobody is Pure Tom & Jerry. painted in black and white. It could be one of the most important films of its kind in recent memory. Don’t miss.
Director: Rachid Bouchareb Starring: Sami Bouajila, Roschdy Zem, Jamel Debbouze, Samy Naceri, Bernard Blancan Certificate: 12A Duration: 124 mins Origin: France 2007 By: Metrodome Distributors MAY EVENINGS www.therexcinema.com 23
Mr Bean’s Holiday After The Wedding The Painted Veil Mon 28 7.30 Tue 29 7.30 Wed 30 7.30 Thu 31 7.30 Director: Susanne Bier Starring: Sidse Knudsen, Mads Mikklesen, Stine Christensen Certificate: 15 Duration: 124 mins Origin: Denmark, Sweden 2007 By: Soda Pictures
Continuing in the spirit of Bier’s recent films OPEN HEARTS and BROTHERS, this is a sensitively Rowan Atkinson’s Mr Bean is an rendered film about emotional Two people learn some valuable acquired taste. honesty and difficult choices. lessons about love, life and Tired of the dreary London weather, Jacob (the excellent Mikkelsen - sacrifice in this romantic drama Mr Bean heads to Cannes for some Casino Royale’s baddie) runs a based on a novel by W.Somerset sun. But he falls face first into a struggling orphanage in India. Maugham. series of mishaps and coincidences. He is offered with a large cash It is 1925, and Dr Walter Fane “With its obvious nods to Tati, a donation on certain conditions, the (Norton) falls in love with and surprise for Charles Trenet lovers and first being that he returns to marries Kitty (Watt), the beautiful much humour at the expense of Copenhagen to meet his mystery but frivolous daughter of a wealthy celluloid pretensions, there’s ample benefactor Jørgen (Rolf Lassgård). family. The couple move to Shanghai, diversion here for even the snootiest Jørgen then engineers Jacob’s where he sets up a practice and she cinemagoer, inclusively set alongside presence at his daughter’s wedding… takes a lover. Walter is furious when the expected cavalcade of adeptly Uh Oh! he finds out and impulsively choreographed pratfalls to tickle the Here things are revealed, which volunteers to work in a village family audience. ‘He’s just Mr would be better left hidden. Thus... stricken with a cholera epidemic Funny!’ piped up one excited little “Bier’s sure directorial hand, balance taking her with him. The daily trials boy in the row behind me at the and economy, coupled with a first- of living in appalling conditions have preview, and even if the final reel rate script and finely nuanced a striking impact on them both, giving perhaps takes contrivance further performances ensure that AFTER them a new and deeper perspective on than one’s good-will would usually THE WEDDING speaks directly to their lives. allow, that’s still a pretty fair one’s emotions without “A rare, perfect masterpiece… assessment.” (Trevor Johnston Time overwhelming them…” Powerful and exhilarating” (Horizons) Out 28 March) [Wally, Please give I hope so, Her ‘Brothers’ shown here “A timeless love story… Let it sweep your boys and girls a lesson in short in June 2005 was draining and so you away” (Rolling Stone) sentences] tense, I ‘m still haunted by one “Gripping. Not to be missed” “Atkinson’s Bean clearly takes his pivotal scene set in Afghanistan. (Daily Mail - So it must be true) cue from both theatrical mime and Her films have an extraordinary “…an absorbing study of love in all the silent cinema, especially in this power. Take a deep breath and come. its colours, from passion to rage, film, where he hardly speaks. The heartache to ecstacy… Toby Jones difference is that the physical comedy has some fun as a dissipated British involved comes largely from a myriad official who has gone native, and of facial expressions which is in Diana Rigg does a camp turn as a direct contrast to Chaplin, Keaton or nun.” (Time Out) Harold Lloyd.” (And P. Sellarc).
Director: Steve Bendelack Director: John Curran Starring: Rowan Atkinson, Karel Starring: Naomi Watts, Liev Roden, Willem Dafoe Schreiber, Edward Norton, Toby Jones Certificate: PG Certificate: 12A Duration: 89 mins Duration: 125 mins Origin: UK 2007 Origin: China, USA 2006 By: Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd By: Momentum Pictures 24 Box Office: 01442 877759 MAY EVENINGS
Coming Soon APRIL FILMS AT A GLANCE Please check times carefully and watch out for early shows.
New releases TUE 1 MISS POTTER 12.30 Half Nelson TUE 1 THE PAGE TURNER 7.30 Sunshine WED 2 GOOD GERMAN 2.00, 7.30 My Best Friend THU 3 MISS POTTER 2.00 Bamako THU 3 MULHOLLAND DRIVE 7.30 Funny Ha Ha FRI 4 I WANT CANDY 7.30 SAT 5 THE IRON GIANT 2.00 Back by demand SAT 5 FOOTLOOSE 7.00 The Queen SUN 6 PAN'S LABYRINTH 6.00 The World’s Fastest Indian MON 7 AMAZING GRACE 7.30 TUE 8 BECOMING JANE 12.30 TUE 8 AMAZING GRACE 7.30 WED 9 AMAZING GRACE 2.00, 7.30 THU 10 BECOMING JANE 2.00 THU 10 AMANDLA 7.30 FRI 11 THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP 7.30 SAT 12 THE PRINCESS BRIDE 2.00 SAT 12 THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP 7.00 Sunshine SUN 13 LES DESTINEES SENTIMENTALES 5.00 MON 14 THE HISTORY BOYS 2.00 MON 14 BAFTA PREVIEW - ZODIAC 7.00 TUE 15 THE HISTORY BOYS 12.30 TUE 15 EL TOPO 7.30 WED 16 CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER 2.00 WED 16 CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER 7.30 THU 17 THE HISTORY BOYS 2.00 Spiderman 3 THU 17 CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER 7.30 FRI 18 CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER 7.30 SAT 19 ARTHUR & THE INVISIBLES 2.00 SAT 19 BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB 7.00 SUN 20 INLAND EMPIRE 5.00 MON 21 NOTES ON A SCANDAL 2.00 MON 21 ORCHESTRA SEATS 7.30 TUE 22 NOTES ON A SCANDAL 12.30 TUE 22 LIVES OF OTHERS 7.30 WED 23 LIVES OF OTHERS 2.00, 7.30 THU 24 NOTES ON A SCANDAL 2.00 THU 24 300 7.30 FRI 25 300 7.30 Catch a Fire SAT 26 MEET THE ROBINSONS 2.00 SAT 26 300 7.00 SUN 27 DAYS OF GLORY 6.00 MON 28 MR BEANS HOLIDAY 7.30 TUE 29 MR BEANS HOLIDAY 12.30 TUE 29 AFTER THE WEDDING 7.30 WED 30 MR BEANS HOLIDAY 2.00 WED 30 THE PAINTED VEIL 7.30 THU 31 TOY STORY 2 2.00 Funny Ha Ha THU 31 THE PAINTED VEIL 7.30 DEAR MRS TRELLIS... www.therexcinema.com 29 Rants and Pants
First colours at Little Heath… comparing our financial support, to that of drug dealers! What is your next step? Ban anyone involved in the property industry from your performances?!?. As for estate agents being responsible for bumping up house prices, perhaps consider this: maybe house prices in Berkhamsted are so high because it’s such a fantastic place to live! Why? Well there is a lovely Art Deco cinema for a start, plus the private schools, restaurants, designers, jewellers, solicitors…. And one or two pretty decent estate agents like us! Starting to see my point James? Like it or Dear James, sponsorships or supporting local not, you are as responsible for As you can probably imagine I organisations like The Rex. bumping up house prices as the was upset to read your comments One of the reasons we do this is rest of us. The difference is, about estate agency in the April because as a local business, we you’re ‘ever so slightly’ edition of the magazine. believe we should be putting hypocritical with it! For what it’s worth, I agree that something back into the local estate agents (or for that matter community, rather that just ames, I have a lot of respect any commercial organisation) spending more and more with, for a lot of what you say, who ‘piggy back’ on the back of say, the local newspaper. particularly that you are not The Rex without even so much I take exception to your view that J afraid of ‘calling it as you see it’. as an acknowledgment, shouldn’t we have “got in under the wire”. So in the same spirit, let me do be doing so. However, I would Like any of your advertisers, we likewise: I believe you should draw your attention to the fact see our advertising as a two-way take a long hard look at yourself that Nash Partnership do not trade: We financially support The before you rant on about others. mention The Rex in any of our Rex which is a benefit to you, If you keep believing your own sales literature, brochures, and in return we obtain brand bullshit like this, some day advertisements or displays. exposure. Do you also consider someone may just suggest a What we have done is financially all your other advertisers - that career in estate agency to you…! support the cinema in some form between them give The Rex Yours sincerely or other right form the start, thousands of pounds each year – DANIEL NASH MNAEA, MARLA including of course advertising have also “got in under the wire” on the screen and also in your in a similarly underhanded way? Published “in its entirety” as magazine. Do you have the same low requested. opinion of the private schools, Like any business, we give restaurants, designers, jewellers Well done, Daniel. A dream of a ourselves an advertising and and solicitors? last line. To take it a step further, marketing budget every year. three little things to make your Some of that budget is spent in Stop demonising estate agents. trade almost lovable… newspaper and internet You stated intention to put all 1. Stop blaming prices on ‘the advertising, but you might be revenue you have received from market’ as though you have surprised to hear that almost half estate agents into a separate fund nothing to do with it. the money is spent on more local is laughable. You seem to be 2. No more highest-bidder or DEAR MRS TRELLIS... www.therexcinema.com 31 Rants and Pants
offers - the house is set at a fair am still unable to book. If this predicted gift vouchers would price and stays there. should happen, can I assume that become vouchers-to-queue! A 3. No more ‘buy-to-let’. This robs you will provide a refund? present you can’t open is just a our children of any chance of You have, after all, taken money worthless box. The frust ration for having their own place. for something you are not able to both parties is clear. Thus we are provide. thinking of dropping blank Dear Mr Hannaway vouchers. I am writing to highlight a I would welcome your comments One way around it is if you book problem I am experiencing with on this situation. At the very tickets for a specific film on a your Voucher system. least you should ensure you make specific day far enough ahead for I was given a Voucher (No. 1244) people aware, when purchasing a your friends or family to make for two box tickets as a Voucher, that the recipient will arrangements. This way it will be Christmas present by my friend. I very likely have to join a lengthy like inviting them to something was absolutely delighted with queue in order to redeem it and special, where you have chosen this until I came to redeem it in that it is not, therefore, suitable the date – eg a party. Best to January when I was told all the to present as a gift. avoid weekends. Early weekdays films I wanted to see were fully Yours sincerely a few weeks ahead is probably booked. The same thing MRS JACQUIE GUEST safer. happened in February and March So the buyer queues for the and, I have no doubt, will happen You’re right Jacquie Guest. It is a tickets! If it is the ‘thought that in April when I try to book for nice idea, thwarted by the counts’, then this is thought in May. mischief of sell-out shows! Two deed. years ago nobody could have Changes will start on 1st May. pparently the only way I can be relatively certain Aof booking is to queue at an early hour on the Saturday Candles, morning when booking for the fairtrade duvet sets, following month opens. Even tablecloths & soap, tea, then, of course, there are no coffee, delicious homemade guarantees. This, I am sure, was cakes, lampshades, Indian cabinets, not what my friend had in mind when she purchased the Voucher free range eggs, local honey, bags, and since it expires on 30th June mirrors, shaving boxes, tea light holders, it would seem that there is every joss sticks, homemade jam, photo albums, likelihood that I will be unable to journals, curios, fairtrade silk dressing use it I am unable to attend a gowns, cushion covers, jewellery wraps & matinee and I do not wish to see purses, pictures, copper kettles, one of the ‘less popular’ films greetings cards, jewellery, door (two of the suggestions made by knobs, hooks, bowls, lamps, a member of your staff). At the moment there is only one rugs, cd’s, pictures, tribal winner in this. I am disappointed crafts, carvings, peace because I am unable to book and quiet... seats and my friend is disappointed because what she thought would be an unusual and welcome gift (as it was) has ATsanuk LITTLE HEATH FARM soured. Little Heath Farm, Little Heath Lane, Potten End, You, however, have had the Berkhamsted HP4 2RY. Tel: 01442 864951 money for two box seats since OPEN 10-5 EVERY DAY December and may, indeed, retain it until June and then forever, if I