What we’re about
This is for people who are into new bands and old films, particularly cult and alternative stuff that's relatively affordable. C'mon, do you really want to join two different groups? We also show social online films: we watch something good (and preferably free) online and hang out via WhatsApp while it's on.
We're an open and friendly group, so if you have interesting taste and a willingness to organise people, collar me at an event because I'm looking to build up a group of hosts who are into a diverse range of stuff. In the meantime, if there's something you want to go to, say so in the Discussions and I'll see what I can do.
Three other points: 1) If you want to go to something it's best to book early, these events often sell out (yes, even the movies), 2) If you come to an event and can't find anyone, post on the event page and we'll look for you, and 3) If you can't make it, make sure to change your RSVP to No beforehand because we have a three strikes policy for no shows - as in three strikes and you're out.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- CrocodilesThe Moth Club, London
Crocodiles play dark, garage-inflected rock n'roll with a nod to the Jesus and Mary Chain. I mean, look at the photo: wearing sunglasses...at night?!?! Here are some sample songs.
Degeneration (off the new album): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqM6Xbjg92A
Wait Until Tomorrow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgN6lt2M7yA
Sleep Forever: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwI0HpzAGvU
A couple of superb covers from back in the day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl1n4QfO1MI
Tickets are under £19 including booking fee and available here. We can grab one around the corner at the Cock Tavern at seven and head in afterwards.
- Ran (1985)Prince Charles Cinema, London
Akira Kurosawa's last great film is a visual masterpiece that borrows from King Lear, Noh theatre and Japanese legends to tell the story of a cruel and powerful Japanese warlord who, as he enters old age, decides to pass his empire on to his three sons. But he finds out that power cannot be shared that easily, and it leads to betrayal and war.
Anyway, this has almost universal critical acclaim, and it won Best Costume Design at the Oscars, netting nominations for Best Director, Set Design and Cinematography too. It also sits in both IMDb and Sight and Sound's top 200, if you care about that kind of thing.
Feast your eyes on this trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwP_kXyd-Rw
And if you haven't seen much Kurosawa, this Every Frame a Painting video about how he composes movement is a perfect primer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doaQC-S8de8
Tickets here, I'm in B4. The film starts at 8.20pm so we can meet somewhere round the corner at 7.45pm for a pre-drink and head in afterwards.
- The Room (2003)Prince Charles Cinema, London
I feel like people have been requesting another trip to the Prince Charles to see this for ages, so here we go. No, it's not one of the screenings with Tommy doing a Q+A, but I've been to one and he's not the most lucid of interviewees (and he now signs merch from the other side of a plastic screen which is weird, albeit kind of on brand).
Anyway, over 20 years on The Room remains probably the most perfect bad movie ever made, filled with simply amazing dialogue and line delivery*. Tommy plays 'Jonny', a kind hearted man who cares for everyone around him, only to be betrayed when his best friend Mark begins an affair with his future wife, Lisa. Then, there's Denny, the local college student Tommy has taken under his wing as well as Lisa's sickly mother Claudette, their amorous friends Mike and Mary, impatient drug dealer Chris R and many more.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG_e8k9PILM
And here is (most of) the film on YouTube, if you've never seen it and would like to first watch a version that doesn't have a crowd shouting and hooting over it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqaYIV8Q7c8
Tickets here, I'm in I6. The movie starts at 9pm but we can meet somewhere nearby from 8 for a beer or a scotchka beforehand. If you can still find plastic cutlery anywhere, feel free to bring it along to throw it.
*Current favourite: "I told him that to make it interesting"
- Clue (1985)Prince Charles Cinema, London
I originally wanted to see ML Buch at Union Chapel on this night but it sold out. If you got a ticket, feel free to gloat. But how's this as an alternative - one of the most enjoyable films ever made?
To my knowledge still the only successful movie adaptation of a board game*, Clue is far, far better than it has any right to be, a rapid-faced, wildly funny translation of Cluedo to the big screen with a brilliant comic cast that includes Christopher Lloyd, Madeline Kahn, Michael McKean, Eileen Brennan, Colleen Camp and Tim Curry.
The plot? Haven't you played the game? Six colourful strangers are invited to dinner only for a murder to occur. But which one of them did it, and in which room, and with what weapon? They all have to work together, or maybe against each other, to find out.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEXdWfsKZ1k
Tickets here, I'm in C5. This is a nice, early film so we can meet outside afterwards and go for a post-drink somewhere. And hey, after that it's Saturday night in Soho!
*And the best film where Tim Curry hosts confused strangers at a dangerous, secluded country house on a stormy night. You know what I'm talking about.
