Page 47 - link magazine

as well as Jurassic World, Minions functioning arts cinemas which are
and Ted 2. not afraid of subtitles and thought-
The only variety is for morning provoking content. And they are
kids’ films - the screaming screen- flourishing.
ings if you will. These tend to pick At the moment it is only Swindon
a kids’ film from the past year and Arts Centre which offers anything
play it at 10am for many a befud- like that with two Swindon Film
dled parent who simply wants to Society’s screenings a month - but
get their children out of the house only in the colder seasons.
for a few hours and might be able Personally, I would like to see
to get a quick shut-eye whilst their the arts centre do more or even a
child is transfixed by Shaun the fully-functioning arts cinema in
Sheep, or runs amok up the aisles the borough. But is this realistic or
throwing popcorn with abandon. sustainable?
There was only one showing of Okay, sometimes these multiplexes
anything a bit more cerebral in come good. They have played a
the town and that was Mr Holmes magnificent role in the upsurge of
hidden in a 7.45pm Wednesday slot live and encore theatre screenings
at Greenbridge and at some very that have had increasing popularity
odd times at Shaw Ridge. in the last few years.
I understand why cinemas have To be honest I like popcorn
to have the Terminator dinosaur blockbusting mayhem as much
minion-chomping teddy bear fare. as anyone. I love a bit of Michael
They bring in the money. But why Bay with his heroes walking away
do the programmers not recognise nonplussed from explosions in every
the possibilities of making each film. I love the antics of those pesky
cinema complex slightly different. Minions and give me a superhero
We need more thoughtful films in film any day of the week.
Swindon, the ones that only receive But I don’t think I’m on my own
limited nationwide release. We’re when I ask: can we have a bit more
not thick, honest! Give us some intelligent cinema?
variation. If we’re going to have this much
At the moment you have to cinematic venue choice, the chains
travel out of town to get anything also need to give us more choice of
different. There are very good town what films we can see.
hall showings in places such as Otherwise it’s just more of the
Marlborough or Faringdon, or you same. It is only with choice that
can travel to Oxford, Newbury, Bath these four multi-screen complexes
or Bristol where they have fully will thrive.

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