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, try to take your name off early. We have a three strikes policy for no shows.

Upcoming events (4+)

Gone in 60 Seconds (1974): Archive.org

Needs a location

Later remade with Nic Cage and Angelina Jolie, the original Gone in 60 Seconds was written and directed by its lead, an auto shop owner named HB Halicki who also did all his own stunts.

Maindrian Pace is an insurance investigator in the daytime and an expert car thief at night. When a South American drug lord offers big money for him to steal a list of 48 specific vehicles in five days, he jumps at the chance. Little does he know there's a sting in the tail.

This is dialogue low and car chase heavy, and the low budget meant Halicki had to fill the cast out with friends, family and actual emergency service workers. Nevertheless, it's one of the most exciting B-movies of its time and its influence can be seen all the way through to modern blockbusters.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HiKyQMyq_Q

We meet up online at 7.45pm, press play at the same time 15 minutes later and chat through a WhatsApp group while the movie's on. Link to that and the film will be up by 7.15pm. Don't be late and don't no show!

Suzume (2022)

Prince Charles Cinema

Makoto Shinkai's follow up to Your Name and Weathering With You is another visually sumptuous supernatural adventure, and despite being a monster hit in Japan, being nominated for the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival and scoring highly with the critics, it doesn't seem to have made a blip here. This is one of the few screenings taking place in London in the evening.

So, what's it about? A teenage girl meets a mysterious man and they end up travelling around Japan shutting doors which are springing up out of nowhere, in order to prevent destructive forces breaking through to our world to wreak havoc. Also, there seems to be a talking cat and chair.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pTcio2hTSw

Tickets here, I'm in B6. Film starts at 8.45pm so let's meet an hour earlier round the corner for a pre-drink.

2
Lambrini Girls

The Lexington

The splendidly named Lambrini Girls hail from Brighton (of course) and have an old school riot grrrl spirit and sound with an added metal thump on the low end. Basically, they're loud, angry gay feminists who put on quite a show live. Here are some songs:

White Van: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afXXaZFyQIQ

Lads Lads Lads (live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deFvuACRrR4

Tickets are £11 and available here. Doors open at half seven so let's meet half an hour earlier for a pre-drink downstairs at the Lexington.

Xanadu (1980)

The Garden Cinema

Xanadu is a fantasy musical starring Olivia Newton-John as a sentient drawing who comes to life and starts romancing a struggling commercial artist. It has a bunch of big musical scenes, it's flooded with colour and it was Gene Kelly's final onscreen appearance. Yes, he does dance!

This has picked up a cult following in recent years but was so widely hated on release it helped inspire the Golden Raspberry awards. Some will see it as a magical film with amazing dance sequences, retro special effects, joyous roller skating and a lovely late 70's soundtrack featuring Newton-John and ELO. Others will see it as a campy mess with lame dance sequences, dated special effects, too much roller skating and a horrific late 70's soundtrack featuring Newton-John and ELO. Either way, it's bound to be something unique.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3nuh0Oul0U

Tickets here: https://www.thegardencinema.co.uk/film/xanadu/. I'm in B5. Film starts at 9pm but we can meet down the road for a pre-drink from 8.

Past events (404)

Wide Awake Festival

Brockwell Park