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- The Last Days of Disco (1998)Prince Charles Cinema, London
Writer-director Whit Stillman is never less than intelligent and witty, and in The Last Days of Disco he trains his sights on the early 80's, following best friends Alice and Charlotte (Chloe Sevigny and Kate Beckinsale) as they fall in and out of clubs and romances against a backdrop of gentrification and the birth of the Reagan era. Those themes are in the background though, as anyone who's seen Metropolitan or Love and Friendship knows how much fun Stillman is and how much his scripts crackle.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Klq5xq7pQuE
Tickets here, I'm in C5. We can meet outside afterwards and disect the movie over a drink.
- Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)Finsbury Park Picturehouse 17 City North Place · London, London
Porky's may have been responsible for a flurry of sleazy rip-offs in the short term, but it was Fast Times at Ridgemont High, released the same year, that had the far bigger influence on teen movies in the long run.
Adapted by Cameron Crowe from his own non-fiction book about going to high school, Fast Times attempted to mix fun and thrills with real-life issues like losing your virgnity, working crappy weekend jobs, abortion and drugs. It mostly succeeds too, giving a sensitive look at realistic-acting teenagers - not least the women, rare at the time, courtesy of director Amy 'Clueless' Heckerling - despite the odd bit of smut that Wouldn't Be Allowed These Days.
Anyway, this was Heckerling's feature film debut and features three future Best Actor Oscar winners in Nic Cage, Sean Penn and Forest Whittaker, as well as Jennifer Jason Leigh, Phoebe Cates, Judge Reinhold, Eric Stoltz and Anthony Edwards. All unknown, several in their debut role.
Here's a trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKov1lmq_OU
And here are the tickets, £8.50 each. I've heard the bar in this cinema is pretty nice so let's meet for a pre-drink there at eight and head in afterwards.
- Choses Sauvages - FREE GIGThe Shacklewell Arms, London
We saw a very good gig by the band Corridor for free at the Shacklewell Arms last year and they've been followed by another fine French language, Quebec-based band, Choses Sauvages. Is Canada having another indie rock 'moment'? Anyway, Choses Sauvages play danceable post-punk that goes pretty heavily into early 80s pop at times and which is illuminated by lively frontman Félix Bélisle (also the bassist in La Sécurité’ incidentally). Here are some videos:
En Joue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4ySU1ukhgI
Incendie au paradis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxOw8cWTtFE
And an older one, La valse des trottoirs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIeZvpxZc8w
Details here. Do you need to book? Usually no and I can't imagine this will be sold out (but you never know). Doors open at half seven so let's meet for one at the bar and head in for the support band afterwards.
