May 23, 2017

Revisiting classic films on the big screen

I watched Taxi Driver for the umpteenth time last night. But this time was different. It was an a large cinema screen and it was with an audience. And you know what? It somehow made a magnificent film ever better.

There's this deadly thing in Limerick called the Limerick Movie Club. Its a monthly(ish) get together of like minded people and a classic film is screened. Most people have seen the films but a fair few haven't and there is nothing better than seeing people fall in love with a film. Plus because its a club you get no gowl acting, no phones on display and very little talking*

* There will always be someone talking, some people are just annoying twats who dont care who they annoy, its the nature of a group. 

Also, they print out special tickets for the screenings which i love




So far we've seen

Jaws - You'd forget just how funny this film is until you see it with a good crowd. Everyone remembers the scares but you'd forget the laughs. And the USS Indianapolis scene stunned the crowd, you could hear a pin drop. 

The Thing - The roars during the resuscitation/chest teeth scene were brilliant. And how good did the film look on the big screen? Amazing. Practical effects > CGI any day of the week.

The Exorcist - Loads in the crowd hadn't seen this and when the film started people groaned in fear. I had great fun laughing at the woman beside me cowering in fear. Which was mean of me but i dont care hahaha. 

Halloween - Great craic at this, more people laughing at the scares than screaming but still a a good buzz. When we walked into the screening i was surprised to see a Michael Myers mannequin in the corner. I walked over to have a look at it and it promptly lunged at me with a knife. The high pitched roar i let out did nothing for my manliness that day.

Scarface - another highly entertaining screening. Every one remembers this for its violence but 2 scenes aside its a surprisingly tame film and really quite camp in places. The music made for a super atmosphere too, everyone getting into the beat, bobbing the heads and mouthing along to the famous dialogue. Great fun.

Heat - This was a surprise screening. We had all expected a christmas film as it was in December but when this popped up on screen all you could hear were quiet "YES'S" all around the room. A stunner of a crime thriller made to be watched on a huge screen with a LOUD sound system. 

Rear Window - Amazing with a crowd. Everyone got so into the film which genuinely surprised me as there were a lot of teens that night and i thought they'd be bored silly. Hitchcock is still the master.

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest - A brilliant night. A load of the crowd hadn't seen it and they all fell for it. Belly laughs, stunned silences and horrified gasps. "Mmm juicy fruit" got the biggest laugh of the night. 

Some people are baffled by the idea of paying to watch a film you've already seen and probably own but it's a great way to re-invigorate an old favourite and it gives you a whole new appreciation of them. Plus it's only the cost of a pint so how bad.

Long may the club continue.

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