CINEMA / ADVANCE NOTICE OF FILMS

[ampm]

I haven't been to the cinema for years (DVDs instead) but a couple of friends have suggested we get together to see a film, have a bite to eat etc.

Great, except we're all in different towns with cinemas, so need to arrange one for our get together on 2 April.

Was a bit surprised when I checked online (and then phoned as well) that for dates more than one week in advance, they were ALL unable to say what would be showing!

AIBU? Surely it's not that hard to forward plan the film schedule? Or am I missing something and just being a grumpy old woman!

No that's the way it works. Film distributors often don't decide until the very last minute what's going to be shown when as they don't want two similar films (e.g. 2 romcoms) opening in the same week and therefore diluting their audience.

But all the major multiplexes pretty much show the same films so why don't you agree to go to the cinema that will have the most choice then decide nearer the time?

Usually the art house cinemas have screening dates for a month to 6 weeks depending on which one you go to and they also show some mainstream stuff as well so that might be worth looking into (and good for supporting independent cinemas)

Hi Squeaver - well, the reason I'd like to know which films are on is because our towns don't have really big multiplexes and also we want to book a restaurant nearby.

The choice of film dictates the town and restaurant. Plus I guess we're all similar in that we actually like planning in advance (old lady syndrome kicking in here perhaps :))

Upahill - am liking that suggestion and will investigate, thanks.

Yy, arthouse cinemas a better idea.