The Good, The Bad, and The Multiplex

Film critic Mark Kermode examines the current state of cinema and moviegoing in this analysis of modern film industry practices. The book tackles issues like rising ticket prices, poor projection quality, and the push toward 3D technology. Kermode draws on his decades of experience reviewing films and understanding the business side of Hollywood to explain how theaters operate and why certain decisions get made. He investigates the roles of various players in the industry, from projectionists to studio executives, mixing industry research with personal observations. Through a combination of sharp critique and film history, this book explores why movies matter and what could be lost if current trends continue. The arguments make a case for preserving the traditional cinema experience while acknowledging the realities of an evolving entertainment landscape.

Readers appreciate Kermode's humor and passion for cinema while critiquing modern multiplex culture. Many note his convincing arguments about 3D films being a money-grab and his defense of professional film criticism. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of film industry economics - Personal anecdotes from his career - Analysis of why ticket prices keep rising - Writing style that balances expertise with accessibility What readers disliked: - Some chapters meander from main points - Occasional repetition of arguments - UK-centric examples that don't resonate globally - Perceived elitism in certain arguments Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.2/5 (120+ reviews) Amazon US: 3.9/5 (40+ reviews) Sample reader quote: "Kermode manages to be both entertaining and informative while making solid points about why multiplexes are killing cinema culture" - Goodreads reviewer

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🎬 Mark Kermode wrote this scathing critique of modern cinema while working as the chief film critic for The Observer newspaper and co-hosting BBC Radio 5's flagship movie review show with Simon Mayo. 🎟️ The book takes particular aim at the rise of 3D movies, which Kermode argues is often used as a gimmick to charge higher ticket prices rather than enhance storytelling. 🍿 Kermode reveals that he worked as a movie theater usher in his youth, giving him firsthand experience with both the magic of cinema and its behind-the-scenes commercial realities. 🎥 The author holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Manchester, where his thesis focused on horror fiction - a genre that heavily influences his perspective on film criticism. 🌟 Despite his reputation as "the angry critic," Kermode dedicated an entire chapter to defending much-maligned films like "Mamma Mia!" which he believes bring genuine joy to audiences despite their technical flaws.