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The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex

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The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex

By: Mark Kermode
Narrated by: Mark Kermode
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About this listen

In It's Only a Movie, the incomparable Mark Kermode showed us the weird world of a film critic's life lived in widescreen. Now, in The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex, he takes us into the belly of the beast to ask: 'What's wrong with modern movies?'

If blockbusters make money no matter how bad they are, then why not make a good one for a change? How can 3-D be the future of cinema when it's been giving audiences a headache for over a hundred years? Why pay to watch films in cinemas that don't have a projectionist but do have a fast-food stand? And, in a world in which Sex and the City 2 was a hit, what the hell are film critics for?

Outspoken, opinionated and hilariously funny, The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex is a must for anyone who has ever sat in an undermanned, overpriced cinema and asked themselves: 'How the hell did things get to be this terrible?'

©2011 Mark Kermode (P)2011 Random House Audiobooks Art Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV History & Criticism Comedy

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Critic reviews

"The Good, the Bad and the Multiplex by the reviewer, Mark Kermode is an angry blast about the state of cinema-going, from the cost if shepherding sweet-toothed children past overpriced confectionary to suffering through unfocused prints in unchecked auditoria. The scruffy cattle-pen experience will be familiar to anyone who has visited a mall cinema lately." (Christopher Fowler Books of the Year – Independent on Sunday)
"Kermode sits in the stalls peeking through his fingers at what we’re served up on the silver screen and motormouthing about bad cinema in a frank and funny counterblast to all the Hollywood hype" (Iain Finlayson and Kate Saunders Saga Magazine)
"As listeners of his radio show know, the angrier Mark Kermode gets, the funnier he is. Good news then: his latest book is a collection of FURIOUS rants against the sins of modern cinema…. Elegantly lacerating wit." ( Empire, Nov)
“a spritely, spirited tome… with welcome doses of spicy self-deprecation and fascinating cultural history.”( The Big Issue in the North)
"a joyously angry and very funny sustained rant" ( Christopher Brookmyre, The Scotsman)
All stars
Most relevant  
I was a fan of the previous book/audiobook ('It's only a movie') but this is definitely a step-up from that already enjoyable listen. Rather than the autobiographical format this is more a collection of thoughts and rants - some of which will be familiar to fans of the previous book, the 5 Live show or Mr Kermode's entertaining video blog. All delivered with passion by the man himself, this is an engaging listen and whilst fan's of the good Doctor will be unsuprised at some of the thoughts on offer, he delivers them in a passionate manner and proves as forthwright, erudite and witty as ever. A really enjoyable listen with a poignant end and a great sense of a considered narrative argument compared to its predecessor. A must for anyone interested in the state of modern cinema.

Most definitely 'The Good'

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I enjoyed the book, largely as I am a fan of Kermodes review style. It is an interesting account which frames the current movie industry in its historic and economic context in an informative and interesting way. At times this verged on rant however (which is I suppose part of his presentation style), which is slightly jarring when interspersed with thoughtful, balanced ananlysis. Overall I enjoyed the audiobook and would recommend this to anyone interested in the modern cinema industry.

A classic for fans of Kermodes review style

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Very informative and very funny! I'm a film maker and I found useful information on the psyche and mentality of Hollywood. Also Mark is great!! Long live Mark!!

Very funny, very good!

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. It's a perfect balance, in my eyes, between personal anecdote and information/history. The humour was great and Kermode's passion and enthusiasm for the subject are obvious.

One long, epic Kermodian rant

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I will always listen to everything that Mark Kermode wishes to say.
You should too.

Great rantings

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Worth it alone for the bit about Zac Effron's hair being cut off in the cinema.

Worth it

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This is a great audiobook. Mark Kermode reads his words with the passion that he always displays with his broadcasts.

It's incredibly interesting as well, lots of information that doesn't get too technical, but is detailed enough to feel like you have learnt a lot about the industry. It's a polemic, but he knows his stuff, and he's as funny as ever with his anecdotes.

The best book I've heard in ages

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IIm a regular listener to the kermode film show, so was interested in hearing his views beyond the constraints of a two hour show. This makes for interesting listening and I would recommend this to cinema fans. If there are any criticisms it is that points can be slightly laboured, and you must bear in mind this is (albeit well-informed) opinion. Nontheless a good audio book delivered well by the man himself.

Not just for hardcore cinema fans, a good listen

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I enjoyed this title very much and found Mark Kermode's observations on the modern film-watching experince very close to my own. Such a relief that I'm not the only one who gets testy at rustling sweet wrappers, chattering and use of mobile phones all through the film. Other people is largely the reason I no longer go to a multiplex, and instead enjoy the delights of The Rex in berkhamsted, a cinema for grown-ups.

Kermode's knowledge and passion for film is clear throughout and he holds no punches. (Boy, did he NOT like 'Sex and the City 2'!)

Only critisim would be that this same passion sometimes causes him to go on a bit. The opening chapter, where he recounts a recent cinema outing with his daughter, could've easily been a deal shorter and still made his point.

That said I'd still recommend this for any cinema lovers out there.

A whole new view on films, if a tad over-long

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What does Mark Kermode bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

As a listener to his weekly podcast with Simon Mayo, I have grown accustomed to Mark's voice and get an unhealthy kick out of his passion for cinema. It was with pleasure that I chose to spend my free download on this audiobook as I fully enjoyed listening to what Mark does best - talk about movies.

Very Wittertaining

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