Wednesday Afternoon at the Movies

I might know a lot of random music trivia but ask me anything about film and I'm generally have a blank face. I'm a bit rubbish at going to the cinema and have never seen 'cold stone classics' like ET, The Godfather, Star Wars etc. This complete lack of knowledge was further compounded this week when The Times released their list of 100 Best Movies of the Noughties and I had seen precisely 25. It could be worse I guess.

I've been making a bit more of an effort in the last month taking in a few at the London Film Festival ('Cold Souls' - 4/10; 'Cracks' - 7/10; 'Kicks' 6/10; 'Capitalism a love affair' 6/10; 'Scouting Book for Boys' 8/10) and forcing myself to go and see the delightfully silly 'Julie & Julia', the weepy 'Up', the disappointing 'An Education, and the truly awful 'The Boys Are Back'. To add to this, after many years of wanting one, I've just bought myself a Cineworld Unlimited card. Next up, Jennifer's Body.

Anyway all this is leading up to me being delighted to find out that my very local independent cinema Rio, Dalston today showed my favourite film slightly inappropriately in their monthly golden oldies matinee slot. The film is 2004's (slightly romanticised) Cole Porter biopic 'De-Lovely'. I originally saw it in the cinema in Whitely's where I bawled my eyes out, and have since played the soundtrack endlessly - Sheryl Crow's 'Begin The Beguine', Vivien Green's 'Love For Sale' and Lara Fabian's contribution to the intense 'So In Love' are particularly special. Anyway I say inappropriately because I'm not sure a film with quite a substantial gay plot was the best thing to show the 70+. The actual 'gay action' is very tame - there are two kisses, but it was enough for the whole crowd to react in a shocked, loud jeering way. It was quite odd. The other noticeable moment was during John Barrowman's scene where the ladies behind me shouted really loudly 'THAT'S THAT BARRYMAN'. Amazing.

The film screening was absolutely full and free, even for me. Not only that but they provided everyone with free cakes and tea in the interval & it's all done without a sponsor - they just asked for donations at the end. I hardly see anyone who isn't 24 with a wonky fringe in Dalston but this is a great little get together for the older generation. Hurrah for the Rio.

So yes, see De-Lovely. Even if you don't really dig the film, you'll be introduced to Cole Porter's music and snork at the various pop star cameos. Mick Hucknall even gets to say a line.

This is my favourite scene. My tears started three minutes into the film today but this is the time when I absolutely cry so hard I could vomit. It's up there with Billie being sucked into the vortex.

**SPOILERS SPOILERS**

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBrQ9PChuh8[/youtube]