Finally there are some good films about at the moment, after an autumn of bad comedy (Tropic Thunder, Four Christmases), bad Bond (Quantum of Solace) and bad epics (Australia), we are now into full-on Oscar bait season with every man and his dog trying to scoop a golden statuette. English director Danny Boyle, the genius behind Shallow Grave, Trainspotting and 28 Days Later has already won 'Best Director' at the Golden Globes and is a hot favourite for the Oscars with his Mumbai drama Slumdog Millionaire. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio are reunited again in an adaptation of Richard Yates' masterpiece Revolutionary Road, Sean Penn allegedly gives the 'performance of his life' as Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be voted into US public office in the 70's and Micky Rourke pretty much plays a version of himself in the near-autobiographical film about a down-and-out pro in The Wrestler.
Forget Kung Fu Panda, James Bond and Zac Efron. Say hello to Che Guevara, Richard Nixon, David Frost and Randy 'The Ram' Robinson. These are REAL people with real issues man. So here is a list of the most hotly tipped films and the best cinemas to catch them in.
The Electric, Notting Hill
Squishy leather armchairs with footstools, pots of fish and chips, bags of room, a bar at one end serving Peroni, Bloody Marys, Moscow Mules.... we're sold! Just make sure you book a week or two in advance.
Fri 16th Jan-Thurs 22nd Jan
The Wrestler (18:30/21:30)
Friday 23rd Jan-Thurs 5th Feb
Frost/Nixon (18:30/21:30)
Everyman, Hampstead Heath
Everyman have a couple of cinemas dotted around London but this is without a doubt the king. It has two screens full of large comfy armchairs, sofas and scatter cushions. Attached is a table at which you will get full waiter service before the film. Pinot Grigio, Italian bread and olives with your film? Well, if you must....
Wed 14th Jan-Thurs 22nd Jan
Che Part One (17:50, 20:30), Slumdog Millionaire (18:20, 20:50)
The Coronet, Notting Hill
An old Victorian theatre with three-tiered seating, the Coronet may need a bit of a refurb but it still retains its old school charm and has the all-important bar.
Fri 16th Jan-Thursday 22 Jan
Slumdog Millionaire (18:00, 20:40), The Reader (18:20/21:00)
Curzon, Soho
The most renowned of the Curzons, the Soho branch has three screens, loads of leg room and the famous cafe Konditor and Cook at the bottom, with cakes praised by Nigella herself. There is a bar on the mezzanine level and you can now take drinks into the auditorium with you.
Wed 14th Jan-Thurs 22nd Jan
Che: Part One (times differ - see website)
Wed 14th Jan-Wed 21st Jan
Waltz With Bashir (times differ-see website)
Wed 14th Jan-Sun 18th Jan
Slumdog Millionaire (times differ - see website)
Fri 16th Jan-Thurs 22nd Jan
The Wrestler (times differ - see website)
Fri 23rd Jan-Thurs 29th Jan
Milk (18:10, 21:00)
Curzon, Mayfair
One of London's oldest cinemas, the Curzon Mayfair is a beautiful Grade II listed building and it houses an impressive 11 meter-long screen for a 300-capacity room. There are two royal boxes in screen one and a stylish bar with a sliding screen. Terribly civilised.
Thurs 15th Jan-Thurs 22nd Jan
Slumdog Millionaire (18:00/20:40)
Wed 14th Jan-Sat 17th Jan
The Reader (all different times check website)
Fri 30th Jan-Thu 5th Feb
Revolutionary Road (1800/2045)
Rio Cinema, Hackney
Another Grade II listed building, the Rio was renovated in 1999 but still retains its original 1930's Art Deco design. A popular Hackney landmark with a diverse programme of first runs, world cinema and old classics.
Fri 23rd Jan-5th Feb
Milk (18:00/20:45)
The Ritzy, Brixton
The Ritzy is a great little cinema on the Oval which has a bar and a cafe upstairs. On a sunny day you can sip coffee outside on the adjoining balcony and purvey the breathtaking Brixton panorama. The Ritzy Cafe also holds a wide range of live music during theweek so you can bop away to a bit of dub, soul, electronica or London jazz after your film.
Fri 16th Jan-Thurs 22nd Jan
Che: Part One (17:45/20:30)
Seven Pounds (17:30/20:30)
Slumdog Millionaire (18:10, 20:50)
The Reader (18:15)
The Wrestler (18:30/21:00)
Editor's Note: All film times listed are evening only. Check websites for daytime schedules
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