Morning:
3°c
The total turkey has never been so loved. In the past, when you paid a tenner to see a film, you felt ripped off if it was a stinker.
But now Bad Film Club, the Barbican's celebration of the worst crimes against cinema, is selling out every month.
From Leprechaun 4: In Space to Basic Instinct 2 (sequels seem to make up much of the dregs of the celluloid world), comedians Nicko and Joe heckle through the movies that should never have been made.
The audience is encouraged to join in: shouting at the screen or even throwing their popcorn down in disgust. Top Gun is a favourite target.
Nicko reckons film-lovers are embracing the club because they feel more involved. “No one ever says anything in the cinema in case someone else is enjoying it.
“There's no danger of that at Bad Film Club: no one else is enjoying it, so you can make us much noise as you like,” she says.
“We are recreating the atmosphere you get when all your friends come over and you get drunk in front of some dreadful film — just on a bigger screen.”
The cinema chain Cineworld also believes greater audience participation is the future for film: its singalong Mamma Mia! was a massive money-earner last year.
There's a wider movement too. If the X Factor can be considered as the ultimate gauge of public opinion, then the “so bad it's good” genre of entertainment is clearly thriving.
John and Edward, the “terrible twins”, can't sing or dance but many consider them the most captivating contestants on this year's show.
Bad Film Club is now so popular that Nicko and Joe are releasing a DVD next month.
Fans of fiascos can buy Snowbeast, a 1970s horror flick where a subhuman creature murders skiers on the slopes, complete with a commentary from the duo. Expect the worst.
The next Bad Film Club that isn't sold out is Die Hard 2: Die Harder, at 7.30pm, 15 December, Barbican, Cinema 1.
Reader views (5)
@St
Yes, it's called the Evening Standard comments section. Go nuts.
- Mark, London
I have been going to The Bad Film Club since 2008. I don't know what St's idea of it is but it's certainly NOT populated by film snobs!!!!!!
Nico and Jo show the films because they love them, they're not looking down their noses at them, they are sharing them with the world! Audience members make and bring cakes to share. There are jelly sweeties too. Those are not the actions of film snobs.
May I suggest you actually GO to one of these and, once you have laughed your socks off, understand what it is they are trying to do.
- Kate Handy, London
Hmmm…is there a club where normal people can laugh at the pomposity of self-proclaimed film snobs and enjoy top quality, entertaining blockbuster movies such as Top Gun, Die Hard, Independence Day, etc?
I suspect it would be vastly more popular than the one your article is about.
- St, London
...actually, what I meant was, the above picture is from Die Hard 3 - with a vengeance, not Die Hard 2 - Die Harder.
I got a little confused - too much daylight coming through the windows this morning in Zurich!
Hmmm.
Si
- Simon Jenkins, Zurich
BTW: Die Hard 2 was set in the airport (they actually used the old Denver airport for filming!), you mean Die Hard 3 - that was sub-lined with Die Harder, (set in New York). Actually Die Hard 4 was THE WORST in my opinion!
...maybe I should get out more!
Si
- Simon Jenkins, Zurich
