The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex

By: Mark Kermode

Narrated by: Mark Kermode

Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's Summary

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

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)

Could really use Simon Mayo

What would have made The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex better?

This book felt like longer version of stories we heard on the Podcast/radio show many times, I think what would have helped is Simon Mayo cutting in to shut down some of the stories.

Has The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex turned you off from other books in this genre?

I think this has turned me off of other books by Mark Kermode, at least for a while.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Very much so, read by the author who is a radio professional.

Any additional comments?

I am a big fan of the weekly witterings of the good Doctors, but boy do I now see how much Simon brings to the show. As Mark go off on what cannot still being genuine offense at 'no I want my seat'' I found myself rolling my eyes and hoping for Mayo to cut in.

Kermode has some real talent and I know people love his rants, but I have to say when I hear him go off on the podcast now it rubs me the wrong way. I am sure I will recover, but this really didn't work for me.

Kermodian Moonshine, Wittertainment distilled.

If your a fan of the show, or like me a regular podcast listener, I couldn't see why you wouldn't love this. Sure many of the arguments and their supporting anecdotes and statistics have been voiced over the last year on the show, but there's more here. Like the curmudgeonly retelling of a visit to a Multiplex, attending "Blazing Saddles" dressed like Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver and in light of SOPA et al the figures to give a moment to pause next time your hear/read the 'poor us' stories of the Entertainment MegaCorporations. Being read by Mr Kermode himself is a huge benefit, it's like listening to the show. A nice long rant that had to be told by a man who clearly loves his movies.

Just what you'd expect!

Fans of the Kermode and Mayo BBC 5Live podcast, or people who have previously read/listened to Kermode's previous book, "It's Only A Movie," will know what they're getting. An informed, and often outspoken opinion on the history of, and state of current, cinema. Relevant not only to a UK, but also to a worldwide, audience. Very entertaining!

not for everyone?

Kermode is my recommendation for listeners "of a certain age"--GenX and slightly older perhaps. Film lovers of any generation, though, might enjoy his incisive, witty, and detailed observations and anecdotes. I'll be listening to this one again and again.

Another Wittertaining Read from Dr Kermode

A Collection of essays united by a common theme: a look at what's wrong, at modern cinema, from one of the most interesting, diverse, and witty film journalists on the planet.

Excellent, but short.

If you could sum up The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex in three words, what would they be?

Funny. Interesting. Short.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

His thesis is interesting. Nothing was the least interesting.

What about Mark Kermode’s performance did you like?

His general nature is addictive.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

If you love him anyway, you'll love his book. But it's not on the

Most definitely 'The Good'

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.

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

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.

Very funny, very good!

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!!

Kermode Doesn't Disappoint

As a regular listener of his radio show with Simon Mayo, as soon as I realised he was narrating his own book I knew it would be good. There are no surprises as to his rantings (3D, Sex and the City, etc) if you've heard him on the radio but they're still interesting to listen to.

Overall, very entertaining, am now going back to his first book (which I am a few hours into and so far I prefer his 2nd book)

The best book I've heard in ages

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.

King of the Rants!

For those familiar with the good Doctor's views that he expresses with his sparring partner Simon Mayo on the radio, there is nothing too new here. However this is a great listen and in my opinion must be much better being read by the man himself than reading it in a book. Although it is one big rant about the genuine concerns he feels for the cinema, he puts it in a way that is both amusing, interesting but above all correct. He made me quite rightly ashamed that I frequent my multiplex so much. Good on you.

Recommended for all those passionate about going to the cinema and watching films.

I'm possibly biased

Where does The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I'm never sure how to rank things against other things but once I started listening to it I finished in less than two days.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex?

There's a bit about celluloid early on that's pretty grim. Stuck in my memory, and made me very thankful of emergency exits.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. That is all.

Any additional comments?

I should say I've been listening to the Kermode/Mayo Film Review podcast for a very long time now so I don't know what non-fans/regular listeners would make of him. I understand he can be divisive but I've never know why.

Very Wittertaining

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.

Not just for hardcore cinema fans, a good listen

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.

Great rantings

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