“First visit, really enjoyed the film and the hospitality. Will come again. PS I think you should charge more for the food and drink !!”

Maria demonstrated one of the great unsung benefits of community cinema. Create a welcoming community where you know the company and atmosphere will be enjoyable and at an affordable price and people will try films they wouldn’t normally go to. Sometimes it’ll be a great film, sometimes not – but regardless you’re assured of an enjoyable visit.

For me and at least one audience member this was one of those films; an eyeopener. I wouldn’t have chosen to see it at a commercial cinema – but I’d’ve missed out. It’s one of the best films I’ve seen at Billericay Community Cinema; I’d place it in my Top 10 of all of the films I’ve seen there since 2015.

“It is not a film I would normally watch. In this setting, with friends I thoroughly enjoyed it. The film and the setting and the refreshments and ”service”. Thank you.”

There is no doubt the film is a slow burner. It’s not quite the glacial pace of “First Cow” that we screened in 2023, but it takes its time to set the scene. That won’t suit everyone, but for me it worked because there’s quite a bit of moving between timelines, between present day and flashbacks, and transitions between reality and unreality brought on by the pills that Callas became addicted to.

“Magnificent! Truly fascinating, memorable. I thought I knew of and about her but to see it in such a way and manner has truly affected my tearful soul. I was not watching Angelina, just Maria. Thank you so much – may not have seen it otherwise.”

It’s also an incredible performance by Angelina Jolie. Her dedication to the role saw her learn to sing for the sequences where Callas’s voice is past its prime – but nonetheless Jolie gives a performance that demonstrates she can sing, and sing well.

“Nine plus” because there is always room for improvement – although I couldn’t think of anything myself ! Thank you for a splendid afternoon.”

With an average score for the film of 9.1 most of the scores were at the higher end but the film wasn’t for everyone with three 6s and a couple of 7s

“A heartfelt thanks to the Cine team for a wonderful year of joy and welcome ! Happy Holidays !”

A huge shout out to the team of Volunteers. You never know how busy shows will be, or what refreshments will sell. At Maria it was “All About The Cake”. Every single piece of cake was sold!

“Great movie and I was in paradise with Wendy’s cake ! Thank you.”

Aside from the film, we’ve started the second half of the year supporting two new community groups, groups who help to keep two locations in Billericay very special: the Norsey Woods Society and the Mill Meadows Society.

After reserving 50% of the profit for our sponsorship of the Billericay Good Companions Club, based on the audience votes, 48% of the remainder goes to the Norsey Woods Society and 52% to the Mill Meadows Society taking their running totals after 2 films to approximately £64 and £59 respectively.

School’s now out for summer, we’re taking a break in August but return in September when we’ll be celebrating our 10th birthday.

Feedback….

Our first visit and very impressed from the word go. The volunteers are pleasant and helpful. Brilliant actress, film just a bit slow. Music and songs wonderful.

First visit, really enjoyed the film and the hospitality. Will come again. PS I think you should charge more for the food and drink !!

Brilliant as usual

Thank you. We had a lovely afternoon

Very moving film. Music fantastic. 

Wonderful !!

Fascinating structure to a fascinating film. Lots left to infer ! And that piano would have needed tuning every time it was moved !

Please thank the Volunteers. 

Brilliant acting but very drawn out. 

Nice venue. Like the tables and waiter service. Good cakes ! 

Good cake !