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  • The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex

  • By: Mark Kermode
  • Narrated by: Mark Kermode
  • Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (450 ratings)
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The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex

By: Mark Kermode
Narrated by: Mark Kermode
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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)
“a spritely, spirited tome… with welcome doses of spicy self-deprecation and fascinating cultural history.”( The Big Issue in the North)
"a joyously angry and very funny sustained rant" ( Christopher Brookmyre, The Scotsman)

What listeners say about The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One long, epic Kermodian rant

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. It's a perfect balance, in my eyes, between personal anecdote and information/history. The humour was great and Kermode's passion and enthusiasm for the subject are obvious.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A classic for fans of Kermodes review style

I enjoyed the book, largely as I am a fan of Kermodes review style. It is an interesting account which frames the current movie industry in its historic and economic context in an informative and interesting way. At times this verged on rant however (which is I suppose part of his presentation style), which is slightly jarring when interspersed with thoughtful, balanced ananlysis. Overall I enjoyed the audiobook and would recommend this to anyone interested in the modern cinema industry.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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!!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great rantings

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Worth it

Worth it alone for the bit about Zac Effron's hair being cut off in the cinema.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

worth listening just for the SITC 2 rant

if you love Dr K, then you'll love this book and not one unlikely Porsche Targa advert to see (or hear)

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