The Screen On The Green

No Green Screen At Screen On The Green

13 Oct 07, 00:30 Above expectations

If you need reminding that there are films made outside of Hollywood, re-consider your usefulness in life. Oh, and get yourself to Screen On The Green. Otherwise, if you already acknowledge the 10:1 crap-to-less-crap ratio of most mainstream cinema, you will thoroughly appreciate this picture house. Clearly the owners are focused on showing less commercial pictures, opting for foreign/art-house and British films over spoon fed story-lines and copious amounts of special effects. The cinema reaffirms my confidence that not everyone forgets films are art, where a powerful story and great cinematography make a captivating piece of work, and help you forget the seats are a little uncomfortable.

Approaching the start of the main feature, Islington's original cinema auditorium quickly fills up, giving a sense of excitement and atmosphere, that should precede a film. Perhaps, it is because the audience know they are about to see a great picture, or that they are amongst similar minded viewers: the build-up factor definitely adds to the experience.

The small shop at the entrance sells everything you need to supplement your film watching experience. The bagged popcorn is far tastier than warm, freshly popped corn and is just the right amount.

If you enjoy real films and happen to be in Islington, this is a guaranteed great night out...

Refreshing Cinema Experience

12 Oct 07, 15:03 As expected

This cinema is really lovely, it is an old original picture house and it just over flows with character. The entrance hall is very small, but first impressions are not reflected in the size of the screens as they are really large.The old red velvet seats are comfy too and make for some cozy viewing. Though I fear this is because I am short anyone over 6 foot may struggle with them.

I was pleasantly surprised by the price, not anywhere near as extortionate as some of the big chain cinemas. The same can be said for the really cute selection of snacks that they sell, chocolate bars and bottled water all reasonably priced. I even enjoyed the popcorn (it wasn't warm so I thought I might not) but it was really good organic stuff.

The films that they show are really great independent quality films. So you pay your money and know your going to get something a bit better than ordinary blockbusters!

All round this place makes for a great evening, really enjoyable.

If only they had warm popcorn

28 Sep 07, 11:54 Above expectations

I'm all for independent anything, particularly independent cinema that shows movies slightly off the beaten path. Screen on The Green would get all my custom, all the time, if it weren't for one thing: they don't serve fresh popcorn. Popcorn is essential to my movie going experience (perhaps, maybe, even to my life's enjoyment) and the absence of big vats of the warm salty stuff really stings. I have still given it 4 stars, though, because you can always smuggle your own home-made popcorn in with you, which is actually a clever money-saving way of going about things.

Independent cinema

20 May 07, 11:20 Above expectations

The Screen on the Green is a single screen cinema that shows films to the alternative side of mainstream cinema; rarely are indie films shown, but the selection is certainly more interesting than you'd get at your local Odeon. In recent years the Screen on the Green has faced tough competition from the new multiplex cinema down the road which offers a wider choice and, to be honest, better sound and more comfortable seating. But even so, choose the Screen on the Green, as independent cinemas are a dying breed in North London.

Alt/Indie Cinema

16 May 07, 11:54 Above expectations

Although the Screen on the Green isn't as large or as comfortable as the Vue cinema down the road, it's certainly a lot better in other ways.

They show the best independent films which is great if you fancy something stimulating rather than Die Hard 4 or Spiderman 3. You actually feel like you've paid for something worth watching. The price is nowhere near the rip off pieces of Vue, but is still quite expensive.

The owners and staff seem to love film and are interested in catering to an audience that want to see alternative films, which is genuinely refreshing to see.

Screen on the green

01 May 07, 15:07 Above expectations

A member of a small independent chain. This cinema shows the not so popular as well as gemeral relese films. Not as comfortable as a plush modern complex but the refreshmant kiosk is sweet selling coffee and popcorn. Tickets are a little cheaper.