PULSE summer edition 2011

PULSE THE MAGAZINE FOR THOSE WHO MAKE IT ALL HAPPEN - EDITION 04 - SUMMER 2011 Your

Opinion News ONLINE SURVEY: THE RESULTS Matters

Faces of NEIL GOULDING, FACILITIES & CONSTRUCTION DIRECTOR Portfolio SILVER E - FIRST PRIZE DRAW In the back row with...

REESE WITHERSPOON Top 10 Tips MAKING IT PERSONAL Films in focus SUPER 8/X-MEN/ THE BEAVER/HP7

HP7: PART 2 A Magical Battle Like No Other

HELPING YOU TO DELIVER

PULSE COMPETITION

iPod Winner

MARY WARD BISHOPS STORTFORD

Mary’s idea was for THE PALMER FAMILY COMBO which would contain x4 tickets, x2 Kids Boxes, x2 small drinks and x1 small popcorn.

This provides food and drink for everyone whilst speeding up service and decision making. The customers also save a couple of quid as well!

A special thank you to our friends at Britvic for supplying the iPod as the Dragon’s Den competition prize

BIG E Customer Key -­  We  gave  our  Big  E  customers  a  grilling.  -­  What  do  they  like?  We  asked  them: -­  How  often  do  you  go  to  the  cinema? :KDW ŚOPV GR \RX IDYRXU" :KDW LV \RXU IDYRXULWH WLPH WR JR WR WKH FLQHPD" -­  What  purchases  do  you  make?

-­  What  would  make  it  the  best  cinema  experience? “Billyâ€?  -­  The  care-­free  student -­  Two  /  Three  times  per  month -­  New  releases -­  Opening  weekend  /  “Saverdaysâ€?  /  Orange  Wednesday -­  ,I IHHOLQJ ĹşXVK +RW GRJ 1DFKRV &RPERV -­  'HDOV %HLQJ ĹšUVW WR VHH ĹšOPV )DVW HIĹšFLHQW VHUYLFH “Jane  &  Friendsâ€?  -­  Sociable  best  friends -­  Once  per  quarter -­  5RP &RPV %LJ HYHQW ĹšOPV -­  Evenings -­  Chocolate  /  Still  soft  drink  /  Wine  (if  there’s  a  bar) -­  Making  it  an  occasion  /  Spending  little  /  Stress-­free “Dan  &  Sarahâ€?  -­  The  romantic  couple -­  Once  /  Twice  a  month -­  Mixed -­  Evenings -­  Sharing  combos  /  Chocolate  /  Ben  &  Jerry’s -­  'LQQHU EHIRUHKDQG )DVW HIĹšFLHQW VHUYLFH &OHDQOLQHVV “The  Palmer  Familyâ€?  -­   The  typical  family -­  Once  a  month  for  big  releases  or  Juniors  on  a  Saturday -­  Family  /  Animation -­  Weekends  /  School  holidays -­  Own  refreshments  /  Kid’s  Boxes  /  Coffee  /  Chocolate -­  Kids  enjoying  themselves  /  Cleanliness  /  Safety “JJâ€?  -­  The  typical  teen -­  Two  /  Three  times  a  month -­  3* DQG UDWHG ĹšOPV -­  Weekends  /  School  holidays  /  Early  evenings -­  Anything  &  everything!  /  Tango  Iceblast  /  Popcorn -­  Being  treated  like  an  adult  /  Limited  conversation “Berylâ€?  -­  Retired  senior -­  Once  in  a  blue  moon  /  Regularly  to  Seniors -­  %LJ HYHQW ĹšOPV :KDWHYHUĹŽV VKRZLQJ RQ 6HQLRU VFUHHQLQJV -­  Midweek  /  Quiet  times -­  Tea  /  Coffee  /  Occasional  chocolate  or  Ben  &  Jerry’s -­  Cleanliness  /  Welcoming  /  Good  manners  /  Friendliness “Sally  &  Jacobâ€?  -­  Wheelchair  user  &  carer -­  Once  /  twice  a  month -­  Mixed  /  Generally  easy-­watching -­  Week  days  /  During  quiet  afternoons -­  Mixed,  but  not  usually  a  lot -­  Wheelchair  facilities  /  Welcoming  /  Safety  /  Cleanliness

Letter from Roz Wow,  I  can’t  believe  we’re  on  the  fourth  Pulse  magazine  already.  Welcome  to  the  summer  edition!

It  is  only  with  the  help  of  our  fabulous  staff  that  Empire  Cinemas  can  produce  an  informative  and  enjoyable  read,  so  a  massive  thank  you  to  everyone  who  has  contributed  to  this  issue.   If  you  want  to  see  your  name  (and  face)  in  print  then  please  send  us  in  your  photos,  articles  or  general  comments  to  the  usual  address.  We  love  to  hear  from  the  people  we  write  for.

For  me,  one  of  this  issue’s  highlights  is  the  results  of  RXU RQOLQH FXVWRPHU VXUYH\ 7KLV LV WKH ¿UVW WLPH ZH have  ever  collated  such  important  feedback  from  our  customers  and  we  are  delighted  to  have  heard  from  1384  of  them,  from  around  the  country,  telling  us  what  they  think  of  their  cinema  experience.  Turn  to  page  8  for  a  break  down  of  the  results  using  my  mate  Billy’s  face.  Well  done  to  The  Empire,  Sunderland  and  Great  Park  Birmingham  who  have  done  a  fantastic  job  of  implementing  the  Big  E  and  are  top  of  the  league  this  time  round.   Our  customer  feedback  notice  board  is  a  bit  special  this  issue  too  as  it’s  some  of  the  written  comments  we  extracted  from  the  online  survey  for  each  cinema.   We  also  set  Dean  from  Empire  Newcastle  a  hot  dog  tasting  challenge  to  see  how  we  fare  against  our  rivals  and  the  results  from  that  are  on  page  6.    If  you  fancy  yourself  as  a  nacho’s  critic,  we’d  love  to  hear  from  you.   We  are  currently  looking  for  someone  to  taste  test  all  our  competitor’s  nachos  with  cheese  sauce  as  well  as  our  own  of  course.   Get  in  touch  if  you  think  you’re  up  to  the  challenge.

Congratulations  are  also  in  order  for  Empire  Swindon  who  have  been  awarded  ‘Partner  of  the  Year’  award  from  Wiltshire  Fire  &  Rescue  Service.  A  big  well  done  to  all  of  the  team.

Pulse  has  been  around  now  for  four  whole  issues  and  we  are  reviewing  the  magazine’s  content  and  layout,  so  we  might  change  things  around  a  little  bit  before  the  Autumn  edition.   We’d  love  to  know  what  you  like  about  the  magazine  and  what  you  would  like  to  see  more  or  less  of.  Please  let  us  know  ASAP  so  we  can  make  your  Pulse  even  better.

6R KHUHœV WR D IXQ ¿OOHG VXPPHU HQMR\ WKH PDJD]LQH and  see  you  in  the  autumn!

Produced  by:  BA  (Hons)  Magazine  Journalism  and  Feature  Writing Editor:  Helen  Archard Features  Editor:  Ali  Kirkby Art  Director:  Daniel  Poole Senior  Consultant:  Susa  Dickerson Staff  Writers:  Edward  Bailey  /  Kelly  Woolford  /  Alice  Bagnall  /  Kirsty  Welsh Art  Designer:  Marcus  Faint  /  Emma  Curran  /  Charlotte  Page

Roz

editorpulse@empirecinemas.co.uk

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 3

FREE CONE DAY A big thank you and congratulations to all the cinemas who took part in this year’s Ben and Jerry’s Free cone day. Over £1669 was raised and donated to local worthy causes.

PHOTOGRAPHS © Susa Dickerson

Thank you for your entries to the Free Cone Day competition and congratulations to Newcastle and Swindon, our joint winner, who have been awarded six tickets each to Sundae on the Common, for the best implementation of Free Cone Day. Newcastle raised £130 for the Bobby Robson Foundation.

Swindon raised £247 for the Children’s Cancer & Leukaemia Movement.

Thank you to Susi and the team at Empire Poole for their help on Free Cone Day

Contentssummer

‘

6

PRODUCT QUALITY HOT DOGS

7

NEW SILVER ES PRIZE DRAW WINNER YOUR OPINION MATTERS THE RESULTS TOP 10 TIPS MAKING IT PERSONAL FACES OF EMPIRE NEIL GOULDING

8-­9 10 11 12-­13 14 15 16-­17 18-­19 20 21

CINEMA UPDATES SPECIAL SCREENINGS FILM FOR THOUGHT STAFF REVIEWS INVESTMENT IN CINEMAS REVAMPS AND RENOVATIONS CINEMA IN FOCUS CLYDEBANK CUSTOMER FEEDBACK YOUR OPINION MATTERS STAFF PROFILE JESS HART-­SHEA GUEST PAGE HIGH WYCOMBE

25-­39

FILMS IN FOCUS REVIEWS AND FACTS

40-­42

COMPETITION CORNER

43

IN THE BACK ROW WITH...

REESE WITHERSPOON

11

6

11

20

28 SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 5

PULSE PRODUCTS

THE

HOT DOG CHALLENGE

Dean  Mowbray,  Assistant  General  Manager  from  Empire  Newcastle  was  given  a  special  mission  to  check  out  the  standard  of  hot  dogs  at  our  leading  competitors.

ODEON

CINEWORLD

EMPIRE

First on the list are local rivals, Odeon, at the Metro Centre Shopping Centre. They must have known our man was on his way as. a few steps over the threshold, he was met by a mouth watering picture of Odeon’s new “Beachwood Smoked� which set off the Hot Dog Challenge.

Although the Hot Dog came in a well GHVLJQHG FDUGERDUG KROGHU 'HDQ¡V ÀUVW impressions were not what he was expecting.

The hot dog looked an unusual greyish colour and had no appetising smell. The bun was a baguette which failed to complement the hot dog as a whole. The meat had little or no obvious taste of the ‘smokey beachwood’ which the display promised. It was awarded 3 out of 5.

Dean then hopped in the car and blasted his way down to Boldon Colliery to see what Cineworld had to offer. Their Hot Dog carton stated they were “The Best Hot Dog in the World� – he was keen to sink his teeth into this bad boy.

Once again, Dean noticed the bun was a baguette and the hot dog had an ‘out of the jar’, supermarket taste. If this was supposed to be the best, Dean was grossly disappointed.

Cineworld’s product had a stronger meaty taste however and worked well with their choice of bun. Although it didn’t meet Dean’s high expectations, it was awarded 3 out of 5.

Once back on his home turf, Dean was served his usual, coupled with tomato and mustard sauce.

A big thumbs up from Dean on the quality and presentation of the hot dog.

Empire’s dog not only provides a meatier taste but it is noticeably larger in size and is VHUYHG XS LQ D OLJKWO\ à RXUHG EXQ $ VWURQJ 4.5 out of 5!

HOT Â DOG Â FACT

HOW Â DO Â WE Â MAKE Â SUCH AMAZING Â HOTDOGS

?

- HERE’S HOW -

7KH ŚUVW VDXVDJHV XVHG DV IDVW food  were  born  in  the  US  in  the  ŎV ZKHUH WKH ŚUVW KRW GRJ stand  was  situated  at  the  Coney  Island  fairground.

Left:  Mr  Joel  Lindvall.  Above:  Today’s  hotdog  production.  Below:  Lindvall  building.

6 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2011

gs come all the Empire’s exquisite hot do y Lindvall, who way from Swedish compan heritage and quality. pride themselves on their best possible Empire want to deliver the gs, to ensure a better products, including hot do value the tastiness and customer experience. We this products to give high quality meat used in te sensation. customers that delicious tas ary, foyer delight, The suppliers of this culin a modest, family-run Lindvall, began in 1925 as eden. As their quality butchers in the south of Sw siness grew and soon became recognised, the bu s AB in 1965. expanded to Lindvall Meat s: “Lindvall’s CEO Lars Andersson say DW ZH FDQ DOZD\V VWUHQJWK LV Ă H[LELOLW\ DQG WK â€? They produce 120 guarantee supply security. and also deal with tons of sausage per week, and Shell. customers such as IKEA

The

PULSE PORTFOLIO

Silver E

Awards

Meet our stars

New Silver E: Amy Stonehouse

The Silver E awards have been busy with three new members added to our growing collection of talented staff. :HŎYH DOVR VHHQ RQH 6LOYHU ( ZLQ ELJ LQ WKH YHU\ ŹUVW RI RXU quarterly prize draws.

First Silver E Prize Draw: Winner Announced

D

ean Mowbray, Empire Newcastle, KDV EHFRPH WKH ÀUVW ZLQQHU RI WKH Silver E prize draw, a quarterly event which all members are automatically entered into when awarded a Silver E. This event is yet another reason why it’s worth aiming for Silver E status.

To say Dean was pleased he had won the draw would be an understatement. “Weeeee!

I won something! I never win anything! This company rocks!” was his delighted reaction.

Dean won two tickets to The Hard Rock Calling concert, travel and accommodation included.

Although not a hard-core rock and roll fan, he said: “I’m most looking forward to seeing the Barenaked Ladies and some of the old acts such as Rod Stewart.”

Dean will be attending the festival on the 26th June, along with his girlfriend Danielle.

Massive congratulations to Dean who proposed to his girlfriend, Danielle, on the blue carpet of the Pirates of the Caribbean 4 premiere last month. With the SDSDUD]]LŎV źDVKLQJ OLJKWV LQ the background, she said yes!

New Silver E: Mary Ward When Mary arrived to work at Empire Bishop Stortford one morning, the last thing she expected to receive was a letter from her manager, Adam, which contained the exciting news that she had won a Silver E. “I felt honoured. It’s nice to see the work you’re doing being recognised and being rewarded for it,” she said.

General Manager of Empire Bishops Stortford, Adam said “Mary has worked very hard recently to drive the Big E message and has completed the full Big E training along with our new team members.”

Mary, as with all the Silver Es, will receive double allowance for family and friends tickets, entry into the regular Silver E draw plus tickets for herself and a friend to go see a premiere in London’s Leicester Square!

Mary -­ One of Empire’s latest Silver E member.

Amy, Empire Sunderland, found out that she had been nominated for a Silver E when she came across a fellow member of staff writing D QRPLQDWLRQ OHWWHU WR KHDG RIÀFH OLVWLQJ reasons why she was worthy of winning.

“I was ecstatic and really touched by some of the lovely comments fellow members of staff had made about me,” she said.

“Enthusiastic”, “patient” and “attentive” are just some of the words that were used to describe Amy and these qualities show why she has now become a Silver E. Amy will also receive the Silver E rewards and attend a premiere.

Amy -­ One of Empire’s latest Silver E member.

New Silver E: Sandra Hedley Sandra, Empire Newcastle Supervisor, received her nominations for the Silver E award by providing excellent customer service and excelling herself within her job role. Dean, describes Sandra as “an absolute rock of reliability. The beauty of what she does is that she’s so consistent and she does it without bragging or anything,” he said.

Congratulations to Sandra and all the other new Silver Es for outstanding dedication in providing the Big E to our customers.

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 7

Your

Opinion Matters Empire Cinemas launched their online customer survey in April and now the results are in. Compare the results of your cinema below and see if you can change Billy’s face by next results day.

W

e’ve now had over 1,300 customers complete the Your Opinion Matters online survey which has given us some amazing feedback on how we are all delivering the Big E. The survey asked our customers a number of questions ranging from how easy they found buying tickets on the website to how happy they were with the toilet facilities.

From these, we chose eight killer questions which we think teams can do something about to change Billy’s face.

The same questions will be asked each time we host the survey and the killer question feedback will be shown through a percentage and a ‘Billy’s face’ rating. We want Billy to be smiling all over the country.

The majority of our customers experience a wonderful welcome to our cinemas, in fact, 4 out of 5 say they are really or fairly happy with the welcome they received. We’ve had VRPH UHDOO\ WHUULÀF FRPPHQWV DERXW WKH VWDII DQG KRZ IULHQGO\ DQG HIÀFLHQW WKH\ DUH DV well as information on how we can make our toilets more appealing and that temperature of screens can ruin the experience if it’s just not right.

Lisa Rowland, our Customer Experience Manager, said: “We have been really pleased with the amount of customers that took the time to respond to our new survey. The feedback has been really valuable to all of

us and has shown that we are offering a welcoming environment to our customers although there is still work to be done in our toilets and the farewell we give. The absolute key for me now is to ensure teams in both HO and Cinemas do something about the feedback so that, when we ask customers to complete the survey again, we will see an improvement.”

2Q WKH RSSRVLWH SDJH \RX ZLOO ÀQG D Big E league table of the results from this survey which shows the overall experience percentage and Billy’s rating.

See how you compared to other Empire Cinemas and aim to work your way up the leaderboard. A more detailed breakdown, of results of each individual killer question, has been made available to management to give feedback to their teams and pinpoint areas of improvement.

As you can see, no one scored the top mark this time around but we know we can all reach the OMG GOOD status. Our initial objective is to reach the high standard of offering the best cinema experience in the UK by providing consistently great service that makes them feel special. Once we have reached this goal, our aim is to become World Class, a vision that drives us all. Becoming famous for delivering a consistently fantastic experience is that ultimate goal and, with a World Class team on board, we know we can achieve it.

8 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2011

BILLY’S FACES KEY

OMG Good

Good

Alright I Guess

Shockingly Bad

PULSE ONLINE SURVEY

CINEMA NAME

OVERALL %

THE EMPIRE

88.98

SUNDERLAND

84.5

BIRMINGHAM GREAT PARK

83.2

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD

80.73

SUTTON COLDFIELD

81.35

NEWCASTLE

80.4

POOLE

80.25

SWINDON

80.22

CLYDEBANK

80.1

BISHOPS STORTFORD

79.37

BASILDON

76.83

HIGH WYCOMBE

70.68

WIGAN

68.35

BROMLEY

66.27

SUTTON

57.97

SLOUGH

56.01

BILLY’S FACE RATING

Check out pages 18 & 19 for a special Your Opinion Matters feedback noticeboard with some of the written customer comments from the survey.

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 9

PULSE TOP TEN

10

TIPS MAKING IT to

PERSONAL

Each quarter, PULSE will feature your top ten tips on how to tackle an issue that might affect the experience given to customers.

A massive thank you to the winner of 250 E pounds, Craig Colville, Clydebank who contributed the most useful tips this issue

1

3 5 7 9

Be enthusiastic about your job, whatever you’re doing, the customers can pick up on this and will feel wanted.

Treat every customer as an individual and always give them a personal response, not just a generic one.

If a customer lets you know they have had a bad day, listen to them and empathise.

If a customer comes to you with an obvious question, answer it like it’s the first time you’ve ever been asked it. You may know the ins and outs of how the cinema works but the customer doesn’t.

When dealing with a line of customers, everything you say should be different. The customer will probably have heard you just speak to the customer in front so change the way you say things

10 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2011

2 4 6 8 10

When you are interacting with a customer, make sure you given them your full attention and keep eye contact.

As much as possible, chat with customers about themselves, films, the weather etc. rather than talking about yourself unless the customer specifically asks about you.

When you are serving a customer don’t chat with other people or staff, give the customer your full attention.

Treat every customer as though they are a member of your family. For example how would your Nan like to be treated?

There’s Beryl for you. How would you like your niece or nephew’s experience to be? Every child should be made to feel special.

Strike up a conversation whenever possible with customers. If nothing else, you have a love of films in common!

1

10NEIL Â GOULDING

PULSE FACES OF EMPIRE

MINUTES WITH

R

unning a cinema is not just DERXW VKRZLQJ ÀOPV DQG JHWWLQJ customers through the doors.

7KHUH DUH D ORW RI VSHFLÀFDWLRQV ÀUH VWUDWHJLHV KHDOWK DQG VDIHW\ SURFHGXUHV and improvement projects that go on behind the scenes. Neil Goulding, Facilities and Construction Director, explains what goes into the running and maintenance of all Empire Cinemas and how his team also aims to bring the Big E to customers from the background, through new projects, updates and well presented cinemas.

How did you get involved in the cinema industry?

I started working for UCI cinemas in 1996.

It was only supposed to be a part time job to earn beer money whilst I was at university but I just got sucked in and never wanted to leave. I think the free cinema tickets had something to do with it. I still love going to the cinema even though it’s where I work.

I do miss being a cinema manager EHFDXVH , XVHG WR ZDWFK YLUWXDOO\ HYHU\ ÀOP that we played whereas I don’t have the time to do that anymore.

How has the cinema industry changed since you have been working there?

I joined Empire in 2006 so the basics have really stayed the same. The 3D and digital screens have obviously had an impact, certainly from the design and also cost point of view. It makes new screens for cinemas a lot more expensive.

I am interested to see what happens in 10 years or so when the current batch of projectors become obsolete and need to be changed. It’s not something we faced with 35mm. I think that unless we plan correctly, capital monies that would ordinarily be spent on new air conditioning or seating will be

soaked up by the need to replace the projectors.

What projects have you been involved in since you started at Empire? :HOO LQ WKH ÀYH \HDUV , have been with Empire, we’ve achieved quite a lot. We’ve gone from refurbishing the sound and ÀWWLQJ 7+; LQ (PSLUH RQH WR expanding The Empire, Leicester 6TXDUH DQG FRQVWUXFWLQJ ÀYH QHZ screens.

We’ve also put two extra screens in High Wycombe, installed four extra screens and the new concept IMPACT screen at Basildon, all of which are digital only. There has also been a complete refurbishment of Poole with an extra six screens currently underway and a further eight screens at Newcastle pending. On top of this, there are several more new builds at various stages of negotiation.

Favourite film of all time: The Adventures of Ford Fairlane

:KDW ZDV \RXU ÀUVW H[SHULHQFH RI cinema and what did you think?

Favourite film of this year: RED

0\ ÀUVW H[SHULHQFH ZDV DW DQ LQGHSHQGHQW cinema in the town I grew up in. It was a small, single screen cinema where the manager was also the projectionist, usher, ER[ RIÀFH DQG UHWDLO VWDII VR SUHWW\ PXFK OLNH a Cineworld).

My Dad took me to see Star Wars. I was EORZQ DZD\ QRW MXVW E\ WKH ÀOP ZKLFK ZDV fantastic, but by the whole experience. In those days people still smoked in cinemas and I can still remember looking up at the VPRNH ÀOOHG EHDP FRPLQJ IURP WKH SURMHFWRU and thinking it was really something quite magical.

INTERESTING Â FACTS

Looking forward to seeing: The InBetweeners What’s the best thing about working for Empire Cinemas?

The calibre of people we have and the company culture that welcomes input and ideas from all areas.

Popcorn, Sweet or Salted?

Salted.

A  special  thank  you  to  Neil  Goulding  for  sparing  the  time  to  talk  to  PULSE  Magazine.

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 11

BEHIND

E H T SCENES

Special Screenings

(PSLUH &LQHPDV KDYH EHHQ ZRUNLQJ KDUG WR SURYLGH RXU FXVWRPHUV ZLWK WKH XOWLPDWH H[SHULHQFH E\ KROGLQJ VSHFLDOLVW VFUHHQLQJV IRU D ZLGHU YDULHW\ RI DXGLHQFHV )URP Clydebank  to  Poole,  cinemas  are  running  screenings  to  accommodate  DXGLHQFHV ZLWK FHUWDLQ XQLTXH QHHGV

A

s well as the seniors and juniors screenings already available, specialist screenings for people with autism have been introduced and trialled at a number of Empire Cinemas.

The aim is to provide customers with a high quality cinema experience by giving them a FRPIRUWDEOH ÀOP YLHZLQJ ZLWKRXW ZRUU\LQJ about affecting or disturbing the other customers.

Margaret Turnbull, General Manager of Empire Newcastle, said: “A National Autism Society representative contacted us regarding involvement with specialist screenings for people with autism and asked to trial a few Ă€OPV WR VHH KRZ HIIHFWLYH LW ZRXOG EH 7KH idea is aimed at customers suffering or caring for someone who has autism as they can be noisier than the rest of the audience and may disrupt or affect other customers. Autism friendly screenings tend to be noisier which means the audience feel comfortable and don’t

have the feeling that they are being judged.�

Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the National Autism Society, said: “We are so thankful to Empire for making cinema screenings more accessible to people with autism and their families. These screenings aim to make families feel welcome, comfortable and relaxed in a cinema environment that can otherwise become traumatic. We hope cinemas across the UK will follow Empire’s positive example so that more children and adults with autism can enjoy the same experience as their peers.�

Other cinemas that have trialled the autism friendly screenings include Empire Swindon, Empire High Wycombe and Empire 3RROH &LQHPD JRHUV DW DOO WKH ÀOPV ZHUH IUHH to move around, make a noise and take regular breaks if necessary – something not usually encouraged at regular screenings.

Empire Newcastle are trying to hold screenings once a month, on a Sunday at 4pm

12 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2011

,ensuring the lights aren’t fully dimmed and the sound isn’t as loud, taking into account the needs of the customer. “So far the trial has been a success with 85% capacity,� said Margaret, which is higher attendance than a usual screening at this time.

Similarly, other cinemas are holding specialist screenings for audiences such as mothers and babies; seniors and juniors.

Deidre Mullins, cinema administrator at Empire Poole, assists with the senior screenings: “We’ve been running senior screenings for a few years now. It began to pick up in January following the release of The Kings Speech. We hold screenings every Wednesday at 11am as it’s the best time to suit senior audiences. So far we have had a capacity of around 50-60 which is gradually increasing over the weeks but it’s dependant RQ VHYHUDO IDFWRUV VXFK DV WKH Ă€OP ZHDWKHU DQG ZKDW¡V RQ RIIHU :H Ă€QG PRUH SHRSOH DUH happy to buy tickets on the dayâ€?

PULSE BEHIND THE SCENES

“It’s ÂŁ3 per person and included in that price is tea and biscuits, so in general the customers are getting the ultimate experience for a small fee. We build up a rapport with the customers so they are happy to come back and tell their friends and return the following week. We are looking to add more screens for the audience so they can have the opportunity WR ZDWFK RWKHU Ă€OPV HVSHFLDOO\ LI WKH\ KDYH already seen one that is being screened.â€?

Empire Poole not only offers specialist screenings for seniors but also a selection of Ă€OPV IRU MXQLRUV DW WKH ZHHNHQG 'HLUGUH said this has been a huge success: “There are screenings every weekend for children and they are always full capacity. For just ÂŁ1.50 per person, the children are able to see the chosen Ă€OP DQG WKHQ JR RQ WR EX\ DQ\ VQDFNV WKH\ OLNH Âľ Empire Clydebank is also offering youngsters the opportunity to have their specialist screenings.

Andrew Rapson, General Manager, said: “Every Saturday

DQG 6XQGD\ DW DP ZH VKRZ WZR ÀOPV IRU Empire Juniors. Every ticket is a fantastic £1.25 and the only stipulation is that an adult PXVW DFFRPSDQ\ WKH FKLOG 7KH ÀOPV VKRZQ are a mixture of recently released children’s ÀOPV DQG IURP WLPH WR WLPH ZH DOVR VKRZ ROGHU ÀOPV WKDW VRPH YHU\ \RXQJ FKLOGUHQ may have just seen on DVD.�

The Empire Junior screenings at Clydebank are proving to be a massive success with an average of 200 customers a GD\ DQG VRPH SRSXODU Ă€OPV H[FHHGLQJ Andrew said: “We compiled a survey over the weeks asking parents if a 10.30am start would be agreeable to them, but it was deemed more popular to have the 11.00am start giving them an extra half hour to get ready and more time to guarantee a seat. It’s apparent we have a strong core of regular customers who visit us often, showing that staff are giving families the ultimate Empire experience.â€?

Andrew also says any negative feedback

is being worked on to ensure customers and families are receiving only the best experience at Empire. “The issues that have risen are usually from families who say there are too many children moving around and talking as well as there being no booster seats or baby changing facilities. However, these are being worked on by ensuring there is an usher who will periodically come into the screening to check everything is running smoothly.�

At Empire Cinemas we are aiming to go out of our way to provide for every individuals circumstances and offer a comfortable, welcoming environment for all to relish in the MR\ RI ÀOP

Thank  you  to  Susi  Teall  and  Mark  Lever  for  taking  the  time  to  help  PULSE  and  capture  some  great  photographs.

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 13

PULSE FILM FOR THOUGHT

FILM for thought , WKLQN RQH RI P\ IDYRXULWH ÀOPV RI DOO WLPH LV Back to the Future. $V D FKLOG , WKRXJKW LW ZDV WKH EHVW ÀOP (9(5 , became a huge Michael J Fox fan, had posters on my walls, sticker books and even the t-shirt! I imagine everyone has VHHQ WKH ÀOP EXW , WKRXJKW WKH LGHD RI JRLQJ EDFN LQ WLPH was fantastic and I would love to do it, with or without 0LFKDHO - )R[ 7KH PXVLF WKH RXWÀWV DQG WKH H[FLWHPHQW was a compelling experience that, in my mind, could never be repeated when they made the sequels. By then I was 16 or VR LW ZDV PXFK PRUH H[FLWLQJ WR JHW LQWR DQ ÀOP ZLWK DQ ROGHU ER\IULHQG +DSS\ PHPRULHV KRZHYHU DQG , VWLOO ÀQG time to watch it with my kids when it comes on the telly.

LISA ROWLAND &86720(5 (;3(5,(1&( 0$1$*(5

PULSE  specialises  in  keeping  it’s  readers  up  to  date  with  the  ODWHVW ŚOP UHOHDVHV EXW ZH DOVR OLNH WR WDNH D OLWWOH GDEEOH LQ ŚOPV JRQH E\ (YHU\RQH KDV DW OHDVW RQH IDYRXULWH ŚOP ZKLFK FDQ be  watched  over  and  over  and  it  still  gives  us  goose  bumps.  We  received  an  email  from  Neil  Thompson,  Empire  Newcastle,  ZKR ZDV LQWHUHVWHG WR ŚQG RXW D ELW DERXW WKH IDYRXULWH ŚOPV RI Empire  Cinema’s  staff  so  PULSE  have  risen  to  the  challenge.

If  you’re  itching  to  tell  us  about  your  IDYRXULWH ŚOP HYHU WKHQ SOHDVH VHQG a  200  word  review  to:  editorpulse@empirecinemas.co.uk  Where Eagles Dare LV D KLJKO\ entertaining war movie. I’ve been a fan of WKLV ÀOP VLQFH DURXQG ZKHQ P\ IDWKHU took me to see it at a local cinema. I was immediately caught up with all the on-screen action and loved every minute of it. Now, IRUW\ \HDUV ODWHU WKH ÀOP VWLOO KROGV WKH H[DFW same thrills for me as it did then and it’s my all time favourite movie.

NEIL THOMSON EMPIRE CINEMAS NEWCASTLE

, KDYH WRR PDQ\ IDYRXULWH ÀOPV ² LW UHDOO\ GHSHQGV RQ P\ PRRG EXW WKHUH DUH VRPH ÀOPV WKDW LPSDFWHG WKH PRVW I was in 6th Form when The Life of Brian came out and can still remember clearly watching it with a group of mates DQG ÀQGLQJ LW GLIÀFXOW WR EUHDWKH EHFDXVH , ZDV ODXJKLQJ so much. More recently, I was completely blown away by The Fellowship of the Ring. I’d never seen anything like WKH VFDOH RI WKH ÀOP /DVW \HDU WKHUH ZDV Inception – is it a dream? At the end of the day it has to be 7KH 0DJQLÀFHQW 7. I can remember my Dad taking me, sitting in the nonsmoking section and watching the coolest actor ever, Steve 0F4XHHQ ² MXVW D JUHDW ÀOP 3$8/ %$;7(5 OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

14 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2011

2QH RI P\ IDYRXULWH ÀOPV RI DOO WLPH DV FKHHV\ DV LW LV KDV WR be Robin Hood Prince of Thieves *RLQJ WR VHH WKLV ÀOP ZDV WKH ÀUVW WLPH , KDG UHDOO\ JRQH WR WKH FLQHPD ZLWKRXW DQ\ RI my family, so the grown up feeling added to the excitement.

As soon as it started to the end of the credits I was gripped. It was a magical mixture of everything that truly makes a classic ÀOP URPDQFH FRPHG\ DQG DFWLRQ 7KH IRUHVW ORRNHG EHDXWLIXO the costumes where enchanting and Maid Marion’s hair was amazing, though no amount of curling was ever going to help me recreate the look for my school prom. I once watched the ÀOP WLPHV LQ RQH ZHHN DQG DQ\ WLPH , DP IHHOLQJ D OLWWOH blue it always cheers me up, I just love a happy ending.

ADEL SMITH REGIONAL SUPPORT MANAGER

PULSE EMPIRE PORTFOLIO

CINEMA INVESTMENT At  Empire  we  make  every  effort  to  create  a  comfortable  environment.  We  put  much  RI RXU SURŚWV EDFN LQWR RXU FLQHPDV WR HQVXUH D EULJKWHU FXVWRPHU H[SHULHQFH DQG D pleasant  workplace  for  our  team.  Here’s  a  taster  of  some  upcoming  improvements.

E

mpire cinemas across the country are set to get a re-vamp this summer.

Approximately 2000 seats will be replaced with the ‘Empire Premiere seat throughout Swindon, Sunderland, Bishops Stortford, High Wycombe and Great Park. Major seating repairs are also going to take place in Sutton and Hemel Hempstead.

Work has also already started in laying 20,000 square metres of new carpet in YDULRXV (PSLUH FLQHPDV 7KH ÀUVW SKDVH of the operation sees carpet being replaced DW 6ZLQGRQ &O\GHEDQN 6XWWRQ &ROGÀHOG Basildon and High Wycombe, with more cinemas set to receive it over the summer.

Steve Clode, regional facilities manager, has expressed his enthusiasm with the project. “The feedback we have received where these works have already taken place has all been positive and we are trying to ensure that all work is being undertaken so that disruption is kept to a minimum.�

The project will also be re-vamping retail stands at Swindon, Basildon and Sutton &ROGÀHOG DQG D %HQ DQG -HUU\¡V FRXQWHU ZLOO be installed at Bishops Stortford.

Finally, the toilets will be receiving some special attention at the following cinemas: Basildon, Bromley, Great Park, Hemel Hempstead, High Wycombe, Slough, Sutton, 6XWWRQ &ROGĂ€HOG 6ZLQGRQ DQG :LJDQ

New payroll system This summer, Empire Cinemas are changing the way we administrate our staff’s pay.

At the moment, cinema staff are using the ‘pen and paper technique’ for clocking in and out and to make holiday requests A trial has been launched of a new internet based

system which uses biometric and codes for clocking in.

Suzanne Hills, project manager, explains WKDW ´,W ZLOO HQVXUH HIÀFLHQF\ DQG DFFXUDF\ in our payroll reporting and allow us to control our expenditure more effectively, not to mention save a few trees!�

Background work is already in place and the system is set to pilot in three Empire

cinemas: Leicester Square, Clydebank and Newcastle for two months. The team hope it will be less time consuming for the management team and easier for team members to communicate holiday leave.

Once it has been tested and proved itself worthy, it’s planned to be launched in the remainder of Empire Cinemas by the end of September.

PC Switchover Going behind the scenes, into the cogs of (PSLUH &LQHPDV WKH RIĂ€FHV DUH KRPH WR DQ array of computers and laptops ranging from IDLUO\ QHZ PRGHOV UXQQLQJ RII :LQGRZV ;3 to pre-historic ones using Windows 98.

That is about to change as a new scheme has been launched which will ensure all computers are running off the latest operating system, Windows 7, and using 2IĂ€FH This will be done by upgrading all current PCs and laptops so that they have the latest software, and introducing 87 new computers and 7 new laptops in cinemas around the country.

The new PCs will be Dell Optiplex 380 desktops with 19 inch TFT monitors, running RII :LQGRZV DQG 2IĂ€FH 7KH WHDP behind this exciting switchover hope all new equipment will be in place and up and running by the beginning of June.

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 15

A BONNY SCOTTISH EXPERIENCE From  Birmingham  to  West  Dunbartonshire,  our  journey  around  Empire  Cinemas  takes  us  to  RXU ŹUVW 6FRWWLVK PXOWLSOH[ (PSLUH &O\GHEDQN

16 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2011

PULSE TEAM IN FOCUS

P

ulse takes a look at Clydebank’s history, recent developments and plans for the future. Situated in the Clyde Regional Centre, West from Glasgow city centre, Empire Clydebank has some of the largest screens in the area, its biggest seating 388 people.

Originally an AMC before becoming a UCI, customers come from far and wide to this location even with the arrival of Odeon and Showcase meaning more cinema choice.

It was given an internal refurbishment in 1989 and has maintained its 10 screens to WKLV GD\ ,W EHFDPH D IXOO\ Ă HGJHG SDUW RI WKH Empire group in 2006.

The surrounding area offers a wide range of fast food restaurants along with a Playdrome Sports centre for the kids and the Clyde Shopping Centre for the adults.

Over the years, Empire Clydebank has seen a whole host of famous people pass through its foyer including Jeremy Irons 7KH /LRQ .LQJ 7HUU\ *LOOLDP 7KH )LVKHU .LQJ DQG 5REELH &ROWUDQH 7ZLQ 7RZQ

Coltrane was the only person ever allowed to smoke a cigar in the hall whilst attending an exclusive premier! Most customers opt for the famous salted popcorn with butter

when visiting Empire Clydebank but staff occasionally have to deal with expectant fathers arriving to collect strange food combinations for their wives/girlfriends. The most unusual request to date has been cheese and chillies on sweet popcorn!

The Big E programme at Empire Clydebank, which has been a huge success so far, has encouraged and motivated staff in their work. Each member of the team has their own “Mini Meâ€? character that is displayed on their performance tracker, which incorporates POSH reviews, timekeeping and attendance, that all lead towards the Team Member of the Month award. The winner will receive a ÂŁ25 voucher for a shop of their choice.

General Manager Suzanne Hills said: “Interaction is more responsive and less robotic. It has bought the team much closer together as we have a common goal and we are being more supportive of each other.�

Suzanne sums up the team members thoughts on the Big E programme by saying: “It makes you think about your approach to each customer, making conscious decisions as to what you are going to say, how you are going to say it and how, if possible, you can

be more personal.�

Empire Clydebank’s team planned a Pirates Day event on Saturday May 21st, to celebrate the opening of Pirates of the Caribbean: on Stranger Tides. This community led day involved children dressed as pirates, the cinema foyer resembling a pirate’s ship, as well as gifts and merchandise from Disney.

The team’s main focus for the future is to continue improving on customer experience by continuous refreshment training all year for the Mini Me groups and a focus on POSH reviews and Employee of the Month. Another step will be taking on board customer comments from the Your Opinion Matters survey which is a huge priority for the team. A board will display all positive and negative comments so that they can improve the negatives and continue to do well and improve on the positives. On the technical side, more 3D screens are also being installed at Empire Clydebank, along with a fully upgraded PC system.

Suzanne said: “We are the biggest and most unusual ‘family’ you will come across and we all support each other in a fun environment for ourselves and our customers.�

One of our larger, more established cinemas, Empire Clydebank’s ‘family’ oriented approach is what makes it stand out, along with it’s ever loyal customers who keep coming back for the delicious salted popcorn with butter!

MEET Â THE Â CLYDEBANK Â TEAM

INTERESTING  FACTS Clydebank  has  a  total  of  36  team  members The  total  number  of  admissions  to  date  is  in  excess  of  15  million  people 7KH FLQHPD ZDV ŚUVW RSHQHG LQ 1988 Empire  Clydebank’s  biggest  VHOOLQJ ŚOP WKLV \HDU ZDV 7KH King’s  Speech  making  a  huge  £46,700,  but  this  has  just  been  topped  by  Tangled  (2D  and  3D)  at  £47,200 Empire  Clydebank  sell  more  salted  popcorn  than  sweet!

General Manager: Suzanne Hills started as a team member in 1988 and has worked her way up the Empire career ladder to General Manager. Suzanne opened the )LOPZRUNV *UHHQZLFK WKH 8.¡V ÀUVW FLUFXODU cinema. She is also the new Project Manager of a new electronic Payroll project. She has a deep rooted fear of spiders, heights and tight spaces!

Assistant General Manager: Andrew Rapson started for UCI in July 1994. After WDNLQJ D \HDU RII WR KHOS ORRN DIWHU KLV ÀUVW VRQ Andrew has progressed through the cinema team from staff member to team leader. He became a full time manager shortly after Empire Clydebank became part of the Empire chain in 2006. Now an AGM he assists the GM role where necessary. His job has enabled him to discover it is possible to function perfectly

well on four hours sleep a day.

Manager: Alan Hogg has been employed

by UCI/Empire for 16 years. His previous role was the Manager of a West of Scotland photographic retail chain and one of the UK’s top 20 photographic salespeople in 1988! He is also an Ex- DJ for Glasgow Art School and Glasgow University stations as well as DJ-ing for a band called Torsilator.

Manager: Emma Brand started working for Empire Clydebank in 1994 and has met some of her best friends over the last 16.5 \HDUV RI ZRUNLQJ WKHUH +HU IDYRXULWH ÀOP LV The Princess Bride or Eraserhead, depending on her mood!

The Supervisor team: Michelle, Karen, Jerry, John and Steven all pull together to provide leadership and encouragement to other staff.

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 17

K C A B D E E F R E M O T S CU D R A O B E NOTIC Your

This issue, instead letters from customers, we’ve plastered the noticebaord with written feedback from the Uour Opinion Matters online survey. Spot your cinema and enjoy!

Opinion Matters

SPECIAL

Iw if I as on ent wou crut e SU r the ld nee ches a TT d ON cinem any nd h a elp It’ sl rec ove l a f ognise y wh req yo en t SL OU uent u aga hey GH atte in i nde f yo Alw r ua a re HE ys r ME eall L H y po EM lite a PS TE nd ch AD att y

in a d lady e l b a s ma i or a d d your cine d f r e r ite ase a ca We vis th very ple lding I am . r i a o h ui b c wheel r and were ty of the b e e ili wer togeth e accessib staff e e h h t t l and w Al l . with u s f e p i l he cilit and fa odating and xperience e m accom ry pleasant ve K had a ful.

T PAR A E d help R n G a y l friend ent to e very ie I w ere v r e o w m s w Staff a sold old queue lved e s h a t w It ugh invo en tho t everyone v e d n a ep er than they k nd rath ie r huge f K a N EBA me like CLYD Treated er m a custo ARK P GREAT pful and hel y l d n ie r ek) really f ce a we n o ( it Always e we vis every tim ON SWIND g the ad takin en l e n O staff. e scre nter th e Friendly o t s tub l as my ticket s dibility helpfu for the re ickets t e s was inc is a h olved th d purc wife ha een and he res cr wrong s ON SWIND 18 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2011

ask ed to

PULSE FEEDBACK

ets ick said t the e and WOH e r il o OLW t t m sm WKH a h t ar V guy eat w ,W e Th a gr ßOP unt nd H o ta n had \ WK at c a as R e h HQM gs t TLE ple ther nd y l S n if r eal da thi WCA s r sking neede t ou E a a N u w we abo rk ant ays ist , alw else k us ar pa very s As pful hing o as a c was aff d t l t e y e st d t n i g h s a berin prov ough ovely a w em th le l hey rem as t ich I who LD car s wh n the DFIE pas d. O COL goo TTON SU

Her inte patien c r imp acted e was o b SW rtant rill w fantas IND i as a pa th the tic and ON rent kids s Tic , ve he ket ry BAS m ILD an ver y jo ON lly Sta ff are toil r e sta t is a eady t lwa f oh ys elp like f are c a w l l t e w o a ays n, f ith in tha u s e n r f s BR k you this o miley iendly o, r st OM . p LEY aff portu I wo u and n thu ity to ld mbs up

Mix up with the drink s was quickly sorted out with no problems. Friendly staff HIGH WYCOMBE

In general from all my experiences at this cinema, all staff are unbelie vably welcoming, helpful, attentive and friendly service is always great SUNDERLAND

Th and e tea ver my m we so y we frien re ve d l m SU eon com s an ry po TT e’s e li d m lite ke ON ad h t Se CO ome we e us o m cu w L ere fee e DF TX rit I L y F ent l E s abo NO\ LD eri DQ taff u ng GR t p G H a l w EA oo I T P r b ßFLH ays AR ehav QWO\ res S e taf ic N iou WR pon K . fo f w e d m

ri r r ere n c FRP , fo a e r t d e n a l e o ine SOD y ph ll r ma LQW th ). T cal c eally exce atmos s i V e h m g m r h n g i a e o vis sel y s arit o yth am, w r d e i . v v t e n E WI mo es t eeme y (f and E atio ing t r GA re d d ha n smil lent loc SQUAR a t m to ee co push le N l b e a R c t b ing ade e e ne ex TE stic for CES njo com is fanta m y LEI r e enj ying e ve rs s ar r senio oy t a e s o my f e e h c T rvi e s the E L POO

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 19

PULSE STAFF PROFILE

Dancing the day

Away

 To  the  untrained  eye  of  our  customers,  Empire  employees  may  look  like  ordinary  people,  but  ZH OLNH WR GLJ D OLWWOH GHHSHU DQG ŚQG RXW ZKDW JRHV RQ LQ WKHLU SULYDWH OLYHV ,W WXUQV RXW WKHUH DUH VRPH YHU\ LQWHUHVWLQJ KREELHV DQG DFWLYLWLHV KLGLQJ EHKLQG WKRVH XQLIRUPV

T

his issue, we delve into the world of Jessica Hart-Shea from Empire Hemel Hempstead. When at work, she is an Assistant General Manager, whose main priorities are motivating staff, dealing with customers and manning her desk.

In her free time and special occasions, Jess reveals a completely

different side of herself – her keen interest in the fashion, music and movies of the 1940’s. “The interest was passed down from my mum who used to sit me down in front of black and white movies when I was little. I used to watch in awe of all the glamour and romance.

My mum also used to have a collection of vintage dresses, one of which I still have, which I love and will occasionally wear to events or weddings. “I love the Golden Age of Hollywood and the glamour that surrounded screen icons, it’s something you don’t really see that often today.�

Jessica lists some of her all-time IDYRXULWH Ă€OPV DV +DUYH\ ,W¡V D :RQGHUIXO Life and Bringing up Baby, and favourite actors and actresses as Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire, Cary Grant and Rita Hayworth. “I feel like I have a great appreciation for the stars and the people who lived at the time. It was a really tough time to live in, and there was so much sadness during the war. They had so little but they were still so glamorous.â€?

Thirty-one-year-old Jess’ love for black and white movies was encourDJHG ZKHQ VKH HQMR\HG Ă€OP VWXGLHV DW A Level. Jess pursued a different path at University, but is happy to be working in the cinema industry. Now, she attends monthly 1940’s-themed Blitz Parties in the fashionable area of Shoreditch, London. The nights include fancy dress, a live band playing jazz music, a bar that serves 1940’s beer and gin & tonic, and authentic 1940’s dancing. “The parties are really fun because everyone goes in fancy dress and looks IDEXORXV VRPH RI WKH RXWĂ€WV DUH WUXO\ amazing and so vibrant. It is brilliant because you get to meet people that have the same interests as you, although I’m quite lucky in that my group of friends all share the same passion as me. You can try your hand at some authentic dancing too, which is always fun. I can do a little bit of Jive, but my friend can do the Lindy Hop and she’s amazing! I’ve been to a lot of

“ The  parties  are  really  fun  because  HYHU\RQH JRHV LQ IDQF\ GUHVV DQG

INTERESTING  FACTS JESSICA  HART-­  SHEA What is your favourite film of 2010?

Shutter Island What is your favourite film of 2011 so far?

The King’s Speech Who is your favourite actor?

James Stewart Popcorn, sweet or salted?

Popcorn is mixed, half sweet, half salt!

20 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2011

“

ORRNV IDEXORXV

There  is  never  a  better  time  to  dance

1940’s themed weddings too, they’re always lots of fun.�

If you saw her working at Empire Hemel Hempstead, you wouldn’t for one second think that Jessica is a 1940’s style icon outside of the cinema.“At work I’m pretty limited obviously, because of the uniform, but I do love to incorporate a bit of red lipstick into my everyday look!

Who says you can’t be glamorous all of time?�

High Wycombe

PULSE TEAM BLOG

 M A

TELOG

B

very own Empire team members. r you by n tte wri is t tha ge pa the to Welcome “Hello!� from your favourite cousins in the Buckinghamshire

G

reetings from the heart of Buckinghamshire and highĂ€YHV IURP +LJK :\FRPEH It’s great to be taking over the Blog for this edition of Pulse. So much has been happening here over the last few weeks with lots of charity and community work, the launch of our Big E retail incentive plus the development of ‘Hollywyc’, our very own ‘Big E’ area!

OMI! Retail Incentive We’ve all heard of OMG! Well, our new retail incentive is all about OMI! We wanted to come up with an incentive which could move our retail operation forward and encompass the values of The Big E. That’s what ‘One More Item’ is all about.

Simply put, the incentive is about making the experience personal and suggesting an appropriate extra retail item for each customer. This is tracked by Items per Transaction of each Team Member, with weekly E-Pound prizes for top performers and a star prize at the end of the six week incentive period. So far the results have been excellent with big improvements every week.

The Birth of ‘Hollywyc’ After discussing ways of keeping The Big E values at the forefront of each and every shift, the concept of ‘Hollywyc’ was born! Although still in its early stages, we are looking to create an area that inspires our team to deliver The Big E consistently and take pride in ourselves and our cinema.

Along with reminders and references to each Big E character, we have also reinforced this with famous quotes from pioneers of customer experience such as Walt Disney.

Moving forward, there will be an area to check your appearance before going out to deliver The Big E, a staff comment board, Big E plan updates, a ‘Walk Of Fame’ for 6LOYHU (V DQG Ă€QDOO\ WKH ELUWK RI QHZ DUHDV such as Beverl-E Hills and Rod-E-o Drive! ,W¡V DPELWLRXV EXW ZH Ă€UPO\ EHOLHYH LW ZLOO keep our team focussed on delivering the very best customer experience.

Sponsored Walk With a cinema competitor right on our doorstep it’s important that we distinguish ourselves as the ‘community’ cinema and look to get involved in the local area and

charity projects. One such project took place on Sunday 10th April, when 16 of our team took part in a sponsored walk to raise funds for the Mayor of High Wycombe’s charity, The Pepper Foundation, which provides support for the care of terminally ill children. :H DUULYHG DW DP D WLPH WKDW PDQ\ RI XV were clearly not used to seeing!) kitted out in RXU ÀOP WKHPHG IDQF\ GUHVV ZLWK HYHU\RQH IURP 6SLGHUPDQ WR %LJ ( 0DQ \HV UHDOO\

to a Dalmation and the House from ‘Up’ in attendance! It was a great morning and along with a charity screening, we raised around ÂŁ1000 for The Pepper Foundation! There may have been a few fry-ups consumed afterwards.

Thanks  to  Paul  and  the  team  for  the  great  pics  and  this  issue’s  Team  Blog!

Look  out  for  the  next  one  in  PULSE  autumn  edition  05.

If  you’d  like  to  get  involved,  please  email  us  at: HGLWRUSXOVH#HPSLUHFLQHPDV FR XN

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 21

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SUNDAE COMPETITION WINNER Lyndsey Warnett, Sunderland “BANA-NUTTY SUMMER SUNDAE” Fairly Nuts Chunky Monkey Caramel Sauce Sprinkle of Hazlenut Whipped Cream Swirl of Caramel

This super sundae will be Empire Cinema’s promotional summer ice cream, coming to foyers soon!

Lyndsey has won x2 tickets to attend the Sundae on the Common Festival in July

26 28

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART II COWBOYS AND ALIENS

30 32

SUPER 8

RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

33 34

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER

X-­MEN: FIRST CLASS

36 37 39

‘

ContentsUHYLHZV

11

MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS

THE BEAVER

38 39

SENNA CARS 2 / KUNG FU PANDA 2

THE LITTLE BLACK BOX

THE LITTLE BLUE BOX

Look to me for fantastic facts on this season’s releases

Look to me for all your vital film knowledge

NOT ALL FILMS LISTED WILL BE SHOWN AT ALL EMPIRE CINEMAS

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 25

Potter  on  his  last  legs?

spellbinding HARRY  POTTER  AND  THE DEATHLY  HALLOWS:  PART  2 July  2011

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name that needs no introduction, the Harry Potter ÀOPV KDYH become iconic since Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone hit cinema screens a whole decade ago. J.K Rowling’s series of books have captured the hearts and minds of children and adults alike, selling a combined 400 million books worldwide and being translated into GLIIHUHQW ODQJXDJHV 7KLV ÀQDO LQVWDOPHQW will have fans across the world mourning the end of the journey, but it’s certainly not going out without a bang. Truly appealing to those of any age, it’s guaranteed to attract huge numbers to every cinema. Not only will Dan & Sarah be heading along to see the conclusion of the story which began in their younger years but The Palmer Family will also be out in force.

Fans of the books will already know the plot off by heart but it’s only fair that

everyone else is brought up to speed. The ÀUVW SDUW RI Deathly Hallows saw Harry, Hermione and Ron hunt down the Horcruxes in an attempt to destroy them to defeat the evil Lord Voldemort. Along the way they discover the existence of the Deathly Hallows, three of the most powerful objects in the wizarding world. Part 2 sees the trio head back to Hogwarts to destroy the last of the Horcruxes but, unfortunately for them, Lord Voldemort discovers their mission. ,W FXOPLQDWHV LQ D ÀQDO HSLF EDWWOH EHWZHHQ Hogwarts and Voldemort’s evil forces. This mix of intense action and magic will prove a big reason for JJ to head along to the cinema.

Since donning the scar and glasses to become Harry Potter back in 2001, Daniel Radcliffe’s career has been remarkable for someone who is only 21 years old. Having KDG D GHVLUH WR DFW VLQFH WKH DJH RI ÀYH KH ÀUVW DSSHDUHG RQ RXU VFUHHQV LQ D

26 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2011

adaptation of the Charles Dickens book 'DYLG &RSSHUÀHOG. Two years later he would gain worldwide exposure as Harry Potter but that’s not the only role he’s lent himself to in the past decade. In 2007, he starred in WKH LQGHSHQGHQW $XVWUDOLDQ ÀOP December Boys and also appeared on stage in Equus, a role which gained much publicity due to him appearing nude in one scene. Now that his time on Harry Potter has come to a close, he has several other projects on the horizon. +LV QH[W ÀOP ZLOO EH The Woman in Black, a supernatural thriller.

Playing the level-headed Hermione Granger once again is Emma Watson. At only 9 years old when cast as Hermione, Emma is the youngest of the main characters. Prior to Harry Potter, she had only appeared in school plays but was thrust into the public H\H ZKHQ WKH ÀUVW RI WKH ÀOPV ZDV UHOHDVHG Aside from Harry Potter, she also appeared

PULSE FILMS IN FOCUS

Harry  and  Voldermort,  7KH ¿QDO IDFH RII

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by the British public after coming last in the LQ WKH %%& ÀOP Ballet Shoes and voiced a 1988 Olympics. character in The Tale of Despereaux. Outside Of course, while central to the story it of acting, she has recently been highly isn’t only the heroic trio that are making involved in fashion and modelling. In 2009 a return to the screen. After her BAFTA she became the face of a new Burberry winning performance as Queen Elizabeth in campaign, modelling their Autumn/Winter The King’s Speech, Helena Bonham Carter collection. She was also involved with makes her return as Bellatrix Lestrange, a People Tree, a Fair Trade fashion brand, as faithful member of Voldemort’s inner circle. a creative advisor. Life after Harry Potter Speaking of which, Ralph Fiennes returns will see Emma appearing in My Week with as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Ralph Marilyn DQ XSFRPLQJ ÀOP DERXW 0DULO\Q has kept pretty quiet between the Deathly Monroe. While she won’t be appearing as Hallows instalments, Monroe herself but, on the basis of the Deathly  Hallows  Part  2  brings  the  but you wouldn’t talent displayed in franchise  series  to  a  close  in  a  expect anything less from the enigmatic the Harry Potter ŚWWLQJ ZD\ DQG FORVHV WKH FKDSWHU Lord Voldemort. ÀOPV VKH¡V FHUWDLQ on  what  has  been  an  amazingly  Taking up directing to put in a stellar VXFFHVVIXO GHFDGH duties once again is performance.

David Yates, who has A recurring KHOPHG WKH +DUU\ 3RWWHU ÀOPV VLQFH WKH ÀIWK WKHPH WKURXJKRXW WKH VHULHV RI ÀOPV LV WKH instalment, Order of the Phoenix, in 2007. will they/won’t they relationship between Having worked with the actors for the last four Hermione and Ron Weasley, played by years, he certainly knows how to get the best Rupert Grint. As with his two co-stars, Harry out of them and it truly shows on camera. Being 3RWWHU ZDV 5XSHUW¡V ÀUVW PDMRU UROH DQG LV WKH so familiar with the source material also ensures RQH WKDW FRQWLQXHV WR GHÀQH KLP +RZHYHU that he captures the atmosphere of the books he’s also been successful in a number of perfectly on screen. He’s also proven himself other roles. In 2002 he appeared in the family on numerous occasions away from Harry Potter comedy Thunderpants, before securing his KDYLQJ ZRQ DZDUGV IRU KLV VKRUW ÀOP When I ÀUVW OHDGLQJ UROH LQ Driving Lessons in 2006.

Was A Girl and TV series State Of Play.

He then went on to show his dramatic skills Deathly Hallows Part 2 brings the in Cherrybomb in 2009 and starred alongside IUDQFKLVH VHULHV WR D FORVH LQ D ÀWWLQJ ZD\ Bill Nighy in Wild Target the following and closes the chapter on what has been an year. His next project sees him tackle the amazingly successful decade. This is what eponymous role in Eddie the Eagle D ÀOP all the years of hard work have been leading about the British skier who became loved

up to and the entire cast and crew have done their best to ensure that every single Harry Potter fan will leave the cinema pleased. In past years many have accused the Academy Awards of snubbing the Harry Potter franchise but Deathly Hallows Part 2 shows that it’s about time they took notice. This is the biggest cinematic event of the year; you’d be a muggle to miss it.

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Adventure / Fantasy Director: David Yates Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint Movie Recommendations: Twilight Red Riding Hood Sucker Punch FANTASTIC FACTS Over 500 wands were made for use in the film.

Deathly Hallows Part 2 is set to be the first Harry Potter film released in 3D. Plans to convert Part 1 to 3D were scrapped so as to avoid delays.

Deathly Hallows Part 1 was the 10th highest grossing film of all time.

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 27

Craig  as  the  fogetful  lead,  Jake  Lonergan.  Â

Wild  West   vs   Deep  Space The  Indians  are  on  a  leave  of  absence.

COWBOYS  AND  ALIENS August  2011

H

ave you ever wondered what would happen if James Bond and Indiana Jones teamed up WR Ă&#x20AC;JKW D JURXS RI DOLHQV" <RX can be sure that Billy and JJ have. Now that question is about to be answered. Iron Man director Jon Favreau has taken the reigns RI WKLV QHZ VFL Ă&#x20AC; DFWLRQ DGYHQWXUH IRU ZKDW hopes to be one of the biggest draws of the summer blockbuster season.

The Dan & Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of the world have got plenty to invest themselves in as well.

Regardless of their age, just about every male on the planet has at some point wished they could be an iconic legend like Bond. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just the men who drool though. You can only imagine what was running through Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

mind as Daniel Craig came strutting out of the ocean in Casino Royale. The man men want to be and women want to be with. Not that he is the only reason to come and see this movie by any means.

In case you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t catch the title, this movieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about cowboys battling actual aliens, with James Bond and Indiana Jones as the main force of attack. Two classic JHQUHV ZHVWHUQV DQG VFL Ă&#x20AC; WKULOOHUV PHUJHG H[TXLVLWHO\ LQ WR D VLQJOH Ă&#x20AC;OP ,W¡V JHQLXV As you might be able to tell, PULSE are extremely excited about this particular release. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s try and catch our breath and see if we can pull together an acceptable preview.

Favreau has enjoyed massive success with the Iron Man franchise, now heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

28 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2011

stepped away from that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decided to have a go at some less familiar source material; and boy, has he picked a beauty. This is his third stab at comic-book movie fare, a genre which seems to have hundreds of Ă&#x20AC;OPV EHLQJ UHOHDVHG WKLV VXPPHU :H DUH QRW complaining though as the standards have shot up since Nolan broke the mould with his Batman series.

Amongst the cast is sultry, sexpot Olivia Wilde. Last seen brightening up the grid in TRON: Legacy, this time around sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SOD\LQJ D VDVV\ EDUWHQGHU DLGLQJ LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;JKW against outer space. Sam Rockwell is another welcome addition to the cast. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reteaming with Favreau after his beautifully smarmy turn as Justin Hammer in Iron Man 2. This

PULSE FILMS IN FOCUS

FANTASTIC FACTS Jon Favreau is the first person to appear in a Marvel Comic film adaptation, (Daredevil) as well as direct on (Iron Man).

Daniel Craig is the first Bond actor to have been born after the Bond series began.

Craig  and  Ford  having  a  Brokeback  moment

Harrison Ford has the highest box office record of any actor in the world. Estimated at around $5.65 billion dollars.

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Action Director: Jon Favreau Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde Movie Recommendations: Attack the Block Paul

Olivia  Wilde  once  again  lighting  up  the  screen  in  a  strong  female  role

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LV WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW RI 'DQLHO &UDLJ¡V Ă&#x20AC;UVW PDMRU UHOHDVH Lonergan is taken prisoner and set to be of the year. Aside from being her majestyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most transported to a county marshal, but before valuable agent, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also got The Adventures of that can happen, something appears from Tintin out later this year as well as being cast as the sky and the fun, sorry, chaos ensues.

Mikael Blomkvist in David Fincherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remake of All of the writers involved in Cowboys The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. This is going to be vs. Aliens are bringing certain skills to the a massive year for him.

WDEOH 7KH\¡YH DOO GDEEOHG LQ Ă&#x20AC;OP DQG 79 Ford has been working steadily over the last few years, his ascending years however have kept mixing up period with modern day action DQG VFL Ă&#x20AC; 6RPH RI WKHLU &9¡V PD\ QRW EH him away from the action since 2008â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of Crystal Skull. It is a joy KHOG XS DV JORULRXV DUWLVWLF Ă&#x20AC;OPPDNLQJ to see him putting the fedora back on and proving genius but it can be deemed as explosive, blockbusting excellence. Their credits tick he can still kick an ass or two. off something from every genre and subAs far as the plot goes, Craig plays Jake genre you can think of. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear they have Lonergan, a drifter who wakes up in the desert a solid grasp on adapting this great comic outside the town of Absolution. He has no idea series and have great combined experience who he is or how he got there. He does however have some kind of mechanical device attached to with a few of their titles including Mission Impossible 3, Transformers, Iron Man and KLV ZULVW :KHQ KH ZDQGHUV LQWR WRZQ KH Ă&#x20AC;QGV Children of Men. If they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t qualify as that no one does anything without the say so of

brilliant summer blockbusters, nothing will.

With the release date edging ever closer, the powers that be have slowly been releasing more footage and titbits to stop the fans heads from exploding. The brand new trailer, that has only recently hit us, has exposed more of the overall plot than has been available so far. It looks to be a good mix of old school set ups and new age developments. Not to mention the set-pieces that Favreau has been promising which look amazing enough to bring out the eight year old boy in all of us.

PULSE were lucky enough to be privy WR D SUH VFUHHQLQJ RI D SRUWLRQ RI WKLV Ă&#x20AC;OP and we were more than a little impressed.

No notes were taken during the 20 minutes we saw and you can rest assured it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t due to boredom. The effects, the actors, the set-design, everything was beyond brilliance.

Keep a keen eye out for this one.

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 29

A  childhood  alien  encounter.

Aliens,  Caught  on  Film We  could  be  witnessing  the  dawn  of  a  new  Spielberg

SUPER  8: August  2011

C

urrently one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest and most sought after directors, J.J. Abrams took a big gamble last year when he released a teaser for this movie without having shot a VLQJOH IUDPH RI Ă&#x20AC;OP ,W ZDVQ¡W HYHQ FOHDU LI the production had been green-lit but, when the trailer went viral, Billy and Dan took to WKHLU FRPSXWHUV DQG Ă RRGHG WKH LQWHUQHW ZLWK mind boggling amounts of speculation as to what this new project was.

Early rumours suggested that this could be the eagerly anticipated follow up to the $EUDPV SURGXFHG VPDVK KLW &ORYHUĂ&#x20AC;HOG EXW as fate would have it, those rumours were quickly quashed and a million fanboys hearts were broken. No, this was to be a standalone

project and Billy, Dan & Sarah all picked up the pieces of their broken laptops and began revelling in the excitement of an original VFL Ă&#x20AC; PRYLH /HW XV WKDQN RXU OXFN\ VWDUV WKDW VRPHRQH KDV Ă&#x20AC;QDOO\ KDG WKH FRXUDJH WR JHW moving on an original story and thrown the idea of another remake out the window.

As always, in the same vein as super director Christopher Nolan, J.J. is keeping plot details strictly under wraps. Now we could turn our noses up at this as if it GHPRQVWUDWHV D ODFN RI FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHQFH IURP WKH studios. Or we could enjoy a throwback to the days of old where we go into the cinema and are genuinely shocked and surprised without having every little plot detail leaked RQOLQH Ă&#x20AC;UVW

30 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2011

What we do know is that the story revolves around a small town in middle America that is rocked when a train crashes nearby. A train that is housing some kind of monstrous life form. A small group of children are shooting a home movie on their super 8 camera and capture the train crash and subsequent escape of the creature. They then try and use the footage as evidence to help save their town from total destruction.

With these particular plot elements and the help of the undeniably cool trailer, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FOHDU WR VHH WKH LQĂ XHQFH SURGXFHU 6WHYHQ 6SLHOEHUJ KDV KDG RQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP 7KH WRQDO DQG stylistic comparisons to his early work are uncanny. Not that you could blame anyone for taking a little inspiration from one of the

PULSE FILMS IN FOCUS KNOW YOUR STUFF

LQ 6RĂ&#x20AC;D &RSSROD¡V FXOW LQGLH GUDPD Somewhere last year.

Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Mystery The other is Kyle Chandler. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by no Director: J.J. Abrams means a household name yet but he has been paying his dues and building a reputation Producer: Steven Spielberg for himself for some time now. He turned in Starring: Elle Franning, Amanda solid supporting performances in the likes Michalka and Kyle Chandler of The Kingdom and King Kong. Since then Movie Recommendations: heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been part of the ensemble TV dramas Real Steel Greyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anatomy and pulled out an aweFACTS inspiring central performance in the TV FallingFANTASTIC Skies version of Friday Night Lights for which he was nominated for an Emmy. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on town FANTASTIC FACTS Sheriff and estranged father duties in what is a classic staple of the early Spielbergian cinema. None of the usual suspects will be J.J. Abramsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; debut film Mission: Impossible III disappointed. Sure, on the surface it looks is the most expensive film ever made by a first-time director. like a simple alien invasion movie. But if you care to venture a little deeper youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Ă&#x20AC;QG VRPH FRPLQJ RI DJH GUDPD D ZHH greatest directors to have ever lived. Look at little love story between two of the younger this as a blend of E.T and Close Encounters characters and a story of redemption for the of the Third Kind and mesh that with town sheriff. That is one &ORYHUĂ&#x20AC;HOG WKURZ /HW XV WKDQN RXU OXFN\ VWDUV WKDW VRPHRQH KDV ĹšQDOO\ KDG WKH the beautiful things about in a little bit of The courage  to  get  moving  on  an  original  story  and  thrown  the  idea  Abrams and Spielbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Goonies for good art. They are able to of  another  remake  out  the  window measure and you get a craft multiple genres and good idea of how this cohesive plot devices that are usually seen before, who do you think is going to be picture is shaping up.

FRQĂ&#x20AC;QHG WR LQGLH IHVWLYDO SLFWXUHV DQG the heroic survivor?

Haters out there will say that this looks wrap them around a high-concept idea that The only real notable names to be found like a knock off of those early Spielberg sells to the masses. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not an easy thing on the cast list are that of thirteen year old classics and that the idea lacks originality, to accomplish, and it is a testament to their Elle Fanning, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mostly due to the but we at PULSE like to look at it from a genius that they can continuously pull it off fact that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dakotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s little sister. She sunnier position. This is a respectful homage so well. did however put in a fantastic performance to those early classics. In the same way this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PAUL was a love letter to Spielberg from a comedy stand point, this is Abramsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own heartfelt note but on an entirely different spectrum.

He is taking responsibility for both writing and directing, though itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s likely that Spielberg will have been through the VFUHHQSOD\ ZLWK D Ă&#x20AC;QH WRRWK FRPE WR PDNH sure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to scratch. As J.J. is yet to make D EDG Ă&#x20AC;OP LW¡V VDIH WR VD\ WKDW H[SHFWDWLRQV of this are stratospheric. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be fair, who can deny the sheer awesomeness of Mission Impossible 3 and Star Trek? He was also the creator of a little TV show called Lost. This boy has serious skills.

It appears as if the casting directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s have taken a page out of Scream director, Wes Cravenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book. He is famous for casting largely unknown actors as it stops the DXGLHQFH IURP Ă&#x20AC;JXULQJ RXW ZKR¡V JRLQJ WR survive. If you have a disaster movie with Brad Pitt and three other actors youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never

Ellie  Fanning  and  Joel  Courtney  star  in  the  thrilling  Super  8

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 31

Monkeying  around,  causing  chaos  on  the  streets.

APE ESCAPE

RISE  OF  THE  PLANET  OF  THE  APES August  2011

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ollowing the footprints of Charlton Heston in Planet of the Apes, Rupert Wyattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interpretation of Rise of the Planet of the Apes is rumoured to be this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer blockbuster.

Captivating audiences since 1968, this franchise was originally inspired by novel â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Planet of the Apesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by Pierre Boulle. After Tim Burtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entirely new adaptation in 2001, 20th Century Fox are to release a prequel to the series, seeing James Franco taking on the struggle of human versus primate.

Appealing to those who want to see how the story began, this action packed UROOHUFRDVWHU LV VXUH WR Ă&#x20AC;OO VHDWV $ORQJVLGH other cinema goers will be Billy, JJ and even the Palmer family eagerly waiting at the front RI WKH TXHXH $YLG IDQV RI WKH SUHYLRXV Ă&#x20AC;OPV will recognise that director Rupert Wyattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imaginative addition is still centred on the development of genetic research in chimps.

6XFFHVV RI KLV GHEXW Ă&#x20AC;OP 7KH (VFDSLVW which he wrote and directed, set the bar for director Rupert Wyatt to do justice to this Ă&#x20AC;OPV OHJDF\ &R IRXQGHU RI DZDUG ZLQQLQJ production company Picture Farm, he has collaborated with WETA digital, who produced phenomenal visual effects for Avatar, in order to create photo-realistic apes rather than costumed actors.

Audiences will see James Franco as Will, the innovative scientist, struggling with his

fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and using his knowledge and expertise to develop a cure. Focusing on apes to get the most realistic results, he trials his virus aimed to restore brain functionality. Failed attempts result in his research experiment being shut down, leaving him only the child of his most promising monkey, Caesar. Audiences are captured with the relationship between Will and Caesar as the ape grows and evolves.

However, Caesarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s increasing human behaviour culminates in rebellion, catastrophe and the downfall of humanity.

Spirit award winner, Franco has a proven track record for lead roles such as Eat, Pray Love, 127 hours and recently Your Highness.

As well as supporting roles in the Spiderman WULORJ\ KH VHHPV RQO\ Ă&#x20AC;WWLQJ WR WDNH RYHU WKH role of Caesarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creator.

Through the use of ground-breaking digital movement technology, Andy Serkis has the task of imitating Caesar. Playing King Kong and Gollum in Lord of the Rings Trilogy he is responsible for bringing these characters to life and has the perfect CV for the job.

Serkis is also due to play Captain Haddock in WKH XSFRPLQJ Ă&#x20AC;OP 7KH $GYHQWXUHV RI 7LQWLQ The Secret of the Unicorn.

Starring alongside Franco and Serkis are two young critically acclaimed actors.

Slumdog Millionaire sensation Freida Pinto plays the primatologist, Caroline, whilst Tom Felton, who is best recognised as villainous Draco Malfoy from the Harry Potter Movies,

32 | PULSE MAGAZINE |SUMMER 2011

plays Dodge the evil research employee.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes adds another fantastic addition to a vast back catalogue of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hits. Ground breaking technology and an Oscar winning cast encourage us to breathe life back in to one of our cult classics. Some are sceptical at WDPSHULQJ ZLWK DQ RULJLQDO EXW WKLV Ă&#x20AC;OP RQO\ embodies and enhances the tale. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no monkey business about it!

FANTASTIC FACTS James Franco was handpicked by Robert De Niro for the film City Be the Sea in 2002.

The role of Will was originally offered to Tobey Maguire but he turned it down and the role went to James Franco.

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Action, Sci-fi Director: Rupert Wyatt Starring: James Franco, Andy Serkis and Freida Pinto Movie Recommendations: Super 8 Transformers: Dark of the Moon X-Men: First Class

Setting  the  next  fashion  fad.

MORE MARVEL MAGIC CAPTAIN  AMERICA: THE  FIRST  AVENGER May  2011

:HĹ&#x17D;UH WUDYHOOLQJ EDFN WR ::,, WR ĹšQG WKH ĹšQDO DQG PRVW LPSRUWDQW PHPEHU RI WKH WHDP

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KH 0DUYHO WHDP DUH WDNLQJ WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO DQG PRVW GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW VWHS LQ FUDIWLQJ their team of Avengers. Billy, JJ, Dan & Sarah have already had the privilege of witnessing The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man and Thor. Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Captain Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turn to step up.

8SRQ Ă&#x20AC;UVW JODQFH LW PD\ QRW VHHP VR EXW this is arguably the most widely accessible Ă&#x20AC;OP WR GDWH DQG WKHUH JHQXLQHO\ LV VRPHWKLQJ for everyone. Billy and JJ get all of the fanboy action they could ever wish for. With the captain facing off against a group of fearmongering Naziâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s led by Hugo Weavingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Red Skull, Dan can enjoy all the action whilst mixing it up with plenty of World War II history. At the same time Sarah gets to sit back and swoon over man-mountain Chris Evans who has put in some serious gym time to transform himself into Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest poster boy.

The studios clearly have plenty of FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHQFH LQ WKH SURMHFW DV WKH LQWHUQHW KDV been awash with promos and advertising for months. Initially, this was supposed to be a VWDQGDORQH Ă&#x20AC;OP ,W ZDVQ¡W XQWLO WKH LGHD RI The Avengers movie really came to fruition that the script was re-written to tie it in to that franchise.

The story revolves around a scrawny, young, would be soldier whom, after medical tests, is denied entry into the army. Due to his undying patriotism and displays of

true courage, he is chosen to take part in an experiment with a super soldier serum. That \RXQJ PDQ LV 6WHYH 5RJHUV (YDQV WKH future saviour of the world and leader of The Avengers. Once he has been transformed into the great captain, he must do battle with Nazi general Johann Schmidtt aka the Red Skull.

Evans is no stranger to comic book world. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already had success as the human torch in the Fantastic Four movies and playing Jensen, a member of a U.S Special Forces team, in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Losers.

Weaving was born to play the Red Skull. The original may only be just over ten years old, but The Matrixâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Agent Smith has already become one of the most iconic antagonists in movie history. The guy just oozes cool villainy. The JJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Billyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of the world rejoiced when director Joe Johnston announced that particularly perfect casting choice.

Rounding out the cast is Hayley Atwell as love interest Peggy Carter, Stanley Tucci DV WKH VFLHQWLĂ&#x20AC;F JHQLXV EHKLQG WKH VXSHU soldier serum and Dominic Cooper, as 7RQ\ 6WDUN¡V ,URQ 0DQ IDWKHU +RZDUG in a nod and a wink to the Marvel universe.

Hollywood legend Tommy Lee Jones Is playing Col. Chester Philips, the military leader responsible for overseeing the supersoldier program but the Hollywood legendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement is being kept fairly under the UDGDU LQ WKH K\SH EXLOG XS IRU WKLV Ă&#x20AC;OP

Director Joe Johnston is another crew member whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no stranger to the comic book world. He gave us the awesome The Rocketeer back in 1990 but his output has slowed a little in the last few years. If that PRYLH LV DQ\WKLQJ WR JR E\ KRZHYHU WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO set up for The Avengers is going to be an absolute corker.

FANTASTIC FACTS Chris Evans declined the role three times before finally accepting it after he had a meeting with the director and the producers who convinced him to take the role.

Jon Favreau was originally chosen by Marvel Studios to direct this film, but he chose to direct Iron Man

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Action, Adventure Director: Joe Johnston Starring: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving & Dominic Cooper Movie Recommendations: Thor Green Lantern X-Men: First Class

SUMMER 2011 |PULSE MAGAZINE | 33

The  X-­Men  crew.

X-­Men: First Class The Legend Begins Step  back  in  time  to  the  swinging  sixties,  to  the  end  of  a  IULHQGVKLS DQG WKH VWDUW RI DQ HWHUQDO ZDU X-­Men: First  Class June  2011

B

ack in 2005 Matthew Vaughn developing their considerable powers. What 50 years of comic-book lore. But given the was personally handed the begins as a virtuous friendship, with goals of SXEOLFLW\ WKDW LV EHLQJ SXVKHG IRU WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP WKH UHLQV WR WKH WKLUG ; 0HQ PRYLH peace and prosperity, soon develops into a VWXGLRV FOHDUO\ KDYH HYHU\ FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHQFH LQ KLV Unfortunately, due to personal ELWWHU ULYDOU\ WKDW ZLOO GHĂ&#x20AC;QH ERWK RI WKHLU OLYHV VWRU\ DQG WKH DOPRVW Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG SURGXFW and contractual reasons, he walked away Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; desire for mutant acceptance Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting treated to some extra-credit from the project, until now. that drives him yet the distance between he character development as we see our old Flash forward six years, after having and Eric grows due to Ericâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s undying quest friends Mystique and Beast train and evolve received brownie points from the their abilities. This allows us a critics for Stardust and Kick Ass, glimpse into their tortured pasts that Superhero  movies  have  always  had  a  fantastic  heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now back as Foxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golden boy made them the heroes and villains sense  when  it  comes  to  casting.

EULQJLQJ WKH ; 0HQ IUDQFKLVH LQWR that we are now accustomed to. All a whole new era. This instalment of that is inevitably going to lead to sees the action go back to the 1960â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when some spectacularly explosive action that will for vengeance on his torturers in WWII. He mutants were still unknown to the world and believes that mutants should inherit the earth, entice JJ and Dan. is set against the back drop of the Cuban Regular Vaughn collaborator, Jane that they are the better men. How long can missile crisis.

Goldman, has aided in writing the script. As itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the two men remain a team?

After expanding the universe extensively worked to such phenomenal effect so far thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s This is not just another comic book in The Last Stand and Origins: Wolverine, no reason they should change their system now. movie for the kids. The historical and unfortunately to a slightly negative response, Superhero movies have always had a political background of the story should they are now taking things back to basics. fantastic sense when it comes to casting. For arouse the attentions of both Dan and Mr 7KH SORW Ă&#x20AC;QGV WKH \RXQJ &KDUOHV ;DYLHU DQG old faces, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a way of opening yourself up Palmer. Vaughan is playing a risky game, Eric Lensherr, before they became Professor to a new fan base. Patrick and Ian certainly potentially rewriting history and the events ; DQG 0DJQHWR UHFUXLWLQJ WKHLU WHDP DQG reached a new plateau after becoming RI WKH SUHYLRXV Ă&#x20AC;OPV DQG QRW WR PHQWLRQ

34| PULSE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2011

PULSE FILMS IN FOCUS

A  young  Magneto.

The  birth  of  Magento.

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Action, Adventure Director: Matthew Vaughn Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence Movie Recommendations: Reel steel Transformers: Dark of the Moon Avatar FANTASTIC FACTS Both Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy appeared in Band of Brothers at the start of their careers. This marks their first appearance together since then.

This film has been developed from the original idea of creating an Origins movie about Magneto.

Matthew Vaughn was also in line to direct Thor.

synonymous with this franchise. And for up and coming talent itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a way of propelling you into the stratosphere of superstardom.

Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence was the subject of huge discussion last year after her fantastic turn in Winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bone, but she is no household name yet. That is a problem that will be solved after she plays Mystique in all her blue-toned, naked glory.

Oliver Platt is also aboard as The Man In Black, a secretive government agent who is in cahoots with Charles and Eric during the missile crisis. Recognisable from 2012, Love And Other Drugs and cult-favourite Lake Placid.

Filling the shoes of Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellan is no easy feat. But by putting two of not only Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, but the ZRUOG¡V Ă&#x20AC;QHVW XS DQG FRPLQJ DFWRUV -DPHV McAvoy and Michael Fassbender was a seriously good call.

Happily for us theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re continuing with a showcase of British talent by giving About A Boy and Skins star, Nicolas Hoult, a chance to shine in the big leagues. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been cast as Hank McCoy/Beast, a part made famous by the brilliant Kelsey Grammar in the third movie. /HJHQGDU\ ; PHQ FKDUDFWHU (PPD )URVW LV Ă&#x20AC;QDOO\ EHLQJ EURXJKW LQWR WKH PRYLHV ,W LV VXUSULVLQJ WKDW LW¡V WDNHQ Ă&#x20AC;YH Ă&#x20AC;OPV EHIRUH LQWURGXFLQJ KHU FKDUDFWHU JLYHQ how big a part she has played in the history of the comics. January Jones is stepping into her shoes. She was last seen in the Liam Neeson led thriller Unknown but got her ELJ EUHDN DV WKH REMHFW RI )LQFK DQG 6WLĂ HU¡V affections in American Pie: The Wedding.

In an unexpected, but by no means

unwelcome piece of casting, Kevin Bacon is playing the big bad guy of the movie, Sebastian Shaw. The ever reliable Bacon is no stranger to blockbusters or small character driven pictures and his magnetic charm is always among the highlights of DQ\ Ă&#x20AC;OP $QG Ă&#x20AC;QDOO\ ZH KDYH WKH HYHU VR ORYHDEOH Rose Byrne as Moira McTaggart. After a EULHI DSSHDUDQFH LQ ; VKH LV WKH ORQJ WLPH friend of Charles and a CIA agent. Byrneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been making a name for herself in brilliant indies and some truly raunchy comedies of late, titles like Get Him To The Greek, Sunshine and 28 Weeks Later.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be surprised if, in true Marvel fashion, an old friend pops in for a quick cameo. Those guys simply canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help themselves when it comes to a nod and a wink cameo.

7KH VW\OH DQG WRQH RI WKLV Ă&#x20AC;OP LV JRLQJ to be very different to anything youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen IURP WKH ; 0HQ XQLYHUVH EHIRUH 7KRVH with a working knowledge of the comic books and animated series may have already noticed that the black, leather uniforms have EHHQ UHSODFHG E\ WKH PXFK Ă DVKLHU EOXH DQG yellow ones. This keeps in with the tone of the brightly coloured, swinging sixties. ,W PD\ EH 0DUYHO EXW WKH ; 0HQ GRHV take place within its own universe, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be expecting to see any links to The $YHQJHUV KHUH ,W ZLOO GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ EH QLFH WR see them create a standalone feature without having to keep an eye out for every little spoiler and hint for the future on display.

First Class arrives in June so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 35

Mr Popper’s Penguins

Carrey tries his hardest to stop the stampede of penguins

You shouldn’t mix business with pleasure, or penguins!

05 3233(5Ŏ6 3(1*8,16 August 2011

T

he Palmer family have been getting spoilt rotten this year, especially the kids. The parents haven’t had it so bad either.

They’ve already had the likes of Tangled, Rio, Hop, Pirates of the Caribbean to name but a few. Now they have a brand new treat in the form of Jim Carrey’s latest slapstick jaunt Mr Popper’s Penguins.

Mr Carrey has been absent from this ÀHOG RI ÀOP PDNLQJ IRU VRPH WLPH QRZ +H·V strayed away from the rubber faced kiddie fare that made him a megastar in search of more intense, adult, darker pieces a la The Number 23 and I Love You Philip Morris.

It’s not all that surprising after his last few attempts at out and out comedy haven’t exactly received niceties from critics.

It is with a sense of great anticipation from fans and of course the Palmer family that Penguins is arriving just in time for summer. After Ace Ventura made his name, fans have been begging for a part 3 and while this may not be it, it is about as close as we’re ever going to get.

Carrey plays title character, Mr. Popper, a high powered business man with little time for friends, family and life for that matter.

That is until he inherits six penguins from a deceased relative. From there he begins to transform his home into a kind of winter

wonderland to co-habit with his newly beloved Penguins.

Director Mark Waters is usually known for his more female friendly movies such as the likes of Freaky Friday, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past and Mean Girls. This means, that in terms of this movie, he certainly knows how to balance the laughs with true heartfelt emotion. This is a skill shared with Carrey that has allowed him to continue to be a dominating comedic and dramatic force over the last 20 years.

Most widely known as a kick ass heroine, Carla Gugino is also amongst the cast. Recognisable for her roles in titles such as, Watchmen, Sin City and Spy Kids, she’s recently been enjoying a recurring role in popular TV show Californication.

So, as to not just be appealing to the kids, there’s a little surprise to perk up Mr and Mrs Palmer’s ears. Angela Lansbury has also bagged herself a role. That’s right, Mrs Murder She Wrote herself. She’s been DEVHQW IURP WKH ÀOP ZRUOG IRU ÀYH \HDUV VR it’s a welcome return for our favourite female sleuth.

The writing partnership of Sean Anders and John Morris that brought us the not-so family friendly, but no less awesome Hot Tub Time Machine, has penned this script. Their GHIW PL[WXUH RI EDOOV\ FRPHG\ DQG VZHHW EXW

36 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2011

QRW VLFNO\ VHQWLPHQW GR QRWKLQJ EXW ÀOO XV with even more giddy excitement.

Movies like this often run the risk of faltering into cheesy, one-dimensional territory. Thankfully, with a solid director, the mega-star that is Jim Carrey and a writing duo on top form, this could be one of the surprise smashes of the summer.

FANTASTIC FACTS Carrey played a (fictional) man who is not (yet) aware he is on television on The Truman Show and a real-life man who believed he was always on television Man on the Moon.

Jack Nicholson has called him the “Jack Nicholson of the next generation”.

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Animation / Family Director: Mark Waters Starring: Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Angela Lansbury Movie Recommendations: Kung Fu Panda 2 The Beaver HP7

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dad,  what  are  you  doing?â&#x20AC;?

PULSE FILMS IN FOCUS

%UDYH  Puppet This  is  what  happens  when  you  spend  too  long  playing  with  your  kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  toys.

THE  BEAVER  June  2011

M

el Gibson has appeared in and directed some pretty KHDY\ZHLJKW Ă&#x20AC;OPV RYHU the last decade. In 2004 he was director of The Passion of the Christ, depicting the last 12 hours of Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; life as he endured torture and punishment. Then in 2006 he directed Apocalypto, a tale of D WULEHVPDQ HVFDSLQJ KXPDQ VDFULĂ&#x20AC;FH DQG attempting to rescue his family after the destruction of his village. This year however he returns for something a little lighter and easier to take. He takes the lead in The Beaver as Walter Black, the CEO of a toy company who begins using a hand puppet to communicate with his family.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to say itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purely a comedy though. As funny as it may be seeing Mel Gibson walk around with a stuffed beaver, the reason he dons the hand puppet is due to a deep depression and his furry friend gives him an outlet. With its mix of drama and touches of comedy, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a perfect date night Ă&#x20AC;OP IRU 'DQ DQG 6DUDK Playing his wife, Meredith Black, is -RGLH )RVWHU ZKR DOVR GLUHFWV WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP $ versatile and award winning actress, Foster JRW KHU Ă&#x20AC;UVW PDMRU UROH LQ 0DUWLQ 6FRUVHVH¡V Taxi Driver in 1976. Since then, she has gone on to win the Academy Award for Best $FWUHVV WZLFH Ă&#x20AC;UVW IRU The Accused in 1988 and again for The Silence of the Lambs in

1991. This will be only the third time Foster KDV GLUHFWHG D PRYLH DQG KHU Ă&#x20AC;UVW LQ RYHU years.

7KH Ă&#x20AC;OP LVQ¡W MXVW DERXW :DOWHU DQG Meredith though, they also have two sons whose lives are affected by their dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problems. Teenage son Porter is played by Russian born Anton Yelchin who, at only 22, is already on the path to having a stellar career. His major breakthrough came in 2009 when he appeared in Star Trek and Terminator Salvation, two of the biggest releases of the year. His role in The Beaver will prove that he is capable of more than just EORFNEXVWHU DFWLRQ Ă&#x20AC;OPV KH FDQ GHOLYHU D Ă&#x20AC;QH performance in dramas too. Alongside Porter is his younger brother Henry, played by eight year old Riley Thomas Stewart.

Writing duties were handled by a newcomer in the industry, Kyle Killen.

His script topped the 2008 Black List, an annual compilation of the best unproduced screenplays. After this unique and heartwarming tale is seen by audiences, his name wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be unknown for much longer. Look out for it, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bound to be splashed across numerous movie posters over the next few years.

With the relatable characters that Killen has conjured up, and the story of a relationship between a lovingly married couple, it will appeal to not only Jane &

Friends but Beryl too. After all, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always have to be about young people VWUXJJOLQJ WR Ă&#x20AC;QG ORYH 0XFK OLNH VWDU 0HO *LEVRQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had a good couple of years of late.

In 2009 it was put on hold and there was no word as to whether it would ever see the light of day. However, at the tail end of 2010 LW ZDV FRQĂ&#x20AC;UPHG IRU UHOHDVH DQG ZLOO SURYH more than worth the wait.

FANTASTIC FACTS Steve Carell and Jim Carrey were both signed on to star at one point, but the role eventually went to Mel Gibson.

Mel Gibson delivered all of the beaverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lines on set using a cockney accent.

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Drama Director: Jodie Foster Starring: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Cherry Jones Movie Recommendations: The Dilemma The Kids are All Right Funny People

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 37

Racing  legend  -­  Senna

LIFE  AND  DEATH  IN  THE  FAST  LANE SENNA: 12 )($5 12 /,0,76 12 (48$/ June  2011

7KH OLIH DQG WUDJLF GHDWK RI OHJHQGDU\ ) GULYHU $\UWRQ 6HQQD One of the most gifted and charismatic Formula 1 drivers to have ever lived, Senna is a documentary that racing fans have awaited for a long time. The documentary begins where Sennaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s F1 career did, at the beginning of the 1984 season. Over the QH[W GHFDGH WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP IROORZV KLV ULVH WR success, gaining three Formula One world championships along the way. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all about the highs though, the documentary also shines a light on his rivalry with Alain Prost and his struggles against the internal politics of the sport.

Of course, as well as his legendary decade, WKH Ă&#x20AC;OP DOVR GHDOV ZLWK KLV XQWLPHO\ GHDWK At the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, several accidents took place over the weekend including the deaths of both Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s become known as the blackest weekend in the history of racing and prompted the implementation of many new safety measures.

7KLV LVQ¡W RQO\ D Ă&#x20AC;OP IRU UDFLQJ IDQV EXW D look at a man who became a legend in his own life time and left the world much too soon. Not only will Billy love it, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something to please both Dan & Sarah too.

Not only does it reveal why Senna was one of the greatest drivers the sport has seen, but also the tragedy that was felt with his loss.

With the full co-operation of Sennaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family and the FIA, the documentary is free to tell the whole story. Interviews were granted with Sennaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother and sister, Formula One journalists and even his rival Alain Prost.

'LUHFWRU $VLI .DSDGLD WDFNOHV KLV Ă&#x20AC;UVW documentary, but over his short career he has managed to impress audiences with his YLVXDOO\ VWULNLQJ Ă&#x20AC;OPV %RUQ LQ +DFNQH\ KH VWXGLHG Ă&#x20AC;OPPDNLQJ DW WKH 5R\DO &ROOHJH RI Art and quickly gained recognition. His short Ă&#x20AC;OP 7KH 6KHHS 7KLHI JDLQHG KLP DZDUGV IURP Ă&#x20AC;OP IHVWLYDOV DURXQG WKH JOREH +H quickly followed this up with The Warrior, winning the BAFTA for Best British Film.

Kapadia his brought his expertise to Senna, and has already gained the World Cinema Audience Award for documentaries at the Sundance Film Festival.

While the drama and intensity of the story is doubtless, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s composer Antonio Pinto that really brings it to life on screen. Having EHHQ ZRUNLQJ RQ Ă&#x20AC;OP VFRUHV VLQFH LW was 2002â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City of God that truly displayed the talent Pinto possessed. Since then he has gone on to win a World Soundtrack Award, and gain a nomination for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. ,W¡V QRW RIWHQ WKDW D Ă&#x20AC;OP GHDOV ZLWK VXFK extremes so well, from the rise of a young

38| PULSE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2011

Brazilian to become one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most loved personalities, to a tragic accident that rocked the entire sporting world. Sennaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life and death are treated with the utmost respect, and his story is told by those that knew him best. Senna is one of the best documentaries you could hope to see this year.

FANTASTIC FACTS In 1988 Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost won all but one of that seasons Grand Prixâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s between them.

After his tragic accident the Brazilian government declared three days of national mourning.

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Documentary, Sport Director: Asif Kapadia Starring: Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Frank Williams Movie Recommendations: The Cove Food, Inc. Waste Land

PULSE FILMS IN FOCUS

Enter the Panda KUNG  FU  PANDA  2 June  2011

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A

fter the hugely successful Kung Fu Panda was released in 2008, it was only a matter of time before DreamWorks gave us a VHTXHO 7KH Ă&#x20AC;UVW RXWLQJ GHOLJKWHG FKLOGUHQ RI DOO DJHV DQG VDZ 7KH 3DOPHU )DPLO\ Ă RFN to the cinema in droves, resulting in a gross of over $600 million. Kung Fu Panda 2 promises more of the same, but this time with added 3D. Jack Black returns as the voice of Po, the panda turned kung-fu master who is Ă&#x20AC;JKWLQJ DORQJVLGH WKH )XULRXV )LYH WR SURWHFW the Valley Of Peace. The emperor peacock Lord Shen threatens to take over China, with a powerful weapon that jeopardises the existence of kung-fu. It is up to Po and the

FANTASTIC FACTS

)XULRXV )LYH WR VWRS KLP EXW Ă&#x20AC;UVW 3R PXVW confront his mysterious past.

As well as Jack Black, many other big QDPHV IURP WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW Ă&#x20AC;OP KDYH VLJQHG RQ RQFH again to lend their vocal talents. Making up WKH )XULRXV )LYH DUH 0RQNH\ -DFNLH &KDQ

&UDQH 'DYLG &URVV 7LJUHVV $QJHOLQD -ROLH 9LSHU /XF\ /LX DQG 0DQWLV 6HWK Rogen). Dustin Hoffman also makes his return as the red panda, Master Shifu.

For a fun day out at the cinema that all of the Palmer Family can enjoy, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll struggle WR Ă&#x20AC;QG D Ă&#x20AC;OP ZLWK PRUH KXPRXU DQG KHDUW than this. With some serious attitude, and NXQJ IX VNLOOV -- ZLOO Ă&#x20AC;QG SOHQW\ WR ORYH WRR :KHUH HOVH DUH \RX JRLQJ WR Ă&#x20AC;QG D SDQGD Ă&#x20AC;JKWLQJ D SHDFRFN"

When working on the first film, the animators took a kung-fu course to familiarise themselves with the action.

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Animation / Family Director: Jennifer Yuh Starring: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan Movie Recommendations: Toy Story 3 Gnomeo & Juliet Hop

Burn Some Rubber CARS  2 July  2011

7KLV LVQĹ&#x17D;W \RXU UHJXODU 6XQGD\ *UDQG 3UL[ FANTASTIC FACTS Cars broke records for Disney-Pixar merchandise sales, making an estimated $5 billion.

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Animation / Family Director: John Lasseter, Brad Lewis Starring: Owen Wilson, Michael Caine, Jason Isaacs Movie Recommendations: Ice Age Rango Rio

P

ixar have become one of the most loved animation studios in the industry, releasing a plethora of Ă&#x20AC;OPV RYHU WKH ODVW \HDUV WKDW have enthralled kids and adults alike. After the phenomenal success of Toy Story 3, which delighted The Palmer Family, they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resting on their laurels. Sure to be a hit with the family again, they bring us a sequel WR Ă&#x20AC;OP &DUV DQG OLNH 7R\ 6WRU\ WKLV Ă&#x20AC;OP ZLOO EH UROOLQJ RXW LQ ' Cars 2 sees race car Lightning McQueen and his tow truck friend, Mater, head RYHUVHDV WR WDNH SDUW LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW :RUOG Grand-Prix to determine the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest car. However, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all go smoothly.

Mater gets caught up in an international espionage adventure where he must decide

between assisting his friend in the hugely important race or helping out in a top-secret spy mission.

Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy are returning, voicing Lightning McQueen and Mater respectively. Michael Caine voices Finn McMissile whose sleek design is based on the classic James Bond cars. Finn is a British secret agent who recruits Mater to help get to the bottom of Professor ZĂźndappâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plot to sabotage the World Grand-Prix. With a whole slew of new vehicles showing up, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ JRLQJ WR WKULOO -- Pixar have proven time and time again that they can get the formula right, producing FKLOGUHQ¡V Ă&#x20AC;OPV ZLWK HQRXJK GHSWK WR entertain adults as well. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no reason to think that Cars 2 wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do just that.

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 39

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PULSE COMPETITION CORNER

Competition corner Congratulations  to  the  winner  of  our  Spring  2011  edition  quiz,  Rupinder  Bains,  Empire  Slough,  who  wins  a  yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  supply  of  chocolate,  kindly  supplied  by                .  To  be  in  with  a  chance  of  winning  a  yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  supply  of  chocolate,  courtesy  of                ,  simply  tell  us  the  hidden  name  within  the  picture  equation  below.  Send  your  puzzle  answer,  with  your  name  and  site,  with  the  heading  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Competition  Cornerâ&#x20AC;?  to  HGLWRUSXOVH#HPSLUHFLQHPDV FR XN by  31st  July  2011  and  those  of  you  with  the  correct  answer  will  be  pulled  out  of  a  hat.  The  winner  and  the  answers  to  the  puzzle  will  feature  in  PULSE  autumn  2011  edition.  Good  luck!

Empire Equation

Classic Movie Mash Ups

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Look  again,  thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  a  hidden  meaning  in  there  somewhere,  plus  thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  a  yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  supply  of  chocolate  in  it  for  you!

-­  PULSE  SPRING  2011  EDITION  QUIZ  ANSWERS  -­ â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;  Â

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SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 41

Spot the difference

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE ANSWERS FROM PULSE SPRING 2011 EDITION

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42 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2011

PULSE IN THE BACK ROW...

back  row with Reese  Witherspoon The  Golden  Globe  and  Bafta  award-­winning  southern  belle  describes  life  as  a  working  mum  LQ +ROO\ZRRG

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fter taking a break at the height of her career to concentrate on family life, Reese Witherspoon is ready to return to the silver screen in order to reclaim the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;leading ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; title. Starting her career as a commercial model at just age seven, Reese was keen to EHFRPH D +ROO\ZRRG VWDU /DQGLQJ KHU Ă&#x20AC;UVW feature role in The Man on the Moon in 1997, she sky rocketed to fame and was chosen as the lead in the Legally Blonde franchise.

However, she is far from the ditsy blonde we all know and love and her Screen Actorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guild and Oscar award for Walk the Line shows her versatility.

Choosing the right movie script on your UHWXUQ WR DFWLQJ PXVW KDYH EHHQ GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW what attracted you to Water for Elephants?

I was drawn to the role of Marlena after I read the book. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m always drawn to strong female characters who overcome adversity WR Ă&#x20AC;QG KDSSLQHVV LQ WKHLU OLYHV 0DUOHQD LV DQ orphan with no education and no opportunity who manages to work her way to the top of the circus. It was an inspiring character.

Working with a 10ft tall elephant is a You are famous for your roles in romance daunting task for anyone, how did you DQG FRPHG\ Ă&#x20AC;OPV GR \RX ZRUU\ DERXW EHLQJ manage? typecast?

It was one of the best experiences of my I segued into comedy sort of accidentally. I career. I had to get in shape as I had no did this movie when I was 18 called Freeway. harness, no safety equipment, nothing. It was I thought I was being so sincere, playing literally just me and the elephant and I had this juvenile delinquent, and everyone was to climb on to ,W H[LVWV LQ \RXU EUDLQ EHFDXVH \RXĹ&#x17D;YH EHHQ laughing at her. When she OLYLQJ ZLWK LW IRU D ORQJ WLPH SURFHVVLQJ LW the premiere. picks you up in I was like, ZKHQ \RXĹ&#x17D;UH QRW HYHQ DZDUH RI LW her trunk, she â&#x20AC;&#x153;Funny? could crush your hip, but she manages to just I thought I was playing this serious grab you tightly enough that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fall. character!â&#x20AC;? and I realised, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funny is Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a really beautiful thing where you learn to just committing. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what sent me into communicate with a creature non-verbally. comedy and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been the greatest thing thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever happened.

Juggling parenthood and being a Hollywood PRYLH VWDU PXVW EH GHPDQGLQJ LV LW GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW Who inspires you the most? to keep that balance?

My mother, my grandmother, they taught me My role as a mother has made me realise that no matter what happens in life, you deal that my job is not my priority. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a working with it with grace and strength and if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re PXP VR , GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ KDYH WKRVH PRPHQWV gonna be a woman you gotta be tough. My where I wish I could be home. But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m lucky mother always said that. that my job isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all day every day, so I do Reese  Witherspoon  stars  in  the  heart  get to be there for the school fairs, plays, and wrenching  love  story  Water  For  Elephants  volunteering in the classroom. alongside  Robert  Pattison  this  summer.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

SOURCES: ew.com, waterforelephantsfilm.com, movies.ndtv.com, dailymail.co.uk, parents.com, musicrooms.net, starpulse.com, youtube.com

In the

Autumn  issue  of  PULSE Send  in  your  comments  and  suggestions  to  help  us  shape  our  autumn  edition  of  PULSE.  What  do  you  like?  What  donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  you  like?  What  would  you  like  to  see  in  future  issues?  Feature  ideas,  photographs  and  comments  are  always  welcome  at  the  usual  address:

editorpulse@empirecinemas.co.uk

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 43

G N I L YC

C E R

AT

WANT TO BE INVOLVED? We’re looking for cinemas to take part in the Save a Cup recycling program. If you’re passionate about being green and want to get involved then email: retail@empirecinemas.co.uk Find out more about recycling at Empire Cinemas in the autumn issue of PULSE