So I’ve already managed to visit the cinema twice in the first week of 2011. The Way Back was epic, and Tron: Legacy whilst less good was a spectacle best enjoyed on the big screen.

Anyway, I have been thinking about some things I would like to see happen in the film industry in 2011 (but probably won’t):

1.       Less quantity, more quality. It’s quite incredible how many films are released each week. At least 5-6, which doesn’t include the small independents. I’d rather Hollywood (and other film makers) made less films which would hopefully improve the output of the ones that are made. I mean when films are greenlit, the execs can’t think all of those films are a good idea. If someone pitched me the ideas for Hotels for Dogs or Vampires Suck there is no way I would give them the money to make those films.

2.       Less 3D, more IMAX. It appears that every “event” movie at the moment is either being shot in 3D or retrofitted in to 3D. Why? It looks shit. If it isn’t enhancing the experience of watching a film then get rid of it. On the other hand I can’t get enough of IMAX. The IMAX viewing experience is like the regular cinema amplified by a magnitude of ten. Go and watch The Dark Knight on IMAX and then try and come back to tell me 3D is the future of cinema. Why aren’t more films shot on IMAX you might ask? It’s simple economics – the cinema chains have invested in kitting out all of their sites with 3D projectors and there just aren’t that many IMAX screens in the country.

3.       The cinema chains to cater to wider audience. And not just the widest audience. There were so many times in 2010 where a small film with glowing reviews just wouldn’t be shown at my local cinema (Cineworld Wood Green). That meant if I really wanted to see it, going to the West End to do so where it would be on a limited run was my only option. The cinema chains would probably argue they that are just responding to customer demand, but I would argue they are creating that demand. If the only show shitty blockbusters on 4 screens then what choice do film goers have? I would like to see the multiplexes dedicating a number of screens to the smaller independent or foreign films so that a wider audience get to see them on the big screen.

4.       Cinemas to be a more pleasant experience. I don’t need to hear people talking throughout the entire film, or taking calls on their mobiles. The latest thing seems to be people translating  the film on the fly for their non-English speaking friend sitting next to them! I think the chains need to get more staff in each screening with the ability to chuck out offenders! We’ve all paid out money and we want the experience of going to the cinema to be a pleasurable one.

5.       Less remakes, reboots, sequels and franchise movies. Hasn’t anyone got an original idea these days?! Seriously.

- Baydr