Summer screens come to Caversham...

By Barney Goodall

Do you enjoy being outside? Do you enjoy viewing films? More importantly, 'good' films, with other 'good' film enthusiasts. If so you will really enjoy heading over to Caversham Court Gardens in Reading for the screenings some time this summer.

The films on show are an eclectic mix and Caversham kicks off on August 2 with Pan's Labyrinth, Guillermo del Toro's surrealist masterpiece set during the Spanish civil war, an exploration of volatile escapism in the context of fascism, violence and horror. If you have yet to see this film then Caversham will be the place to go.

Generally, there seems to be a good selection of movies,  though I appreciate that this being an aesthetic arena whatever I say is entirely subjective. The ones which stand out for me are 2001: A Space Odyssey, perhaps one of the most prolific works of the sci-fi genre, on the 9th. On the 17th we are treated to The Big Lebowski, a journey with Jeff Bridges and losers and gangsters through 90s Los Angeles. It's a highly amusing film experience and will leave you giggling to yourself at random embarrassing moments such as on public transport, or the funeral of an unknown relative.

August 31 displays An American Werewolf in London, to a bemused audience in a park. It is a brilliantly funny tale of two American tourists caught up in the supernatural shenanigans of our Sceptered Isle, abundant with typical 80s style post-modern humour.

My preferences aside, one may access the full schedule here at http://www.summerscreens.co.uk/whats-on. So yes. Get down to Caversham, have a drink, snuggle up with friends or lovers on what are purported to be 'giant' beanbags, (which sounds vaguely ominous) and enjoy the cinematic experience under the canopy of stars.