What we’re about
-LOOKING FOR THE HIKING GROUP? You can find them here and here—easy-peazy!
-Yes, we do take movie requests!
This group description was partly written with AI:
Do you crave movies that make you question reality, your existence, and whether your coffee was laced with something? Do you find yourself quoting obscure directors no one else has heard of just for fun? Are you a film school dropout? Does the idea of a black-and-white, three-hour film with no dialogue and a mysterious floating balloon sound like your ideal Friday night?
[Note: I wouldn't say we'll watch anything quite that boring; but oldies can be goodies. And we'll watch some new stuff as well.]
Welcome to Hampton Roads Cinephiles! This is a group for people who want to see the latest indie horror at the Naro, appreciate a slick New Waver by Godard or Varda, thrill in the samurai epics of Kurosawa, and joy in being mindf*d by Kubrick—along with taking pleasure in many newer films that the normies may or may not have heard of.
Whether it’s thoughtful thrillers, surrealist horror, a bloody Yakuza joint, or a gorgeous wuxia film by Zhang Yimou, Hampton Roads Cinephiles is all about the wow factor; we live for those moments when a true work of art leaves you staring at the screen long after the credits roll, trying to process what the hell just happened. (And we're happy to stand outside or go to a bar across the street and talk about it.)
We'll be gathering at local cinemas around Town Center, the Oceanfront, and probably the Naro, but don’t be surprised if we end up in some cozy, tucked-away venue for those avant-garde films you can't see in the theaters.
(I also run two other Meetup Groups, the Hampton Roads Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club and the Richmond Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club. Check 'em out if that's your thing!)
**No-Flake Policy, effective September 26, 2024**
- What’s Flaking? Flaking is when you cancel or don’t show up for something you RSVP’d to with less than 8 hours’ notice. I understand that things come up, but last-minute cancellations or no-shows affect attendance and waste my time, effort, and occasionally money—especially when I’ve made reservations for rooms or restaurants, or gotten hard copies of movies and AV equipment for watch party events specifically.
- Life Happens: I totally get it—emergencies, illnesses, or other unexpected things can happen. Please just give me a heads-up as soon as possible. If it’s not an emergency, try to cancel at least 8 hours before the event so I can adjust plans.
- Keeping It Fair: If you flake more than three times in a two-month period without a valid reason, I’ll have to remove you from the group. This ensures everyone respects each other’s time and commitment.
- Half of Life is Just Showing Up: Your attendance is what really makes the group special. When you show up, it creates a more engaging and fun experience for everyone, sparking great conversations with fellow cinephiles. The more people who attend, the richer our discussions will be. So, if you RSVP, please make it a priority to come. If something comes up, just let me know at least 8 hours in advance so I can adjust accordingly.
(This policy becomes effective September 26, 2024. If you flaked previous to this date but not after, your slate is clean.)
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- WATCH PARTY: Doctor Zhivago PART 1 (1965) David Lean @ Jordan Newby LibraryJordan-Newby Anchor Branch at Broad Creek, Norfolk , VA
A grand epic of love and revolution, from the director of Laurence of Arabia and Bridge Over the River Kwai. Based on the novel by Boris Pasternak.
This is PART 1 and take note -- this one is at Jordan Newby Library (in contrast to Part 2, which is at Richard Tucker Library the following night.)
RUNTIME: 200 minutes (we'll have about half each session)
SYNOPSIS: During the Russian Revolution, Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif), is a young doctor who has been raised by his aunt and uncle following his father's suicide. Yuri falls in love with beautiful Lara Guishar (Julie Christie), who has been having an affair with her mother's lover, Victor Komarovsky (Rod Steiger), an unscrupulous businessman. Yuri, however, ends up marrying his cousin, Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin). But when he and Lara meet again years later, the spark of love reignites.
BLURBS:
"Despite the grim and brooding background, Zhivago has a surging buoyant spirit that is unquenchable. Doctor Zhivago is more than a masterful motion picture; it is a life experience." - James Powers, The Hollywood Reporter"The movie is something that should be experienced by everyone at least once in a lifetime." - Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
"Doctor Zhivago believes that history should have a lot of room for personal feelings – that the problems of its little people do amount to more than a hill of beans – and that’s perhaps why the Russians didn’t like Pasternak: He argued for the individual over the state, the heart over the mind." - Roger Ebert
- WATCH PARTY: Doctor Zhivago PART 2 (1965) David Lean @ Richard Tucker LibraryRichard Tucker library, Norfolk , VA
A grand epic of love and revolution, from the director of Laurence of Arabia and Bridge Over the River Kwai. Based on the novel by Boris Pasternak.
This is PART 2 and take note -- this one is at Richard Tucker Library (in contrast to Part 1, which is at Jordan-Newby the previous night.)
RUNTIME: 200 minutes (we'll have about half each session)
SYNOPSIS: During the Russian Revolution, Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif), is a young doctor who has been raised by his aunt and uncle following his father's suicide. Yuri falls in love with beautiful Lara Guishar (Julie Christie), who has been having an affair with her mother's lover, Victor Komarovsky (Rod Steiger), an unscrupulous businessman. Yuri, however, ends up marrying his cousin, Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin). But when he and Lara meet again years later, the spark of love reignites.
BLURBS:
"Despite the grim and brooding background, Zhivago has a surging buoyant spirit that is unquenchable. Doctor Zhivago is more than a masterful motion picture; it is a life experience." - James Powers, The Hollywood Reporter"The movie is something that should be experienced by everyone at least once in a lifetime." - Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
"Doctor Zhivago believes that history should have a lot of room for personal feelings – that the problems of its little people do amount to more than a hill of beans – and that’s perhaps why the Russians didn’t like Pasternak: He argued for the individual over the state, the heart over the mind." - Roger Ebert
