London Cinema

London is teeming with traditional cinemas, the most dominant of which are Cineworld and Odeon, but the best way to enjoy a film is in one of the hip repertory or luxury cinemas. Time Out publishes show times, as does www.viewlondon.co.uk. Americans will find the cinema in London to be particularly illuminating, as most films are about a certain kind of American—namely, the stupid, stereotypical kind that would make Europeans hate Americans.

BFI Southbank, Belvedere Rd. (020 7928 3232; www.bfi.org.uk) Hidden under Waterloo Bridge, the BFI Southbank is one of the most exciting repertory cinemas in London. Showcasing everything from art to foreign, British to classic, the BFI provides a range of styles to keep all cinema lovers happy. It runs in seasons, with a different theme each month featuring different elements of film. (For example, a season could be on a director or cinematographer or actor.) The Mediatech is free for anyone and allows people to privately view films from the archives. Waterloo. Call 020 7815 1329 for details on Mediatech hours. Evenings M-F £9, concessions £6.65, under 16 £5. Tu £5. Mediatech open T-Su noon-8pm . Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.

Electric Cinema, 191 Portobello Rd. (020 7908 9696; www.electriccinema.co.uk) This 100-year-old theater is the epitome of a luxury viewing experience. With a bar inside the auditorium and luxury leather arm chairs that come equipped with a table, a footstool and a wine cooler, it almost doesn't matter what films are showing. The Electric shows some vintage films but sticks mainly to big, new releases. Notting Hill Gate. Turn right onto Pembroke Rd., then left onto Portobello Rd. Tickets must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance, but some shows sell out faster than that. Discounts for children. £7.50-14.50. Appetizers £4.50. Pints £3.75. Wine £4.25-7. Open M-Sa 9am-8:30pm, Su 10am-8:30pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.

Riverside Studios Crisp Rd. (020 8237 1111; www.riversidestudios.co.uk) Riverside Studios derives its name from its close proximity to the Thames. Frequently showing films in old-school double-bill packages, Riverside Studios specializes in foreign films, art house flicks, and old gems. The building itself is a hotbed for culture, featuring an exhibition space and occasional live theater performances. Hammersmith. Take south exit and pass the Hammersmith Apollo. Continue to follow Queen Caroline St. and turn left onto Crisp Rd. Book ahead for wheelchair access. Ethernet in cafe. Tickets £7.50, concessions £6.50. Pints £3.70. Open daily noon-9pm. Shows are normally M-F 6:30pm and 8:30pm, Sa-Su 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 6:30pm, 8:30pm. Bar open M-Sa noon-11pm, Su 11am-10:30pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.