Lancaster Skies – film review

Rainy Sunday afternoons with the family are perfect for a trip to the cinema and fortunately we’d already planned ahead.

The hubby was so excited when he found out we could watch Lancaster Skies at his favourite cinema with his parents during a long weekend visit to Lincolnshire.

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Lancaster Skies synopsis

1943: Angry and bereaved by the death of his younger brother, Flight Lieutenant Douglas Miller, a broken, solitary, spitfire ace, who survived The Battle of Britain, transfers to Bomber Command, determined to take the war to the skies over Germany.

On arriving at his new posting, he is given the unenviable task of replacing the much loved Skipper of an experienced Lancaster Bomber crew, who was killed in action just days before.

Struggling to bond with his new crew, and obsessed with his mission to wage war at any cost, Douglas must find a way to gain their trust, and overcome his inner demons, in order to become the leader they so desperately need.

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The Kinema in the Woods is where we went for our first date so it’s special to us and a very fitting venue for such a film.

It’s a really cool cinema literally in the woods and is well worth a visit if you’re anywhere near Lincolnshire!

As there were only a small selection of showings for this independent film we booked our tickets in advance online via the Kinema website which was really easy to do.

It cost £38 for four tickets plus a booking fee of £2.

Snacks are really reasonable so I always buy them at the Kinema.

This time I plumped for a packet of mini eggs, a fanta and some sweet popcorn which set me back just over a fiver.

I just love how quirky the Kinema is.

It’s believed to be the only full-time cinema in the UK still using rear projection (for screen one).

My favourite thing about the Kinema has to be the special surprise in Screen One.

A Compton Kinestra organ which features an ornate lacquered red and gold console with an eighteenth century oriental design.

The organ is played regularly by The Kinema’s resident organist, Alan Underwood and he appears from the floor as if by magic and plays music during the interval.

I do love a good interval.

The Kinema is a private family owned cinema and we used to go quite regularly when we lived in Lincolnshire.

Anyway let me tell you more about the film – Lancaster Skies.

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What did we think of Lancaster Skies?

We all thought the second half of the film was better than the first.

As much of the film was shot in Lincolnshire it was great for my hubby and the in-laws when they recognised the places shown on screen.

There wasn’t a lot of action throughout the film which you might expect as it is about the Second World War.

I think this might be because in reality there was a lot of passing the time involved for those taking part in the fighting.

However, when the Germans start shooting at the Dambusters you could see people jumping in their seats.

At times it was difficult to hear the dialogue between the characters in the cockpit scenes over the roar of the engines but I suppose it adds to the realism of it.

I did have one jaw dropping moment which came fairly near the end but I won’t spoil it for you.

Overall we enjoyed the film, it depicted more of a realism of a snapshot of the Second World War from the prospective of the crew involved in the Dambusters Air Raids.

The tension between the army and the RAF although supposedly on the same side was portrayed quite well.

You really felt for Douglas’ mum having to evacuate one son and then seeing her other off to take part in the fighting.

I enjoyed Lancaster Skies and it’s great to see a small budget film (£80,000) on the big screen.

As it’s an independent film it isn’t being shown at every cinema but if it’s on near you I recommend going to see it, it’s only 98 minutes long and it’s worth a watch.

We should absolutely try harder to support independent films.

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Where is the Kinema in the Woods?

The Kinema In The Woods

Coronation Road,

Woodhall Spa,

Lincolnshire,

LN10 6QD

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Other review posts:

Here’s my review of A Star is Born don’t worry there’s no spoilers!

Sweet tooth fans should check out my thoughts on R Place donuts

Find out what we got up to during our mini break to the lovely Lake District.

Catch up with our first glamping adventure at Hesleyside Huts Northumberland

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