As a movie fan, CSSC’s great value cinema tickets are one of my favourite benefits, and one of the many reasons I’ve been a member of CSSC for more than five years.
Every year I purchase one of Cineworld’s Unlimited passes, which gives me – well, unlimited movies for a year. Last summer I saved over £65 on my Cineworld Unlimited card, well worth the cost of my CSSC membership. But the cinema savings don’t stop there. I briefly considered purchasing one for my wife too but given she’s not such an ardent fan as me, plus we’d have to find a child minder, it made much more financial sense to purchase individual cinema tickets from CSSC’s discounted range whenever there was a film we both wanted to see, (which doesn’t happen very often, given our vastly different tastes).
By purchasing individual tickets, it gives us the freedom to choose which of CSSC’s other cinema partners we used, whether Vue, ODEON or an independent chain, depending on which films are showing at the right time. So, about eight times a year I purchase a couple of discounted adult and child cinema tickets, saving nearly £8 each time. Even if I don’t use them immediately, I keep them filed for up to a year, for when the fancy takes us. Usually around school holidays or during the Easter, Summer or Christmas periods when all the best films come out.
As a savvy saver, (my true reason for CSSC membership) I try to maximise the use of my cinema card to see how many films I can watch. So far, my record is 86 in a year, but I’m determined to reach 100 in a single year. By doing so, I calculate I would save over £1,000 in a year! If I was looking to save even more, I would explore CSSC’s snack combo bundles, but perhaps I’ll leave that for another blog.
I’m lucky that I live within a 20 minute drive of two Cineworld cinemas, but I also live fairly closely to both ODEON and Vue cinemas too. So, while I’ve never bought an annual pass for either of these multiplexes, they look extraordinary value as well. Whenever I’ve seen a film at one of Vue’s updated cinemas, I’ve been amazed by their fully reclinable seats and super huge screens. And ODEON’s isense is a next level experience.
But I’d be lying if I said it was all about the savings. It’s much more about the experiences.
Of those 86 films I watched, back in 2022, I probably wouldn’t have usually watched about half of them. But I loved them all. I saw some truly amazing and mind-bending films, that I would have never considered before. I’m usually into sci-fi, superhero, dystopian, comedy and action films, so rarely stray outside those Marvel type films. So, by forcing myself to maximise my card’s value, it got me outside my comfort zone and expanded my universe (to use a Marvel metaphor).
However, much more than that, it has given me some wonderful days out with my daughter.
Knowing that at least half the cost is covered by my free ticket, I’m much keener to go to the movies for just a simple day out. Instead of putting on a boxset or rewatching one of her favourites on streaming, it’s so easy to check out the latest releases, use one of my CSSC tickets and just go.
Most recently we watched Wicked! Which just happens to feature one of Izzy’s favourite stars, Ariana Grande. Not a film I would ever go and see, but you know what? It was brilliant. Not necessarily the film itself, which I found good, but about half an hour too long. But it was seeing Izzy’s reaction, hearing her sing the songs she, somehow, already knew all the lyrics to. Getting her to sit still and have quality time together is hard enough, so if a film can captivate her for over two hours, it’s worth it.
Then again, it’s not just the time we spend together in the cinema. It’s the drive over together. It’s the McDonalds treat and drive home afterwards that has really been some of the best times we’ve spent together recently. Chatting and getting to know each other as she gets older and wants to spend less and less time with me has felt a valuable and fleeting experience.
I didn’t mean this post to be overly sentimental, but putting my thoughts down on the screen has me reflecting the real benefits of going to the movies, both financially and the hidden benefits, I’ve never considered before. And another reason why I’m so happy to have found CSSC and its benefits.
If you’ve never considered our cinema tickets, I urge you to check them out. Even if you’re not a super fan of the movies, look into the benefits of purchasing a few and keeping the tickets handy, so if something comes up, you’re ready to go. Whether it’s a classic, a foreign language, latest release, even live Opera of stage shows can be seen at many cinemas.
As a labour of love, while I researched next month’s showings, I put together these mini reviews, I wanted to share with you.
Hopefully they’ll inspire you to take someone you love to the movies, perhaps for Mother’s Day, or maybe on a rainy April or Easter day off.
Either way, let me know if this blog was useful or whether you’d like to see a focus on another of our partners from the perspective of a humble user.
Richard Hemley
The Penguin Lessons – 12A – 16 April
Starring Steve Coogan, the Penguin Lessons is based on the novel by Tom Michell. It tells the heartwarming true story of a young teacher in Argentina who rescues a penguin. A beautiful insight into life, adventure and relationships with animals.
The Accountant 2 – TBC – 25 April
Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal reunite their on-screen chemistry as estranged brothers entangled in a convoluted crime network. Expect intense action sequences with moments of adult humour and brotherly love in this entertaining sequel.
If you’ve never considered our cinema tickets, I urge you to check them out. Even if you’re not a super fan of the movies, look into the benefits of purchasing a few and keeping the tickets handy, so if something comes up, you’re ready to go. Whether it’s a classic, a foreign language, latest release, even live Opera of stage shows can be seen at many cinemas.
Flow – U – 21 March
Flow is a dialogue-free animated film that follows a black cat navigating a post-apocalyptic, flooded world. The film's stunning visuals and evocative storytelling have earned it critical acclaim, including the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2025.
Sylvanian Families the Movie – TBC – 4 April
This charming animation that brings the beloved toy line to life is set during the annual Star Festival. Freya, a Chocolate Rabbit girl, seeks the perfect birthday gift for her mother in this heartfelt movie for young audiences.
Veera Dheera Sooran Pt2 (Tamil) – TBC – 28 March
Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 showcases Kaali, a family man entangled in a perilous crime network. The film's intricate plot and strong performances promise an intense narrative and engaging cinematic experience.
Sikandar (Hindi) – TBC – 28 March
Sikandar, starring Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna, who team together in this action thriller. A fiery youth challenges systemic corruption with high-octane action sequences.
Con Air (1997) – 15 – 28 March
A high-octane action thriller with over-the-top explosions and a star-studded cast including Nicolas Cage. While the plot is absurd, the film’s sheer energy, iconic one-liners, and intense action make it a fun ride.
Billy Elliot 20th anniversary – 15 – 30 March
A heartwarming and inspiring British drama about a boy’s passion for ballet in a working-class mining town. The film cleverly explores themes of ambition, class struggle, and self-expression, spawning a popular stage show.