What does Mark Cuban know that Bostonians don't?
The July 13-August 2, 2005 issue of The Improper Bostonian features the 14th annual Boston's Best list.
Listed as "Best Art House" is Landmark's Kendall Square Cinema. We quote in full:
For several years in a row now, the Kendall has reigned supreme as the area's best independent theatre, reliably offering all kinds of art house and foreign flicks for the adventurous cineaste. Catch them here, now, or wait for them to appear on the Sundance Channel. The cinema for people who like their films with a bit of brains.
There are two major ironies here:
- The Kendall isn't an independent theatre.
- The Kendall's current management doesn't seem to appreciate films that require brains.
Or are they just customers that are being ignored and paid lip service to?
As Mr. Cuban has stated, and we have commented on, he finds it a great challenge to "come up with something original that puts a smile on a customers face."
It's not that we don't appreciate the effort, Mr. Cuban, but what's wrong with something unoriginal, like customer service? Or not playing commercials before the movies? Or spacing out the showtimes to be more convenient? Or any one of the things that the Kendall has lost recently that your customers have asked to get back? Before you dazzle us with new digital projectors, you should at least keep the spirit of the Kendall intact.
Ideally, this award should be seen as a messages to Mr. Cuban: Boston likes the Kendall as it is. We welcome improvements, of course, but you can't diminish the high quality experience we're used to and tell us you're helping us. Managers imported from AMC who don't know either the nature of the films the Kendall shows, nor the community which the Kendall serves are the last thing we need.
You want to put a smile on our faces? Give us what Landmark is known for: the best art house films, shown without commercials, staffed by knowledgeable people.
If it's not broke, then why is Mr. Cuban trying to fix it?
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