It's not one of my favourite places to watch any movie but there were times I was only given that option. The seats are average and not really suited for long movies such as Lord of The Rings or Titanic.
A real pity about the legroom but one can't complain too much if this cinema has been there for quite some time and no overhaul or makeover was done.
The stairs are more suited for people who have no trouble climbing but it's not really wheelchair friendly. In addition, if someone on crutches has to climb those stairs, it's time consuming as they can only climb one step at a time. I saw this lady on crutches attempting to climb up the the middle row. She was climbing one step at a time.
As for the sound system, I'd say it'll suffice for movies that don't require much surround sound system.
Polarbearsaid: Hmm... nvr like watching movie there. 13 Dec 2007 at 8:41 am
claudsaid: Find it weird too why Eng Wah cinemas have to put so many steps. Can't they just do a slope or something? Not friendly for those who can't climb. 13 Dec 2007 at 10:53 am
WishBoNesaid: I guess they feel all movie goers are nimble. 13 Dec 2007 at 3:44 pm
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I used to have only one policy from AIA. Until another agent contacted me and asked me to purchase more policies as my coverage was never enough.
Each new meeting was supposed to be a follow up but I ended up being pressured to buy more. It was until I decided that I did a review and felt that I was over-buying and paying so much for too little coverage.
When I decided to cancel the new policies that weren't covering enough, things got ugly. Although I wasn't threatened directly, the underlying message was clear. I was messing with the wrong agent and manager.
It was a rather distressing time for me as I was to listen to the long tirade of a manager who was clearly forcing me to keep my policies despite the payments were too much and too little coverage.
He wanted to know the name of the 'unethical' agent I had 'hired'. Throughout the phone call, he was calling this agent 'unethical' and 'will suffer retribution' and forcing me to side with him.
I call that too aggressive and I don't like aggressive sellers.
Helmetsaid: It is never enough no matter how much you buy. First cover your medical need, next is your life and endowment only when you have extra money. Buy too young, no money to pay. Buy later, too expensive. 06 Dec 2007 at 6:02 pm
claudsaid: A friend of mine had the same bad experience with AIA, and decided to terminate the policy due to the high premium and little coverage. For terminating, policy holder has to go to the HQ. 06 Dec 2007 at 9:17 pm
claudsaid: The wait at HQ took hours and the parking came up to quite an amount too. Never going to buy anything from them. 06 Dec 2007 at 9:20 pm
feizhusaid: I don't think this review is very objective. Even if the agents/managers are unethical, its wrong to blanket the company totally. Last I heard, AIA has 20 k agents. Black sheep? 06 Dec 2007 at 11:56 pm
Polarbearsaid: Agree with FZ. My agent from AIA and have to say that he is good and professional. 07 Dec 2007 at 8:38 am
claudsaid: Perhaps write about the agency instead? As for the one I mentioned above, its directed to the pdt not to any agent. 07 Dec 2007 at 9:19 am
feizhusaid: Claudia: If the product coverage is little and premiums are high, then why did your friend sign for it? I'm sure your friend went in with his/her two eyes open? 07 Dec 2007 at 10:45 am
feizhusaid: Just to share, insurance products are about the same just that different companies focus on different aspects so its about finding one which suits u best. 07 Dec 2007 at 10:47 am
claudsaid: The policy was bought years ago, but later when spoke to another agent from another coy and compared the 2, found that AIA is more pricey even thou both covers the same thing. Lessons learned. 07 Dec 2007 at 11:37 am
claudsaid: Yes, agree that insurance is a very personal thing. Hence the need for a good financial advisor to plan the right one for you. Not saying AIA is very bad, maybe the target is of higher status/income. 07 Dec 2007 at 11:40 am
WishBoNesaid: FZ: 20k agents, perhaps what I've met were just black sheeps. 07 Dec 2007 at 12:05 pm
feizhusaid: Claudia: policies change over time so its not fair to compare old and new policies. Trust me on this. I majored in this ;) 07 Dec 2007 at 2:06 pm
claudsaid: FZ okok... u win ok... 07 Dec 2007 at 3:41 pm
eisburgsaid: I never have any good experience with insurance agents. They either are good pushy or don't understand that I do not need another high premium low coverage policy. 09 Dec 2007 at 4:56 pm
claudsaid: Perhaps insurance coy shld do a filtering when comes to getting agent. Get qualified and well trained agents would probably help solve the problem. 10 Dec 2007 at 11:47 am
I've watched a few movies at this cinema a few times and I love the legroom as it's not too small so that I can't squeeze to let other patrons passing through.
During my recent screening there, the lights weren't dimmed but abruptly switched off as if someone forgot to install a dimming effect for them. While that isn't the major fault, it felt awkward.
For the seats, they are rather comfortable while the armrest couldn't be kept in between the seats when being pushed up. The sound effects were good.
I decided to try this branch that's newly opened. The place was not cluttered while the aircon was too cold for my liking. Perhaps it was a rainy day.
I tried the soup of the day (tomato) and a half sandwich that contained mushrooms (my favourite). The wait wasn't that long as the place was not full. I liked the sandwich because it was just enough for me. However, my soup and tea got cold too easily due to the low temperature.
It would have been more enjoyable if the temperature wasn't too cold. Cost wise is about $15 per person.
eemlsaid: they used to have a branch at centrepoint but closed down becos of poor business. i think this place give u the feeling tat it's pricey and u will not feel full after leaving the place 18 Sep 2008 at 10:47 am
WishBoNesaid: I think so too but I think they are trying to promote eating healthily, hence, the food range. 19 Sep 2008 at 12:06 pm
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I visited Cafe Cartel twice. It seems that their service level varies according to the time. My 1st time was rather smooth, I got my orders and ice water without much prompting.
The 2nd time, it was nearly full and we sat next to a group of students. The servers were busy and there was no ice water for 15 minutes. While the food is not that bad, we were rather disappointed that we had to ask for a refill for the ice water.
While there were many tables, the arrangement of the tables and chairs are too close to each other, one has to practically squeeze or suck in the stomach in order to get to the table where there is a free flow of bread. If there is no way to get past between the chairs, one will have to walk around other tables to get to the free flow.
Their cheesecake is good. However, since it was late, I couldn't get the cheesecake I wanted. So, if you love cheesecakes, ask them for the availability.
-----
Update: 12 Jul 2008 The table given was simply too small to squeeze into. They seriously need to change the way the sofa seats are placed in front of the tables.
We asked for warm water. The waiter got us warm water and placed the jug on the table. He said "Help yourselves" and left.
The service charge should be waived as they don't do anything much except to bring the utensils and food to the tables. The iced water had to be refilled by ourselves too.
1=SGD 0.0587
A real pity about the legroom but one can't complain too much if this cinema has been there for quite some time and no overhaul or makeover was done.
The stairs are more suited for people who have no trouble climbing but it's not really wheelchair friendly. In addition, if someone on crutches has to climb those stairs, it's time consuming as they can only climb one step at a time. I saw this lady on crutches attempting to climb up the the middle row. She was climbing one step at a time.
As for the sound system, I'd say it'll suffice for movies that don't require much surround sound system.
Login to add your comment. Or, Register for an account now. It's free!Hmm... nvr like watching movie there.
13 Dec 2007 at 8:41 am
Find it weird too why Eng Wah cinemas have to put so many steps. Can't they just do a slope or something? Not friendly for those who can't climb.
13 Dec 2007 at 10:53 am
I guess they feel all movie goers are nimble.
13 Dec 2007 at 3:44 pm
Each new meeting was supposed to be a follow up but I ended up being pressured to buy more. It was until I decided that I did a review and felt that I was over-buying and paying so much for too little coverage.
When I decided to cancel the new policies that weren't covering enough, things got ugly. Although I wasn't threatened directly, the underlying message was clear. I was messing with the wrong agent and manager.
It was a rather distressing time for me as I was to listen to the long tirade of a manager who was clearly forcing me to keep my policies despite the payments were too much and too little coverage.
He wanted to know the name of the 'unethical' agent I had 'hired'. Throughout the phone call, he was calling this agent 'unethical' and 'will suffer retribution' and forcing me to side with him.
I call that too aggressive and I don't like aggressive sellers.
- 12 more comments »
Login to add your comment. Or, Register for an account now. It's free!It is never enough no matter how much you buy. First cover your medical need, next is your life and endowment only when you have extra money. Buy too young, no money to pay. Buy later, too expensive.
06 Dec 2007 at 6:02 pm
A friend of mine had the same bad experience with AIA, and decided to terminate the policy due to the high premium and little coverage. For terminating, policy holder has to go to the HQ.
06 Dec 2007 at 9:17 pm
The wait at HQ took hours and the parking came up to quite an amount too. Never going to buy anything from them.
06 Dec 2007 at 9:20 pm
During my recent screening there, the lights weren't dimmed but abruptly switched off as if someone forgot to install a dimming effect for them. While that isn't the major fault, it felt awkward.
For the seats, they are rather comfortable while the armrest couldn't be kept in between the seats when being pushed up. The sound effects were good.
Overall, this was a good place to watch movies.
Login to add your comment. Or, Register for an account now. It's free!
I tried the soup of the day (tomato) and a half sandwich that contained mushrooms (my favourite). The wait wasn't that long as the place was not full. I liked the sandwich because it was just enough for me. However, my soup and tea got cold too easily due to the low temperature.
It would have been more enjoyable if the temperature wasn't too cold. Cost wise is about $15 per person.
Login to add your comment. Or, Register for an account now. It's free!they used to have a branch at centrepoint but closed down becos of poor business. i think this place give u the feeling tat it's pricey and u will not feel full after leaving the place
18 Sep 2008 at 10:47 am
I think so too but I think they are trying to promote eating healthily, hence, the food range.
19 Sep 2008 at 12:06 pm
The 2nd time, it was nearly full and we sat next to a group of students. The servers were busy and there was no ice water for 15 minutes. While the food is not that bad, we were rather disappointed that we had to ask for a refill for the ice water.
While there were many tables, the arrangement of the tables and chairs are too close to each other, one has to practically squeeze or suck in the stomach in order to get to the table where there is a free flow of bread. If there is no way to get past between the chairs, one will have to walk around other tables to get to the free flow.
Their cheesecake is good. However, since it was late, I couldn't get the cheesecake I wanted. So, if you love cheesecakes, ask them for the availability.
-----
Update: 12 Jul 2008
The table given was simply too small to squeeze into. They seriously need to change the way the sofa seats are placed in front of the tables.
We asked for warm water. The waiter got us warm water and placed the jug on the table. He said "Help yourselves" and left.
The service charge should be waived as they don't do anything much except to bring the utensils and food to the tables. The iced water had to be refilled by ourselves too.
Login to add your comment. Or, Register for an account now. It's free!