Tag: films

Children, Christmas, Cinema, Families, Family Life, London

The Snow Kingdom:Backyard Cinema

by thejoyoffiveLeave a Comment on The Snow Kingdom:Backyard Cinema

Fancy visiting the cosiest cinema ever? Somewhere that creates a special experience from the moment you set foot inside? then The Backyard Cinema is the place to go.

I was lucky enough to visit this cinema a few years ago when the theme was Movies In A Lost World and it felt just like we were stepping into a scene from Raiders Of The Lost Ark with temples, monkeys and even a vine to grab onto to swing to your seats!

With Christmas on its way the Backyard Cinema has turned into hidden snow kingdom that allows you to venture through ice caves and across frozen lakes until you finally uncover the enchanted castle.

Once inside you can snuggle up on the cosy beanbags and cover up with a blanket whist watching a huge selections of classics such as Home Alone, Elf, The Nightmare Before Christmas and many more.

Refreshments aren’t your usual popcorn and coke in plastic cups either. There is a chance to sample some gorgeous cocktails such as Toxic Apple or Bubblegum Whizzbang.

From a special treat for the kids to a cosy date night their is something to suit everyone and different packages that can be selected ‘here’ to make the evening just as you like it.

We are off there in a few weeks to watch one of our all time favourite films so keep an eye out for how we get on.

Children, Cinema, Families, Family Life, Karate, Kids Days Out, London, Parents, Reviews

Spinjitzu Masterclass And Lego Ninjago Movie Preview

by thejoyoffiveLeave a Comment on Spinjitzu Masterclass And Lego Ninjago Movie Preview

The other Sunday we headed for Tower Bridge to take part in a Spinjitzu masterclass lead by the master of kicks herself-Jade Jones the Olympic medal winning taekwondo and hosted by the hilarious Dick and Dom.

For those of you familiar with the Lego Ninjago series you will know that Spinjitzu is a martial art formed by the characters in the series and to celebrate the launch of the Ninjago Movie we were invited along to take part in a fantastic masterclass.

The park was filled with mini ninjas all eager to be practicing their kicks in front of the woman that is well known for just this.

With the stunning backdrop of Tower Bridge, the comedy of Dick and Dom and the expertise of Jade Jones it certainly made for a very special morning…the fun wasn’t to stop there though.

After grabbing a quick bite to eat we headed to The Empire, Haymarket for a preview of the movie itself. Popcorn in hand the movie started and the bustling cinema was silenced.

The Lego Ninjago movie is in short the story of a group of teenagers that struggle through the day to day life of High School and struggle some what to fit in. They do however have amazing alter egos that sees them in a continual battle to save Ninjago City from the evil warlord Garmadon who happens to be the estranged father of the green ninja.

With the use of the knowledge they had gained from the wise Sensai Wu-aka Jackie Chan that shows how good will always outweigh evil.

The movie is a mixture of action and humour(a good part aimed at the adults) with an underlying serious message of the importance of companionship, teamwork and self belief.

With a span of ages from 3-40 between us there was something to keep us all entertained throughout and is a must for any Lego fns this half term.

*a big thank you to Warner Bros for inviting us along to this great event.

Families, Family Life

The Lost Format Society:Movies In A Carpark

by thejoyoffiveLeave a Comment on The Lost Format Society:Movies In A Carpark

For years Centrale carpark had been the place I park my car when I’m off to the shops in central Croydon.

For me it is what it is, simply a place to leave my car and return to when I’m laden down with bags. So when I was asked along to a showing of Dirty Dancing in this very carpark I was pretty unsure as to how they were going to carry this off!

When I think of open air cinemas parks are normally the venue that springs to mind so I was intrigued to try out a more urban setting and I was extremely expressed at what I was greeted with.

The top level of the carpark had been sectioned off and behind the barriers homed a huge cinema screen and rows of super cool deckchairs to sit in and watch the film.

It isn’t just a cinema area though, there is also a heated lounge area that is under cover perfect for the temprimemtal English weather and a fab courtyard garden that you can sit and relax in whilst sipping on one of many alcoholic or soft drinks they have available or even grab a bite to eat from the grill.

Music was pumping from the DJ booth and there was a really relaxed friendly vibe filling the whole area.

One thing I didn’t expect to see was a fantastic pop up nail bar where you can get a free manicure from Nails By Mets who works her magic with a huge range of colours and nail art from MeeBox while you are waiting for your film to start.

I was lucky enough to go along on a special event evening where they were not only showing the cult classic Dirty Dancing but they were also giving a dance lesson before the start of the film.

For anyone that knows me you will be all to aware that I own two left feet and it normally takes me a few to many gins before I would ever consider taking to the dance floor!

The professionals took to the stage and I was in awe of how they effortlessly reenacted the famous final dance scene.

I was super nervous to join in but once I got started with my husband being equally as useless as me I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

Dance class over we took to our seats with popcorn in hand and snuggled in the blankets provided whilst the sun set over the colourful Croydon skyline.

There are plenty more showing over the summer including Pretty Woman, The Full Monty, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Bridesmaids and many more.

It would be great to hear what you think of you decide to go along for yourself.
*we were given tickets for the purpose of this review and they are all my own, honest options.