on London time: At the Cinema

I've done something (twice!!) in the last week I thought I'd never do: go to the cinema alone. And I'll admit, it's not as bad an experience as I always imagined it to be. I'm not sure why I hadn't ever seen a film by myself... perhaps it has something to do with thinking I'd be wasting time. However, I do believe the British weather compels you to spend as much time as you can, indoors!

Around this time every year, I feel as though I should see some Oscar contenders. Luckily this year, most of the nominees interest me AND I've got loads of free time on my hands. Thus the impetus to head into Leicester Square to find an independent cinema, the Prince Charles, that had an afternoon showing of The Kids Are Alright. The theatre was easy to find, the seats were comfortable and the matinee price was right- not to mention the movie was fantastic. It was a great way to spend a dreary midday and walking around the Square so near Piccadilly and Trafalgar always adds a spring to my step.

Next up, I decided to see Black Swan, which I thought was completely over the top, but still more or less enjoyable. This time I went to a massive modern cinema in the massive modern Westfield Mall. There weren't as many people in the theatre as the Prince Charles but more than I thought there would be at 11:00 a.m. One of the patrons actually had to tell the theatre attendant to start the film which added 15 minutes of waiting to the entire run time. But the sound was EXTREME!!! Seriously, I had to plug my ears during a few parts... Yep, I'm a cranky old bitty. ;)

Now, if only the Brits could make the salty, buttery popcorn I'm used to getting with Gavin, the experience would be complete.