Film: Trap

Yesterday, third film in a row - how could I resist Trap, M. Night Shyamalan's latest, where Josh Hartnett is a serial killer, trapped when he takes his daughter to a pop concert?! I love his dead stare in the trailer.. Also stars the director's daughter, Saleka, as the pop star - this isn't the one who directed and co-wrote The Watchers; that was her sister, Ishana. M. Night Shyamalan even shows up as one of the crew, playing the pop star's uncle - this has become a real family business! Hayley Mills shows up as the police profiler, directing the troops as to where to position themselves, and what to look for.

And this was the start of five Meetup days in a row for me. Two Meetup groups were actually going yesterday - but the London Horror Film Group were going at midday, for goodness' sake. Anyway, I'd rather go with The London Movie Club, who were going in the evening - they usually meet in Clubhouse 5 beforehand, but when I checked, it was All Bar One, across the square. And given what happened before, when we headed out after the film, I ate beforehand, even though it was quite early - Bella Italia (Cranbourn Street), of course. So I could lie in, but not indefinitely.

I had to take two buses, so could start with any of them. Took the first to arrive, which was the #47 - which is how I came to be changing to the #15, near Monument. Unfortunately, it was pulling away as I ran over - and the driver wasn't one of those who waits. So I had a bit of a wait myself, for the next - not that that meant I was going to get on this!

That appears to be a special, old-style bus - a sign on the window warns that Oyster cards are not accepted, and gives the (more expensive) fares. An enthusiastic conductor leapt off and exclaimed, "Who's going to Trafalgar Square?". He was less enthusiastic when faced with our blank stares - he didn't get much business there. Mind you, I later regretted not taking him up on it - my bus was delayed, and then decided to finish short! Google Maps gave me alternative buses I could take, but - rushing to make my booking - I didn't trust them, and walked the last bit. At a trot.

So, I was quite late arriving at the restaurant. But hey, it was early, and not busy - I took a seat just inside the door. They'd opened the full-length window right beside me, so it was nice and airy, and afforded me a great view of the square for people-watching. And it was great for listening to the decent busker, just up aways. Their WiFi didn't work - in fact, I had trouble getting signal at all, and had to wait until I was outside again to get any messages. However, they broke the cycle of bad starters I've had at Bella Italia lately - the chicken frites were gorgeous, the chicken milanese was as dependably gorgeous as ever. And the pinot grigio went down well.

When I was finished - and figured out where I was supposed to be going - I moseyed on over to All Bar One. Which was manic - Clubhouse 5 was as bad. Perils of a summer Saturday in Leicester Square, I guess. Unable to see the group, I messaged them - just as well they said they were upstairs, because it's reservation-only up there, and there's a guy on the desk to enforce that and check people's bookings. He knew instantly which group I was after - told me to look out for the signs. And I found them. Our guide was generous enough to provide some calamari, but I was stuffed - but we had a good old chat before we wandered off. Damned noisy, though..

Interestingly, the group advertised two cinemas, given the small screens in Cineworld, where I booked - they also suggested the Odeon, where there was a showing at a similar time. Unfortunately, they started out with a link for the wrong day for Cineworld.. hope nobody was caught out by that! I only spotted it after my card was inexplicably declined, and I had to try again - damnit, there's always a problem with their site! It's also a nuisance that my Pass app is no longer autofilling card details, given that I don't have them saved with Cineworld, and as I say, I forgot my card when I was coming back from Ireland last, and can't remember the details! Had to go with my Irish one, in the end..

So.. we knew the basic details - the fun in this film is seeing how it pans out. I have to say, Saleka does a very good job playing a popstar.. and Shyamalan doesn't disappoint, with quite a clever ending. Unusual, a film where you're rooting for the bad guy.. and this character is clever too, and resourceful. I love Shyamalan's unique take on a story, he doesn't conform to convention.. so many places he could have, but deftly avoided it. Gee, that's all I can tell you without giving any spoilers! But it is really good - better than its IMDB rating. Definitely recommended.

Yes, we went to the pub afterwards - The Bear and Staff, which our organiser is thinking of switching to in future. And which, I have to say, was not manic - we easily found seats, and could hear ourselves speak. Although the lady behind the bar did get confused on my second drink, pouring me a Chardonnay instead of a Sauvignon Blanc - but hey, it was poured, so I said I'd have it; I like Chardonnay! Just not as much. It does have the advantage of being cheaper, mind.. So anyway, a nice post-film chat, and a lovely evening - looking forward to the next, whenever it might be! I was too tired to blog afterwards, though.

Today, back with Buddies on a Budget - this time, for a tango show in the Scoop! My first time this year, imagine.. and it's a scorcher. My new flatmate, who's in charge of security there, will be on duty, says he'll keep an eye out for me.. It is actually starting before we arrive, but I'm sure we'll see plenty! And we'll avoid the worst of the heat. Sponsored by the Argentinian Embassy, apparently. I'll eat in Cote at Hay's Galleria beforehand, it's quite close. And hallelujah, no bus dramas - I'm close enough that I can walk everywhere today.

The next two days, back with Up in the Cheap Seats - tomorrow, we're off to Farm Hall, in the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Based on true events, it's the story of a group of German scientists, detained in England during the Second World War. I'm eating at Angus Steakhouse.

On Tuesday, off to Fangirls at the Lyric Hammersmith. Not a standard pop fan story, this tells the tale of what happens when a young female fan's adoration for her pop idol is shattered..

On Wednesday, back with London Literary Walks - this walk is the St. James' Walk.

And on Thursday, film again (!) - a feature at the Prince Charles, who are showing It's Such a Beautiful Day, the animated film by Don Hertzfeldt, which will be accompanied by his new short film, Me. And of course, that'll be accompanied by a trip to Bella Italia (Cranbourn Street) .. And then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.