Film: Until Dawn

Tonight, back with The Hideout.. Until Dawn did sound appealing, particularly with the time loop feature. With a choice of two Odeons in Leicester Square, both showing it, we headed to the Odeon Luxe West End.. of course, I ate beforehand in Bella Italia.

I say "of course", but I actually forgot to book it.. only remembered yesterday! Not that it mattered - it was nearly empty when I arrived. And I could have sat outside, it was such a gorgeous evening - I compromised by sitting technically inside, just inside the (open) full-length window, so I got a nice, warm breeze. Now, at the end, he pointed out to me that everything I had, I could get on the set menu.. well, why didn't he tell me that to begin with?! I mean, I don't even use the menu there any more.. he could just have given me the set menu price..

My, it was gorgeous though, just what I fancied. And you know, I could have eaten later.. we weren't meeting that early. But it was lovely not to have to rush. Why, I even had time for dessert.. not that I had much, just fancied some ice cream, to go with the sunshine. And then I moseyed over. Not many joined us for drinks - just the three of us, in fact - although there were more at the film itself. But those of us who did hang out had a very nice chat, as ever.. and the soundtrack in the bar was excellent!

Lovely, leather reclining seats. The ads were on by the time we went in - and we three were the first in! Now.. this film is based on a game (not generally a recommendation), which I haven't played, and its only other claim to fame, for me, was it's directed by David Sandberg. A Swedish chap, I knew of him before he moved to Hollywood.. from a rather excellent YouTube channel called Ponysmasher. In fact, I highly recommend you check it out - there are award-winning short horror films, which he made with his wife, many of which are accompanied by videos on the how-to of making them - and he's obviously still contributing, because there's actually a short on there about the effects used in this film!

Someone there tonight is a fan of the game and was able to confirm that no, the film is nothing like it. So, fair enough, don't go expecting a reproduction of it - but I thought it was decent, the characters well-drawn, and it does have game-like elements. The time loop, of course, involves them all having to relive this night over and over until they can find the key to get out.

It's gory, but not too much.. the characters are a bit happy-clappy to begin with, a bit too woke - but never mind, they sure pay their dues later on. And some of the visuals are downright creepy. It's by no means a classic, but it is enjoyable - and as usual, it's great to be with the group.

Getting home was entertaining, mind - Google Maps' predictions about bus arrivals were a complete flight of fantasy, and Buses Due has been down all day. So I simply operated on faith, and got home before too long at all.

Tomorrow, back with the much-neglected London Literary Walks (LLW)! Well, if he will hold walks on a Wednesday.. This one is The Westminster Walk, meeting in St. Stephen's Tavern. 

On Thursday, heading with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) again, for Tambo & Bones, at the Theatre Royal Stratford East. Then off to Ireland for the bank holiday weekend - and again, no films to speak of that I can watch while I'm there. Ah well..

Next Tuesday, back - after too long - with North London Friends! We're headed to House of Games, in Hampstead Theatre. And what a tragedy it is that Ye Olde Swiss Cottage seems to have closed..! It was my go-to, there, and they served excellent food..

On the 7th, back with LLW for the 101 Dalmatians walk! We're meeting in The Globe - I've booked to eat there beforehand. 

On the 8th.. flamenco!! Which I love. Found a group, Flamenco Events in London, and have requested to join - no word yet, and there probably isn't going to be! Anyway, have booked for this concert in St. John's Church Hoxton. Tickets from Eventbrite - free after-show party, but I'm passing- have work next day, of course. Have booked with Schnitzel Heaven for beforehand. 

On the 9th, back at Sadler's Wells with UITCS again, for Oona Doherty-Specky Clark. Which sounds.. curious, being an interpretation in dance of a family history involving a family of butchers and, on the other side, working in an abattoir.. Anyway, eating at The Wilmington again.

On the 10th, I was to be back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpies.. this time, for The Wallace Collection. But sadly, he's now postponed it till June. Never mind, it isn't a complete loss - Helen is coming to town! We have a rough plan to have lunch at The Archduke, then follow our noses for the afternoon..

I was leaving the 11th free in case my ex-colleagues could come to a consensus to meet that day! But as it happens, Ivan can't make it that day, and with the sudden news of a cousin visiting, James isn't sure what he's doing for the whole month. So, for that day, I spotted an event from London Museums A-Z: for Gen Xers and Millennials (LoMAZ). I never heard of them before, but they're already up to T - for Tutenkhamun: The Immersive Exhibition, which apparently uses VR to put you right back in Ancient Egypt. Booked through an outlet called Fever, which I'd never heard of - also available on Eventim. Sounds interesting - and I do love VR. No problem in joining straight away, either..

And on the 12th, heading with my companion from the Swiss trip to a classical concert in St. John's Waterloo - booked with Eventbrite. We're eating at The Archduke beforehand.