Film: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Now in the midst of three nights of Meetup. Last night, I just could not resist accompanying The Hideout to the re-released The Nightmare Before Christmas, by Tim Burton. Showing in the Cineworld Leicester Square, and we were meeting in Victory House beforehand - and finally, that meant I got to book Bella Italia before that! Phew - I have vouchers, and it was nice to use one of them before it expired!

I was coming from the office, of course - which meant I could walk to the restaurant. And gee, we were meeting late enough that I could stay at work till a decent time! I know this route well, although it's weeks since I was last down this way.. and en route, I saw that Outernet are feeling Christmassy too!


And so to the restaurant, just in time for my booking - and my friend Pawel was there, and I got my regular table. He mentioned their Christmas menu, but honestly, I didn't fancy it, and went for my usual chicken Milanese - didn't fancy doughballs to start, had the chicken fries instead.

Dunno, somehow it wasn't as nice as I'd remembered - the wine didn't appeal as much, the chicken fries seemed a little too spicy. Maybe I was a bit off. I'm definite about one thing though - the chicken Milanese is more burnt these days, the coating is a little tough, it isn't at all as nice as it used to be, and I doubt I'll have it again. Well, anyway, I was stuffed, and it was nice to see Pawel again - I wished him a Happy Christmas, as I won't be back again this year! Did get to use my voucher though..

And so to Victory House - just for one drink, this time, only having 45 minutes till film time. And it was great to see old faces and new.. and yes, they're still turning the heat up too high in that bar! Heading into the cinema after a bit, I noticed they didn't have the usual video display on the stairs, which felt weird.. we queued at the concession stand, and took our seats before the ads even started - and gee, I seemed to be the only one of the group not on the front row! Anyway, with nothing interesting in the ads, I took the opportunity to run to the loo before the film started.

I do not believe I've ever seen this film before.. anyway, it's a musical, and I certainly know the main song! The story of Jack Skellington, king of Hallowe'en Town, who develops a fascination with Christmas, and takes on the role of Santa Claus.. to devastating effects for kids worldwide! I scored it a 10, amongst a host of high scores - I thought the animations were marvellous, and well, I just adore a musical! The soundtrack is par excellence. (It also kind of reminded me of Hogfather by Terry Pratchett, which I'm supposed to be reading for my work book club - and really must get moving on, it's due in a week!)

Afterwards to The Three Lanterns (renamed from Clubhouse 5) for one, and a lovely chat - when we could hear each other over the din of the multiple tvs showing sports! And I found someone who approves of my favourite horror film, The Grudge! Happy days.. But yes, I had to be up early this morning, so had no time at all to blog last night.

More in the next post..

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