And a little extra More pics from yesterdays visit to the Roxy in Mirimar

Just some more pictures taken yesterday at the Roxy with one older picture of the Roxy for a comparison to the Lego Sculpture in my last post.

2014 Happy New Year and a Day at the Roxy

Well currently I'm enjoying a well earned break and one that has recharged my desire to see some new releases where they deserve to be seen on the Big Screen.  From the very start of my blogs, I had expressed my desire to visit the Roxy, to savour the atmosphere and hell even have a meal at Coco's. So as I'm officially on leave for a week my wife and I decided to leave the snug confines of Porirua and experience the Hobbit Desolation of Smaug at the Roxy. A cinema that has though retaining the original Mirimar cinema's façade has been rebuilt to the latest safety standards incorporating an Art Deco look but with filled with Weta magic from the Gollum's statue greeting you before you ascend the stairs.

Below are photo's taken yesterday, a marvellous Lego reconstruction of the Roxy. The old style Cinema 1, it was here we watched the second part of the Hobbit but not until we had experienced the sheer magic of Coco's restaurant. The food and service was fantastic and this is definitely the place movie magic. The detailing and consistency of design shout out quality.

So recharged, on Holiday and raring to go so far this year I have experienced The Hobbit Desolation of Smaug, which is critic proof I have now seen it standard 3D and HFR 3D and the latter wins hands down. The film felt a lot better the second time around and though a tad too long is still a satisfying experience that leaves you thirsty for more.

Frozen marked my first film of 2014 and I found it to be pure Disney magic , a worthy addition to the Pantheon of Disney movies that confidently embraces Old and New Disney. I loved it, the songs were perfection the characters engaging and the pace perfect for both Adults and children.

After my disappointment with last years movies this year kicked off brilliantly and my next visit I hope to be the Wolf of Wall Street. So Happy New Year long may it continue.

Hobbit premiere , artisan market, and Gandalf at the Embassy

Well today Sunday 25th of November was spent with my family in Central Wellington. I had but two goals. To view the Embassy canopy with its new Gandalf installation.

Then with a sharp turn left we were met by our local councils tribute to Middle Earth. It shows Wellington city rising up in the heart of Middle Earth. Now imagine this scene on the day of the Premiere this street will be closed off to traffic and filled with fans hoping for a site of the stars and the films director.

But the main purpose of our being in Wellington CBD was the Artisan Fayre which I referred to in  my last post. So what follows is just a flavour of Sunday at the Fayre. Various craftsmen and women, plus larger companies such as NZ Post and Air New Zealand advertised their links with the new film and various practical demonstrations of makeup, clothing and weapons were taking place on a small stage with large screen pumping out images to the gathering crowd. It was a family day out and there was a great atmosphere. I have a feeling that getting anywhere near the Embassy theatre on Premiere day will be optomistic. But I will be taking my camera.

So here are a few images as promised  to give you and idea at the interest approaching the Premiere.

Wellington and the Rugby World Cup and Weta

Being a welshman living in New Zealand last weekend was a major event for me. Wales were due to play their first pool game in Wellington on Sunday night, against the formidable Springboks.
The selection of movies on show locally was depressing and I was hotly anticipating the arrival of my Star Wars Blu rays. Tinkering or not, I still wanted them, and to be honest, I will always remember seeing the originals but since the Special Editions, no one under 10 is going to be aware of the constant Lucas tinkering and their his babies so tinker away.
Still last Sunday our local museum Te Papa held a welsh day so I donned my welsh jersey and with my wife and son in tow headed towards Wellington to savour the atmosphere.
So I've attached a few images from the day. They do however have a film link in that the sculpture created for the World Cup is a Weta Production.

This is a brilliant example of their creativity and is a stunning piece of  community art.

The Roxy and Wellington

Here is a link to a great article about Wellington over Easter with tips on places to visit, tours to take. I include it here due to it touching on Mirmars new cinema The Roxy. Take a look for a flavour of Wellington and for anyone viewing it locally for a few idea's of things to do over the Easter break.http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=10720085

Also if your are visiting over the break  The following events are taking place at the Weta Cave.


Friday 22 April 11am-12pm - Digital Painting Demo with Weta Concept Designer Paul Tobin

Saturday 23 April 11am-12pm - Make your own chainmaille with Weta Workshop Artist Philip Sharpe (Please note - there is a $7 charge for materials you will be using in this demonstration)

Sunday 24 April 11am-12pm - Digital Sculpting demo with Weta Workshop Designer and author Scott Spencer.