London Cinema Suggestions, Please

[HoldingOutForAHero]

Hi

I'm looking to take the kids to the cinema to see Croods 2. We hardly ever go to the cinema because it's so pricey, but they LOVED Croods 1 so I'm going to push the boat out and take them to see it, and make a day of it in town.

Where in Central London is the best cinema experience, please?
I think I'd like a big wow screen, but open to ideas re what makes a cinema trip really special.

Thanks in advance

If they are showing the film, the Prince Charles Cinema. More like a cinema of old, and there are plenty of places to eat nearby.

Otherwise worth considering the Curzon cinemas, or the BFI on the Southbank. Largest screen or cinema is on Leicester Square, but as someone with friends who are filmmakers, I try to go to independent cinemas.

Thanks so much, I'll check those out.

Which cinema at Leicester Square, please? Are all the screens the same size inside? If not, how do I know the film we are choosing is on the biggest screen?

Picturehouse Piccadilly is nice but dogs are allowed into some screenings. You may see that as a good or bad thing.

@Hopdathelf

Picturehouse Piccadilly is nice but dogs are allowed into some screenings. You may see that as a good or bad thing.

I see that as a bad thing, so thanks so much for highlighting that.

I did too. Apart from the presence of dogs, it was brighter than usual and people got up and wandered everywhere, talked over the film endlessly and at least one dog absolutely reeked.

I second the Prince Charles. I like Picturehouse Piccadilly, the Curzon and Everyman cinemas. None of which are big screen things (though big enough tbh). If you just want the biggest screen possible then yes you'll want one of the obscenely expensive chains in LSquare. Would your local Vue/Cineworld cinema not have a big screen for half the price? I don't think it's worth making a trip into town unless you're going to a 'naice' cinema or the Prince Charles.

The biggest and best is the iMac South Bank if they're showing it.

Ok looks like you've missed out on the iMax. Been and gone sadly

@Hopdathelf

I did too. Apart from the presence of dogs, it was brighter than usual and people got up and wandered everywhere, talked over the film endlessly and at least one dog absolutely reeked.

Yeah, hard pass on dogs being present. Noisy, stinky, unhygienic. No thanks. What a shame. I'm so glad you told me – I wouldn't have even considered checking whether dogs are permitted.

@BellyFlipFlop

I second the Prince Charles. I like Picturehouse Piccadilly, the Curzon and Everyman cinemas. None of which are big screen things (though big enough tbh). If you just want the biggest screen possible then yes you'll want one of the obscenely expensive chains in LSquare. Would your local Vue/Cineworld cinema not have a big screen for half the price? I don't think it's worth making a trip into town unless you're going to a 'naice' cinema or the Prince Charles.

The biggest and best is the iMac South Bank if they're showing it.

Thanks for your input. I'll see if Prince Charles is showing it, and also check out the others you mention. What makes Southbank iMac so good?

Yes, I could go local, but London isn't far for us, and I want to make an event of it.

@BellyFlipFlop

Ok looks like you've missed out on the iMax. Been and gone sadly

Am a bit confused. The film's not out yet.

It’s only for some showings they can enter the screen but obviously they hang around the cinema endlessly before and after and behave very poorly so you’re not safe even if you choose a dog free screening.

I’d be surprised if something like The Croods was at the IMAX cinema. They only show films made/converted for IMAX don’t they? Could you even do that to an animated film?

@Hopdathelf

It’s only for some showings they can enter the screen but obviously they hang around the cinema endlessly before and after and behave very poorly so you’re not safe even if you choose a dog free screening.

I'll absolutely avoid dog-friendly cinemas. My children and I are allergic, if they have been hanging around, we get impacted. Plus the stench and thought of sitting where a dog has just sat with its bare anus makes me nauseous. Plus slobber on the arm rests. No thanks!

Amen!

What makes the bfi imax so special is that it's the biggest screen in the UK.

It says 'this film is no longer available' so maybe a glitch. Have a look next week.

@Hopdathelf

Amen!

Damn straight!

Truly glad you mentioned it. That's your good deed for the day!

@BellyFlipFlop

What makes the bfi imax so special is that it's the biggest screen in the UK.

It says 'this film is no longer available' so maybe a glitch. Have a look next week.

Ah that's really great to know, thank you so much. I will.