Longer lashes? Yes please!

I’m still recovering from celebrating my boy’s 2nd birthday over the weekend, but so glad we were able to treat him to a gala screening of the new Paw Patrol film, Mighty Pups on Sunday.

Like many other two year olds, he’s a huge fan and thoroughly enjoyed it – to be fair, even my nine year old admitted to enjoying it!

The screening in Leicester Square was full of excited children, as well as a few celebrities with their little Paw Patrol fans – most of whom couldn’t wait to pose with the life-sized pups!

 

Unfortunately, I have no pictures of my boy with any of the characters from the film, as he refused to let me put him down when we arrived – isn’t it weird how kids get freaked out when they see cartoon characters in real life?

The film follows the usual format of the regular episodes, ie, ending with the pups saving the day, but facing bigger and more problems when some certain residents of Adventure Bay end up with super powers. And at just under an hour in length, it’s not too long for our fidgety kids.

Paw Patrol, Mighty Pups is out today (May 17), for all you dedicated parents!

What’s that you say? A Disney animation exploring racism while being both witty and hilarious?

Well, surprisingly Zootropolis manages to do exactly that with characters voiced by the likes of Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Idris Elba, J K Simmons and Octavia Spencer.

In short, the film is about the determined Judy Hopp (Goodwin) who battles to become the first ever rabbit police academy graduate before teaming up with Nick Wilde (Bateman) to investigate a series of incidents that threaten the city of Zootropolis, where creatures of all types have – up until now – lived together in harmony.

My little one loved the way the two main characters bounced off each other and laughed out loud on several occasions during the film. Even a slight scare, which made half the cinema jump, wasn’t enough to mar her enjoyment.

We watched a special preview screening of the animation in Leicester Square, joined by VIPs – David Haye, Vanessa Feltz, Linda Robson, Sinitta and Jenni Falconer – and their children.

Judging from the round of applause as the film ended, Zootropolis is set to be a hit with both adults and children alike – as the content was covered with the seriousness needed for the themes explored, but at the same time, the relationship between the characters ensured it was a fun watch.

Have I ever told you how much I love karaoke?

Well, those who know me well enough have long been in on this not-so-secret secret. So, when I got an invitation to the relaunch party for the Smithfield branch of Karaoke Box it was one I couldn’t accept quick enough. Come on cocktails, food AND karaoke – heaven!

Having roped in some colleagues and friends we headed to the venue near Smithfield meat market and took our pick of one of the 16 private karaoke rooms, which range from catering for groups of up to four and 30 people.

The rooms circle a spacious cocktail bar, but if you get too carried away with picking the next Nicki Minaj track you’re going to rap along to, then waitress service is available at the touch of a button.

Trust me, it is so easy to get carried away, with over 9000 tracks to choose from and being among your friends, there’s no big show or fear of making a fool of yourself in front of strangers.

One of my friends who came along is already planning our next visit back, as the great thing about the private rooms is that even people who don’t fancy taking the mike can still join in with the giggles!

 

12 Smithfield Street  City of London, EC1A 9LA

020 7329 9991

www.karaokebox.co.uk

My last preview screening was just me and my daughter, this time around I ventured into London’s West End with a new addition – my eight-month-old baby boy.

My first trip up West with the two of them and luckily it was well worth it AND we all survived fairly unscathed!

Coco is a heartfelt take on the Mexican Day of the Dead which sees a young boy – aspiring musician Miguel – reunited with his family on ‘the other side’.

Family, death, living life to the fullest and the importance of being remembered are all themes explored in the film.

So, it obviously helps if you’ve had the whole death and dying chat with your little ones…

As well as lots of laughs, there were some sad moments for my seven-year-old (and me, can’t lie!) which I guess is to be expected from the subject material, but overall she really enjoyed the film.

I would also say it caters for all ages – as the music had my baby boy bouncing up and down in my lap!

Just to add – there will be obvious comparisons to 2014’s animation The Book of Life but rest assured Coco, whilst also taking place of the Day of the Dead, is definitely a completely different story!

In cinemas January 19.