Spanx – a woman’s best friend?

To be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect as I walked into the screening for this latest Disney offering.

But I have to admit I was definitely touched by (I may have even teared up a little…!) this film about a little boy and his not so imaginary friend.

I absolutely loved Pete’s Dragon, there was something very real about the film’s subject matter (apart from the fact it was about a dragon of course!) but I really connected with the themes of loss, family and belonging.

With Oakes Fegley playing the charming Pete, an orphaned boy who has survived a life in the forest with the help of his big green furry friend.

Some secrets are too big to keep 🐲 Watch the brand new trailer for #PetesDragon! See the film in theatres August 12!https://t.co/GisQ4wdL9Z

— Pete's Dragon (@disneypetes) June 14, 2016

My six-year-old daughter adored the film and found the characters relatable and the storyline easy to follow, able to recount several scenes to me on the journey home.

Oakes leads a strong cast including Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban and Oona Laurence.

Save

Well, if you’re Meg Mathews that is! Best known for being the ex wife of Noel Gallagher, the multi-talented blogger, scarves and interior designer, is also mum to their 12 year old daughter Anais.

Chatting to Meg at her launch of her range for furniture and home accessories store, Dwell, the 46 year old was more than happy to share her secret.

Over a glass of champagne at the Tottenham Court Road store, she said ‘Monday to Thursday I know Anais is at boarding school – she loves it. No-one worries about what they look like and walk around in their pyjamas, ripped Converse trainers and limp hair!

‘I grew up in boarding school and loved it, lots of happy memories – so I didn’t think of doing anything different for Anais. I went to school with [director] Guy Ritchie and I’m still best friends with his sister.’

Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against boarding schools – it’s definitely an individual’s decision – and it seems to be working for Meg…

She went on, ‘During the day I don’t really have schedule – I make lots of lists and rush around till everything’s done!’

Trying to remain just as cool, calm and collected as the man himself, I recently had a one to one with Hollywood superstar Samuel L Jackson (silent scream).

Fresh from celebrating Django Unchained’s win at the BAFTAs, presenting an award on the night and hosting another charity event two days before that – phew! – this was a man on total form, friendly and animatedly talking about his latest fundraiser.

Launching the Affinity Real Estate Shooting Stars Benefit 2013 at the Moet and Chandon offices in London, over a glass of bubbly (what else?), Jackson spoke enthusiastically about the golfing event in June where those prepared to part with a certain amount of cash can putt holes alongside celebrity players.

Pushing Jackson to say which A-list players he’d like to get on board – Luke Wilson and Alice Cooper have taken part in the past – he replied: “People like golf and people tend to open their pockets to play with, I guess, famous people… and they have a good time and it’s a great way to engage with people in the community and to help raise awareness among certain charities.

“We’re talking to a lot of people – so we’ll see what happens. We don’t really bring people onboard because they’re good golfers, we bring them because they’re good people. You have to be social, people come to have a laugh, make friends and take photographs, so we try to chose people who are personable and wanna come and have a good time.”

Jackson’s mother passed away last year after battling with Alzheimer’s, so funds raised from this year’s event will go towards the Samuel L Jackson Foundation and fund research into Dementia and Alzheimer’s, as Jackson added ‘that could be me one day’.

The Affinity Real Estate Shooting Stars Benefit takes place June 14-15. www.shootingstarsbenefit.com

With a voice cast boasting the likes of Rob Schneider, Heather Graham, James Corden, Bill Nighy and Colm Meaney, it’s no surprise a crowd of VIPs and their children braved the cold to enjoy a Sunday morning screening of latest Lionsgate offering Norm of the North.

Singer Una Foden stepped out with her three year old mini me, daughter Aoife Belle – the pair clad in matching denim ensembles.

Other celebrities taking part in the ‘fun in the foyer’ activities included Cherry Healey, Justin Lee Collins and former X Factor contestants The Brooks, before TV presenter Kate Garraway introduced the film to a packed screening room at London’s Empire Leicester Square cinema.

In the film Schneider voices a dancing polar bear who can speak to humans, tasked with saving his Arctic home from property developers.

My six year old enjoyed the film but a big part of that was probably due to the soundtrack – which included Walk to the Moon’s catchy Shut Up and Dance – rather than any riveting storyline.

While the animated offering is not on a par with Disney’s Frozen which is of course loved by children and adults alike(!), I did find myself sniggering at some of the jokes. And judging from the reaction of children at the screening, they also seemed to find the film amusing.

Norm of the North hits UK cinemas on March 18.

www.normofthenorth.co.uk