Uncle Marc was in town over the weekend, so we'd planned a trip to Tropical Islands, but as the boys felt slightly under the weather, we decided to postpone and take a trip to the cinema instead. "The Grinch", a film adaptation of Dr Seuss's brilliant book "How the Grinch stole Christmas", has been released again, this time as a beautiful 3D animation by Illumination. We went to the Sony Centre CineStar as it was showing the film in English (original version when booking). We adults sneaked in a glass of glühwein from the market outside, while the boys boldly managed to force down some popcorn, despite being a bit poorly (brave souls), and we hunkered down for the main attraction.
If you don't already know, The Grinch tells the story of a green, grumpy creature who lives in a cave, high above the joyous town of Whoville, with his devoted dog Max. The Grinch hates Christmas and all it's frivolity and fun, and so decides to steal it from the unsuspecting Who's far below. But he's not prepared for the kind-hearted Cindy Lou and her plans in Whoville...
Apparently, earlier versions of the film could be a little scary for the very young, but this adaptation is nothing of the sort. I was captivated by the film right from the start; it's funny, heart-warming, bold and bright. I even laughed out loud on several occasions, getting totally caught up in the stunning animation. I sneaked a glance at the boys every now and again, and they were as entranced as I was. Our youngest, clad in his finest tiara and cape for the occasion, had a smile plastered to his face most of the time, and even the 5 year old didn't ask too many 'why' questions all the way through.
We all felt buoyant after the film and the boys were keen on taking the party on, so we ventured into the Potsdamer Platz Christmas market across the street. If you, like us, have kids who like to run, it's best to avoid the main hub on the Platz, and head instead down Alte Potsdamer Strasse towards the frankly incredible Christmas tree where there's plenty of room for little legs to go wild, away from the crowds and the road. I know for a fact that if that tree was in London, it would be fenced off; not so in Berlin. The boys had a grand time ducking beneath the baubles and larking around, dashing in and out under the branches, while we sipped another glühwein...or two..
We also took advantage of the ice-skating rink (€2.50 a go), which is unfortunately plastic, not ice, but we still managed to enjoy it for about 20 minutes, mainly pushing the boys around on plastic whales and falling over. It even started to snow, so with the twinkling lights, a giant Christmas tree and family fun, it really did feel like Christmas. I'm so glad the Grinch hasn't stolen ours... yet..
Cinestar Berlin, Sony Center, Potsdamer Strasse 4, 10785 Berlin
Adults: €9.50, Children €7
Buy tickets here
Make sure you book the Original Version if you want to watch in English!
Adults: €9.50, Children €7
Buy tickets here
Make sure you book the Original Version if you want to watch in English!