Summer in Sydney comes hand-in-hand with longer days, festive cheer, and of course, Moonlight Cinema’s outdoor cinematic experience. A classic end-of-year treat, this event is an ideal summer outing for everyone!
Sydney’s Moonlight Cinema is located in the lofty and luscious terrain of Centennial Park. Although our chosen film started at 8:30pm, we arrived early to explore this self-funded public parkland.
With free parking available near the outdoor cinema, there was no rush or hassle of having to find or move carparks during the evening, making for a relaxed start to the experience.
The team at Moonlight created a great atmosphere from the outset. Christmas lights decorated the cinema’s entry, bean bags and blankets were available for hire and purchase. And, of course, pet beds for any furry guests.
The staff at Moonlight were warm and accommodating from the very beginning, welcoming us and providing some of Moonlight’s premium offerings.
We were guided to our Singapore Airlines Gold Grass seating and given ice-creams, popcorn and drinks. The combination of Moonlight’s QR menu system and waiter service also meant that we were able to comfortably order more food and snacks up until the film began.
Despite the drizzle, the warm weather, good food and sounds of chatter and laughter helped to enhance the buzz and excitement of watching Home Alone, a Christmas classic. Be sure to check the weather before heading out though, as we did not come prepared for the rain. It did make our viewing experience a little rough (but at no fault of Moonlight!).
Moonlight Cinema is running not only in Sydney but in Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. This classic summer event is the perfect way to soak up the season with fresh air, festive spirits and great films!
About the film
Home Alone is a classic, and in my opinion, mandatory Christmas viewing. For those who have been unlucky as to have never watched this film, it stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old accidentally left behind when his family rushes off on a Christmas vacation to Paris.
What follows is a festive misadventure that blends comedy and heart as Kevin learns to live alone while defending his home against the Wet Bandits, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.
Directed by Chris Columbus, the film, alongside John Williams’ nostalgic score, is a recipe for a good time. The suburban Chicago setting is decorated in Christmas lights and snow, which really emphasises the quintessential cosy, white Christmas experience.
However, it is the performance and charm of Culkin with the slapstick humour of Pesci and Stern that make for great and engaging viewing for all ages. The actors blend warmth and chaos in a firework of hilarious turmoil, which has enshrined Home Alone as a timeless holiday favourite.
Home Alone is an enduring film because of how it wraps warmth and emotional sincerity into outrageous traps and caricature-like villains. It is the film that captures the magic, madness and comfort of Christmas, making it a heartfelt experience to watch and re-watch!
Home Alone runs on 18 December at Moonlight Cinema in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. Check website for city specific session times.
Website: https://moonlight.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/moonlightcinema/
Images supplied.
Moonlight Cinema locations
Sydney Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Parklands
Melbourne Central Lawn, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Adelaide Botanic Park Adelaide
Brisbane The Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parklands
Perth May Drive Parkland, Kings Park
