Children flock to the cinema

Children were up unusually early yesterday morning to drag their parents to a day at the cinema with the intention of watching a string of films.

For the fourth year running KRS Film Distributors has organised Children's Cinema Day in all the cinemas across Malta and Gozo.

The airconditioned cinemas provided the perfect refuge from the high temperatures and parents could allow their children to watch three films in a day without worrying about the expense - admission prices were reduced to 85c for those 12 years and under and Lm1.50 for accompanying adults.

Children chattered excitedly as they queued for the first shows at 9 a.m. in a dilemma over which film to see.

They were spoilt for choice and films on view included Rise of the Machines, Sinbad - Legend of the Seas, Agent Cody Banks, Bruce Almighty, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, Hulk, Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, The Jungle Book 2, Spy Kids 3D: Game Over and Kangaroo Jack.

KRS manager Alex Pace said they were expecting to beat last year's admissions and by the afternoon all cinemas were doing good business.

Embassy Complex house manager Andrew Attard said his cinemas were likely to set a new record in admissions for Children's Cinema Day.

Mini posters of films and free gifts were distributed at a number of the cinemas, while others provided free entertainment from a face painter to animators.

Children's Cinema Day yesterday took place in Eden Century Cinemas, in Gallarija, Fgura and St George's Bay; Empire Cinema, Bugibba; Embassy Cinemaworld, Valletta; Sun City Cine Palais, Marsascala and the Citadel Theatre in Victoria, Gozo.