A month or so ago, we were all were greeted by this exciting news; it spread like wildfire in Phnom Penh.

My husband and I agreed we will go see a movie there when the Harry Potter 7 is screened. But when the newly opened Legend Cinema announced they were holding an early screening of the movie (The Rise of the Planet of the Apes) for the media last week, I could not resist the urge and immediately signed in. For an expat who is a self-confessed movie junkie like me,  I really miss watching movies on the big screen! When I received the invite for bloggers junket, I was very excited. To me, it was a milestone of sorts because aside from it being the first time I would get to watch a movie in Cambodia in my ten years of living here, it's the first time that a company has included bloggers in their events. But I could be wrong. Anyways, beyond the free movie ticket, I was very curious and so looking forward to my first cinema experience in the Penh!

Came Tuesday morning ... and guess who were with me at the cinema??? Khmer Iggy and PinayWifeSpeaks (PWS), of course. Khmer Iggy, if you still remember her, is a traveling doll who's been with me since 2008; PWS is one of my PELUKA sisters who is also a movie-nut like me!

We were greeted by friendly ushers who looked snappy in their all-black ensemble. Although there are three cinema halls, it is actually not a big place for a theater - sharing the floor with the mall's food court. Nonetheless, the lobby (or waiting lounge, if you like) has a nice vibe that makes waiting a pleasant time, the sofas are comfy, there is a food concession stand (small but not bad), and best of all, it is air-conditioned!

It didn't take long for us to be ushered to Hall 2. I was happy with the seats - they were comfortable, they had enough legroom (at least for me) and the arm rest had a holder for the soda cup.  Not long after we had sat down, trailers for upcoming movies were shown, to my delight. I had to watch with bated breath as the teaser for Harry Potter 7 was on and it made me geek out even more. Sure, I'm one of the thousands of geeks (I use the word geek with utmost respect!) anxiously waiting for the last installment of HP. Eh, ano? Walang ko-kontra! lol.

So, anyway, the invite was for the premier screening of the Rise of the Planet of the Apes. I didn't actually like the Mark Wahlberg-starrer in the remake of the Planet of the Apes so I wasn't really expecting much from this movie. But for anything with James Franco in it, and with a massive tub of popcorn and free soda (it goes with the ticket price), I can be wide awake.



The Return of the Planet of the Apes is a story about a wonder-drug to cure Alzheimer's disease being developed and tested on primates. It produced a highly intelligent chimp, capable of complicated sign language and emotional attachment and emotional life. James Franco is the scientist who develops this drug hoping to cure his father's suffering from the debilitating Alzheimer's disease.  Although James Franco is eye-candy and his acting is not that bad, I think Andy Serkis, the guy who played the lead simian Caesar, is awesome! Despite using all sorts of CG, Andy Serkis' superb acting - intense facial expressions and simian mannerisms - gave life to Caesar. In case you don't know, Andy was also the guy behind one of the most unforgettable characters of all time, Gollum, from the Lord of the Rings. In my opinion, I think an acting category for actors like Andy should be created.  I also thought that John Lithgow, as Franco's ailing father, did a very job; Frieda Pinto, the breakout actress from the movie Slumdog Millionaire, although very beautiful, appeared very little in the movie, and we barely knew her character. Please don't rely on this if you are looking for a full-review. You can find a lot of reviews online. Or haul your fat behind and watch the movie yourself :D

 

Sure we can easily buy a DVD copy of this movie at the Russian Market, but it's the whole cinema experience that counts! Besides, $6 for a 3D movie ($4 for non 3D) is very affordable. Now, with the summer heat on extended stay, Legend Cinema is becoming the place to chill out and escape the hustle-bustle of Phnom Penh.

The nice vibe in the air-conditioned lobby makes waiting more pleasant.

... and great for taking pictures for people like me and Khmer Iggy :)

A bit of a side note here. The location was a little out-of-the-way for a first-timer like me because even if it is in CityMall it wasn't easy find, (it's at the end of the food court). I didn't see any signs at all but, hey,  once you know where it is, then no more problem the next time. Also, since the management has been ironing out some creases since its opening, I would like to add that it would be nice to have an emergency exit. You know, in case of emergency. I would feel safer knowing I know where to get out safely and quickly when something goes wrong inside the cinema.

The Rise of the Planet Apes was my first movie experience in Phnom Penh's Legend Cinema (hopefully not the last) and I am impressed. The sound is excellent and so is the projection. The standards are above my expectations and I hope they are maintained.

Will I  be back?
Absolutely, YES! Can't wait to go back with my husband for our first movie date here in Phnom Penh ;)

Thank you, Legend Cinema. A big YAY! to my first movie experience in the Penh.

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Oh, and you can always get yourself free tickets. Just go to Legend Cinema's Facebook page to check out the daily, online promos :) Plus, you can also check out their new website for screening schedules and movie titles for future screenings.

Legend Cinema is located at the third floor of the CityMall Shopping Centre, Monireth Boulevard (St. 271), Phnom Penh.