Luna Palace Cinemas

“I love Luna Leederville. Located on the corner of Oxford Street and Vincent Street, it’s the heartland of independent cinema in Perth. They also play mainstream movies. But more on that later. There are several screens at Luna. Cinema one serves as the primary theatre, and there are also several smaller cinema rooms that make for a more intimate setting. I saw ‘flow’ in one of these rooms. It’s an animated movie about a cat’s fateful journey following the loss of its home after an environmental disruption. There was no dialogue – an unusual concept – but in this instance, the lack of dialogue was made up for through the use of spectacular visuals and a great story. It's a fantastic film. If you go to a movie in cinema one, try and get a seat on the balcony. It's a great vibe and you have a spectacular view of the screen and the theatre. Downstairs is great too. The staff at Luna are really fun and friendly people, which is awesome. They provide great service that makes going to the movies a fun experience. There’s a good selection of tasty treats on offer as well, from M & Ms and choc bombs to the all-important popcorn. They also do coffee, which is a great option anytime of the day. This week, I went to see a Humphrey Bogart double feature, the first being ‘Casablanca’, co-starring Ingrid Bergman. It’s such a great film, known for memorable lines such as “of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine”. I’d seen Casablanca before but always enjoy watching it – it’s a timeless classic that keeps getting better. At the end of the screening, the audience clapped and cheered, which enhanced the atmosphere even more. The film after 'Casablanca' was ‘The Big Sleep’, a detective story with the talented Lauren Bacall co-starring alongside Bogey. I hadn’t seen this movie before, but I’m pleased to say that it’s a great film. There’s sharp dialogue, a good story with an air of suspense, and just the right amount of comic relief. Lauren Bacall’s style and class easily match Bogey’s no-nonsense portrayal of a detective on the case. There’s something about movies from the golden age of Hollywood that naturally draw you in. Being shot in black and white helps to create a gritty mood. When this is paired with great acting and skilful direction, you’ve really got something. Actors including ‘Bogey’ and Ingrid Bergman have a style and elegance about them. This adds a layer of richness that makes their films eternal classics. Luna also plays 'modern' classics too, along with double features on Monday nights. This year, they also did a screening of James Cameron’s ‘The Abyss’. So, if you’re more into mainstream movies, they have you covered too. Also known for showcasing international film festivals, Luna is a great place to view foreign films. I went along to a movie there that was part of the German film festival. But that's just the start. Luna also showcases other festivals such as the Italian and Polish film festivals. I’ve been to Luna outdoor too (located at Luna Leederville). Your seating options are beanbags and chairs. Plus, the outdoor setting really enhances the atmosphere. On my visit, I went to see ‘Evil Dead 2’ - the ultimate 80s horror comedy. It’s filled with laugh out loud moments that – thanks to the direction of Sam Raimi – blend seamlessly with an otherwise dark subject matter. This movie worked particularly well outdoors, especially for the scenes in the woods. To top it off, Ash's (played by the fantastic Bruce Campbell) clash with the evil dead just gets better with age. What I love about Luna is that it’s so much more than a cinema. It’s a place where you can utterly absorb yourself in film in a place that is really fun to hang out in. Movie buffs will love it. Right now, inside the foyer there’s a scale model of two Godzillas standing outside the front of Luna Leederville. To top it off – in a homage to back to the future – there’s also a model of Doc Brown’s DeLorean. This is the sort of effort and attention to detail that makes Luna well worth visiting.”

“I’ve been going to Luna Leederville for decades and continue to admire their commitment to innovative, creative cinema experiences. They consistently curate thoughtful programming and special events that you simply won’t find at the megaplexes. I’ve attended many of their film festival opening nights and special screenings, and they always do these brilliantly. The cinema itself is gorgeous and a beautiful example of art deco, and its Leederville location is perfect, with plenty of great spots nearby for a meal or snack afterwards. Places like Luna Leederville are essential to our cultural life, and I’m so grateful they exist.”

“There is a reason this eclectic arthouse cinema has won the award for being Australia's best for years on end - it is! Ahead of the curve, reliable programming, great staff, cosy and iconic. The outdoor is awesome in summer, nothing better on a balmy night with a grazing board and bottle of wine.”

“Negatives and positives. So brickbats, I bought tickets to the movies on New Year's Eve, knowing from long local experience all about the Luna Theatre, Leederville; but nowhere on the page did it mention that the Luna SX was in Fremantle. Apparently psychic abilities are called for, or a finely tuned legal eye for fine print. But bouquets, the excellent ticket seller at Leederville apologised and exchanged my tickets for what turned out to be a completely enjoyable movie (Rental Family) in Leederville, and with an Asahi beer for accompaniment, in a very comfortable, small theatre; an enjoyable evening still eventuated. Great recovery Luna.”