Express & Star

Odeon launches new Luxe cinema in Birmingham: We try out new attraction and watch Adrift - review

The bubbles were popping and the snacks were flowing when Odeon officially launched its Luxe cinema at Birmingham's Broadway Plaza last night.

Published
Last updated
Inside the new Odeon Luxe. Pic: @ODEONCinemas

Dubbed the largest of its kind in the UK, movie buffs are promised a 'cinema like you've never experienced before'.

I'd been to this Odeon countless times over the years, so walking into the cinema I was eager to see what the fuss was all about.

'Premium comfort and expertly designed' seats just seemed like fancy words and I was slightly unconvinced before walking in.

'Every seat is the best in the house', we were also told.

But I pretty much felt like royalty as I made myself at home in front of the screen, with the bouncy cushions providing the perfect cocoon ready for the movie.

Reclining to my hearts content, I got a little giddy playing with the controls before finding the perfect spot and completely relaxing with a glass of prosecco and sweet popcorn to hand on the retractable table. The lattice fries, chicken strips and nachos definitely hit the spot too.

With fewer seats in front of the big screen, I felt like I had bags of room around me and avoided that age-old anxiety of wanting to stretch my legs without bumping the chair in front.

We settled down to watch Adrift ahead of its release in the UK - starring Shailene Woodley, best known for her lead role in the Divergent series, alongside Sam Claflin, who played Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games.

See a trailer for the film here:

It reminded me of a modern day Titanic, except for the smaller boat.

The shipwrecked tale is in fact a true story, based on Tami Oldham's troubles after getting lost at sea in a boat battered by a horrendous hurricane.

Tragedy at sea and the heart-wrenching love story really got the emotions stirring - you'll spend the whole time wondering if the Tami and partner Richard Sharp manage to survive before the heartbreaking end to the movie.

Trying out the new Odeon Luxe was a cinema experience like no other I had ever had - snuggled in the reclining seats made all the difference. Britain's biggest luxury cinema was the perfect way to wind down after a long day in the office. I can't imagine watching a film in any other way now.