Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One

Whilst I had happily read the books to my son when he was little, I abandoned watching the movies about two episodes ago. You can have too much of a good thing. Yet I gave into gentle pressure from my daughter to see the latest instalment and trotted off to spend a Bank Holiday afternoon with Harry.

The cinema was packed and there was much amusement (and irritation from some) as the ushers tried to sort out some sort of ticketing confusion. Do you know how difficult it is to move kids, popcorn, coats and drinks in the dark when trailers for future films are playing?

On those trailers: Red Riding Hood (another excuse for werewolves) looked OK, Tangled (a take on Rapunzel) looked like any other princess movie, Green Hornet promises to be a lively action movie and Green Lantern yet another superhero movie but with comedy. There was a repeat trailer for Gnomeo and Juliet – with Elton John’s music – which looks great but it has been promised for ages. When will it be released? And for older audiences there was “Paul” – a happy alien movie featuring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost of Sean of the Dead, Hot Fuzz etc fame - and “The King’s Speech”.

Within a few moments of the movie opening it was obvious that it wasn’t suitable for the very young – there was a murder and a chase through the skies complete with dragons and owls (and more murders) followed by devastation at a wedding. It was an action packed 15 minutes.

But after that make-you-jump snake and a bit more chasing it all slows down. Time to reflect on how the three main characters have grown up - Obviously they have all spent a fair amount of time in the gym. Sorry, but the evil Lord Voldemort becomes less terrifying in each film.

Then the pace becomes snail like and there’s lots of time hanging about in tardis tents while the Harry-Hermione-Ron triangle plays out. Oh – and they search for a horcrux and work out how to destroy it. How many more are there to find? Good use of spells and special effects though. But it seemed to go on. And on. And on. Would it hold the attention of younger Harry fans?

My daughter was in tears at the final scene. Frankly, I was too as my nether regions were numb and all I could think about was when it would be over. The programme had started at 115pm and we didn’t escape, I mean exit, until 345pm.

Having said that, next to me in the cinema was a lad no more than five years old – dressed brilliantly as Harry Potter and accompanied by an impressive Hermione – who remained riveted throughout the entire film. So what do I know? But I really don’t think I’ll be going to the final instalment – although my daughter has already started trailering what’s in store…