Harry Potter 6, The Proposal and The Taking of Pelham 123

The first time I had been to the cinema with my daughter for I don't know how long. Posh seats in our own box in the High Wycombe multiplex was a novel experience. This sixth installment of the Harry Potter series was OK, but not as good as the previous film, also directed by David Yates and in my opinion the best of them all. It probably was a difficult book to adapt. The jumping backwards and forwards between the main plot, where Dumbledore and Harry need Professor Slughorn to divulge his memories of Tom Riddle, and the amorous adventures of the sixth form, do not make it easy. But my main criticism is why change the book and add bits when there was already so much that had to be left out. The two attacks by the Dementors or Death Eaters are not explained or appear in the book. Neither does the girl in the cafe, or Harry with Dumbledore on the London Underground. Harry did not fail Potions and Tonks saves Harry on the train, not Luna. Harry and Ron do not fight over the Potions book, it is lent to Harry by Slughorn. Maybe the film should have started with Snape's "unbreakable vow", that would have made an immediate impact. And too much was left without explanation, even for those who know the book. The editing seemed very poor, as if it had been changed too many times to reduce a four hour film to two hours thirty three. Having said all that, it was still quite enjoyable and definitely had it's moments. And to go to a restaurant after the film at 10.30 in the evening, well that was something different and very nice it was too.

I do enjoy a good romcom. But how long Sandra Bullock can pull off being the singleton at forty five is a matter of debate. However, she does do a great job in this movie, along with co-star Ryan Reynolds. In fact they hold together what is a predictable and unlikely story. There are two or three scenes which are uncomfortably embarrassing, but in the main a reasonable script, beautiful Massachusetts (supposed to be Alaskan) scenery, interesting minor characters and good direction make for a fun couple of hours.

The 1974 original of The Taking of Pelham 123 starring Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw is one of my favourite films. This remake is not in the same class, but nonetheless has pace and action. But the real success is the combination of a calm Denzel Washington and the hyper John Trovolta. They just did not need such a trivial ending.