Harry Potter - or not?

[Notty43]

I'm hoping to take DD to see the new HP film - she's 9 and loves all the films and books, but we've worked through them together at home. Is it appropraite to take a 9 year old??

It depends- does your daughter get scared easily? this film will be a little bit darker than the others. However if you've read all the books and seen the other films she might be ok. Each child is different.

Mark Kermode took his son (to the premiere) who is about that age (he and Mayo talked a lot about their children's reactions when they reviewd it, and MK's son was 4yo in 2005... you do the maths).

But MK has written articles in favour of children seeing scarey films, I think it comes down to knowing your own child.

DD2 saw the HP5 film in the cinema at 7 and HP6 at 8.

Like your DD, she was already familiar with the books and the earlier films on DVD, so knew what to expect. She's also a big Dr Who fan, so used to minor scares.

If in doubt, go and see it first yourself.

I value MK's opininon, so that's good with me! She doesn't seem to scare easily, so I think she'd be OK. Never taken a 9 year old to a 12A before - so don't know what to expect - don't think she's like to be the youngest there.

Has your DD read/listened to Deadly Hallows? If so and she's up for it OK but otherwise I'd wait for the DVD.

Having been to see it today, I'd suggest erring on the side of caution. My 10 year-old was OK, and there were plenty of much younger children there (no tears or screaming), but it was very dark and intense, and in places quite brutal.

It wouldn't apply to the OP's daughter, who knows the book, but there were gasps at the end, when the action stopped at a particularly grim moment, following close on the heels of a heart-rending episode. It was very much against the grain of children's films, and young children who don't know the rest of the story, or haven't grasped that they're actually only half-way through, might be upset.

I think I would take her if she knows the books.

I'm personally waiting for the DVD, because I don't like a miserable ending which isn't even the real ending iyswim - it's just depressing.

Better to have both halves so you can watch them in sequence iyswim.

Mind you, I hated the half blood prince, much too gloomy..I need a bit of joy at this time of year!

Stay well away then Ennis.

its a tough one. ive read the books so know whats going to happen. If you and her have read the books then why not, but if not be aware its goiing to be very very dark and sad. I found parts in the last film quite scary for a kids film as this is gonna be even worse.

Im going to see it tonight so may change my view after watching it.

If she has read and enjoyed the book then ok. There is no Hogwarts in this film which might be unexpected if she hasn't read it.
Otherwise wait until she's old enough to enjoy it.
(I thought it was a dreary film, sorry).

I am going to take my 9 year old ds.