Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows II

One boy screamed: “We love you Harry” as the credits began to roll as the rest of the auditorium were still recovering from the emotional last two hours of Harry Potter film footage. I grew up with this boy wizard and I cannot deny I feel a strong bond to the magical series. In fact I think I have a 1st edition of the first book somewhere - I remember my mum proudly guessing it would big before anyone else had cottoned on.

But all good things must end, and what an ending this is. More sincere than the other films, Harry, Ron and Hermione (Daniel, Rupert and Emma in the real world) have truly grown up, and there is a great deal more conviction in all three performances here. The direction is superb from David Yates, conjuring up this now familiar fantasy world with a persuasive depth and passion. Here we see Voldemort more frequently than before, and Ralph Fiennes gives a suitably chilling performance as the evil villain. Needless to say the 3D technology is really a massive help for the scare factor.

My only qualm is the lack of the usual magical fun: the common room frolics, enchantingly silly sweets and Quidditch matches -the final book is so much more serious and lacks any light-hearted drama. I felt exhausted by the end! Strangely the horrible curses and killings in the film felt less otherworldly in the aftermath of the Norway massacre, more believable. The special efforts are dauntingly realistic especially in the final battle, a real credit to the creative team.

A hilarious final sequence shows the three main protagonists 19 years later, all mature, hair combed and pretending to be real adults! My fellow audience members found this all ridiculously funny, and I have to agree they do look daft. But it is a nice ending, and one that, if needs be, lends itself to a new chapter of the franchise, with the innocent Potter and Weasley kids off to Hogwarts for the first time. After eight films, 10 years and $2 billion in domestic box office takings we are back where we started at Platform 9 ¾ Kings Cross Station, and you have to admit it’s nice to see some defining UK landmarks rather than the usual American scene. It is a stunning finale for these life-changing books.

Breakfast at Tiffany's for Valentines Day

My Valentine's night was spent visiting the darling little Ritzy cinema for a second time. After seeing Black Swan there I was eager to go again, but to see something, well more watchable, a film to smile at rather than flinch at. Avoiding the rows of gruesome twosome tables at restaurants, I rudely informed my date that I wanted to spend the evening watching this iconic girly film, despite having seen it over and over again.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is similar to a vintage wine – it just gets better and better. I seem to enjoy it more every time, noticing new details and perfectly picturesque moments. Because I saw Anna Friel in the stage version last year, I understand the narrative more, stories always seem better when they are familiar.

For those who don’t know (if there are any B.a.T. virgins out there?) the story is about bemused and unaware Holly Golighty, a girl flitting around New York City with her feline companion, ‘Cat’. She charms all she meets, and in particular one promising young writer, Paul Varjak (though Holly decides to call him Fred) - watching their mad adventures is an utter delight. Doe-eyed Audrey Hepburn performs as Miss Golightly which is arguably what made this film such a hit.

Sadly I returned home after the film to watch Chelsea waste away the remaining moments of their match. This would not usually dampen my mood – however a £33.47 betting win was imminent if Chelsea had won. They didn’t and I therefore lost out on my pot of gold, very very disappointing. Apart from that, I think it was one of the nicest Valentine's evenings I’ve ever spent, thanks to my lovely date, and the romantic film.

Book to see something at The Ritzy here.

The Black Swan at The Ritzy in Brixton

I promised myself I would be brave for Black Swan, I was going with two boys so had to be to avoid massive embarrassment!

Director of ‘Requiem for a Dream’ and ‘The Wrestler,’ Darren Aronofsky presents us with a new psychological thriller that exceeds all expectations. Starring stunning Natalie Portman in her most impressive performance to date, this is a must-see. The story revolves around a production of the famous Tchaikovsky masterpiece Swan Lake at the prestigious New York City Ballet. In this version the leading ballerina must dance as the white and black swan showing the contrasting personalities with equally convincing power and compassion. Nina (Portman) is a perfect white swan, but Lily (Kunis) is a better match for the fearless black alter ego. We watch as Nina struggles to embody both personalities, fighting forces within herself to reach a terrifying outcome.

We decided to see the film at the Ritzy cinema in Brixton. I always glanced at this arty venue from my passing bus and was intrigued about it so was glad to be finally visiting. Turns out this is the place to be on a Saturday night in Brixton, the building was packed and with good reason, the Ritzy seems to have it all: great food, casual bar area, and best of all fabulous old school screens for showing films.

The film itself is horrific and magical at the same time. Showing the beauty of the ballet entwined with a shocking story of mental illness, a twisted tale that at times is too gruesome to watch. Portman certainly does throw herself into the role, I didn’t doubt her character for one moment, and her dancing is quite sublime, especially considering her non-ballet background. Aronofsky’s vision is quite beautifully realised with every detail attended to. There are parts towards the end that I couldn’t watch and I heard squeals around the auditorium from other spectators having a similar reaction. Warning: this is not a film for the faint-hearted, but if you can bear it, it is a wonderful piece of cinema.

And with Black Swan comes a sudden increase in ballet's popularity. It seems the Royal Opera House has cleverly cashed in on this opportunity staging Swan Lake at the time of the film’s UK release. Tickets have completely sold out for the entire run, an unusual occurrence for the ROH, I can only guess it is due to the film’s success.

Book tickets to see something at The Ritzy here.