Toby loves films, so I’ve been thinking about taking him to the cinema for a while. I’ve been biding my time waiting for the right film at the right time; I was concious that he’s still a little young for the pictures (he’s just turned 4), and so I wanted a film that wasn’t too long, and also that hadn’t been slated (i.e. wasn’t crap), and that might hold some interest for me, too. I also wanted to take him during a week day, when it would be quieter at the cinema.

So, today, I took him to the 12.25 showing of the 90 minute long Bee Movie at the Apollo in Morecambe.

I’d explained to him that the cinema showed films, and that he’d have to watch it as it was shown - he wouldn’t be able to pause it or rewind (kids today, spoiled by PVRs) as he was used to at home. As we were in the foyer paying, he asked “Daddy, where’s the television?” He was pretty excited. He sat nicely all the way through, watching attentively, glancing at me occasionally and smiling, or leaning over to sip from our shared medium-lemonade, lodged in the cup holder between us, through his bendy straw. He only spoke once or twice - “Bees can’t talk!” - the film dialogue - “Yes, they can!” - Toby.

He was disappointed when it ended so soon.

We had a good time together.

What was the first film you saw at the cinema, or took your kids to?

@21:21:18 under it's a family affair