Harry Potter and the End of an Era

Well, here you have it, folks.  The end of an era.  The last Harry Potter installment.  The books are done.  The movies are done.  Is there anything left to live for?

Of course there isn’t.

Warning!!!  May contain spoilers!!!  But I will try REALLY hard not to.

So if you’re noticing what time I’m blogging this (3 AM, EST on July 15), I went to the midnight showing.  I’ve never been to a midnight showing of anything, let alone the ultimate chapter of an international phenomenon.  It was an experience, I’ll tell you.  I didn’t dress up, in case you were wondering.  But plenty of others did.  And also, I was probably one of the older ones in the theater (and I’m not that old).  I would say about 65% of the audience probably didn’t have their driver’s licenses yet.

That could have been annoying, but it’s also really cool in a way.  These kids are READING 500 page books and falling in love with the world that’s been created.  That’s an incredible feat.  J. K. Rowling, you’ve done an amazing thing with your franchise.

Shall we get on with the review?  Check out what I thought of Part 1, too.

Things I Loved:
- Helena Bonham Carter.  While her role is smallish, her versatility is amazing.
- The first kiss between Ron and Hermione.  It’s about time!
- Minerva McGonagall.  Need I say more?
- Excellent treatment of Snape’s memories!  Well-storied and detailed.  All good, except for the fact that he keeps them in his tears?
- Freaking Neville Longbottom.
- Baby Potters and Weasleys!  While I think the epilogue is one of the cheesiest pieces of literature ever written, the kids were very well cast.

Things I Wish They Had Done Differently:
- Oliver Wood was supposed to be at the Battle of Hogwarts.  Grr.
- Percy Weasley just shows up… and his recant is not recorded.
- That was not what Harry did with the Elderwand when he got it!
- Cast a different Dumbledore.  It’s kind of late for this, but Michael Gambon has turned him into such a detestable character, I wanted to punch him in the face every time he spoke.
- Severus Snape’s hair and makeup.  He looked like a woman.

Ah, Potter fans, this truly is the end of an age.  But fear not!  It will be years before we run out of enough material to keep making fanfic and YouTube videos about Potter. Here are some of my recent favorites:

7 Harry Potter Movies in 7 Minutes
Potter Puppet Pals – The Mysterious Ticking Noise
Potter Puppet Pals – Wizard Swears (self-rated PG-13)

And then there’s Pottermore… because Rowling couldn’t possibly be done yet!

Post your thoughts, Potter fans!  I’m sure there’s more I could talk about, but I’ve got work in the morning!

Image taken from http://gadgetmedia.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Harry-Potter-and-the-Deathly-Hallows-Part-2-Poster.jpg

Two Snaps and a Lightning-Shaped Scar

Tonight, I finally saw Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1.

And the post title pretty much sums up how I feel about it.  If you remember anything about the early 90′s show In Living Color, you know that this is a good thing.

I am highly pleased that they have decided to take the time to unfold this book over two movies.  There was no way everything could have fit into that 2.5 hour time space.  And what they did include and what they cut still pieced together a highly respectable film.  Best one yet.  It seems as though every other Potter film they put out seems to be a good adaption.  I’m fond of 1, 3, 5, and now 7.1.  Hopefully 7.2 still counts as an odd number.

Things I loved:
- The romantic tension between Ron and Hermione.
- Dialog pulled directly from the book (e.g. Fred and George’s exchange after George is cursed).
- Draco’s clear discomfort with Lord Voldemort in power.  Very well executed, Mr. Felton.
- Harry trying out the wand that Ron won.  That’s probably my favorite scene.

Things I wished they had done differently:
- Included Dudley’s acknowledgment of respect for Harry as he leaves.
- Made patronuses look more like animals.  Could anyone tell that Kingsley’s was a lynx?
- Shown Kreacher become happier with Harry Potter and co.
- Shown Luna’s paintings of her friends.  This was one of the most heartwarming parts of the book, and I was sad to not see it.
- Not put Ron in so many mismatched patterns.  Plaid, argyle, AND checkered flannel all at once?  The poor kid.

Truthfully, those are the only things that jump out in my mind.  I was totally caught up in the world, and I bought into almost every moment.  I really don’t want to wait until July to see the last part.  It’s going to be epic.

Things I hope they include in the final film:
- A really good retelling of Snape’s memories, and not mere flashes like in The Order of the Phoenix.  They were worth an entire chapter in the book; give them the decency of a few minutes.
- The redemption of Percy Weasley and his exchanges with Fred: word for word, please!
- Oliver Wood returning for the battle, mostly because he has a really pretty face.

Image taken from http://www.stampers-den.ca/blog/?p=1066.

Will It Be the Shark or Death by Epilogue?

Think I’d pick “shark.”

Warning!!  This post contains spoilers!!

(For the 6 people in the universe who haven’t read the HP series.)

The epilogue for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is so sickeningly perfect, I wanted to tear it out of the book.  But it was a library copy, so I didn’t.  Yes, I’m glad that there’s a happy ending, but all the ends are too neatly tied up.  I’m surprised Rowling didn’t mention anything about Neville and Luna getting married.  They almost have to, since they’re the only friends not coupled up.  Even the Potters’ and Weasleys’ children/godchildren/nieces/nephews are practically already married to each other.

Even 19 years later, I don’t like the Harry and Ginny couple.  I didn’t get it the first time I went through the series.  Ginny seems like such a one-dimensional character, and neither of them are really likable; I just didn’t get it.  Having the series read to me, I think I finally get why Harry is attracted to her.  I really didn’t see what he sees in her – she’s not that awesome.  She’s just got an awesome family.  But then it dawned on me somewhere in The Half-Blood Prince when Rowling spends more time developing Lily Potter.  And she’s got long red hair.  I think Harry loves Ginny because she subconsciously reminds him of the mother he never knew.  And his kids are named after his parents, not Ginny’s.  Sounds like he’s got kind of a complex going on.  I mean, who could blame him, what with everything he’s gone through.  But I wouldn’t want to marry it, or even spend much time around it.

I’d rather go on a double date with Ron and Hermione over those two any time.

And really?  Albus Severus?  That’s the most unfortunate name ever.

</rant>

Image location: http://pixar.wikia.com/Mr._Shark

Top 10 Reasons I’m Glad I’m Not A Gryffindor

In this quest of mine to complete reading/listening to/watching the Harry Potter Saga, I’ve done a ridiculous amount of thinking about the wizarding world.  (I’ve got 6 discs to go before I’m done with all the books, in case you were wondering).  One of my most recent ponderings has to do with which house I’d be sorted into if I were British and not such a complete Muggle.  I have no doubt in my mind that I’d be a Ravenclaw.

Most people I know who love these series have a deep desire to by a Gryffindor, perhaps to feel a deeper connection with the main characters and be part of their glory.  But I really don’t think Gryffindor is really all that wonderful, and I’m about to offer you my top 10 reasons why.  Most of these reasons are taken from the titular character’s attitude and actions.  Please enjoy The Librarianista’s Top 10 Reasons I’m Glad I’m Not A Gryffindor.

10. I look way better in blue than I do in scarlet.
I’m not that partial to gold, either.

9. No inherent enemies.
It’s pretty much a given that if you’re in Gryffindor or Slytherin, you’re automatically enemies with the other.  I’ve always thought disliking people on some ridiculous principle was an ignorant thing to do. I’m the sort of person whose enmity has to be earned; it’s not merely bestowed because of what house you belong to.

8. No hero complex.
Hermione explains this one excellently to Harry in The Order of the Phoenix re: Sirius.  I don’t feel like I need to save everyone all the time and in so doing, actually cause people harm.

7. Classes with Luna Lovegood.
True, this would entirely depend on what year I started.  I’ll take my chances.  I think they would be devilishly fun.

6. No Quidditch stress.
It would be nice to have won the cup, but Ravenclaws aren’t really too focused on athletic ability.  Brains are where it’s at, and that’s where I’ve got it.  If there’s no title to defend, there’s no stress about coming in 2nd place.

5. Endless possibilities for the future.
Seeing as your advanced classes and therefore your professional options depend upon your O.W.L.s, Ravenclaws can pretty much do whatever they want.  They aren’t guaranteed “Outstandings” in all their subjects, but their intellect and knack for academia enables them to latch on to whatever subjects they like to do whatever they may want.  I can’t imagine a Ravenclaw worried about not having enough O.W.L.s to become an Auror.

4. Actually being right all the time.
Harry Potter is always terribly sure of himself and almost never stops to consider others’ opinions and thoughts. He follows his gut and rarely uses his brain.  That could also be said of Ron Weasley, but with an entirely different meaning behind it.  Ravenclaws are quick-witted and brilliant and who can explain to others why something is a good idea instead of going with the excuse that “It just feels right.”  Hermione Granger should have been a Ravenclaw for this reason (Order of the Phoenix).

3. No reckless endangerment of the people I care about.
I think this one is on my mind because I just finished the part in The Deathly Hallows where they narrowly escape the Malfoy Manor.  Of course if Harry had actually listened to his friends and not tossed about Voldemort’s name, they never would have been caught in the first place.  If must be fabulous not to have to think before you act.

2. No trusting my friends one moment, doubting them the next, and hating them for it afterward.
Harry doesn’t deserve friends like Ron and Hermione.  He gives them so much grief whenever they disagree with him or prove him wrong; he shuns them, yells at them and only appreciates them after they’ve saved his life countless times.  I doubt that this is an innate Gryffindor quality, but it is one embodied in its most famous student.  And I don’t want to have anything to do with it.

1. Next Hogwarts librarian.
Madam Pince isn’t going to be around forever.  Do you really think that the next librarian is going to be a Gryffindor?  I don’t think so.

I’ll admit, there are a few things that would make me want to be a Gryffindor.  Namely the Weasley twins.  Apart from that, I’d be having a grand old time in Ravenclaw.

Now I wonder… what is the American school of witchcraft and wizardry like?

Images taken from http://www.hp-lexicon.org/index-2.html

Barely Remarkable

Unfortunately, these sentiments sum up how I felt about the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

I will keep this post brief, as the best part about finishing up this leg is that I can move on to The Deathly Hallows, which I intend to do for an hour or so before turning in tonight.

This film reminded me of how I felt after watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; I question what they changed and removed and added.  Why did they leave out the battle at the end of the book?  Why did they burn down the Weasley’s house?  If I remember correctly (which is entirely possible that I don’t), the Minister came to call at Christmas, not Death Eaters.  And why, for goodness sake, was the light emitted by Snape’s avada kadavra BLUE?!  Everyone knows it’s green.  That’s just a gross, gross oversight that should have been caught in editing.

However, I say “barely remarkable” because there are some aspects upon which I must remark.  The chapter about Aragog’s funeral was excellently executed by all and I’m glad they kept most of it in.  It must have been a lot of fun to act out as well.  And throughout the film, Tom Felton’s performance was great – more believable and true to character than Harry and Hermione for the most part.  It’s hard to believe he was that same little boy from Anna and the King.  And Ron was an utter dolt in this film.  Some say that’s a detriment and a mischaracterization, but I think it was perfectly true to form.  He’s a dolt in the book, and Grint was able to portray that rather effectively.

Alright.  On to the finish!

Images found with the help of Google.

Leg Cramps

In this marathon to complete the Harry Potter series, I have 3 discs remaining of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.  And I can’t help but feel like I just want to get it over with so that I can get on to the final installment.  This book just seems like annoying bridge I have to cross to get from initial character development to denouement.  I find myself liking the Gryffindors less and less as they get older, which is a sentiment that hasn’t changed since I read the book years ago.  Think I’d just go hang out with Luna instead.

There are, however, some things about this book that I like very much.  For example I really, really enjoy the history of Tom Riddle, as dark as it is.  I find him fascinating.  But then again, I enjoy character development, and Rowling does that well when she dedicates the pages to it.  I also find myself getting really sad when certain characters show up in the story being their awesome selves.  I’m sad that these particular characters will die in the next book, and they don’t know it yet.  It’s like every moment with them is precious.

That’s really all I have to say about that right now.  I’ll be back after I’ve watched the movie.

Images found with the help of Google.

Harry Potter and the Second Chance

Tonight I finished giving Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix a second chance.  I finished listening to it Sunday evening, and I’ve just watched the film.  Truth be told, I’ve been looking forward to watching this movie again.  Last time I saw it, it was in theaters, and I hadn’t read the book recently so I didn’t remember much of what was going on.

Verdict: I approve.

Not that anyone really cares what I think, least of all Rowling and the cast, but in general, I approve.  Given the length of this particular book, I think that both the book and the film coincided well with one another.  I mean, there’s so much in that book, I can’t even remember everything that happened (this was less than a week ago I finished it).  But as I finished the movie, I thought that the main points were more than adequately covered.  And the movie offered me a much better explanation as to Harry’s anger.  Just blame it on Voldemort possessing him.

Even as I was watching  this, I still think Harry’s a whiny git, and 15 is a terrible age to write about/film.  But this film was expertly cast.  As usual, Dame Maggie Smith turned out an excellent performance, although her part was small.  The addition of Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood was perfect.  She’s so serene, and I can’t wait to see her in The Deathly Hallows.  Imelda Staunton’s Dolores Umbridge was also spot on.  I hated every scene she was in, just I as I hated her in every chapter, just like you’re supposed to.  Rupert Grint is quickly pulling ahead as my favorite of the Gryffindor trio in terms of acting and characterization.  And a nice tribute to Citizen Kane to top it all off.  Perhaps Fudge’s last word should have been “Rosebud” instead of “He’s back.”  Book 6, here I come.

Well, sort of.  This is a terrible time for me to have finals.  This project, and therefore my actual seeing of The Deathly Hallows may be drawn out longer than I had hoped because school must come first.  Alas.

Image taken from here.

Blanket Bans

This past year, I had a discussion with a friend of mine about blanket bans on epilogues involving children of main characters.  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was one of the reasons.  I propose another blanket ban: banning all books about 15 year-olds.  I think that’s what I didn’t like the first time I read (and the time I tried to re-read) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.  Being 15 just sucks, whether you’re in the wizarding world or the muggle world.  If you’re in the wizarding world, you have OWLs and career choices to think about already.  In the muggle world, it’s freshman year of high school (who ever really enjoyed freshman year?), faced with new cliques and unspoken social rules and you can’t drive yet.  In either world, you probably have acne and a whole rage of hormones roaring within you.

Jim Dale is making this particular experience with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix a whole lot better.  As a performer, I’m more and more amazed at his talent as I learn more about it.  I can’t stand Harry’s whiny outbursts (remind me too much of what I went through in high school with other people), but I am instead able to concentrate on the new characters that Rowling introduces and the development of old ones.  They are fascinating people.  Although I must say, it’s very different this time around knowing who’s going to die in the upcoming books.  It’s kind of like when Harry looks at the pictures of the first Order of the Phoenix.

I’ve got a fair bit left to go; only on chapter 16.  But I enjoy Tonks and I love Luna.  I don’t remember much about the movie either (I’m sure there will be a subsequent post about that), but I remember thinking that both were exceptionally well-cast and brought the characters to life the way they should have been.  I also remember that with this book, I began to truly appreciate Neville Longbottom.  Back to the book now, and the formation of Dumbledore’s Army.

For those of you who didn’t get that the opening paragraph was a joke, I don’t support the banning of books for any reason.

Images found with the help of Google.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Bubotuber Pus

So yesterday, I finished listening to The Goblet of Fire and I also watched the movie.  The Goblet of Fire had always been my favorite book.  Watching the movie last night made me cringe in almost every scene.  Part of it was the terrible hair cuts on all of the boys (Emma Watson looked adorable).  The rest of it was mostly how the complex wizarding world that Rowling spent years creating seems to have been ignored for a reason I can’t quite understand yet.  I do understand that not everything that is in the books can be encompassed into a 2 hour movie.  But if you can’t do it well, then maybe it shouldn’t be undertaken at all.  There are little things that could have been easily fixed that would have at least shown some attention to detail.  Hermione’s dress robes were periwinkle blue, not pink.  The reason Harry couldn’t get past his dragon was because it wouldn’t leave its nest and take off, not because it chased him around the grounds.  There wasn’t even anything in the maze at the end except moving shrubberies.  And Michael Gambon didn’t even try to pronounce “Beauxbatons” correctly.  He slurred most of his speeches, too.  That’s no Dumbledore in my book or Rowling’s.

And then there are larger things that were omitted, like entire characters.  No Winky.  No Ludo Bagman.  Sirius is not revealed at the end to be a good guy (which is pretty essential to the next book), nor is there ANYTHING about Fudge’s outright refusal to believe Voldemort has returned.  That last one really bothered me, because it sets up all the political tension that happens in the rest of the series.

Book = superb.  Film = fail.

For the record, Dame Maggie Smith = perfect Professor McGonagall.

Images taken from http://www.amazon.com

Harry Potter and the Librarian’s Project

So unless you live under a rock completely sheltered from media (and since you’re reading this online, I highly doubt that), you probably know that the first installment of the final Harry Potter movies comes out next weekend.

I started reading the Harry Potter series around the time the third one was published.  And I always read the later ones about a year after they came out, and the hype died down.  It’s been a long time since I’ve read them, so here’s what I remember about them.  I really liked books 1-4.  Those are ones I’ve read and re-read.  Books 5 and 6 to me were like Degrassi plus magic.  I only read them each once.  I read book 7 and I remember almost nothing about it.  I do remember despising the epilogue.

As for the movies, I’ve watched 1-3 multiple times.  (1 and 2 are my favorites because of Richard Harris.  He was the perfect Dumbledore.  It’s a shame he up and died.  Michael Gambon hasn’t even read the books… and I find that it does his acting a great disservice, not even learning his character.  *steps down off of soap box*)  I think I’ve seen the other 3, but I don’t remember at all how it all panned out.  I honestly had planned on waiting until The Deathly Hallows came out on HBO to watch it, but the local IMAX theater (part of an educational center) graciously gave our library staff a few tickets to see it.  So I’ll be going.  And I’ve decided to give the series a chance again.  But this time, instead of reading the books, I’m having them read to me.

I don’t usually listen to audio books.  I can’t pay attention to them if I don’t already know the story.  But since I already know the story, I decided to give them a try.  It’s been about two weeks, and I’m about 12 chapters into The Goblet of Fire.  I doubt I’ll get them all done before the premier, but I’ll try to get them all done by the time I see it.  Shouldn’t be a problem.  The books are read by Jim Dale, whose performance is more than admirable.  It only increases my desire to read audio books some day.

Interestingly enough, I hadn’t planned to re-watch the movies as part of this project.  However, due to unforeseen situations, I am accompanying someone else who is attempting to watch all the movies in time for the premier.  It’s an interesting juxtaposition with the audio books, to notice what was left out, what was added, and what other inconsistencies there are.  Right now I’m watching The Prisoner of Azkaban.  Lupin FTW!

So as I finish the last of the books I know I like, it will be interesting to see if I can make it through the last three without losing my respect for Rowling again.  I will keep you posted.

Images found with the help of Google.