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July 18, 2011 By iluvcinema 6 Comments

Potter-ing is Such Sweet Sorrow

Unless you have been living in the deepest darkest recesses of a cave (and even then …) you know that Harry Potter came to a thrilling conclusion this weekend.

Having just saw the final installment I can say that it is a fitting tribute to a film (and book) series which has captured the hearts and imaginations of so many around the world.

I will readily admit that I was not always as enamored with the franchise in its two forms as I am now. I started out as a casual watcher of the first two films. The turning point for me was the third film, the Alfonso Cuaron-helmed “Prisoner of Azkaban.” Until today I felt it was by far the best of the franchise. As a result, I figured it could only get better and I eventually saw every remaining film at the cinema.

Deathly Hallows, Part 2 was all I could have expected in a final part to the franchise. It was epic in many ways. I know that this is a term that often gets overused but in this case, I feel like it is appropriate. The film had full on action, suspense, thrills, a few laughs and yes, I did well up a couple of moments. I guess I must have expected as much as it is the same reaction that I had when I finished reading the books (principally Goblet of Fire and this book).

For everything this film is (a classic struggle of good v. evil, wizardry, etc.), it also mainly deals with the themes of friendship, death, love, the absence of love and what happens at all points in between. The film handled all of these issues evocatively.

There isn’t much else for me to say except that while I am pleased with the final product, there is that part of my 30-something year old heart that is saddened to see the series come to an end, no matter how satisfying. If there is anything that can be gleaned from this overall Harry Potter cinematic experience, it is the idea that nothing lasts forever.

Oh – one final note for anyone who will see it in the future – 3D not required; in fact I may see it a second time in 2D. IMAX is just fine.

Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: deathly hallows, harry potter, jk rowling, part 2

April 25, 2009 By idawson Leave a Comment

Summertime is here! Bring on The Blockbuster (and not so big) Pictures!

summer-2009Yes ladies and gents, it is that time of year again.  A time when movie studios unload their crowd pleasing big-budgeted movies. I really look forward to this time of year, especially when there are more than three (3) films I am willing to pay for.  Last year was pretty good and this year looks like it will be the same.

While this is a time for the larger movies to see the light of there are also those smaller films (“counter-programming”) which I must remember not to overlook.
I already have my Wolverine (May 1) ticket purchased and at the ready. The moment Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (July 15) tickets go on sale, I am there, in spite of the nearly nine months I endured after Warner Brothers held off the initial release date. It is almost unforgivable.

So, after doing some additional research on IMDB’s Summer 2009 Movie Guide, here is my personal list of other must see films:

May
8th: Star Trek – I am not a Trekkie but I am really forward to this re-imagining. They had me at the teaser.
8th: Rudo y Cursi – I am going to try to catch this at the Tribeca Film Festival. Could be a riot.
22nd: Terminator Salvation – Bale tirade aside I almost forgot that this movie was coming out. The trailer looks very good.

So far, there is nothing premiering in June that captured my interest; does not matter anyway – I am seeing Eric Clapton in concert. That should get me through. BUT If I do get the urge to enter the cinema, I will likely catch up on Whatever Works and Easy Virtue.

July
1st: Public Enemies – given my love of crime dramas from eras long gone their handling of similar subjects and characters, I am looking forward to seeing how the story is brought forward into the 21st century.

That is it folks! It looks like it will be the Summer of Bale, if both his movies are big. Granted my must see list is not an end all be all for summer movie going experience. I am sure over the course of the summer I will dragged invited to go to the movies with friends and family. At the end of the day, going to the movies really is a social enterprise; well that and a great way to save on home energy costs (free AC)!

Filed Under: Lists, Previews Tagged With: film, harry potter, movie, preview, summer 2009, wolverine

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