Over the weekend I went to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I. As I’m sure you may know if you’ve read this blog for any period of time, I love me some Harry Potter. The books are some of my favorite all-time reading and the movies aren’t so bad either.
It’s been a sweet forever since I read book seven – in other words I haven’t read it since the week it came out in 2007. I had made plans to read it again before I saw the movie, but life has been rather busy as of late and I didn’t get a chance to read it again before I went to the movie. I will try to accomplish that goal before part two comes out in July.
For the past I don’t know how many Harry Potter movies, my preacher’s son, Nicolas (now known as Nic) has gone with me; but, now that he’s 15 he’s apparently too cool to go to the movies with me and so his little sister, Lindlee (age 12) joined me instead as well as my friend Maria who probably doesn’t want me advertising her age on the internet.
Lindlee’s parents were kind enough to get our tickets the night before in case there was mass confusion and total chaos at the theater the next day. We decided on an 11:45 showing since the matinee prices are cheaper and we didn’t want to be out at the movies until all hours of the night (the film runs 2.5 hours). We were all three pleasantly surprised to find a very un-crowded theater at our chosen time and had plenty of room to relax and enjoy the show. Perhaps there weren’t many people there because of Harry Potter Hangovers from Friday night? Who knows? I was quite shocked at the lack of people there – 11:45 is the way to go people!
The movie itself was quite good. It followed the book closely (as best I can remember). The tone of the movie is very dark; it is, after all a dark time for the wizarding world, what with the return of Voldemort and all. At times the movie was terrifying, at times troubling and at all times my heart was racing, wondering what was around the next corner. Honestly, and I hate to say it, every so often, I also found the movie to be kind of slow and I felt like dozing off. I’m anxious to see if anyone else felt this way or if it was just the leftover Nyquil that I had taken before my head hit the pillow on Friday night. I was so tired when I left the theater all I wanted to do was go home and sleep – and that’s what I did.
Anyway, back to the movie – this final set of movies has a lot of adult themes in it and it’s hard to believe that Harry. Hermione and Ron are all grown up now, but indeed they are. I thought the movie ended perfectly considering we’ve got one more film to go. I was curious as to where they would cut the first film off and thought the ending was perfect, leaving the viewer thirsting for more. I’m sure the next film will have lots of battle scenes and action, which will be quite entertaining.
I realize I’m not giving a lot away here, but I really don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t yet seen it or not yet read the books. Harry is something I think each person should experience for themselves without it being ruined by other people.
As I mentioned, there are a lot of adult themes and a lot of darkness in this movie. I realize there are a lot of Harry Potter loving kids out there that really want to see this movie but I would advise parents to be cautious about taking their little ones to see this film. Reading the book is one thing, but actually seeing torture and death and betrayal on the big screen is another all together. Let me put it to you this way, as I mentioned I was watching with a 12-year old and there were times when I wished she wasn’t there because I didn’t think it was appropriate for her. I felt very uncomfortable having her there because the movie was so dark and so grown up and I really wasn’t sure she should be watching it. The movie is rated PG-13 and they do, after all, have those ratings for a reason. One reviewer I read stated, “All in all, as the title says, this is a excellent grown-up movie and I can recommend it to everyone - except kids! If you have little kids, please don't take them. This movie has far too many scary scenes and little comic relief! Plus, the plot is quit complex including lots and lots of minor characters. It's really no longer a movie targeted at kids, even though it's still labeled "Harry Potter". If anyone else saw it this weekend, I’d be curious to hear what your thoughts are – leave a comment, please.
All in all, this was a great film and I am even more excited (and sad too because it’s ending) to see the next and final film of the series.
P.S. I made the pumpkin cheesecake using this recipe for church on Sunday. It was a huge hit. Wish I had a piece now!
4 comments:
I loved the movie, and agree with you about taking kids. I was amazed at the number of really small children in attendance (when they should have been at home in bed, by the way), and it was not an appropriate movie for them to be viewing. I imagine those crazy parents were up all night from the nightmares that ensued. The movies, in my opinion, come across much "darker" than the books.
We went and saw it Friday night and I thought it was a little long with the tent scenes. I know that was in the book but it did follow the book. I jumped a few times and it was sad. I think it is very dark as it should be since the wizarding world is in a heap of trouble.
I don't thinks young kids should see it but that is just one opinion.
Jason, Tim and Christa liked it but Christa was like me about so many tent scenes.
Love,
Jan
Just took the girls to see it last night! We all loved it and had no problems with nightmares. Megan did hide her face during the snake scenes. I think parents will just have to use their judgement on how sensitive their kids are. Megan loves scary movies and it didn't phase Taylor at all.
Sorry it takes me so long to comment on your blog these days, but I am not able to view it at work for some reason so I have to catch up on it when I get home and remember to do so. Anyway, I do agree with you about the falling asleep part. I didn't feel this movie was as entertaining in some parts, but I did enjoy it for the most part.
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