Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 (Spoilers)

I am going to cry so much when Fred dies. I'm serious. I don't know if even my massive purse can hold the amount of tissue I am going to need. This is, of course, assuming that part 2 keeps my emotions going the way the part 1 did.

After 6 entertaining and aesthetically pleasing films, the filmmakers have finally figured out how to make an emotional connection. Nothing highlights this more than the top trending topic on Twitter the weekend the film was released (and I think even the second weekend): Dobby. Whether it was "I cried when Dobby died" or simply "RIP Dobby" the viewers of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 felt something. They laughed and cheered, and then they, okay we, cried. They were able to pull a character that movie watchers had not seen since the second film out of nowhere and make you connect with him. I enjoy all the movies, but I did not cry when Cedric, Sirius, or even Dumbledore died. The films just did not offer the same connection to the characters and what was happening as the books did. Obviously the same level of connection is incredibly difficult if not impossible, but I cry at movies all the time and with characters that I meet at the start of the film, not those that I have known for years. I know that some people had some issues with Dobby's impassioned speech, but I thought it was a perfect movie moment. Well, at least a solid lead to the following scene where a tiny Dobby dies in Harry's arms. I can't think about it without a few sniffles.

And then it ends (to steal from Dante in Clerks) on such a down note. Dobby dies, we still don't know where the last couple horcruxes are and to top it off, Voldemort has an unbeatable wand. It is the Empire Strikes Back, but with wizards. There is more, we know there is more because our hero's have to triumph. But that doesn't mean it's not a long, hard battle. It's what makes the story epic, that there are so many things to overcome that we end the second to last movie on this low point. Have I mentioned that Empire Strikes Back is my favorite Star Wars movie?

I have talked a lot about the end, so I will say that I did love this movie all the way through. The "adult" actors continue to be incredible with every moment they are on the screen. I cannot say enough for Jason Issacs' brilliant performance as a post-Azkaban Luscious Malfoy. And it was a treat to see Imelda Staunton back in all her evil fluffy pink. The scene with the seven Harrys and all things Fred & George that followed briefly were excellent (again, I am going to sob when Fred dies). And all three main actors continue to improve and impress. I think that Daniel Radcliffe is a fine lead, Rupert Grint took the audience on his complete emotional journey, and Emma Watson makes you feel whatever is happening. Her scene with the incredible Helena Bonham Carter was painful to watch in the way it should have been. And I cannot wrap up this random paragraph of likes without mentioning the Tale of the Three Brothers, which was unique and beautiful.

That doesn't even cover it. I'm sure I might have changed a few things, but most of what I might have liked to see or not see is in movies past. I think this movie exceeded expectations, especially given the set-up that it has had. I don't mean to say that I do not enjoy all the previous films. I love them, I own them. But this film finally achieve what all the books and a few wizard rock songs had before it, it made me cry.

Now I'm ready for Part 2 and more Neville.

Best Christmas Present Ever

My 2011 resolution is to write more here. I have lots to say (I mean, I haven't even posted an HP7 part 1 review, that's pretty much a huge nerd-fail). But for now, I have to share the following:

Once upon a time I read a book called Let it Snow, which is a collection of three stories. One by Maureen Johnson, one by Lauren Myracle, and one by John Green. Upon finishing this book I declared to my roommate that my ideal guy was who a John Green character grew up to be. In addition to this short story, see also Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, and Will Grayson Will Grayson... and watch any and all vlogbrothers videos. She immediately began singing Cool Rider from Grease 2, but working in the lyrics "looking for a man created by John Green" instead of "looking for a man on a mean machine." She pledged to re-work the entire song, and without my knowledge has been working away at this for months. Tonight we exchanged Christmas presents and I opened the lyrics. It is quite literally the most amazing Christmas present ever. And I am sharing them with you:

Cool Rider Revisted

If you really want to know
What I want in a guy
Well, I'm looking for a man created by John Green
Who's grown up and wise
I want a big nerdfighter
who watches Syfy
And one fine night I'll be looking right...

Chorus
(at) a John Green character, a John Green charcter
When he's old enough he can
burn me through and through
Whhoa ahhh
If it takes forever
Then Ill wait forever
No ordinary boy
No ordinary boy is gonna do
I want a dork who's out of school

That's the way it's gonna be
And tht's the way that I feel
I don't need ore than the boy next door
I want Quentin Jacobsen
So outta my way Margo Speigelman
Just let him grow up fine and stay king
Then move aside cause I'm gonna string up to a

Repeat Chorus

I don't want no fraternity guys
Comin' on strong to me
They don't know what I'm lookin for
They don't know what I need
They're gonna know when he gets here
Cause the library will be shakin'
I'll do anything to let him know
That I'm his, his for the takin'

I want a neerrrrd fighter
A nerd nerd nerd fighter
I want a nerrrd fighter
A nerd nerd nerd fighter
I want a N-E-R-D F-I-G-H-T-E-R
I want a N-E-R-D F-I-G-H-T-E-R
(Repeat)


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