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.
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