I am the only one in my family that likes the Harry Potter series.
My son doesn't like the series, which has always puzzled me. I chalk it up to his father, who is a Christian extremist who used to tell him that Harry Potter was "of the Devil" (so to speak) and wouldn't allow him to read the books when he was younger, no matter how much I fought it or tried to explain the concept of "fantasy".
So, when "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" came to the theatre, my best friend Pov was kind enough to text me a reminder and ask if I wanted to go. Sonosaur remained silent on the issue.
Deciding that opening night would be insane, we opted to go the next night, dragging our children with us. Needless to say, Sonosaur was less than thrilled but at least I didn't have to literally drag him through the theatre.
When the exhaustingly long movie ended, I felt forced to apologize to everyone for it. Here I'm the fan, and I was bored silly.
I think the primary problem behind it is that Harry Potter himself has lost his wonder of it all. He is no longer enchanted by what the latest potion can do. He is not amazed any more by the fabulous toys and gadgets. And since we see everything through the eyes of Harry Potter, we find ourselves a little jaded as well.
Additionally, the actor who plays Harry Potter has not turned into a talented actor in his older years. Daniel Radcliffe's acting is wooden, and even his laughter rings false. Perhaps there is no amount of coaching in the world that will solve that, but I would think the studios should be hell-bent to try.
When he was not in the Harry Potter series, Daniel was busy acting the fool by appearing in "Equus", a horrid, esoteric stage play in which he got to prance about naked. Perhaps this hasn't helped his acting ability. It's a great shame, as he's surrounded by talent.
I am sorry to say that this may be the last Harry Potter movie I ever choose to see in the theatres. Like other movies that are suspect, I will wait till the next ones come out on DVD.
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14 comments:
Who kicks the magical bucket?
This is supposed to be the last of the series anyway. No more books = no more movies. The actor that plays Harry might have just been depressed for the shoot.
Now he has to look for a real job. Hell I would be depressed too.
As for the fundies, they make me laugh. I asked one who was going on and on and on about how Harry Potter is evil and of the devil and all that crap if they thought there was really such a thing as wizards, magic, potions, and if it was possible to fly around on a broom.
Yes.
I could not contain myself. I laughed then said "well if you believe all that crap, I can see why would would believe anything - including what stone age men on the TV say".
I have yet to read a Harry Potter book or see a Harry Potter movie. It is a streak I hope to carry until I am six feet under.
I only enjoyed the first Harry Potter movie and have not read any of the books. I have seen a few of the other movies but didn't really think much of them. Needless to say I won't bother wasting my time watching this one either.
-Ange
I have read most of the books and seen most of the movies. I find them entertaining and imaginative, and I wish I had written them (I could REALLY use the money ). AS for Damiel Radcliffe, there are two movies to go, and he has already made enough money that depression is unlikely to be a factor. (as for it being a real job, motion picture acting is generally a lengthy contest between boredom and hysteria, and is generally a harder job (while you are doing it) than most of us are involved with.
Lazy, Oddly, I guess it must be the last movie in the series. I understand the actors are getting too old to play the parts, but I can't believe the movie company will let the opportunity go.
This series is a money-maker for sure, and there are at least 2 more movies that could be made out of this. If this is truly the last movie, the Harry Potter series is going out with a whimper, not a bang.
I find it odd that some religious zealots cannot tell the difference between fantasy and reality. And before someone quickly points out that anyone who believes the Bible MUST believe in fantasy or be a childlike idiot, I beg to differ.
But I do believe that most people are not very bright, and many people (on both sides) are threatened by ideas that make them uncomfortable in some way.
Ed, Why you elitist snob, you. ;o)
Angela, Some people enjoy it, some don't. What's your favorite movie genre? In fact, what movies do you like the most?
3 Score & 10, I love the movies, and found that each book was increasingly well written, which surprised me. Not only Harry Potter, but the author grew up with us, as well.
The author of the series has written the last book - that much I know. I have no idea which books were made into movies - but if the movie is based on the last book then that is it.
I would retire too. How many billions do you need? The author went from homeless to very rich. I would call it quits too. Once the accountant said "yea, you can afford that 65 foot power cat and never have to worry about the fuel bill" I would so be in Bermuda.
There is one more book, "Harry Potter And The Death Hallows", left to go. It is being split into two films (made simultaneously), to be released one year apart. When they'll hit the theatres, I'm not sure.
And then there is the last LAST book - Harry Potter Discovers Chicks And Decides Playing Dungeons And Dragons All Day Is Lame :)
I didn't realize you had to be a Christian Extremist to believe that there's something wrong with the Potter series.
The next two movies are already scripted, one of them is in the process of being filmed and is scheduled for a release next year.
I haven't seen the latest one, but most of the review from folks I respect we a little kinder than Saur (I'll see it my self when all the lines are gone)
Although you said that in jest, I would read them if I had more time. Right now, I've got an estimated (conservative guess here) two hundred or so books on my yet-to-be-read-bookshelf. By the time I would get to them, they would be so old news.
Well that's disappointing. I'll probably go see it any way, though my own motivation has been dwindling as well.
I've never read the books - only bothered with the movies, when it was convenient for me.
You do have a point about actor age: these kids are on longer kids, alas.
I have to say that I didn't enjoy this latest Potter movie as much as the others, which I loved. I agree that Radcliffe has proven himself not much of an actor. I guess the bleakness of the movie really turned me off. I can't explain why this one just didn't work for me.
Everyone, Thanks for your comments. I'm swamped lately and can't respond individually to this post. I'm so sorry, but I have read them.
Uncle Joe, Note that I used the term "extremist". I don't even have problems with fundamentalists, usually. But I use the word extremist as in "Muslim extremist". This is someone who uses Christianity as a club.
And certainly you can dislike Harry Potter for other reasons - but this is Sonosaur's father's reason for hating Harry Potter. Some people don't like the author's writing style which, at the beginning at least, is very puerile.
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