The Harry Potter Obsession

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss

I cannot think of a better quote that sums up my life this week. The end is coming swiftly and a lot quicker than I was expected. No, I'm not about to die, this is much worse (OK, that is an exaggeration but it sure feels worse). I'm talking about the end of Harry Potter. It seems so fitting that I am writing this just after watching the live streaming of the New York premiere for the final film. For the actors it has been over for a while now. They have gone on to do other things, not necessarily better but certainly different. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter, wait you should know who he plays. If you don't get off my blog) is of course on Broadway, Emma Watson has already filmed two new movies (My Week with Marilyn and The Perks of Being a Wallflower) and Rupert Grint has several new, smaller films in the works. But before we see what they have next for the world we get to first see the next fantastic (hopefully) film.

Since this blog does not give me access to see the movie before anyone else and write a review for it (I know, some people just don't realize an important person, like me, when they see one). So I will instead visit the past of Harry Potter. First I feel it necessary to rank the films on quality, like Rottentomates.com did here. My list, instead, ranks like this: Prisoner of Azkaban, Deathly Hallows Part 1, Half-Blood Prince, Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Goblet of Fire and finally Order of the Phoenix. This list is strictly based on the plot relative to the books and overall sense of "that was exactly what I imagined." If I were to go off of acting, overall film quality and special effects the list would read 3, 7, 6, 4, 2, 1, 5. Yes, 3 is easily the best book, movie and overall shows the awesomeness of Harry Potter (go ahead and argue that with me if you'd like). Yes, 5 is easily the worst movie absolutely no question. Now, I am kind of biased because 4 and 5 are like my least favorite books, except that I still love them. Anyways, I have a good feeling that this next one is looking good, despite it being the shortest (according to my brother this is a bad sign, but ignore him. He knows nothing) and despite all the hype, I think it will be fantastic. Of course, I will defend these movies, books, actors, anything that deals with Harry Potter, until my death.  Even if it gets the worst reviews ever.

But all those people out there who dislike the movies, because they think none of them give the books justice, I can say I respect that. Many people are extremely loyal to the books and just see the movies because they have to. Although I won't argue that opinion, I think they're wrong. I will now try and persuade. I used to be a person who got really upset if the movies didn't live up to my exceptions (see movies 4 and 5). As I have matured, though, I have taken a new look. I like to think the movies as in an interpretation and extension of the books. I understand they are not able to fit everything in the movies, I understand things have to be more visually appealing, I also understand adding a few scenes may actually not be a bad thing, especially if JK Rowling approves it (i.e. the dancing in the tent scene in Deathly Hallows Part 1 - I'm a fan, because I thought it fit in perfectly, not to mention Rowling liked it too). So if it so happens that they extend the battle between Voldemort and Harry, I understand because you can't just talk, films require action. So my advice when all of you run to the midnight showing is just take it all in and accept it. You won't be able to change how long it is, you won't be able to change how Daniel Radcliffe says a line, you won't be able to put half-moon glasses on Dumbledore's face. So just soak it in. Accept all the choices that are made because they were made carefully. They were discussed, thought out, planned out, changed, rewritten and made sure, through their interpretation, everything worked. Not to mention Rowling was a producer on the last two films. In my view, if the creator of this world we all love is good with a change, the fans of the best series ever written should be good with those same changes.

Before I sign off and give you some tidbits I would like all of you take notice of some awesome things Harry Potter has created, all of which are on YouTube. The first is called Wizard People, which is a voice over of the entire first movie, narrating what is happening. It may sound boring but don't write it off until you watch this and my favorite. The second greatest thing is of course the Harry Potter Musical, starring Darren Criss (Blaine from Glee). This is musical is hilarious, brilliantly written and has very catchy music. The only problem with it, is it makes me really jealous I didn't think of something like it. Another thing that makes me jealous is something I'm pretty sure everyone and their mother has seen it so I won't go into too much detail except give you the link to Harry Potter Puppet Pals. The very last thing that I died at laughing is this music video. It just totally says everything every Harry Potter fan is thinking this week.

With that I give you some side notes.
1. A nice round of trailers came out today like: Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, Adam Sandler's odd but looks entertaining trailer of Jack and Jill and Steven Spielberg's animated film The Adventures of Tintin. Just go to imdb.com for all of those.
2. Lots of new movies I wanna see are coming out in the final weeks of summer. The ones I'm most looking forward to are: Captain America, Crazy Stupid Love, Cowboys & Aliens, 30 Minutes or Less and The Help. I seriously recommend, if you haven't already, watch all of the trailers. Especially 30 Minutes or Less. It looks hilariously stupidly awesome.
3. I saw this and loved it. I thought it was a great list and so accuarte because everyone I could think of was on the list. Just fun and interesting. Check out other lists Entertainment Weekly has cause they are kind of stupid but a great distraction from what you're suppose to. You also need to buy the Harry Potter issue of Entertainment Weekly because it is the ultimate collectors edition. It is certainly something I will keep until the day I die.

With that ... Live long and prosper.