(no subject)
I really really really should actually use this. I tend to ignore journals and when I do I tend to focus on my insane journal. However, I'm going to go and try to change that. At least I will start to update my fics and edit my profile which is really out of date.
The weeks keep ticking by and it wont be long before Uni gets back. The only comfort is that at least Contract Law is finished and I passed. I actually got a credit which was really surprising. Next semester it is Property Law which should be alright and Inventing Modernity (I have heard warnings it will be very very dull), Social and Behaviour (not sure what it is but it is all on line which is good!) and, what I have been looking forward to, American History 1898-1945. I have studied US 1919-1945 so I already have knowledge which should be an advantage. Also, it is US history which I will enjoy. European and US history has always been my favourite topic. I don't mind Australian history, but sometimes some parts are just over emphasised and, especially when I was in high School there was almost too much of an Australian centric view. For example, discussing WWI and not mentioning the Somme or Verdun.
I'm also going to see Deathly Hallows again on Wednesday. I'm pretty excited since I have wanted to go every day since I first saw it. It was just that amazing and I have started to realise how much I missed. My first Deathly Hallows review from when I saw it the first time is below.
As I mentioned in my last post we were going to the midnight showing at the main Sydney Cinemas. I was the only one in my group dressed up and there were 8 sessions showing. It was packed, downstairs in the foyer there was basically very little room to move especially when we got closer to midnight. I would say about 70% of people were dressed up and I just loved the atmosphere. Just standing there and watching everyone arrive. There was surprisingly a lot of other Bellas too.
Unfortunately when we walked upstairs to out the front of the cinema it took so long to get in and we were then waiting in there until 12.30. In that wait every just started clapping, cheering, chanting, etc. There was one point when everyone in the cinema raised their wands like what happened with Dumbledore at the end of HBP. Too bad it didn't start the movie. Finally at 12.30 a worker and someone dressed as LV walked in (resulting in applause) to announce that they were starting and that we would get 4 minutes of bonus never before seen footage before hand. It started and as soon as Daniel Radcliff appeared in the footage more cheers. It ended up just being the feature released of the H/V duel so it wasn't new, but I hadn't seen it. When it came out a few days ago I refused to watch and even with that footage I closed my eyes and refused to watch. Then when the movie finally began the cheer was deafening.
Movie Itself
All in all, the movie was amazing. It was easily the best of them all. I was gob smacked and on the edge of my seat the entire time with tears in my eyes (I didn't sob until the epilogue). I'm just typing as it comes to me before the memory fades so it does jump around a lot.
-> Gringotts. Well for this I will say the beginning until Harry imperios the goblin. Helena Bonham Carter acting as Hermione was great. She almost fell over in the heels and tried to act arrogant and like Bella, but she was struggling. When they talk in front of the goblins to get in the vault you could feel the tension in the air and even though we knew what would happen it still had me on the edge of my seat. Finally Harry imperiod the goblin and they set off. However, I thought the rest of the scene was just alright. There was nothing wrong with it, but it just wasn't exciting. At least compared to everything else that would come.
-> McGonagll. This movie makes it clear why you should love her. She is powerful, brave and amazing. For example in one sceme Snape knows that Harry is in the castle and says he will torture anyone who knows where he is. Harry steps forward and Mcg stands forward to defend him when they have a short duel before he flees. Then after she says a few words to Harry and launches her guards.
-> The effects. They were just plain gorgeous. I had watched all the movies before and seeing the comparison to movie one was such a difference. I saw the movie in 2d and it was still amazing.
-> Alan Rickman. One review said that he stole the show and to an extent he did. The look in his eyes at the beginning when Harry appears and he confronts him shows that there is something bubbling below the surface. Snape's death was devastating. My friend beside me was sobbing hysterically. Just like in canon the conversation with LV is similar, but you can see the way he is trying to plead his case. However, obviously that does not work and he is killed. Harry goes and approaches him to get his memories which are his tears. He tells Harry to look at him and that he has his mother's eyes *sobs*. Then Prince's Tale. It was amazing! Even better than the books. You can see the sweet beginnings of their friendship, Snape pleading with Dumbledore to save Lily and the horror when she dies. He collapses on the door and cradles her body. The later scenes are basically similar to the book. However, it would be a challenge to get through this scene without their eyes watering up or being converted to S/L at least a little.
-> Voldemort. As I think most people who read this would know, I have a very strong view about how LV should be and in the information I had heard about this film I was unsure about how it would be. I was completely wrong. Every scene he was in I was at the edge of my seat. He has the perfect cool facade until something occurs that tips him. Unlike canon he feels pain or at least weakened when they are destroyed. He seems to clutch at his chest and the expression is perfect. When the cup is destroyed he strode forward and destroyed the barrier around Hogwarts easily then when a Death Eater suggests that they wait the hour he just turns and glares at them. Then the diadem is destroyed he looks desperate and randomly kills a DE before he flees to see Snape. You can see how much he is worrying. I think it just worked really really well. Another thing I heard was that LV gets physically violent and I hated that idea but in practice it worked. He slaps Lucius and does start hitting Harry, but when it is motivated by his desperation it fits. He is not his calm self because even LV has a breaking point.
When he does think he has killed Harry he speaks to those left at Hogwarts and he is just so smug and arrogant. It is just perfect and very fitting. He warns them about what will happen to those who do not support him and Draco steps forward with the urgings of Lucius and Cissy. He hugs him in a really awkward embrace, but it somehow works as you can see how twisted it is and how awkward both LV and Draco are by the interaction. However, I do fear the fanfics. I'm sure there will be more later.
->Voldemort/Harry duel. It was an extended version from the book and it was completely altered. They fling spells at each other in different places. At one point LV wraps Harry in his cloak then strangles and hits him a number of time. Until there is the infamous Harry throwing LV off a cliff. With the way LV was hitting Harry it actually made sense why they got to that point so it did work at it wasn't as cliche as seen in the trailers. Finally the end spell was just as you expected until LV disintegrated.
-> The deaths. I said before the movie was released that even though we didn't see the death of Remus/Tonks in the book I thought we should have seen it in the movie and I still stick by that. The last time we see them is when the clutch hands until we see there body together in the Great Hall. It is moving, but I think it is missing something. I kind of felt the same way with Fred. I'm not sure if I missed it, but all we really see is the Weasleys sobbing around his body. It was moving, but again I think it needed more.
-> Neville. He was just as awesome as he should be and got applauded at his every action. He was just brilliant from the way he rallied the DA, to speaking up to LV (though not sure if LV would have made him talk that much) to killing Nagini. Though, I missed the exact wording, but he said something about going to tell Luna he loved her (if you caught what it exactly was please tell me). It was a little strange especially since I now love Hannah/Neville.
-> Lavendar dies in the book and Fenrir above her body covered in blood was terrifying and really well done.
-> Forest Scene. It was true to the book and moving, though I cried more in the book. I loved the lines they all said to Harry especially Lily saying "Always". When he finally reaches LV, LV is unsure what to do and you can see him considering before he fires of the killing curse.
-> Ron/Hermione. I loved it! Again plenty of applause and they destroy the cup before they throw themselves at each other. When they separate they just have this small smile on their faces and for the rest of the film they are seen holding hands.
-> The test screenings said that Harry tells R/Hr he has to sacrifice himself and I was unsure if it would work but it really does. They do accept that he has to sacrifice himself but you can tell how heartbroken they are. Hermione is the only one who embraces him, but the look on Ron's face is just so broken it is not an issue.
-> They did miss the explanation on my Harry is still alive. I went with someone who had not read the book and I think that could become an issue for some.
-> Malfoys. We had heard before that they have a different ending and I really think it worked so well. When Harry appears they sneak off and walk away together. Fitting and shows that they need not be involved and are happy that all they need is each other.
-> Bellatrix. Maybe it was just me (and it probably was), but a part of me does wish she had more lines. She spends most of the movie (as someone suggests) trailing alongside LV like a puppy. It is of course very fitting and I do like how she is almost always behind him. When LV collapses, like in the book she tries to help him up, but this time she is practically wrapped around him (perhaps it is just me but in my mind it looks like she has clung to him before :P) before he pushes her off. My cinema started laughing but I loved it. I think I need screen caps of it soon :P
-> Acting. Flawless. I had no issues with anyone. Everyone pulled off exactly what they needed to. I brought everything from every character.
-> Not my daughter you bitch. Maybe it was just me but it was anti climatic. With LV/Harry and killing Nagini at the same time it is just not a focus. It is really short, but maybe that is just me. Either way she is killed and strangely she disintegrates in the same way as LV and Nagini.
I think that is it for now. However, it really is amazing and the best ending anyway could ever hope for. Now I just need to plan to see it again.
The weeks keep ticking by and it wont be long before Uni gets back. The only comfort is that at least Contract Law is finished and I passed. I actually got a credit which was really surprising. Next semester it is Property Law which should be alright and Inventing Modernity (I have heard warnings it will be very very dull), Social and Behaviour (not sure what it is but it is all on line which is good!) and, what I have been looking forward to, American History 1898-1945. I have studied US 1919-1945 so I already have knowledge which should be an advantage. Also, it is US history which I will enjoy. European and US history has always been my favourite topic. I don't mind Australian history, but sometimes some parts are just over emphasised and, especially when I was in high School there was almost too much of an Australian centric view. For example, discussing WWI and not mentioning the Somme or Verdun.
I'm also going to see Deathly Hallows again on Wednesday. I'm pretty excited since I have wanted to go every day since I first saw it. It was just that amazing and I have started to realise how much I missed. My first Deathly Hallows review from when I saw it the first time is below.
As I mentioned in my last post we were going to the midnight showing at the main Sydney Cinemas. I was the only one in my group dressed up and there were 8 sessions showing. It was packed, downstairs in the foyer there was basically very little room to move especially when we got closer to midnight. I would say about 70% of people were dressed up and I just loved the atmosphere. Just standing there and watching everyone arrive. There was surprisingly a lot of other Bellas too.
Unfortunately when we walked upstairs to out the front of the cinema it took so long to get in and we were then waiting in there until 12.30. In that wait every just started clapping, cheering, chanting, etc. There was one point when everyone in the cinema raised their wands like what happened with Dumbledore at the end of HBP. Too bad it didn't start the movie. Finally at 12.30 a worker and someone dressed as LV walked in (resulting in applause) to announce that they were starting and that we would get 4 minutes of bonus never before seen footage before hand. It started and as soon as Daniel Radcliff appeared in the footage more cheers. It ended up just being the feature released of the H/V duel so it wasn't new, but I hadn't seen it. When it came out a few days ago I refused to watch and even with that footage I closed my eyes and refused to watch. Then when the movie finally began the cheer was deafening.
Movie Itself
All in all, the movie was amazing. It was easily the best of them all. I was gob smacked and on the edge of my seat the entire time with tears in my eyes (I didn't sob until the epilogue). I'm just typing as it comes to me before the memory fades so it does jump around a lot.
-> Gringotts. Well for this I will say the beginning until Harry imperios the goblin. Helena Bonham Carter acting as Hermione was great. She almost fell over in the heels and tried to act arrogant and like Bella, but she was struggling. When they talk in front of the goblins to get in the vault you could feel the tension in the air and even though we knew what would happen it still had me on the edge of my seat. Finally Harry imperiod the goblin and they set off. However, I thought the rest of the scene was just alright. There was nothing wrong with it, but it just wasn't exciting. At least compared to everything else that would come.
-> McGonagll. This movie makes it clear why you should love her. She is powerful, brave and amazing. For example in one sceme Snape knows that Harry is in the castle and says he will torture anyone who knows where he is. Harry steps forward and Mcg stands forward to defend him when they have a short duel before he flees. Then after she says a few words to Harry and launches her guards.
-> The effects. They were just plain gorgeous. I had watched all the movies before and seeing the comparison to movie one was such a difference. I saw the movie in 2d and it was still amazing.
-> Alan Rickman. One review said that he stole the show and to an extent he did. The look in his eyes at the beginning when Harry appears and he confronts him shows that there is something bubbling below the surface. Snape's death was devastating. My friend beside me was sobbing hysterically. Just like in canon the conversation with LV is similar, but you can see the way he is trying to plead his case. However, obviously that does not work and he is killed. Harry goes and approaches him to get his memories which are his tears. He tells Harry to look at him and that he has his mother's eyes *sobs*. Then Prince's Tale. It was amazing! Even better than the books. You can see the sweet beginnings of their friendship, Snape pleading with Dumbledore to save Lily and the horror when she dies. He collapses on the door and cradles her body. The later scenes are basically similar to the book. However, it would be a challenge to get through this scene without their eyes watering up or being converted to S/L at least a little.
-> Voldemort. As I think most people who read this would know, I have a very strong view about how LV should be and in the information I had heard about this film I was unsure about how it would be. I was completely wrong. Every scene he was in I was at the edge of my seat. He has the perfect cool facade until something occurs that tips him. Unlike canon he feels pain or at least weakened when they are destroyed. He seems to clutch at his chest and the expression is perfect. When the cup is destroyed he strode forward and destroyed the barrier around Hogwarts easily then when a Death Eater suggests that they wait the hour he just turns and glares at them. Then the diadem is destroyed he looks desperate and randomly kills a DE before he flees to see Snape. You can see how much he is worrying. I think it just worked really really well. Another thing I heard was that LV gets physically violent and I hated that idea but in practice it worked. He slaps Lucius and does start hitting Harry, but when it is motivated by his desperation it fits. He is not his calm self because even LV has a breaking point.
When he does think he has killed Harry he speaks to those left at Hogwarts and he is just so smug and arrogant. It is just perfect and very fitting. He warns them about what will happen to those who do not support him and Draco steps forward with the urgings of Lucius and Cissy. He hugs him in a really awkward embrace, but it somehow works as you can see how twisted it is and how awkward both LV and Draco are by the interaction. However, I do fear the fanfics. I'm sure there will be more later.
->Voldemort/Harry duel. It was an extended version from the book and it was completely altered. They fling spells at each other in different places. At one point LV wraps Harry in his cloak then strangles and hits him a number of time. Until there is the infamous Harry throwing LV off a cliff. With the way LV was hitting Harry it actually made sense why they got to that point so it did work at it wasn't as cliche as seen in the trailers. Finally the end spell was just as you expected until LV disintegrated.
-> The deaths. I said before the movie was released that even though we didn't see the death of Remus/Tonks in the book I thought we should have seen it in the movie and I still stick by that. The last time we see them is when the clutch hands until we see there body together in the Great Hall. It is moving, but I think it is missing something. I kind of felt the same way with Fred. I'm not sure if I missed it, but all we really see is the Weasleys sobbing around his body. It was moving, but again I think it needed more.
-> Neville. He was just as awesome as he should be and got applauded at his every action. He was just brilliant from the way he rallied the DA, to speaking up to LV (though not sure if LV would have made him talk that much) to killing Nagini. Though, I missed the exact wording, but he said something about going to tell Luna he loved her (if you caught what it exactly was please tell me). It was a little strange especially since I now love Hannah/Neville.
-> Lavendar dies in the book and Fenrir above her body covered in blood was terrifying and really well done.
-> Forest Scene. It was true to the book and moving, though I cried more in the book. I loved the lines they all said to Harry especially Lily saying "Always". When he finally reaches LV, LV is unsure what to do and you can see him considering before he fires of the killing curse.
-> Ron/Hermione. I loved it! Again plenty of applause and they destroy the cup before they throw themselves at each other. When they separate they just have this small smile on their faces and for the rest of the film they are seen holding hands.
-> The test screenings said that Harry tells R/Hr he has to sacrifice himself and I was unsure if it would work but it really does. They do accept that he has to sacrifice himself but you can tell how heartbroken they are. Hermione is the only one who embraces him, but the look on Ron's face is just so broken it is not an issue.
-> They did miss the explanation on my Harry is still alive. I went with someone who had not read the book and I think that could become an issue for some.
-> Malfoys. We had heard before that they have a different ending and I really think it worked so well. When Harry appears they sneak off and walk away together. Fitting and shows that they need not be involved and are happy that all they need is each other.
-> Bellatrix. Maybe it was just me (and it probably was), but a part of me does wish she had more lines. She spends most of the movie (as someone suggests) trailing alongside LV like a puppy. It is of course very fitting and I do like how she is almost always behind him. When LV collapses, like in the book she tries to help him up, but this time she is practically wrapped around him (perhaps it is just me but in my mind it looks like she has clung to him before :P) before he pushes her off. My cinema started laughing but I loved it. I think I need screen caps of it soon :P
-> Acting. Flawless. I had no issues with anyone. Everyone pulled off exactly what they needed to. I brought everything from every character.
-> Not my daughter you bitch. Maybe it was just me but it was anti climatic. With LV/Harry and killing Nagini at the same time it is just not a focus. It is really short, but maybe that is just me. Either way she is killed and strangely she disintegrates in the same way as LV and Nagini.
I think that is it for now. However, it really is amazing and the best ending anyway could ever hope for. Now I just need to plan to see it again.