Busy!

This has been a busy day! I'll go backwards . . . dinner with T and J at Otani's - love that sushi, and the company was delightful! This afternoon we went to an Eagle Court of Honor for one of the young men in Simon's troop. Very nice ceremony and reception.

This morning we went to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt 1. Here are my first impressions (without giving any spoilers, I think):

• It's a very dark movie, but no darker than the book, for sure. I mean, when you're battling the ultimate evil, it's bound to get a little dark.
• I don't like the new actor playing Fenrir Greyback as much as the former actor. He wasn't menacing enough.
• I loved the animation in the middle - lovely stuff. It looked Tim Burton-esque.
• The time we were in the movie seemed to fly by.
  
• There were some plot alterations, which are understandable, I guess, but it still kind of bugs me a little here and there.
• Some of the scene cuts and editing seemed a little clunky and choppy. I'm curious to hear if people who aren't as familiar with the books have trouble following the story.
• Xeno Lovegood wasn't weird enough.
• I liked the Lovegood residence, but I am disappointed we didn't get to see Luna's bedroom.
  

I am, and always will be, a complete HP geek. I enjoy the movies a lot, but the books are still where it's at.

HP Obsession

I am very excited to see the new Harry Potter movie! It is premiering tonight in our town, in just 1 hour and 40 minutes! Thing is, we've all vowed to wait until Saturday morning to see it so we can all see it together! Ahhh! Waiting! I hate waiting! In order to amuse myself (and perhaps you), I give you The Harry Potter Puppet Pals in The Mysterious Ticking Noise . . . . .

Harry Potter

We got to see the movie today! Yay us! My list (trying not to share any spoilers):

• Tom Felton, a.k.a. Draco Malfoy did a very good job displaying complex emotions, foreshadowing the final movies.
• Even more kudos for Alan Rickman - absolute genius as Snape!
• Loved the special effects, particularly how the Death Eaters are shown flying about - very cool.
• Would have liked to seen more from the end of the book, particularly the big fight scene, but I understand the time restraints.
• Also would have liked to see the bits between the Prime Minister and the Minister of Magic. Those were such good bits in the book!
• Helena Bonham Carter is brilliant.
• Mike loves Evanna Lynch and her portrayal of Luna Lovegood, and I think she's adequate, but I still think she plays it a little too "solid" for me. Love the glasses, though!
  
• Dublin Village theater is nowhere near as nice as other theaters in town, and the seats were VERY uncomfortable.
  
• I know it's horribly expensive and frivolous, but I want to see this movie again in IMAX.
• I always find it interesting to see how they smoosh the book into a movie. Bits missing, some bits put in to explain otherwise gaping holes in the plot . . . I think this one is cohesive, but I'd love to hear from someone who hasn't read the book several times.