Opening Night!
Last night we went to the opening night of Harry Potter 3!!!
We just made it a HP day...going up to Baton Rouge to Jack and Erica's to watch the first two movies on DVD, to eat a lot of watermelon, and then to go to the theater to watch the third movie. (I'll admit, I even bought tickets on Wednesday).
I really enjoyed this third one. (warning! spoilers ahead!)
You could really tell the difference in the directors. The film had a completely different feel. The location was much bigger (which connects well with Harry's bigger world). and hte little effects were nice...like the changing of seasons (and the poor little blue bird who kept getting whomped by the Whomping Willow. ha!).
It was a little disconcerting to see the locationg of the Whomping Willow changed and Hagrid's cabin completely different. We thought the new Dumbledore wasn't QUITE as effective as wizened sage, but still good. It was definitely more like a "real" movie instead of just a kid's movie. We really like how they portrayed the Patronus, too...really getting across the power of the spell. And I like how they did Buckbeak, too, I had trouple picturing that in the book.
For some reason, the movie didn't seem as scary as the book. I don't know if it was because of my expectations or what. the dementors were pretty scary, but their psychological impact wasn't as fierce as reading about it.
Anyway...all in all, we really enjoyed it!
Comments
I have not read the HP books, but have been tempted. It seems like you would really recommend them, right? What do you think of people's criticism that it has too much evil for kids....
Posted by: beth | 05.06.04 17:35
Comments
I don't think you can represent such evil characters onscreen when their faces are hidden (also, the Ringwraiths.) The only way I've seen that kind of overwhelming horror portrayed is when the character has human eyes, and is played by a very good actor (for example, Anthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs.)
I wouldn't give the Harry Potter books to preteens, but that's more because of the little bits of cussing in it than because of the evil. I would let my hypothetical preteens read Lloyd Alexander's Prydain chronicles, and they're absolutely terrifying in spots. Part must depend on the child's maturity and particular weaknesses, I'm sure.
Posted by: tuggy | 05.06.04 17:42
Comments
I might let a kid as young as 10 read them, but they do get pretty scary..so, yea, it would have to depend on the kid.
I think they're wonderful!! Definitely a gripping story.
Posted by: Jeannette | 05.06.04 19:51
Comments
i think that i will read one of them this summer......
Posted by: beth | 08.06.04 08:49
Comments
you can't read just one. You have to be prepared to read all 5...in one sitting, because you just can't put them down. Well, maybe not one sitting, but close..
Posted by: Jeannette | 08.06.04 09:01