HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: Part 2 (2011)

Last year a significant part of my early twenties left me for good - I was watching the series finale for Lost, wondering how I could possibly enjoy the summer knowing the fall wouldn't bring the return of my favorite characters. In 2002 when I graduated high school, one of the first DVDs I bought that summer was Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. I've seen every movie in theatres since and despite the initial childlike nature of the films, I was always able to find the magic in them - at first in November, then increasingly as a summer blockbuster. As I matured, so did the films and their themes. Like most, I flip-flopped between deciding if Hermione (Emma Watson) would grow up to be hot (or not). Tonight, a significant piece of my last decade also left me for good as I bid farewell with Harry Potter and the Deahtly Hallows, Part 2.

Oddly enough, while I've certainly enjoyed the last seven Potter flicks (including the most recent one), I wasn't aware just how much I'd miss the series until I walked out of the theatre this evening. Say what you will about certain films, but the Potter series has been a world event almost every year for the last decade. Not only for myself (I've seen them with numerous friends), but for pop culture, literature fans, fantasy fans and of course the people involved. It's when you least realize it sometimes, that you find yourself saying goodbye to the ones that have been a small part of your life. As an extremely nostalgic person - this never comes easy.

If you've read the books you'll more or less know what to expect with this last hoorah. If you haven't read the books but have seen the movies - you, as well, will know what to expect. If you haven't seen the movies nor read the books, what the hell are you doing seeing the last film first? The trailers for Deathly Hallows: P2 state it all - "Only one can live". This is the final battle between Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) and it - is - epic. While I've steadily labeled every Potter film's successor as the best one to date, I'm pleased to say it ends in the same fashion - and it ends with a helluva bang (and a sort of bonus scene that was oddly disturbing and unexpected).

If you're like me and have grown to love and cherish the Potter series over time, you'll know the oddly emotional feeling of saying goodbye to Ron (Rupert Grint), Harry and Hermione. Each film has allowed us more and more of a glimpse into their lives and that of their families. There have been memorable moments and horrible losses. They've grown up to expect adventure and realize death and everything in between. And while they've shown us glimpses of the classes these three have had at Hogwarts, I started to wonder about three or four movies ago if they've ever actually made it to class. Sort of like when you watch The Simpsons and wonder if and when and how Homer actually goes to work. Not that one would watch the Potter films and expect realism, but it's just a thought anyways. What is real, however, is the sincerity that's present with final film like this one - from both the viewer and the characters. There are tough moments in Deathly Hallows: P2, moments that rival some of the better dramatic moments I've seen in Oscar films. If Lord of the Rings can walk away with an Oscar, maybe it's time Harry Potter does too.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 gets a wide open door - as does the whole series. I'll be going back to have a Harry-thon one of these weekends to revisit some of the older films. I guarantee you watching this final installment will make you want to do the same thing, mostly for sentimental reasons. In an age where sequels and reboots are the big thing, I can only say it'd be nice if this was the end. But, in twenty years I may change my mind as I'm sure writer and creator J.K. Rowling is already thinking of ways to bring it back in some fashion (which may explain the ending in DH: P2). But for now, it's been a pleasure getting to know you, Mr. Potter. I bid you adeau.

*Stills courtesy of Warner Bros. Studios

Read more...

ALICE IN WONDERLAND (2010)

Curiouser and curiouser...

.

Alice Kingsley (played well by Gwenyth Paltrow look-a-like Mia Wasikowska) is the smartest stupid girl you’re likely to meet. She has great ideas about impossible things like flying and trading goods and resources with far off lands like China - but she also talks of strange lands inhabited by rabbits with pocket watches, blue caterpillars and cats that smile. Alice is an odd girl indeed and with the trademarked catchphrase “Curiouser and curiouser.” you know she is just asking for trouble.

.

It isn’t ten minutes into the film before Alice finds said trouble by falling down a rabbit hole in one of the most Six Flags-like scenes your likely to see this year at a theatre near you (assuming of course you see this film in 3-D). What does she find at the bottom of this deep, dark rabbit hole? If I have to tell you, you should go back in time and punch your parents in the face for disallowing you a childhood.

Not long into Alice’s trek through ‘Underland’ (renamed by director Tim Burton), she runs into the Mad Hatter played by Johhny Depp - who does his best impression of Elijah Wood playing the Mad Hatter and certainly forgoes his usual sex appeal here to don the eyebrows of a 70 year old Scotsman and a do only Carrot Top would be envious of. Depp does well disguising himself as usual but clearly he can only go so far with other personas before he starts to reuse bits of older characters like Jack Sparrow and Willy Wonka.

Hatter confirms to Alice what she heard earlier from the Blue Caterpillar (voiced by the always unimpressed Alan Rickman) – that she is there to slay the Jaberwocky, who has been terrorizing Wonderland – er…Underland, for some time now. But in order to do so Alice has to stay out of the clutches of miss “Off with their heads!” herself, the Red Queen.

The Red Queen of course, is played by Helena Bonham Carter, who is delightful and plays the role exactly as she should – without taking it too seriously. The same goes for the White Queen played by Anne Hathaway. It’s clear both actresses had a lot of fun with these characters and you can feel their energy radiate on screen because of that. It wouldn’t surprise me if after every take as soon as Burton yelled “Cut!” they burst into laughter thinking about themselves yelling “Off with their head!” or floating around like some fairy godmother high on whatever the Caterpillar is smoking.

Seeing this movie in 3-D (or at all really) will make you feel as if you too are mad as a hatter, as the visuals here don’t let down for one minute. Tim Burton did well here as both staying faithful to the original cartoon version, the books and his own crazy imagination. Nobody in Alice ever seems to be in correct proportion so it appears as if you’re watching the entire film through the bottom of a glass Coke bottle. This is more good than bad, although since everything seems to be beautifully and visually twisted and slightly offsetting, I found it at times to be so overwhelming and distracting, that it took away from some of the really fun visual stuff - like the Chesire Cat or the impressive Red Queen’s army of playing cards. That is however a very small case of “too much of a good thing” and won’t prevent you from enjoying yourself.

This is easily Tim Burton’s strongest “re-imagining” yet, which was nice to see after the disappointing Charlie and Chocolate Factory. And due to its already established fan base, Alice will undoubtedly do well - especially with the kids. Children under five or so may find it all a bit too scary, but any older than that shouldn’t have any problem dealing with some of the more disturbing things – including Burton’s odd obsession with the common phrase “an eye for an eye... for an eye… for an eye”.

Alice in Wonderland is a fun movie filled with whimsy and visual delight. It’s a nice mix between adult and kid humour and should appeal to most. The performances are well enough done you don’t feel cheated, and the visuals hold up pretty well. I did feel there could have been more lead in to build up the potential epic-ness of the movie, but when you’re there to see Wonderland perhaps it doesn’t matter. The door is open here, so go on and drink that tiny bottle of shrinking potion and walk on through to the delightful world on the other side.

*Stills courtesy of Walt Disney

Read more...