Against my better judgment, my husband convinced me that we should just screw it and go see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I had laundry to do, birthdays to shop for, soup to cook - but somehow was swayed to spend at least 2.5 hours at the movies instead. Guess what, people? Totally worth it. I really liked the movie. I even liked that the money-grubbing powers that be decided to split the book into 2 movies. I think this decision will really do this final tale justice. The plot clicked along a little faster than in the book (but that's pretty necessary), but even so it was able to show the fact that Harry, Ron, and Hermione are blossoming adults, yet still awkward kids. These actors have really grown professionally and it's beautiful to see that as well. I was also very impressed with the cinematography - the wilderness scenes really achieve the desolation and isolation that the characters are feeling. They aren't just gorgeous settings in the UK. My favorite scene may have been the one in Godric's Hollow - it looked and felt just how I imagined it when I read it!!! Super eerie, yet weighted with fate and importance. It was kind of like when I saw the first movie and you came upon Hogwarts for the first time. Very exciting. I know one general criticisms of these movies is their disjointed nature for the viewers who have not read the books (like they plot doesn't connect well enough for them to really be stand-alone movies). But my husband hadn't read this book yet and he felt like he could follow it pretty well. I am anxiously awaiting Part 2! I know a few people are holding out on seeing Part 1 until the second part comes out so they don't have to wait for the end (a la The Lord of the Rings). While I understand that viewpoint, I was just too excited to see this one!
Once our 10-day Christmas celebration ended on the 26th, we dropped the dog off at home and raced over to the Arbor to see Black Swan. I was definitely nervous about being disappointed because there has been so much hype. The film is really a slow build, so for the first 30 minutes I was kind of like, "damn, over-hyped." But then, it kind of snuck up on me and I was right there in it. Flawless performances all around and really interesting through and through. It is much more than a dance movie and more than a thriller. It's one of those that you discuss at length with each person you encounter who has seen it as well. There are tons of nooks and crannies and possibilities to explore. And yes, the lesbian scene is pretty hot.
We also attempted to see The King's Speech this week, but it was sold out. Attempt #2 is on Sunday. I'm also hoping to make it out for one more this week - True Grit, The Fighter, 127 Hours, who knows?
