I have a love-hate relationship with the Harry Potter films. The first two are definitely “eh,” though the production values are good, the magical world brought to life is suitably amazing, and the wee kiddies are adorable. The third movie is my absolute favorite; I believe it’s an amazing film, period, even more than just as a part of the greater series. The fourth is fine, the fifth was great until they screwed-up the end, and the sixth… Ugh. The sixth sucked. The seventh rocked, and the eighth (ahem, seventh part two) is, as of this writing, not yet released (and I rearranged the order of these by a couple of days just to be sure this got into those last, thrilling hours of anticipation). So, yes, it’s been a bit uneven, but it’s still the one I wanted to write about for today’s meme: “Favorite Series of Related Movies.”
Because, really… we’re all madly in love with the books. Having these as companion to them, disappointing though the adaptation at times can be, is a big part of the experience. What’s especially remarkable about them, however, is the casting, as it’s astounding that they’ve largely kept all the same kids for its entirety. We’ve had the pleasure of watching Harry, Ron and Hermione grow up, but also being able to recognize the same kids playing Dean, Seamus, Crabbe and Goyle, and even Padma and Parvati, has kept the story from becoming a disjointed mess over the course of eight films and four directors. And how those darling tots have grown! Lovely that Hermione is so pretty, and it’s lucky that Ginny grew to be also. The creators probably had hoped Harry would be a bit taller, but he’s grown into the actor they needed to tell the story. Of course, so have Malfoy and Ron, and both are darling as well. But who could have guessed that goofy little Neville would have grown into such a little fox!
But that’s just the kids; to me, it’s the veteran actors that really make the series. It’s said that J.K. Rowling herself had a hand in picking at least some of them, and I know that both Alan Rickman and Robbie Coltrane were her suggestions. The cast reads like a who’s who of British actors: Michael Gambon, Gary Oldman, Emma Thompson, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Jason Isaacs, Kenneth Branagh, Jim Broadbent, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Imelda Staunton, Julie Walters, and not to mention Richard Harris… it’s a near embarrassment of riches. That these incredible actors would have made themselves consistently available over the course of the last decade is nothing short of miraculous, and I can’t even imagine how they have to arrange the shooting schedules to accommodate them. The commitment of these actors shows what love and respect there is for the series, and their dedication is what has elevated it from fun kids’ movies to the extraordinarily complex films that they are.
For truly, beyond all of the casting and the production, the story is of course marvelous, and at their best, the films have merely enhanced the experience. The moment when Harry realizes that he is the one with the power to rid the Dementors – that what he had seen across the lake was his father in him – moves me every time, and the visual of the stag is breathtaking. The depiction of the dueling, most particularly at the end of the fifth and in the Sectumsempra show-down in the bathroom from the sixth, is so, so much more gripping action than it seems when reading it. There’s a depth to Slughorn not in the books, Voldemort is far more terrifying as he’s portrayed than he is on the page, and Trelawney, Umbridge, and Lockhart go so far beyond where our imagination could have taken us that their performances have become as much a part of the characters as the words that brought them to life.
I’m preparing myself to be let down by the final film, knowing that things will be changed, moments glossed over, and little things done away with entirely. But I expect to weep openly at the dragon’s flight to freedom, to be breathless as the fire rips through the Room of Requirement, to be delighted when Ron shows his sincere and innocent concern for the house-elves, and to be rolling my eyes at the epilogue. Snape’s storyline will surely hurt my heart, but it will be full with admiration for the character and he who portrays him. And, I expect to get chills, along with the rest of the packed audience, when Harry asks: “You’ll stay with me?”
Until the very end, Harry… we’re with you.
As I dropped off teens awhile ago in costume to wait their turn in line for the midnight showing of THE END, and in preparation of the midnight showing they have been watching the other 7 movies non stop this past week, this is timely. (Disclaimer: the Harry Potter movies are probably the only ones movies I have seen in a theater or watched in their entirety in the last two decades, I’m probably not one to compare how the movies rate.) Personally, I thought the first two movies captured the innocence of youth well, or it may have just been I had younger children at the time and was glad it didn’t scare the pants off of them. As the movies progressed they got darker, as had the books. Unfortunately/fortunately, the books were so good, and amazing at conjuring an image in your mind of exactly what JK was describing, I knew there was no way the movies could stand up to her writing. I went in to see the movies with no anticipation, no expectations. So, I suspect this is why I was not disappointed with any of them.
I do agree it is the veteran actors that made the series. I loved Rickman as Snape, Smith as McGonagall was just as I imagined, I thought Bonham Carter was terrifyingly brilliant; the list goes on and on. I know I am personally looking forward to watching the final film, with a little sadness mixed in that the ride is over. But, then again, this is how I felt after reading the final book.
I was so jealous of everyone who was able to do a midnight showing! But, I saw it myself last night, so I’m feeling a bit better now. :)
You make a very good point about the first two movies; they are as innocent and sweet as the first two books. My friend Romany actually said that the things they had to conquer were sort of “cute” at first before getting more serious… The first two books (and movies) are very important at laying the groundwork for the whole series, but I don’t think I know anyone who rates either as favorite in the series (a number of people I know hold the third as their favorite, while mine is the fifth).
This final film is a bit more of a real end to me than the final book, and I cherished the experience as such. I really did like it, though my frustrations with the movies (from the end of the fifth through this one) come less from things being less impressive than my imagination conjured than with the filmmakers’ clear discomfort with (or downright fear of) dialogue to tell the story. It’s as if they trust neither their actors to deliver what’s necessary nor the audience to take it in. So many moments which could have been deeper or more clear with just a freaking line explaining or filling it out are just wasted with silent closeups… It makes me nuts.
But I loved a lot of it, and some of it was even better than the book. Overall, I love and cherish the movies nearly as much. Hope the kids loved it too! Thanks for keeping up with my ramblings this month, Rory!
I just got home from MY viewing of it. And, well……wow. It was a proper closing. (I won’t admit how much the snake made me nervous. Niko had to point out it was nothing like the garter snakes that hang out in our front yard. [the Bobs – as Lauren named them]) The 2 hours flew by, and I think I need to reread the book to jog my memory now. Hmm, maybe that is why I so happily accepted the movies – my memory is crap. But – the kids thoroughly enjoyed the film. (Can I call the one that is taller than me kid?)
I am really enjoying your month of blogging. Even the ones I haven’t seen, which is sadly most of them. My ability to sit through a movie or even a TV show is very limited. I remember I wanted to do something, get up and realize I was watching something much MUCH later. Looking forward to the rest of the month!
So I asked Niko last night which one was his favorite, and he stated it was a toss up between the first two. Something to the effect that he liked how it introduced you to a whole new magical world. Now – I should put in a disclaimer: this is the man that did not appreciate American Beauty one bit, informed he he wasn’t old enough to have seen Mystic River, and pretty much banned me from picking out movies after I chose the Departed. He just likes escapism. Happy escapism. (for the record, he did love this last movie. Course, how could someone not?)
Interesting! The first two are indeed really sweet – though the introduction of Tom Riddle in the second is really chilling and fabulously done.
Funny you mention the Departed… It’s featured in one of the final posts coming up this week. :)
I have a friend who won’t watch as she terms them “sad films.” She pretty much watches Disney and that’s it. (She’s at Comic Con right now, and I’m so very happy for her.)
I had friends that were in SD this weekend for a SteamPunk meet that desperately wanted to go to Comic-Con. Niko loves the Pixar movies, and does not like “sad films” as well. He likes his happy ending all tied up in a bow. (and I saw a good portion of the Departed – I got a little nervous at one point and had to walk away. Did see the end….can’t wait to read your write up on it!)