Harry Potter and the Onset of Puberty? Harry Potter and the Hormonal Surge? No, and, no, it’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and as I point out in my review for MSN Movies, by now you’re either in or you’re out, and that’s one reason certain critics find the series gets more frustrating as it draws nearer to its close; there’s really not a whole lot to say, unless the filmmakers just out and out blow it at some point, which is not likely to happen. (My favorite bit of resentment in this department was Jeffrey Wells’ pronouncement that “no person of consequence” cares about the Potter films. Sure, you betcha, whatever you say, Mrs. Wallis Simpson.) Still, one must give critical review the old college try. I have to admit in an early draft of my notice I amused myself by ruminating on what Bill Condon might do with the final installment of the franchise, until it was recalled that Mr. Condon is in fact taking in the next film in the Twilight, um, saga. These teen supernatural franchises are hard to keep up with, man. And I barely even think of them as genre films until one of ’em turns up on a Video Watchdog cover, or something.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll get back to listening to this brand new 5.1 DTS Surround mix of In The Wake of Poseidon, on DVD, even. Boy, now when Greg Lake taunts “Cat food!” over and over he actually goes all the way around the room. Fuckin’ ‘delic.
Glenn, I saw you in the crowd at Limite last night. Were you planning on posting about it? I’d be interested in your thoughts.
Hello Nort. I found the experience—that is, of seeing the restoration of the legendary 1931 Brazilian film “Limite” at BAM last night—rather overwhelming, and it put me a little at a loss. In a “good” way, I mean. It was a presentation from the World Cinema Foundation, and introduced by our friend Kent Jones, and drew a gratifyingly big crowd. It’s a FRANKLY AMAZING FILM, and I’m holding off on discussing it more until I can see it again and actually make some meaningful notes on it. I’d also like to write about it in a context in which more of the readership here can actually have the opportunity to see it themselves, so there can be a wider discussion. I hope this circumstance occurs soon.
Um. I agree with Jeffrey Wells. Sorry.
I can’t remember what you said about SOMEWHERE. Did you say it was one of the worst, and most offensive, films of the year? Because if you did, you were right. I still can’t get over it. Jaw-dropping shit. Cut to Gandhi on the TV???? Yeah, I used four question-marks.
But I guess that’s off-topic. Still, better than talking about HARRY POTTER, hey?
Um, I ain’t even SEEN “Somewhere” yet, so no, that weren’t me.
As for agreeing with Wells—really? “Person of consequence?” What the hell’s a “person of consequence?”
There’s a book called “Will the Vampire People Please Leave the Lobby? True Adventures in Cult Fandom”, by Alyson Beatrice, and while it’s specifically about being a fan, and being part of the community of fans, of the TV show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, I think it applies to cult fans of all stripes, including Harry Potter, and people’s attitudes towards them. Early in the book, Beatrice describes a reunion of Buffy fans in the lobby of the hotel they were all staying at, and despite the fact they were acting like a group of friends who hadn’t seen each other in a long time would act (loud greetings, shared laughter, etc.), the receptionists at the lobby yelled out the line that gives the book its title. Beatrice goes on to write:
“Vampire People? We knew this was code for: ‘You are all fucking dorks. If I weren’t miserable here at work, I’d be in a bar, kicking your asses, or sticking maxi pads on your backs so me and my cool friends can laugh at you.’ ”
Okay, so maybe not all the Harry Potter movies worked (I particularly didn’t like the second one, and the fourth one was set pieces in search of a movie, even if they were pretty good set pieces). Most of them were still made with at least more care, craft, and honest emotion than most of the blockbusters that come down the pike these days. We need attention paid to the people who work to make film art, but shouldn’t we praise the people who, you know, try to make “entertainment” films that are actually entertaining?
What if J K Rowling’s original desire had been honored, and Terry Gilliam given the first film to direct?
@ Oliver C: You probably would have had a more interesting movie, and Warners would have had a much harder time crafting a consistent series of them!
@ Lipranzer: I think that, all things considered, cinephiles ought to be a little more tolerant/understanding of “vampire people.” After all, as the prior thread indicates, we who love black-and-whate movies can certainly be considered cultists ourselves, at least by a certain yardstick…
Couldn’t say I’m a “hater” where Mr. Potter and his schoolchums are concerned, but I am unquestionably an extreme disinterest-er.
Poseidon is, as we used to say in finishing school, mad underrated, even if it, um, honors the template of In the Court and expands it outward in a couple few directions – notably, in the direction of one Keith Tippett, who is the inevitable touchhold on KC the Sunshine Band for most of the free cats with whom I bring up the band: “Oh, King Crimson, Keith Tippett played with them.” Sure, almost 30 years ago now…
Apparently, at some Epitaph live ’69/&c. box-set signing, someone inquired of Mr. Fripp something to the effect of had he ever considered how many minds were blown by The Devil’s Triangle off Poseidon. Mr. Fripp’s response was something to the effect of: “Well, I suppose there’s only one thing to say and that’s…” whereupon he began oscillating his index finger rapidly between his lips, making with the ee-bee-bee-buh-bee-&c.s. Do you suppose Mr. Fripp did not consider this fan a “person of consequence”?
My wife is a fan of the books, as are a couple of our friends, so as a team we go see all these movies. And I’ve enjoyed them, particularly the last one, which I thought had some wonderful moments. But when my wife reminded me that the new one was coming out today, I have to admit, my heart sank a little bit. I simply don’t feel like it…
All I ask is that Mr. Wells be hereinafter referred to as “Mrs Wallis Simpson” in each SCR post in which he makes an appearance.
Because you can never be too Wi-Fi connected or too thin.