Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

Despite already having tickets to both the midnight release and a Sunday imax showing of the movie, I of course was not one to turn down the chance to go to the actual NYC premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (mad thanks to friend who won last minute passes on the radio).

Despite a couple of hours of drama and confusion under the heat and humidity (sorry chaotic but awesomely energetic crowds for ruining your camera shots), we finally managed to get our tickets and make our way into Avery Fisher Hall at the Lincoln Center.  The cast (Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis and Alan Rickman) and the director/producer team (also that Steve Kloves guy yuck) came on stage and shared some lovely words (even a shout-out to Chris Columbus, which I thought was quite appropriate).

The the movie certainly did not disappoint and overall provided a satisfactory end to this amazing story.  It was also a great viewing experience - not only was the 3D extremely well done (I was skeptical to be honest) and beautiful, but the audience cheered, jeered and teared together like a family (albeit a large couple of thousand people sized family).

That being said, while the movie was the exhilarating emotional roller-coaster ride I knew it would be, it didn't really blow me away either.  Or, maybe I'm just unfairly blaming this movie for my sense of emptiness now that the movies are over, now that I know there would be no more HP movies to be made, now that this is truly the end of the Harry Potter era (and by proxy any shred of my younger days I've been trying to preserve) ...

**Edit** MUCH better upon second viewing.

A few thoughts below (YES THIS MEANS ****SPOILERS****):

- Pacing:  The film started out a bit slowly with scenes at the ironically serene shell cottage, creating a mood of false security which was fitting in setting a melancholic tone for the film.  The story gets going when the trio go to Gringotts and then just keeps building as they head off to Hogwarts (where the majority of the duration of the movie is spent) for the final battle.  Despite having thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of the scenes, most of which remain faithful to the book in at least spirit, I think they are somewhat disjointed (essentially a series of scenes where different characters take turns coming forward for their moment in the limelight - Prof. McGonagall and Molly Weasley kicked a$$!).  I can't help think there might be a director's cut out there that shows more transition moments and makes for much more seamless viewing, in the vein of the LOTR Extended Edition DVDs. **Edit** Flowed much better watching the second time ... strange, in a good way.  Still want an extended edition though!

- Neville:  Speaking of characters having their time in the sun - Neville in this film just ROCKED IT!  With that Kloves writer guy always giving Ron's everyone's good lines/moments to Hermione (love her to pieces don't get me wrong, but seriously - she's great as it is in the book, WITHOUT being at the expense of other characters!), I had a fleeting moment of horror when I thought she might actually steal Neville's hero moment ... alas, my fear was thankfully proven unnecessary!!!  In fact, I'd say Neville was better developed and even more lovable in this movie than in the book.

- R/Hr Kiss:  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't super looking forward to the Ron/Hermione kiss.  I had my doubts (I thought the way it happened in the book was just PERFECT!), but I must say, while it doesn't top the kiss in the book (how can you top perfection?), the way it happens does capture the sense of spontaneity and impulsiveness underlying the this moment.  Well done!  However, one downside is, although it is beautifully filmed (you can definitely sense the tension, but at the same time it's cute n sweet), the framing leaves a lot to the imagination (after all the wait I wanted to see MORE!).  I can only hope the DVD will feature this shot from some other angles ...

- Ginny:  One of the few things I'm quite annoyed about - seriously what felt like the only character that did not get a chance to shine.  The future-Mrs. Potter ... always marginalized (seriously did Bonnie Wright kill a puppy on set or something?).  She's not my favorite character by any means, but Ginny deserved a LOT better than what she got in the movies - probably one of my top 3 complaints about these films.

- Me Being Petty (kind of): I FINALLY figured out why I am bothered by the *imo forced* Harry/Hermione suspicious/creepy undertones in these films, as some would say, and it has NOTHING to do with my love for Ron/Hermione, since we know they are endgame and the couple that belongs together.  What seriously angers me about these "moments" given between Harry and Hermione is that it undercuts the relationship between Harry and Ron!  I realized this when, right before Harry leaves for the forest, Hermione gets teary and gives him a really long drawn-out hug, while Harry and Ron just share "a look" (does.not.cut.it!).  Harry totally loves Ron more - is it seriously too much to ask for a warm embrace between the two before one of them goes off to presumably his death!?!?  When was the last time the two hugged anyway? ever?  I reeeaaally wanted them to hug after Ron destroys the horcrux (or at least I wanted more of a moment between the two) - I loved their bromance in the books, and the movies completely ignores this (minus the ONE scene where Ron convinces Harry to stay in DH1) in favor of more Harry/Hermione bonding - this is probably my #1 complaint about these films.

- Snape: The entire sequence was done beautifully and tragically.  I wouldn't call it perfect b/c it leaves out a key turning event i.e. Snape's worst memory, but to say I almost forgive the film for that is a testament to how well it was presented.  If there is one place in the film to let the faucet run, this would be it (I for one most definitely did).  And yes, Alan Rickman was great.

- Me Being Petty #2:  As tragic and sympathetic as Snape is, I think there was one scene that made Dumbledore look a bit harsh in favor of showing Snape's compassion and care for Harry (and did not undo this perception through explaining the motivations and thoughts of Dumbledore as fully as it could).

- Random:  Alberforth was wicked! I thought the best bit of acting in the film was a relatively short but crucial scene done by John Hurt as Mr. Ollivander (perfectly weak and weathered you can't help feel sad for him).  Helena Bonham Carter was also brilliant as Hermione.  Props to some great references to previous films, and I <3 Luna.

Farewell Potter!

I will miss you!  Gone but will not be forgotten : )

R.I.P Cancelled Shows Class of 2011

All My Children (ABC) - after forty-one seasons, it had a good run.  Looks like this will continue online, but I doubt it'll be the same despite what optimists claim.  Larger implication of the death of soap operas ...

Better With You (ABC) - actually found this show to be pretty funny - silly funny - but I don't need to think ALL the time.

Big Love (HBO) - sent off with a proper and satisfying ending in my opinion.

Brothers & Sisters (ABC) - had a good run - I love the Walkers, but they lost me over the years ...

Camelot (STZ) - checked out the first ep, didn't seen enough to stay (although Eva Green was fab).  Guess will have to stick with the far more kosher Merlin for my Arthurian tales.

The Cape (NBC) - two words: Wasted Potential.  Sad to see another Summer Glau show bite the dust, but save a few moments and an intriguing villain, this show just was NOT very good.

Chase (NBC) - eh.  Not a terrible show or anything, but my only reaction to this show was "hey look, it's fake!Dixie from All My Children running and tough!"

Entourage (HBO) - really?  Didn't actually know about this one ... ah I'm still going through the reruns anyway.

The Event (NBC) - I've given this show a good amount of coverage, not to mention unwarranted faith.  I can only say: too little, too late ...

Hannah Montana (DSNY) - guiltiest confession I will probably ever make on this blog - for the episode of the big reveal, I . actually . cried ...

Little People, Big World (TLC) - I've never seen this show, but I just loooove the name (it's so catchy yet heartfelt) ... and for that it deserves a shout-out - hope it had a good run.

Mad Love (CBS) - not the best, but Connie and Larry were great!

Mr. Sunshine (ABC) - saw this coming - oddly flat show, but sad for Chandler.

No Ordinary Family (ABC) - had a lot of potential in the beginning but fizzled out ... sad for the future of superheroe/scifi genre on television.

Off The Map (ABC) - the setting is sooo pretty in HD, and the show was picking up pace too.  Hard to be a mid-season replacement ... at least I learned coconut water can substitute for blood plasma.

One Life To Live (ABC) - soaps - dying dying gone ...

The Oprah Winfrey Show (SYN) - well, she's got her own network to play with now.

Outsourced (NBC) - really quite entertaining, in a ludicrous way.  Lost steam at the end, but I'm still sad it didn't get a chance to develop.

Skating With The Stars (ABC) - called it - skating is just not something you can pick up and make look good in a short amount of time!

Skins (MTV) - maybe if they didn't get a lead with such an annoying, smug face ...

Smallville (CW) - thanks for the great ride!  10 years - not too shabby for the boy who would be the man of steel.  Lois and Clark <3

Undercovers (NBC) - victim of starting out to slowly.  Show was JUST starting to have a JJ Abrams feel (i.e. overarching mystery/conspiracy) ... waste of Boris Kodjoe and his many languages.

V (ABC) - gutted.  It looked to be the beginning of apocalyptic gold ... Anna lives!

Wizards Of Waverly Place (DSNY) - it was SO GOOD the first two seasons (another guilty confession), best Disney show in a really long time.  Even season 3 and movie were good by Disney standards.  Now I just watch to see it through to the end ... not sure what happened ...

Daily Musing: Dare I Hope? Josh Duhamel Returns to AMC!

Since seeing the news, and Google front-page no less, a few weeks ago that Josh Duhamel will reprise the role of the utterly charming Leo DuPres on All My Children briefly before it signs off ABC after 40+ years, I have been secretly (sadly, soap-watching is even less popular among my friends now than it was 10 years ago) nursing my rising hope that I might *just might* see a happy ending after all for my all time favorite soap couple, Greenlee and Leo (who else!?).

I'm sure this is not some kind of publicity stunt a la James Franco and his stint on General Hospital.  Transformers 3 did just fine in the dough-making department -- not as great as, or most likely because of, the craptastic TF2, which itself had benefited from the surprisingly decent TF1, but my bitterness in that department is a story for a different post.  Point is, JD probably just wanted to give something back to the show that helped him start his career - he did win a daytime emmy before moving on to babysit fight along-side Shia Labeouf ... major props.

However, while I'm ecstatic to see one of my favorites return to Pine Valley for one last go-around, there is a chance this cameo turns into every Greenleo fan's total nightmare ...

Last we saw of Leo, he was at least still alive, albeit on the verge of drowning and clinging to a skimpy branch in the midst of heavy currents (but hey at least in true soap fashion he had survived that fall from a waterfall that alone should've killed him).  Since then, after an unusually drawn-out mourning period (for soap operas of course), his soulmate and wife/"widow" Greenlee Smythe (played by Rebecca Budig) finally decided to move on to other men, most notably an on-and-off relationship with one Ryan Lavery who many AMC fans (or ex-fans) such as myself can only call toxic (in the interest of full disclosure, I must admit this relationship in particular, and the lack of interesting buildup/storylines in general, have kept me only marginally engaged with the show in recent years).  I do know, though, that very recently (oddly soon after the announcement that Leo would be back), Greenlee and Ryan ("Rylee") got married (again).

So, the game changing question would be: will Leo be back alive?  If my wish comes true and he is, then I have no doubt he WILL reunite with Greenlee, and they will ride off into the sunset.  This would imo be the smart move and end the show with a fan-pleaser, as Greenleo >>>>> Rylee. Despite a relatively short romance (JD was only on AMC from 1999-2002), Greenlee and Leo achieved "supercouple" status that is still inspiring loyal fan support to this day, yours truly included (they even have their own wikipedia entry as couple).  On the other end of the spectrum, despite being pushed as AMC's "true love" couple for almost the last decade, Rylee has inspired ... not much that I'm aware of other than vicious criticism from some of the most vocal fans of the show ... no couple wiki entry ...

Which brings us to the terrifying thought that, if he comes in the form of a dream or as a ghost, dream-Leo or ghost-Leo might appear just to give his blessings to the Rylee pairing.  I would be OUTRAGED if this happens - I would saying AMC would be dead to me if it won't already actually be dead (call me a skeptic on the whole webisodes business).  This potential development would be the ultimate slap-in-the-face to Greenlee/Leo fans, considering their relationship came about because Leo saved her from her crazy obsession with Ryan in the first place (or in other words she woke up to her crazy obsession because she realized her love for Leo) - they were a couple who were, in their words, flawed but fabulous.  Real!Leo would NOT approve of a Greenlee/Ryan union, of that I am sure, and AMC better not try to convince me of otherwise!  

Bottom-line: this appearance can end in two ways, with most fans satisfied, or forever tainting one of the most beautiful relationship there ever was on AMC ... your call, ABC/AMC writers - redeem yourselves!  

Edit: Alternate scenario I might be able to swallow is if Leo is a dream or ghost and is, as some suspect, back to help ease the tension between Greenlee and Leo's older bro David.  I would be still be highly disappointed, but at least I won't be heartbroken or completely murderous.  Actually, I hope that, no matter how he comes back, Leo will share a scene with David ... best brothers everrrr!

EDIT 2 (1/1/12):  Well should've known they would screw this up and leave the fans hanging.  Still, the "reunion" scene was enjoyable even if bittersweet.  The spark was still alive despite the decade-long hiatus for the couple.  I suspect this scene may have led to perhaps ultimately a happy ending for Greenlee/Leo had the Prospect Park deal not been on the horizon (there are rumors Josh Duhamel had filmed an additional scene that was not included, and the ending of AMC was retooled to be more open-ended due to the possibility to continue the series online).  Now that the PP deal fell through as well (totally called it!), we can only wonder what could've been ... farewell Greenleo, farewell All My Children!

Daily Musing: Spotted in Glee

It had the tunes, it had the colors, it had (arguably) the most dynamic city in the country as backdrop, but the Glee season finale was still just ... okay - a somewhat fitting end to a season that fell into mediocrity. Major screw ups (I'll let slide little things like how they managed to afford the Intercontinental in Times Sq ...): the Broadway-obsessed Rachel not knowing Cats closed years ago (or that it's been superseded by Phantom as the longest running show?)? the club not coming to NYC prepared and had to write songs and choreograph performances on the fly? w-t-f! If that's really the case, they deserved to lose. Basically, not many redeeming qualities about this one (not even a featured Mike Chang dance - what!?) other than Santana's tirade (epic win!) AAAaand ...

the hilarity of seeing Harry Potter Daniel Radcliffe's gigantic super-smiley face in his "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" poster overpowering all the Times Square scenes (there were a lot).  Gotta say, it's pretty funny (though oddly uplifting) seeing it everyday on my way to work, but to see it in HD starring down at all the gleekids almost made the ep. worth the hype.  With the high billboard turnover rate in this area, props to the show for capturing this fantastic moment in time.

On the other hand, fingers crossed the show grows out of its sophomore slump (quality-wise, at least for the latter part of the season) before next season.

Daily Musing: No Event

No new "The Event" on this week?  I thought the point of a long hiatus was so there wouldn't be so many breaks.  Fairly sure this sinking ship will not be resurfacing past this season.  Pity it only just started getting more interesting (i.e. plot is actually advancing!) and, well, less atrocious.  The last couple of episodes have been especially intense, albeit still not free of moments that require extreme suspension of belief (biggest beef I have with the show, and I'm still not sure whether it's the director or the writers screwing up ... I'll just go with both).  I'm glad they're cutting Leila's airtime (and hence increasing my enjoyment of the show).  Sean and Vicky are much more entertaining together, though I'm secretly hoping Simon teams up with them (Simon/Vicky - think of all the pretty AND the badassness they could achieve together! plus Sean is such an amateur).

Last but certainly not least ... RIP Thomas.  I reeeally liked him (I awwed when he got baked ... though I don't understand why nobody got off the bus and at least tried to make a run for it ... or why the buses kept course for that matter).  In any case, loving the dark turn Sophia has taken ... avenge your son and do what's best for your people (and watch out for Blondie she looks like she could/will betray you!).  Hoping this season/series will end at least somewhat wrapped up ...

Nikita's Back

So Nikita had signed off before the hiatus (after a couple of fantastic episodes) with a major game-changer - cue shot of Michael armed with a big gun giving Nikita an intense stare-down - on her turf no less - "ask me how I got here," he said ... aaand the show is finally back tonight to reveal the aftermath!  ***Spoilers***

After a trailer for next week's The Vampire Diaries ... we're off.  Looks like a flashback to a younger greener Nikita on an international mission.  Michael shows up to be her escort.  She of course needs help being zipped up (I think I'll let this one slide if the rest of the ep goes well) and is not at all subtle with the flirting.  How times have changed though: fast-forward to present day, Michael does not hesitate in blackmailing Nikita (threatening to reveal Alex as the mole) to infiltrate the Russian division to get a lead on Kasim, the man responsible for killing Michael's family.  He is pissed!  and she is v. sad b/c he is consciously putting her in danger (er, never mind he led teams to kill her time and again, apparently this time it's different.  oh and he blew out her computer and said "there was no us" ... hmm, on second thought, maybe that's the real source of the hurt).  Sweet Alex/Nikita exchange afterwards though - loved Alex being straight with Nikita, but unfortunately Nikita didn't tip her off that Michael knows about her (geez - communication people!).

After the break, we go back to the flashback (Lost style).  Mission accomplished, time to play - Division!Nikita totally wanted Michael ... cute.  He breaks off the hookup though, and tells her what happened with his family (and makes a point that she's the only one who knows other than Percy and Amanda ... as consolation for cutting short the romantic night she was clearly hoping for perhaps?).  Meanwhile in real time, Nikita makes a deal with the Russians and plots to find Kasim, runs into some complications, but then pulls out victorious as only she can.  Percy is unsympathetic towards Michael's need for revenge.

Fortunately, Nikita has now added Kasim to her bag of tricks and gives Michael a taste of his own medicine - blackmailing him for the location of Percy's black-boxes and identities of the guardians (I'd be shocked if she actually gets this at the end of the ep *Edit: word*).  They agree to an exchange, but Kasim is not the elusive big baddie for nothing ... he manages to summon a team of men who have no aim to come to his rescue.  He's able to do this because he is *drum rolls* a division agent!  Or used to be anyway, which means Percy indeed can be more evil than we thought and was actually the man behind the hit on Michael/family.  Scorned, Michael returns to SD-6 Division and pulls a Sydney Bristow on Percy.  Long story short, Nikita wanted Michael on her side - now he is (and more judging from that steamy end scene (about time!)).

As of the other half of the kickass female duo, Alex attempts to break up with Nathan (for his own good), but ends up ... not.  I am a bit thrown at how much Thad Luckinbill has aged since, well, like 1999 (ok so not so surprising), but I'm not complaining about the pseudo-JT/Colleen reunion.

To sum up, everyone got lucky tonight ; )  Next week, Owen returns for an epic showdown between tween crushes of yore (Shane West vs. Devon Sawa ... Landon Carter vs. Casper/Jr ... never thought I'd see the day) o_O!

Random Fact:  Shane West's now had on-screen hookups with two Nikitas (Maggie Q here and Peta Wilson in League of Extraordinary Gentlemen).

PS:  Finally got around to uploading my videos from the Nikita panel from New York Comic Con last year ... here's a prophetic moment:

PPS:  If this show doesn't get a second season, I am DONE with the CW.  I can always catch Dan and Blair (if there will even be any) on Youtube ...

Daily Musing: Surprise Sighting on Merlin

Randomly flipping the channels and stopped and watched an episode of Merlin because I saw ...

Dudley from Harry Potter!!  Had to double check it was him, but definitely recognized right away.  Nice to see the young HP set branching out, and it was a decent enough job.  He finally gets to do some magic!  This slightly makes up for missing my favorite Dursleys scene in HP and the Deathly Hallows (i.e. the "I don't think you are a waste of space"). Maybe b/c Harry Melling looks like this now (though I hear the scene was actually filmed so hoping for DVD extra) ... in any case, now off to watch season 1 of the show on Netflix (so far so good!).

Daily Musing: Modern Family 3-23-11

Not an obvious standout, but I loved tonight's Modern Family (not that I don't usually).  A few highlights really made it special:

-  Alex freaking out about dead birds to kick off the ep - totally uttered the same dialog to my friends every time news of a dead bird/fish event surfaces (too frequently these days).

-  Luke's friend who likes to melt stuff - not as odd as it sounds; my little brother once loved doing that too, as did his friends (no actual fires resulted though).

-  I have a soft spot for "Up" and old people bonding with children stories, so cliche as it may be, I digged the grouchy old person who's a sweetheart deep down and his being friends Luke (who I think is totally adorable) - awww ... he's the Mrs. McClusky of Modern Family : )

-  Montgomery Clift – a bit sad and ironic to have this shout-out on the day of Liz Taylor's passing (RIP another last remnant of old Hollywood).

-  Nathan Lane - awesomeness.

-  Cam's nanny cam - lol.

-  Vivaldi’s Four Seasons - cherry on top.