Book Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

After 6 days I finally finished the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. My reactions? It was great! It was actually very thrilling from the moment you read the first chapter up until it ends. J.K. Rowling definitely made Harry Potter’s world seem so real that even reading it would take you to the action. A lot of deaths happened, but I really think they were necessary. I also loved how all characters and places came full circle on this book. Really, really good! The only negative thing I would like to comment about is that the Epilogue was somewhat ‘cheesy’. I liked it, but somehow there was something in the writing on that epilogue that makes it like tasteless. Anyways, I really liked it. And this is easily one of the best books in the series (after Prisoner of Azkaban, of course.) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: 8.5/10

Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

I have seen the last four Harry Potter movies on its first day of showing. Now that I am here in Dubai, I wouldn’t ruin my record. Hehe. I read the 5^th book about December 2004, and if I am not mistaken it is the longest book in the series. I also think it is one of the darkest. Now, I initially had my doubts with the film when I saw it’s 2-hour, 18-minute running time. For a book that long, will they be able to fit all the necessary events in the book with that runtime? I watched the film with high anticipation, and upon seeing the opening titles, I joyfully clapped along with the excited audience. The movie was very dark, reminiscent of Prisoner of Azkaban. The main plot is that Harry must prove to everyone that Voldemort (er, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named) is back, and is now wielding a war against all who would not follow him. As always, the main actors continue to grow into their roles. While the writer tries to keep everything at a nice pacing, there are some scenes included that were not fully explained. I guess only readers of the book would actually know the full sense of that scene. One for example, was Percy’s (Ron’s older brother) appearance with the Minister of Magic. It was never explained why he was with the Minister, and why on Christmas he wasn’t with the Weasley family. With all that aside, I think it is a wonderful film. Audiences would mostly admire Harry’s first love, and also witnessing his first kiss. Directing was good; David Yates was a proper choice in movie number 5 (I think he’ll be returning for the Half Blood Prince). The one thing that I liked is the number of cameos in the film. While the characters they are portraying are really characters on the book, I considered them cameos because of despite their small screen time; they were able to steal the show. For me, the best performers were Imelda Staunton and Helene Bonham Carter, who perfectly played their roles of Dolores Jane Umbridge and Bellatrix Lestrange, respectively. The special were, as always, very good. I was left in awe during the battle at the Ministry of Magic. All in all, it was a dark yet fun film. This is one of those book-to-film movies that really give a different experience to audiences, whether they may be reading the book or watching the film.

For comparison, I have included a score for the book and the film for all 5 Harry Potter book and film.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (a.k.a. Philosopher’s Stone)
Movie: 7/10 Book: 6/10

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Movie: 8/10 Book: 7/10

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Movie: 8.5/10 Book: 9/10

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Movie: 8/10 Book: 8/10

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Movie: 8.5/10 Book: 7.5/10

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Book: 8/10

Deathly Hallows is here!

After months of waiting and anticipation, I now hold in my hands the pivotal seventh and final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I actually wanted to go to the 3:01am launch here, but I guess I’m too lazy to get that early. Anyways, I immediately went to the book store early that day to get my copy (I even got a free paper bag and a bookmark). Thankfully, they were selling US versions here (it is the version I collect). I started reading the moment I went home. Now I’m on Chapter 11, if only I had nothing else to do I would have finished the book right away. But at least I have the copy. *Mischief Managed* Hehe! I’ll be posting my insights on the book once I’ve finished reading it.

On being an Harry Potter fan

As I count down the days until unenviable release of the last harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I’m so eager to as what the book will reveal. Who will die? What happens with everyone after? Is Dumbledore really dead? Many of these questions linger through my mind as I excitedly wait for the July 21^st release date. Harry Potter was the reason I started to read books. Now that I’ve got my copy reserved I couldn’t wait what the last installment has in store for of us “HP Fanatics”… I’m probably more excited on the book than the movie, but that does not mean I wouldn’t watch the film. I’ll do it all on the same day. Ironically since the theater and the bookstore stands right beside each other… I wish I had better halves with me here to celebrate the 7^th book and the 5^th movie. Raissa and Kate, I wish you were here. It seems I cannot relate to one but you guys when it comes to Harry Potter. Now the decision I have to make is what would I do first? Read the book or watch the film? Ah decisions, decisions... No wonder some people find me weird. Hehehe.