lady_of_clunn (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
lady_of_clunn) wrote2009-07-08 08:08 pm
lady_of_clunn) wrote2009-07-08 08:08 pm
Entry tags:
HBP Review
It has really happened!
To be honest, right until I was past the security guy I thought they would turn us away...
But I better start from the beginning.
I made an absolutely mad dash for the train station right after work and we made it record time. It didn't look good. Going towards London was like going into the blackest thunderstorm clouds I've seen in a long time. Luckily, when we arrived at Leicester Square, there was even a bit of sunshine :)
For an hour or so we stood among the screaming teenagers. The athmosphere was awesome. It was a mad mix of people coming from all over the world just to see the actors, lost tourists ("Que pasa? Que pasa?") unnerved Londoners - I had a banker scream into his mobile/my ear: "Leicester Square is a zoo! I am stuck here!" and teenagers crawling on top of each other to get better pictures:"Who is that?" - "I have no idea, just take pictures!"
Now, I didn't see Alan Rickman or Tom Felton *pouts* but I did see Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Helena Bonham Carter. Some of the pictures are not as good as I would like them to be, but we were jostled around like mad.
Daniel took his time and seemed a bit embarrassed, Emma kept throwing kisses (love her dress) and Rupert came and went in a flash...
Helena Bonham Carter seemed to be in deep conversation the entire time.
We stayed in the square for about an hour and then made our way to the charity screening premiere. The crowd was a really nice mix: perfectly made-up women in cocktail dresses with loads of pearls, families, grandparents with their grandchildren, teenagers, a group of pensioners... The only people I didn't see were: people in costume! WTF??
I had actually considered whipping something up but didn't have time, since it was such short notice. The only characters I could recognizably pull off are Hermione or Bellatrix. Even if I would have found a shop that sells school uniforms for sixth formers, I think I would look just ridiculous as a school girl (and I recently had an unpleasant fanfiction experience that nearly made me throw up, even though it was not even explicit...). In short, I was contemplating dressing up as a female Death Eater. I had the top, the black corset and the skirt laid out and decided against it at the last minute. So glad i did! I would have been a focal point, being one of two people in costume AND the only adult.
Anyhow, we all had to leave our mobiles and cameras with security and were searched before they admitted us to the cinema.
The film was to start at 8 pm, but since moving through security was slow going, it actually started at 8:45 pm.
And now, I am totally torn.
What to say without saying too much?
First of all, it is my favourite HP film so far. And it is a film to be seen on a big screen. The bigger the better. Aesthetically the shots were better than I have seen so far. They are really using the striking architecture to create some stunning images. This movie is a veritable treasure trove for fanvids, icons, manips, banners... Especially if you like Draco.
Although the movie is quite dark, it has funny moments. It was a pleasure to watch the film with so many HP enthusiasts. ALL of us got the inuendos, the references. Well, all besides Lordofclunn. Poor man kept confusing Draco and Snape. *hides behind cinema seat*
Harry has a dry wit about him that I didn't notice in the other movies. He is no longer a child, but you can see the strong wizard in him. AND they've grown up. I wasn't too much into any of the younger actors up to now, but.... my gods have they grown up! Finally we get the UST we all crave.
Some scenes have been changed from the book. In case of the tower scene I actually liked the film version better than the book one. In other cases - but you will have to see for yourself.
I liked the action (Death Eaters, Quidditch, the cave... *sigh*) and the quieter moments. I absolutely loved the imagery.
I felt the film didn't butcher the book as much as some of the others, but of course it can never do it justice. I laughed, I cried, I suffered with the characters and I hoped against hope that there would be a happy end. While I watched it it didn't occur to me, but looking back I think for a movie to be called Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, there should have been a bit more Half Blood Prince in it. They missed a bit out on how important the book became to Harry and how close he felt to the HBP.
BUT what is it about HP films and hair??? Hermione was blonder than ever, although at least more curly than last time - fine. What I don't get is: Narcissa Malfoy half brunette??? Narcissa-I-look-like-a-Veela-Malfoy?? WTF???
I am afraid to say anything else, but feel free to ask anything you want to know.
We made to our train back home with 2 seconds to spare (me running in my heels from the tube station!) so I missed out on the looting of the decoration on Leicester Square. Oh well, I had to get home, right? RIGHT?? ;)
If there is another charity screening next year, I am determined to go, take the day off work and secure a place closer to the red carpet, although I will not camp there for 30 hours, like some fans did. At least I don't think I will. Not alone, anyhow.
And I will take somebody with me who is a bit more of a fangirl than my husband ("So, do Harry and Harmony get together?"), I think he would also appreciate that.
Anyone game? I got a couch...
To be honest, right until I was past the security guy I thought they would turn us away...
But I better start from the beginning.
I made an absolutely mad dash for the train station right after work and we made it record time. It didn't look good. Going towards London was like going into the blackest thunderstorm clouds I've seen in a long time. Luckily, when we arrived at Leicester Square, there was even a bit of sunshine :)
For an hour or so we stood among the screaming teenagers. The athmosphere was awesome. It was a mad mix of people coming from all over the world just to see the actors, lost tourists ("Que pasa? Que pasa?") unnerved Londoners - I had a banker scream into his mobile/my ear: "Leicester Square is a zoo! I am stuck here!" and teenagers crawling on top of each other to get better pictures:"Who is that?" - "I have no idea, just take pictures!"
Now, I didn't see Alan Rickman or Tom Felton *pouts* but I did see Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Helena Bonham Carter. Some of the pictures are not as good as I would like them to be, but we were jostled around like mad.
Daniel took his time and seemed a bit embarrassed, Emma kept throwing kisses (love her dress) and Rupert came and went in a flash...
Helena Bonham Carter seemed to be in deep conversation the entire time.We stayed in the square for about an hour and then made our way to the charity screening premiere. The crowd was a really nice mix: perfectly made-up women in cocktail dresses with loads of pearls, families, grandparents with their grandchildren, teenagers, a group of pensioners... The only people I didn't see were: people in costume! WTF??
I had actually considered whipping something up but didn't have time, since it was such short notice. The only characters I could recognizably pull off are Hermione or Bellatrix. Even if I would have found a shop that sells school uniforms for sixth formers, I think I would look just ridiculous as a school girl (and I recently had an unpleasant fanfiction experience that nearly made me throw up, even though it was not even explicit...). In short, I was contemplating dressing up as a female Death Eater. I had the top, the black corset and the skirt laid out and decided against it at the last minute. So glad i did! I would have been a focal point, being one of two people in costume AND the only adult.
Anyhow, we all had to leave our mobiles and cameras with security and were searched before they admitted us to the cinema.
The film was to start at 8 pm, but since moving through security was slow going, it actually started at 8:45 pm.
And now, I am totally torn.
What to say without saying too much?
First of all, it is my favourite HP film so far. And it is a film to be seen on a big screen. The bigger the better. Aesthetically the shots were better than I have seen so far. They are really using the striking architecture to create some stunning images. This movie is a veritable treasure trove for fanvids, icons, manips, banners... Especially if you like Draco.
Although the movie is quite dark, it has funny moments. It was a pleasure to watch the film with so many HP enthusiasts. ALL of us got the inuendos, the references. Well, all besides Lordofclunn. Poor man kept confusing Draco and Snape. *hides behind cinema seat*
Harry has a dry wit about him that I didn't notice in the other movies. He is no longer a child, but you can see the strong wizard in him. AND they've grown up. I wasn't too much into any of the younger actors up to now, but.... my gods have they grown up! Finally we get the UST we all crave.
Some scenes have been changed from the book. In case of the tower scene I actually liked the film version better than the book one. In other cases - but you will have to see for yourself.
I liked the action (Death Eaters, Quidditch, the cave... *sigh*) and the quieter moments. I absolutely loved the imagery.
I felt the film didn't butcher the book as much as some of the others, but of course it can never do it justice. I laughed, I cried, I suffered with the characters and I hoped against hope that there would be a happy end. While I watched it it didn't occur to me, but looking back I think for a movie to be called Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, there should have been a bit more Half Blood Prince in it. They missed a bit out on how important the book became to Harry and how close he felt to the HBP.
BUT what is it about HP films and hair??? Hermione was blonder than ever, although at least more curly than last time - fine. What I don't get is: Narcissa Malfoy half brunette??? Narcissa-I-look-like-a-Veela-Malfoy?? WTF???
I am afraid to say anything else, but feel free to ask anything you want to know.
We made to our train back home with 2 seconds to spare (me running in my heels from the tube station!) so I missed out on the looting of the decoration on Leicester Square. Oh well, I had to get home, right? RIGHT?? ;)
If there is another charity screening next year, I am determined to go, take the day off work and secure a place closer to the red carpet, although I will not camp there for 30 hours, like some fans did. At least I don't think I will. Not alone, anyhow.
And I will take somebody with me who is a bit more of a fangirl than my husband ("So, do Harry and Harmony get together?"), I think he would also appreciate that.
Anyone game? I got a couch...
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Anyway, the movie sounds spectacular. I'm gonna watch it with my friend in English...but in a small cinema. *pouts*
That's why I just called my mum telling her that we will watch it together, too...in German...but on the big, big screen...the biggest you can find in Munich. She is game. *big fat grin*
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Next week my cousin and her children are coming over, so we'll be six people in the flat for a while. Will be a tight fit, but for a few days it will be okay. So, I still have an airbed to offer...
We are planning on going to Oxford to see the places where they shoot the HP films. They're all big HP fans *big grin*
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@ the couch...be careful what you wish for. *muahahaha*
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I especially waited for the Oxford visit until summer and until I had somebody who would not scoff at HP to come with me.
Luckily the bus to Oxford stops just a few metres from my place.
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I will upload a gallery as soon as I can get back to the other laptop...
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I wish I could take you up on your offer (I don't need a couch--floor is fine), but I think it's a bit of a hike for me (Canadian). *pouts*
I can't believe no one else dressed up! I guess it's all younger kids and they don't recall the days of dressing up for Rocky Horror and the like. Too cool for that (buggers).
Anyway, wow! *dies of envy* Thank you for sharing!
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Hey - airtickets are cheaper than you might think. I'll dress up if you do...
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It was exciting and wonderful and over way too quickly!
Next year I will go in the morning and maybe get some shopping done as well.
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It was truly amazing!
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Love your comments on the actors. Emma looks so lovely in her dress - but she seems to have a really nice style overall.
You're the lucky one to see them all at Leicester Square!
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Maybe next year :)
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Whoa???
OK< I'm getting a ticket to London to go with you next year...I'm scared to ask you more....thank you for these!!!
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I hope they do another charity screening! They must, they must!
It was not the premiere as such, but in the cinema next door they had a special sneak preview showing for charity. Tickets were expensive, but we could have gotten them a lot cheaper if we had just been aware of it a bit earlier!
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How early would you recommend I get there to get close to the red carpet? What to wear? How in the world DID you get pictures if they were tight on security and stuff? should I bring a folding chair? pack a lunch? any other recommendations? HELP! I'm nervous for some reason. : )
Also, I'm dead serious about going to London to go with you next year, just let me know when it is, and I'll start planning.
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Since I had to work til 4:15, we only made it to Leicester Square around 6 pm - way too late to get a truly good place - some of the fans had been sleeping there since before the red carpet was even laid!
Taking pictures outside was not an issue, only inside the cinema anyhing that could retain an image had to be left with security and picked up afterwards.
I'd say go early, a few hours at least, take someone with you so you won't lose your place when you want to walk around or go to the bathroom...
Most people were simply in jeans and t-shirts. Since I went to see the movie and it said 'smart/casual' on the ticket, I put on a glitzy pencil skirt and a nice top, but not really like evening wear. It felt right.
Next year I would like to dress up in a costume, though...
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Loved what you said, and thanks for not saying more. I'm not gonna read comments, because I want to be surprised when I see it next week.
SQUEEEEE!!!! I could totally feel your excitement, and Lady, I would totally be there for the next one with you if I could! Can I????? Hmmm.... I've got time to think about this!
AHHHHH!!!! <------ this is just me being way excited for you!!!!!
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It would be so great to have you here! Together with Soft and draconis we could shove those kiddies out of the way to get to the red carpet!
And I will definitely put some Bellatrix garb on! I just ordered a temporary Dark Mark :)
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I am still recovering...
I am trying to put up a gallery with all the pictures I took, but they're all on the other laptop and that one is under siege by Lordofclunn.
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Very soft and elegant, she really stood out among the other actresses.
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You missed Tom Felton so I'm donating this YouTube of him in an interview about HBP. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR6BrIZKzUU
LaBib
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Next year I'll do better and prepare ahead, this time was such a last minute decision that we didn't have time for anything really. (And going with someone who is not a fan complicates things as well...)