A week on, DEATHLY HALLOWS

[SPOILERS BELOW]

Now that I've had a week of perspective, some thoughts on the end of HARRY POTTER and DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART II:

First, I was struck by how well-made the film is. The attention to detail is outstanding, the acting never better, the use of music and color (or lack thereof) and even humor nearly perfect in nearly every moment. Steve Kloves found the oddest, coolest places to insert humor, and of all the films, I think he's written some of the best non-canon dialogue in this one.

Of course, anytime the film diverged from the book, I kind of wanted to twitch. I felt like most of the changes were necessary and understandable (for instance, Voldemort getting weaker each time Harry destroys a Horcrux), but a few dug at me (as Sarah Enni pointed out, McGonagall telling the Slytherins to get out is at odds with JKR's point of allowing the Slytherins a chance at redemption; and why, why did Snape's memories need to come out in tears? By now, we all know the Pensieve uses pearly memory strands). However, with just one exception, all of the scenes I longed to see were brought to life beautifully.

Strange to say, but I loved the savagery. One of the problems I have with BREAKING DAWN is that the stakes are almost non-existent. You never really feel Bella, or anyone except the bad guys, are in true danger. Here, the danger, the brutality, the desperation and awfulness and fear, are very real. The dragon in Gringotts was so battered and bruised and bloody, my heart hurt for him. Voldemort's mass goblin-cide, complete with bloody feet as he steps calmly through pools of fresh blood, displayed both his utter cruelty and his growing desperation. And Voldemort's completely casual order of execution for Snape, followed by Nagini's vicious, visceral attack? If I was 8, I'd probably have nightmares about that snake.

The one exception to my satisfaction was the fact Fred died off camera. I know quite a few people were disappointed we didn't get to see Tonks and Lupin die on camera, either, but I was okay with that. In the book, we do not experience them dying, but Fred? It was a memorable, gut-wrenching scene, one of the first deaths in the Battle of Hogwarts that made me think, truly, all's fair in love and war. I mean, if she's killing a Weasley twin, who could possibly be safe? I felt like I needed to see Fred's death, and was sad the filmmakers chose not to show it.

The epilogue has always been a source of discord among HP fans. Some love it, some hate it, and the same holds true for the film version, it seems. I've always loved the epilogue, and though I was worried how it would translate to screen, I think the film epilogue was well-acted and poignant, the perfect imperfect ending, capturing a lovely mundaneness I'm sure the main characters craved after such a turbulent youth. As the screen faded to black, I could almost hear Jo Rowling saying, "The scar had not pained Harry for nineteen years. All was well."

I'd been wiping away tears here and there throughout the whole movie, but when finally did fade, a lump formed in my throat and I honestly wanted to cry in earnest. I just kept thinking, "How disappointing. It's really over." In my head, HARRY POTTER had been around too long to be over. Even though I knew it was coming, somehow the fact this was the last film for the last book didn't connect until the credits started rolling.

To me, it was a lovely and moving end to the most beloved book and film series of a generation. The fact tears of disappointment bubbled to the surface at it's end, for me and for thousands of others, only underscores the beauty and worth of it all.

RTW: Movies first

Each week, YA Highway hosts Road Trip Wednesday, a blog carnival in which contributors discuss a topic on their blogs and invite readers to do the same. This week's RTW topic is:

What movie do you wish had been a book first? (And who should have written it?)


If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion...
love actually is all around.

There are so many books that have been adapted into amazing (and not-so-amazing) films. The film versions of GONE WITH THE WIND and the HARRY POTTER series are among my favorite films. Brad Pitt's Plan B Productions has acquired the rights to WORLD WAR Z, and I'm hoping it'll be another terrifying awesome addition to my favorites list.

People across the blogosphere and beyond are breathlessly awaiting the big screen adaptation of THE HUNGER GAMES. There's the LOTR series. THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE. REVOLUTIONARY ROAD. All books before they were movies.

But the movie I most wish was a book (though I don't necessarily care if it was a book first) is LOVE, ACTUALLY*.

It's got all the makings of an intricate, un-put-downable book, plot threads weaving in and out among a group of loosely (and not-so-loosely) connected individuals. There's comedy, action, romance, mystery, a cranky old man who learns the true meaning of Christmas... Oh, yeah, did I mention it's a Christmas movie? Beloved characters and beloved moments abound.

Even minus all the awesome stars (Hugh Grant! Liam Neeson! Laura Linney! Emma Thompson! Colin Firth! Snape himself, Alan Rickman! Mr. Bean!), it's such a gush-inducing awe-fest, I'd snap it up in a second. The novelization of the movie would allow for more in-depth portraits of each character, allowing greater exploration of their motivations and glimpses into their pasts - or maybe even futures - that the film format simply can't explore.

It would be the kind of novel you'd read curled up in your favorite chair on a cold night sometime in the weeks leading up to Christmas, a cup of hot chocolate in your hand and a kitty (or dog, as the case may be) at your feet. Heart-warming, funny, and good for the spirit.

As for the author, it'd have to be somebody with heart, someone who could maintain the British-ness of it (otherwise, it'd basically be a novelization of VALENTINE'S DAY, which is a cute movie, but not in the same realm as LOVE, ACTUALLY), as well as providing keen observation without being cynical.

Ahem.

Is it cheating if I say JK Rowling?

(While we're at it, I'd like to request JKR write the novelization of LOVE, ACTUALLY, as well as a loose adaptation set in the Wizarding World.)

Care to join us on our Road Trip? What movie do you wish had been a book first?

*The film is awesome, but has quite a bit of nudity, so if you are offended by nudity, it's probably not for you.