Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

[Drunk Monk]

It's still fun.

And I figured a way to do a KungFuMagazine review this time. 8)

[Drunk Monk]

We tried to do it and failed. It's freaking 17+ hours. S&T saw the first one, which I missed because of kung fu practice. Then we knuckled down and got through 2-6 over the weekend. Didn't clear 7 part 1 tho and now we're out of time as we're going to a screener tonight.

[Drunk Monk]

At this point, Yates could feed us Potterphiles total drivel and we'd lap it up like gravy while asking for biscuits to clean the plate. And that's almost what he does. He blasts thru the first part of the movie (the 3rd 1/4 of the book) racing to the battle of Hogwarts, then he changes a lot - A LOT - about the final battle. The film probably makes no sense at all to anyone who hasn't followed it, and marginal sense to anyone who hasn't engaged the books. Some of the changes, like the ultimate fate of the Elder Wand, were poorly played as if J.K. every decides she wants to add to her massive fortune and writes another book, well, the film messed up a possible story arc. Going into the Chamber of Secrets, which was not described in the book, and the ensuing basilisk teeth Nagini chase, was silly.

Still, it was fun. Like the final Star Wars flick, you're still going to watch it, just for completion sake, and be amused.

We managed to sneak S into the sneak, despite clear instructions that press passes were limited to two only. I got my souvenir 3D Harry Potter glasses. The 3D was good, especially with the Death eater smoke trails, so much so that S, who usually despises 3D liked it. Helena knocks it out of the ballpark playing the polyjuiced Hermione. Rickman fulfills his potential in the pensieve and I was surprised how many in the audience didn't see that coming (didn't read the book) - same goes for the epilogue.

I want a wand that lights up enough to be a flashlight, so I can whip it out and say 'lumos' at some future music festival camp out.

[Greg_phpbb3_import1]

Sounds great. :roll:

[Drunk Monk]

We've already determined you are a FILTHY MUDBLOOD. Don't make it worse for yourself.

I'm hoping Rowling writes something just about Bellatrix. Maybe she'll have more backstory in Pottermore....

[Drunk Monk]

otherwise known as DM and his flailing attempt to justify getting his family into the sneak preview.

http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/ar...rticle=978

We were super cool in the Wizarding world for a few days, but like Polyjuice potion, it's worn off now.

[Greg_phpbb3_import1]

Always make your job off in your personal life.

[Drunk Monk]

...it's all about wheedling the perks cuz i sure ain't ca$hing out in this industry.

[Greg_phpbb3_import1]

At least you got that nice Shaolin hat on your trip to Los Angeles.

[Greg_phpbb3_import1]

Where is the emoticon for shoulder shrug with a soupcon of interest?

Lots of explosions and cool effects. Lots of stars covered with blood and dirt clad in torn clothes. The big star of the final film seems to be Neville. I still want someone to explain why Harry can be nice to Dumbledore after it's been seen that Dumbledore has used him so horribly. I waited for the confrontation but it didn't occur.

Someday, I'll have to follow the DM's example and do the Potter-thon. I'm left with feeling that again Potter's main strength is his ability to be a target.

[Drunk Monk]

...there's a backstory on Dumbledore and his family that explains more. And the prophecy was also about Neville. The movie totally f-ed up his coup de grace.

as if you care...

[Haggis Killer]

You have no idea how much I care. I've been staying out of the discussion because I care that much. I'm 3/4 of the way through Part 1 on DVD because I missed the last movie in theaters. If they truly screwed up Neville's Big Moment I'm going to be peeved. Probably not a whole lot peeved, since I'm all in for the whole thing, but a bit peeved. I'll wait & see. Hopefully this weekend.

[Drunk Monk]

neville's climax is totally redone. :ANAL:

[Greg_phpbb3_import1]

wand battles are no match for sword fights. Speaking of which did you catch the trailer for the next Three Musketeer's movie in 3-D?

[Drunk Monk]

I knew the escape from Gringott's would make a better ride.

New Harry Potter ride, shops open this summer at Universal Orlando
Jan. 23, 2014 2:04 PM
Written by
Associated Press

The new Harry Potter area opening at Universal Orlando Resort this summer, called Diagon Alley, will offer fans a new thrill ride themed on Gringotts bank from the Harry Potter book series, along with more than a half-dozen eateries and shops selling souvenirs like wands.

But the location of Diagon Alley will also require tickets for both of Universal Orlando's theme parks if guests want to see both the new and original Harry Potter attractions.

Diagon Alley will open at the Universal Studios park. The original Wizarding World of Harry Potter area, which opened in 2010, is located at Universal's Islands of Adventure park.

The two areas will be connected by a train called Hogwarts Express, but if fans want to see both, a two-park ticket will be required. Currently, single-day admission for both parks is $136.32, including tax, for anyone ages 10 and older.

"It's a one-of-a-kind two-park experience that will completely immerse you in the story," said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative.

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are both part of the Universal Orlando Resort theme park, but guests can choose to buy tickets for one without the other if they don't want to visit both.

Woodbury unveiled the new details of Diagon Alley in a media webcast Thursday.

The new ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, described as Diagon Alley's "marquee" attraction, will be an indoor ride taking visitors through Gringotts bank vaults. A park spokesman said other kinds of experiences to be offered in Diagon Alley will be announced at a later date.

Universal executives described the rich level of detail at Diagon Alley as "theatrical reality," with shops selling souvenirs drawn from the Harry Potter books such as supplies for Quidditch, a game played on broomsticks.

Woodbury said that one of his favorite shops is called Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC, where visitors can watch a wand choosing a wizard — then the visitor can buy the wand.

"The attention to detail and authenticity was really important to the Harry Potter fans but also a marvel to the novice fan," said Woodbury. "They both really are captivated by the level of immersions and storytelling."

In addition to a previously announced eatery called the Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley will include Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour, where fans can nosh on Harry Potter's favorite ice cream.

Among other new shops in Diagon Alley:

—Borgin and Burke's, a shop devoted to "Dark Arts" that sells masks, skulls and other "sinister items."

—Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, where park visitors can buy Hogwarts school uniform ties, scarves and jumpers, to authentic wizard's robes and character costumes.

—Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, where folks can buy telescopes, binoculars, armillary spheres, compasses, magnifying glasses and hourglasses.

—Quality Quidditch Supplies, for Quidditch sweaters, brooms, Golden Snitches, Bludgers, Bludger bats and Quaffles — all items used to play the game featured in the book and movie.

—Scribbulus, which will sell feather quills, ink and inkwells, bookmarks, journals, parchment paper, seals, stationery sets and postcards.

Diagon Alley will double the size of park space at Universal Orlando devoted to Harry Potter.

Universal has announced many changes to the Orlando parks in recent months, including an 1,800-room hotel called the Cabana Bay Beach Resort, which is based on a 1950s theme, and eight new restaurants in the CityWalk dining and entertainment area. In June 2013, the company also opened a 3-D thrill ride at Universal Studios based on the Transformers film and cartoon franchise.