The End of Potter

At the end of the final Potter movie, there were very few dry eyes. It felt like the closing of the childhood to many of the Potheads.

J.K. Rowling's seven little books managed the impossible in generation addicted to gaming and television. She made kids read. Millions of children, teenagers and adults flocked to the bookstore every year to buy the new book in the series. Potter pandemonium erupted over the world and Hollywood capitalized on it. In 2001, the journey started and ten years later, in the birth month of the protagonist, the series came to the end.

A little after midnight of July 15, 2011, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two started and from moment one, the audience was hooked.

Despite this being the most darkest book, they managed to find ways to lighten it up. From McGonagall's cute happiness at using a spell to Neville's complete kick-ass attitude. Heck, even Voldemort's behaviour brought out huge laughs from the audience. There was tons of romance from Harry and Ginny, Ron and Hermione and even Neville had a crush on Luna. Hollywood managed to even make the final battle more interesting then in the book - though there was still a lot of talking!

There were only a few places which I cringed at. One of them was during the moment when Harry was living them to face Voldemort in the forest. The interaction between Ron, Hermione and Harry was completely awkward. Ron especially, as he remained sort of aloof despite his knowledge that his best friend was going to his death. Yet at the same time I understand, because what can you say in that situation. While you don't want him to die, he has to. There is nothing to say that would help.

Another one is the Ginny and Harry romance. I can't blame this on the movie though because it's a factor in the books. But it still doesn't make sense to me, they were no clues in the books, though the movie showed subtle clues. The romance between Harry and Ginny came out of nowhere and just felt awkward and completely wrong. There was no attraction or chemistry. It's not just me, even the audience slighted in their seats in discomfort. Most people I talk to agreed that what is supposed to be a great romance is just weird.

Actually while it is realistic, most of Rowling romances were never as great as I wanted them to be. In fact, her greatest love story was never told. The love between James Potter and Lily Evans was never told in detail but of greatness. In a way, I appreciate that because I get to imagine what I want.

However, the part that always teared me up every single time I watched that movie, was ironically, a romantic part. But can you really call unrequited love a romance or heartbreak. Snape's unchanging love for Lily can make even the coldest of hearts melt a little inside. The moment you see, through Snape's memories, just how far he went for Lily is so moving. Snape's struggle is something everyone can relate too - the sting of unrequited love, heartbreak. That's my favourite love story from the Potter series.

Regardless, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two had a little bit of everything for everyone. There was romance, humor, adventure, triumph, loss, heartache, hope, life and death. One moment, you'd be scared for a character then you'd feel relieved when everything worked out for the best.

All in all, I'll mourn the loss of the Potter world as will every other child that grew up with it.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

"X-Men" - A "First Class" Movie

"X-Men: First Class" is undeniably one of the summer's most anticipated blockbuster movies, along side other names like, "Transformers 3", "The Hangover 2", "Thor" and "Green Lantern". That kind of hype is hard to live up to, many movies flop under the pressure.

While I was never looking forward to this movie, I always knew I'd go and see it. I love the "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and enjoyed majority of the X-Men movies (personally, I hated the third). Maybe it was because I had no expectations of this movie, that caused me to love it so much after watching it.

It had many elements that allow people to connect with it. It had romance, friendship, bromance, betrayal, a need to belong and a loss suffered.

Besides having cool effects and action, X-Men had a wonderful story that tied the ends that we always wondered. There were many relationships that were explored and even though there was many new mutants that were not there in the original trilogy, it was enjoyable.

I think my favourite part of the movie was the bromance between Eric Lensherr and Charles Xavier. Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy were amazing in their respected parts. Fassbender brought enough darkness and humanity to Eric's character. You could understand why he became what he is because of where he came from - the suffering he had to deal with. McAvoy showed Professor X's intelligence and empathy. Despite his flirty beginnings, it wasn't awkward. The young Professor Xavier was not everything I imagined but James McAvoy managed to sell his version of Charles so convincingly that I even forgot my old expectation! I loved how you could see how their friendship grew and evolved. How Eric would depend on Charles and Charles would trust Eric to do the right thing. You couldn't help but cheer their friendship on! And it was soooo bitter when you watched Eric finally become Magneto and become the direct cause of Charles' wheelchair. I teared up when I watched their friendship dissolve. There was no violent outburst on either side, just a bitter fact that both had to shallow. They calmly walked their separate ways with heavy hearts.

We all wondered why Magneto and Professor X were enemies yet they never tried to kill each other despite having many opportunities too. Their history is so much more complex then we originally thought. I knew there was begrudging respect on either side but this version is so touching.

Also, I like how Raven was friends with Charles first. That was a twist I never saw coming, because we always see Mystic with Magneto. She technically chose Xavier over Magneto at the end - it was because of Xavier's acceptance that she went to Magneto. I can understand why Magneto. Despite everything Xavier has done for her, he could never do what Magneto did. Magneto kissed her in her blue form and that was an acceptance Charles could never do for her. I'd like to believe it is because he's been friends with her for so long that he can only see her as a sister. But like any woman, they wanted to be accepted for all of themselves - including the parts that they don't like either.

I did not enjoy the face-off between Angel and Banshee though. Their flying around battle gave me a headache and felt kind of pointless.  Also, where was the 3D? This movie would have been an EXCELLENT choice for being shown in 3D. If "Avatar: Last Airbender" was in 3D, though it was only the title, why couldn't this movie?

Overall, it was an amazing movie and you would be missing out if you did not go and see it!

Rating: 4/5 stars