Lumos Duo!

I hate writing reviews. It's just not my thing. I don't feel any reason to do it at all and don't feel it necessary to do so on films. I see films, paintings, music and pictures all in the same light. I like 'em depending on what mood or inspiration they give me. Some films take me somewhere unexpected and some films just bring out the kid in me. Some films are like watching an old dog die. Heh. It's all personal taste to me and there's no real consistency to what I want or expect from a film. I figure if a film has some sort of soul or a couple scenes that shine, it's enough for me to dig it. For instance, I hated all the action in Twilight and what it did to Vampires lore, but I really enjoyed the High school aspect of the film. Then there are films that for some odd reason miss every note to me and I get instantly disconnected.

I've pretty much dug most of the films I've seen this summer. Maybe some are imperfect, but most films are. Hell, Citizen Kane had flying pterodactyls. How was Ben Kenobi actually stronger when he died? Because he suddenly had the gift of gossip that showed no bounds? And some silly ideas happen out of happenstance like the oranges in Godfather.

I used to highlight the imperfections of some films to a degree that it made it hard to enjoy some film's overall aesthetic, character and story line. But then I started to view films in a different light. I got more interested in the overall tone of a film and the characters inhabiting the world flickering before me. Suddenly I lost the desire to pick apart each film, save for the ones I really enjoyed, and also lost my desire to read reviews especially on a point basis. I still occasionally read some, but lost interest when I realized that the only reviews I prefer are by a commentary basis by the ones who are directly associated with making said film. Even if they are being over indulgent in ways that make you cringe, listen to the Van Helsing commentary, you get a better feel for the film. Listening to Stephen Sommers talk about his reasons on that abomination of a film is an insight on why he will never be a filmmaker I really give two shits about. He's a salesmen with blinders on. But still it's fascinating to hear what he thought was truly strong work with utter seriousness. I can give many reasons why that film sucked all sorts of ass, but if you enjoyed it than it accomplished at least the entertaining sense of film. That is why it's frustrating to review films. What is the point? Dissecting a film and talking about what did and didn't work for a viewer is understandable and can lead to fun interesting thoughts. At the same time it's always open up to debate with no real tangible center point or bearing. I can talk your ear off why Seven Samurai is the most perfect film ever made hands down, no ifs ands or buts. Yet if you thought it was an overlong boring mess, how can I argue with that? I can argue the "mess" portion, but I truly can in no way argue the "boring" aspect. Movies first and for most is about holding one's attention and taking you on a journey. If that film didn't even get around to tying your shoes in prep for said journey, then shittyfucking tata. How can I argue with that?

So what the hell is the point of this retarded so called blog entry? I'm actually asking myself that as I typed it. Really.

I started out to write my Harry Potter and the Half Blooded Prince" thoughts and ended up on some random tangent about film discussion and tastes. Maybe I should just jump straight to my thoughts on the film?

No spoilers:

I love how the Potter series are epic, but at the same time subtle and evolving. We literally are seeing these characters age and evolve. In this entry "The Half Blooded Prince", we see these kids in that stage of our lives when we hit the hormonal stage. It's a romantic time in the lives of these kids where they actually start to follow their own lead in life. It's a time when each character is starting to take hold of the world that goes beyond the path that lays before them. It's also about how in life we are not always in sync with those that surround us, even to our closest friends. This is the true strength of the story. It's the backbone of all the events that wrap this epic tale. With the main focus on these kids fumbling into there respective selves, there's a presence of something dark just around the corner. I really like the directors take on the series. He creates wonderful tension and mystery due to the way he combines the romanticism of youth and the idea of this part of their lives coming to a close. The shots of the long corridors that fade into shadows or being lost in a silent wheat field really expand the feeling of fear of the unknown and darkness that lay before them. This tied with goofy moments of their teenage ways really gives the world weight and and innocence you don't want to see them lose. But you know that time is coming and that's the beauty of this film. That's where the tension comes from. I'm sure there's more to the books, but as a film I really like what it has been pared down to. Granted it's not a perfect film, but these films have heart, which says a lot about a modern blockbuster sequel.

So that's basically my thoughts on the film. I'd say that Dumbledore is the best example of the Potter series. There's a quiet dignity to it and a power that lurks beneath it's surface.