Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Being a huge Harry Potter fan, I have a long standing tradition of going opening day to all the movies.  This year was no exception and I was first in line with my friend opening day.  Needless to say I wasn't disappointed... 

Broad Overview:
This movie starts right where the last movie left off.  We rejoin Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they prepare for the final battle against Voldemort for the magical world (geez even as I right this I am cringing at the adolescent geekiness that is Harry Potter).

Review:
I had the chance to read a couple of reviews prior to seeing the movie and found that the majority of complaints with film seemed to be around the lack of development with the plot/characters.  While I can understand the frustration with this I felt that overall the film was generally setting the stage for the final film.  Realistically, any translation from book to film will always leave out some information.  There are few examples where the film is really able to capture everything the book is able to.  As the Harry Potter books are notoriously long, I think it really is a lot to ask of a film to capture everything the book is able. 

Anyone who hasn't read the books is in for a real shock as the latest installment is quite dark (as is the book).  I find it quite refreshing that the tone of the films has changed in accordance with the books and age of the characters.  I am looking forward to the final installment and hope that it leaves this series on a high note as this film in my opinion has left a solid base for a spectacular finish

(picture from wikipedia)

Quote - Gone with the Wind

Cover of Gone with the Wind

No, I don't think I will kiss you — although you need kissing badly. That's what's wrong with you. You should be kissed, and often, and by someone who knows how.

- Rhett Butler to Scarlett O'Hara, Gone With the Wind



Heart This - Glee's Teenage Dream

The Liar's Club

Cover of The Liars' Club: A Memoir

I recently had the pleasure of reading Mary Karr's memoir "The Liar's Club."  The book tells the story of Mary Karr's childhood growing up as part of a dysfunctional family in Texas in the 1960's.  Karr's childhood was filled with unstable family dynamics, alcohol, drugs and yet she managed to rise above what most would consider a traumatic filled childhood to become a bestselling author.  In addition "The Liar's Club," Karr has also gone on to write "Cherry" and "Lit" about later portions of her life.

I've basically described this book to just about everyone I've met.  I've described it sort of like watching a beautiful train wreck -  so horrified you want to turn away, but at the same time are increasingly fascinated to watch.  This is probably the easiest way to describe Mary Karr's memoir.  Though short, its not a light read.  I'm sure that as psychology student I read way too deeply into this book, but I promise you it does go deep.  Just when you think it can't possible get any deeper, it does.  As the ending jumped several year ahead in Karr's life, I almost planned on skipping it in case I decided to read her other memoirs, I am so glad I didn't.  I doubt there are many people out there like me who read this sporadically, but in case you do...do not skip the end!  I promise you it will be worth it. 

Final thoughts: I highly recommend reading this book if you get a chance, its definitely not light reading but its worth reading