the-movie-that-must-not-be-named is utter disappointment

November is always special for me. Not only because it’s the month where this tiny speck in the universe (that’s me) came into being, but also, it’s the same month where that movie based on J.K. Rowling’s ultra-super-mega hit book is usually being rolled out. As an aside, Book 6 is my No. 1 favorite of the seven part book about the boy wizard. Imagine my anticipation when I heard the news that filming for the sixth part is done and is about to hit theaters soon. I thought November 2008 would be the date but no, they pushed it until August this year so imagine my excitement when it finally opened in theaters.

I saw the movie yesterday and…pffft!

To say that I was not happy with the movie is an understatement. Disappointed would probably be the most apt word to use and here’s why: I don’t have such stratospheric expectations about this movie to begin with. I don’t expect good acting from the main cast because since first part of the movie came out, that’s kind of a given already. I worship the book so much that whatever movie version of it is made, I most likely will appreciate. Also, Quidditch is so spectacular that any movie with a Quidditch match in it is enough to make Darwin happy.

So, why the rant? First, the movie was so dull I could crack open a kilo of “butong pakwan” if I had some, while watching it. Second, the execution of suspense and comedy that has been done so astonishingly in the book was done in a so-so manner in the movie. Moreover, the much anticipated teen romance and sappy love angle among the main characters is strangely superficial considering the characters are ripe for it and the movie going public longs for it (as early as now, Ron and Hermione’s kiss in book 7 is already being talked about).


Book 6 is also about strong build up for the upcoming main event in Book 7 which is the final duel between the boy who lived and he-who-must-not-be-named. I never felt any such build up in this movie. The only thing they built up so well is frustration on my part.

There are some things I liked though. Two things to be exact. It’s Quidditch and Emma Watson. The former because it was done so amazingly in this movie that I find myself longing for more. The latter simply because she is so pleasing to look at. I just wished there were more scenes of Quidditch and Emma in the movie, then I would be happier.

Over-all, the movie did not live up to its hype. It's not bad, it's just an utter disappointment. I’m still a big admirer of the book and author JK Rowling. It’s just so sad that after watching this movie, the respect I long had for this franchise started to diminish. I am now re-reading Book 1 and planning to finish it all the way to Book 7.

I want to relive the magic that the book brings…

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