Culmination

The Romgi and I got to go see the final Harry Potter movie on Friday. Yep, we actually went to the theater, on opening day! With popcorn and everything. (I feel obligated to scoff at the prices charged for snacks – a popcorn and a box of candy cost $12. If we ever go to a movie again, I’m definitely filling my purse up with our own snacks.)

When I read Book 7, I rushed through. I was really intent on reading it quickly because I wanted the whole plot at once. Interestingly, I do the same thing with my favorite meal, the Romgi’s french toast. I basically inhale it because I want the whole experience immediately. This is ok with food (except that it’s gone too soon), but doesn’t work as well with books. I’m already a fast reader. Going much faster than normal means I skim or even skip over parts that look less important. I consequently missed some of the Deathly Hallows experience. I’ll be honest, I thought it was my duty to be enthusiastic about Book 7. The Romgi didn’t love the book, but I enjoyed it and wanted to support it in all its importance. With the Romgi’s less enthusiastic response in mind, I haven’t ever re-read the book, and I was a little bit apprehensive about the movie. What if it was disappointing? Book-to-movie adaptations are always tricky, but this was to be the final movie in what might be the most influential series of my lifetime. I felt like there was a lot at stake.

So…what did I think?

Holy hannah. It was the best movie I’ve ever seen. (I make that claim without putting a whole lot of thought into what other movies I’ve seen. It’s more of an emotional statement than a rational one.) It was perfect. I thought the adaptation was amazing. As soon as the movie ended I was ready to watch it again. In fact, when we got home I picked up Book 7 to see how I like it this time. This may sound silly but I felt intensely emotionally invested in the movie, and it was a meaningful conclusion to the series.

Have you seen it? What did you think?