A Wee Little Review of an Epic Finale

Again, I fail to live up to my word, but in my defense there was too much for me to write on this glorious subject, and I was at a real live Huckleberry Frolic which of course to precedent.  SO, here comes my review. In a word, the movie was BRILLIANT. Seriously, if you haven't see it yet you are flupping crazy and should find the nearest theatre as soon as humanly possible.

Since there are many many MANY reviews online I will keep mine brief.  I loved the movie and thought it was a great way to end the series. It was crazy good, action-packed, and never boring for a second.  Most importantly, they nailed all the scenes that are pivotal in the book, and omitted relatively few things (except the house elves attack, which definelty should have stayed in the script). Alan Rickman deserves an Oscar for his Snape, because after all these years, who knew he could deliver more than a deadpan? Furthermore, the Prince's Tale and Resurrection Stone scenes were depressing, which made them perfect.  I laughed, I cried, I screamed, and I nervously giggled when Voldemort hugged Draco (arguably the best scene in the entire movie).  In fact, it's only been out a week and I've seen it three times, (no judgement) yet it still doesn't get old.  Even the epilogue, which was awkward and weird in the book, feels right in the movie.  Deathly Hallows Part 2. wraps up the series we know and love beautifully, and I couldn't have asked for a better send off.

1: Proper Potter Premiere Protocol

Well kiddies, we've made it this far, and tomorrow is the day that we put all these tactics into practice.  Get your coffee thermos ready and your boyfriend pillow fluffy, because tomorrow you will be, for all intents and purposes, camping out in a movie theatre.  I will try and post a little something early in the morning and on the 15th about my movie premiere experience.  I have one last little gem to impart to you before tomorrow, and if you've been reading this the past thirty days, thank you for giving me more views than I thought possible.

15.  Just enjoy yourself! To be honest, I've never had more fun seeing a movie than I do when I go to one of the premieres.  The energy level is insane.  People laugh, cry, and cheer at the right moments in the movie, making it all the more fun.  Join in with them! Cheer when you want to, get really into it, milk it for all it's worth because after all, its only a two hour movie, and the last time you will have a chance to do this.  If you've been with the Harry Potter series as long as I have, you'll want this last time to be the BEST time as well. When its all over, at 2AM, you'll most likely walk out of the theatre in a daze, thinking "that was it"  all cheesiness aside, you've already waited in line for the entire day, so make the most of it and enjoy Harry Potter for one last time.

Props to this chica for continuously letting me
exploit her in photos

Thanks for reading!

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14. Naturally we are starting to get down to the nitty gritty facts.  I've already given you every fact I can think of concerning the night itself in overview, from when to get there, where to sit, what to wear, who to bring, and why I'm right.  Finally, the question you so desperately want to ask but are too uncomfortable to mention...."what about the bathroom?"

I want you to be her^

That is a good question and I'm happy you got up the courage to ask it! My advice for this is simple, avoid it at all costs.  Not so much that you're about to explode during the movie, but try to avoid your bladder reaching full capacity before the movie even starts.  Go to the bathroom during previews, then, if you still want to guzzle down that large Dr. Pibb you ordered, PACE YOURSELF.  The faster you drink it the more you'll have to go to the bathroom.  If you sip it like a delicate lady, than you will take on the persona of a delicate lady, who only needs to go to the bathroom at convenient times for everyone (see next month for my "steps on being a delicate lady" blog).  If you absolutely have to go to the bathroom, if your need to go becomes so urgent that you can't pay attention to the movie anymore, than wait for a not so pivotal scene.  For example, I was faced with this conundrum during the first movie, waited for the right time, and sprinted out to the bathroom during a long sequence scene of Ron being angry and the glorious English countryside, i didn't miss ANYTHING!

You may even have time for a casual mirror

So, if you have to go to the bathroom during the movie, you are already at an advantage because you read the book, and when the moment hits that a scene is miss-able, run for the bathroom, then run back as fast as possible.

Well I hope this was informative, if not sufficiently awkward for you to read and me to write.  But hey, the more you knowww....

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Only 3 more Premiere tips left before the ultimate test begins...

Or you can bring your own snackies

13.  As you're now settled in and comfortable as the most popular person in theatre, its probably 10 or 10:30 so you still have a ways to go.  All that singing and dancing and rolling has taken a lot of energy and you're probably unsure of what your next move shall be.  Your stomach grumbles and the tantalizing smell of popcorn overwhelms your senses.  You WANT to go get some, but wonder just how long that line actually is.  Like wise, you've been fueling your body on junk food and coffee all day, so you don't really want to keep the heavy spending going well into the wee hours of the night.  My advice, and it may seem a little risky, is wait until one of the very last moments possible, right before you think the previews will start.  By then you'll have enough time to consider if you REALLY want popcorn or if you just think you do because of the atmosphere, and you can easily check the line and decide whether or not to wait.  Chances are, the closer you get to showtime, the less people will be in line and the quicker you can get through it.  That way you have popcorn during the movie instead of two hours before!

7: Proper Potter Premiere Protocol

7 days, 1 week, 7 horcruxes, it is also July 7th. if it was 2007 my mind would be blown.  But it isn't so the fun  stops at 7/7/11

12. Now that you've gotten yourself perfectly settled in the theatre, it is probably around 9:30, which means you only have 2 and a half hours left until the end.  (time has flown by hasn't it?).  Now is your chance to really shine! the level of excitement is already at epic proportions, and it is your job as the coolest person in the theatre to make sure that level stays up.  Most people will be friendly and interactive, so use this to your advantage and start a riot. Now, when I say riot, I don't mean pitchforks and torches, I mean music and wands! Every self respecting potter fan at the premiere will be well versed in the pop-culture surrounding the books, including the youtube sensations that have been created as a result.  I recommend assigning the theatre different parts in the hit youtube phenomenon "The Mysterious Ticking Noise".  People will go CRAY CRAY for you, trust me, and don't you always strive to be the best? 

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I only have 5 helpful hints left to give you before it's time to put theory into practice.  Learn well and keep reading.

Don't trip.

11. The moment has almost come, its around 8:30 and they are letting some people into the theaters.  As soon as the movie theatre attendant rips your ticket in half, you run like your life depends on it towards the theatre you were assigned to. Unsurprisingly you arrive their first and are faced with a myriad of choices to sit.  So the question arises, and you finally realize the truth with which Rebecca Black sings, "WHICH SEAT SHOULD I TAAAAKEEEE?" but stay calm, don't make a youtube video JUST YET.  Obviously, you know not to sit in any of the first 6 rows of the theatre unless you want to have a sore neck by the end of the movie.  I also wouldn't sit in the back on account of being behind everyone and, as I will tell you in post #7, you will want to be the center of attention.  That being said, try to find a seat that is in the direct middle of the theater in all ways, or as close to the middle as possible.  Not only is it the best seat for optimal viewing, but its the place to be for all activities.

15: Proper Potter Premiere Protocol

Halfway there kiddies! thanks to anyone who's been reading this whole time! For anyone who hasn't, I don't blame you on account of this blog being relatively unknown.

8. Parking: The earlier you get to the theatre the better, because that means you have a pick of which spot you want.  I would aim for something as close as possible to the movie theatre itself, because you don't really want to be walking through the entire mall at 2:30 AM just because you thought it was smart to park where no one else would.  Newsflash: It wasn't smart, and now you are alone with only your wand to protect you in a deserted mall, scared as flup.  Sure the closer you park means that when the movies over there will be traffic getting out of the parking lot, but to be honest it won't be bad traffic and the most difficult part will definitely be pulling out of your parking spot.  (this is where your wonderful friends come in to guide you on your merry way)

Make your car painfully noticeable so you can find it immediately

17: Proper Potter Premiere Protocol

Are you still dying to know what the Spell you're going to do as you wait in joyful anticipation for the last Harry Potter movie to come out, well you're in luck as I've still got PLENTY of USEFUL ADVICE

These kids will bring you snacks and coffee if you ask nicely

7. Teamwork is essential at the movie premiere, especially if said premiere is at the mall.  If you are going with a group of more than 2 people you can use this skillfully to your advantage.  Having lot's of friends with you provides everyone oppurtunities to stand up and walk around the area.  This way, people can be assigned to bring dinner to the group, provide coffee for those fading, and largely avoiding a critically injured tailbone. It can also come in handy if you yourself can't get to the premiere as early as you would want to because of something unbelievably important.  If you have friends who are getting their early, they can hold your spot, no problem.  WARNING: do not keep your friends waiting too long though, especially if it is a smaller group holding the spot and a larger group arriving late.  The other people in line will NOT thank you when they're suddenly behind five extra people.  If this is the case however, let the majority of the group arrive by four at the absolute latest.

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So I've told you when to go, what to wear, who to bring, and how to behave.  What I haven't told you yet though is how to stay awake.  This can be accomplished in many different ways and to be honest, your lack of sleep only becomes a pressing issue as you drive home at 3 am and fully realise the extent of your fatigue.

6.  In order to avoid being THAT person who complains that they are staying up too late, get a good night sleep the night before.  Don't stay up till three and then wake up at eight (then agian, only I wake up early in the summer) try and be well rested.  If that simply isn't possible caffinate yourself like its your job.  5 Hour Energy is good for five hours of the day, while sodas and coffee can also provide you that extra energy boost if you're certain a bathroom is within reach (bladder can and WILL be a problem).  If you shamefacedly begin to nod off at 5pm because you woke up at 6am because it was a school day and you still have to be educated, have a friend casually use you as an arm rest as they remain alert, because worst case scenario, onlookers think you're just an unfortunately place hobo, and you get a few ZZZZ's in.

But read carefully, false advertising can be a bitch

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I know you're all loving this delightful series of helpful hints, so I'm going to continue it until I can no longer think of anything.

Sometimes, this person is your best friend

5. This may seem weird, but dress up. It is the best way to become the most popular person at the premiere.  Not only should you dress up, but don't take the half-ass route and wear a red tie and white oxford because you're "embarassed" to be seen.  Face the facts, you're already waiting in line for hours on end to see a movie about a boy wizard at midnight, anyone who see you can already tell you a committed fan, and you might as well put it over the edge and go all out.  That being said, wearing a costume the whole time is impractical.  Bring the costume in a bag and wear comfy clothes for the first few hours (if you do wait in line as long as I recommend) then put your fantastic costume on later around 8:00.  This is the time when the buzz really starts to happen, and more people will appreciate your costume and be jealous of your effortless swagger.  

23: Proper Potter Premiere Protocol

Still got plenty of things to tell you about how to behave at one of these things...

4. Going to a movie premiere is like going to a foreign country, people act differently, dress differently, and talk differently (in this case, you

may run in to lots of people with TERRIBLE British

accents). Because you'll be so out of your element at least in the beginning, pay attention to those around you and see what you're up against. For example, is it a friendly crowd? or are there more people dressed up as Bellatrix and Voldemort? (maybe avoid them if they seem to be taking this role too seriously). Also determine how enthusiastic the crowd is, that way you can tailor your personal enthusiasm to that of the crowd. Not only does this help you feel more comfortable with the people around you, but you'll also waste even MORE time as you wait in line.

Yayyy potter fans

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I'm keeping this thing going so long as I have advice to give you youngin's

3. Come PROPERLY prepared. If you've listened to my last two posts, than you'll know that I expect you to wait in line for a while. Since this is the case, bring something to entertain yourself with. Bring a pillow or something so you don't bruise your tail bone, a book to read, a DVD player, or maybe a computer if the mall has wifi. My point is the wait will be a LONG one, so have some entertainment and comfort so you and your friends aren't bored to tears for hours. Like coloring...perhaps...

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Well Flup.

Continuing on from blog post 29, I will generously give you more dollops of wisdom about the proper Potter premiere protocol

2. Lines get long, FAST. Last time I went (as you can read in my November postings) I got to the movie theater at 3pm and the line already had 40 people in it, by the end of the night 2400 people were lined up to see the movie, stretching all the way across the mall. If you're crazy like me, the earlier the better, but I recommend that anyone who does not want to be #1200-#2400 get there at least by 5:30. If you stroll in at 9:00, you're going to have a long walk to the end

29: Proper Potter Premiere Protocol

Instead of searching for 30 more random facts about Harry Potter and running the risk of repeating myself, I will dole out some decent Harry Potter Wisdom every other day (except the last day of course) So, here is today's:

If you are planning to attend a midnight screening of Harry Potter, here is the first thing you should do:

1. For one, you should get a big group of friends to see it with you, there is strength in numbers, and you have to sit in line for a LONG time, why not do it with some friends?

#2 will come on the 27th, respectively. Stay tuned! Props to Mary Purnell for the picture

Coming Tomorrow

That's right kiddies, its that time of year again when I berate you with endless facts and figures about the Harry Potter series for the month leading up to it. It will be thrilling, mind blowing, interesting, fun, scary, sad, and maybe a little sassy...If you followed my blog last time during Harry Potter Palooza, it's going to be a little different this time around. For one, I'm fairly certain I don't have 30 more facts on the books to dole out, so this time facts will be about the movies too, as well as my PERSONAL advice about how to do a Potter Premier Properly (believe me I've had plenty of experience in the subject). So if you're as excited as I am for the next 4 weeks of blogging fun, read again tomorrow for #3o!