6: The first scene in Saving Private Ryan
For such a gut-wrenching movie, this scene had the most profound effect on me (Omaha beach was a very close second). It is a simple scene where a veteran walks tearfully among the thousands of graves. As the camera pans up, the enormity of the sacrifices those real-life men made hit me full. Guys my age were in that battle.
Thank you veterans.
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Harry Potter reviews:
Well, I've finally caught up with everyone and watched the Harry Potter movies. Not bad, I must say. Some great drama and characters. However, there were some moments that simply blew me out the movie and made me yell at the screen. These movies have many dumb scenes in them.
--Dumbledore is supposed to be wise, isn't he? If so, why is he bringing kids to a school that has so many things in it that can cause harm and/or death. How many people die in this school again?
--In the fourth movie, Hogwarts is hosting a series of games. And the teachers warn the students that people have died participating (?!?!?!?!) The second game really set me off. Harry must save one of his friends who have been CHAINED TO THE BOTTOM OF A LAKE. What kind of school is this? That game sound like something the Joker would come up with.
--The first few films are very elitist. Harry and his friends break all the rules they want and they are virtually never punished. Could Malfoy or a lesser character expect such treatment? Does Dumbledore only fudge the rules for his favorite students? It sure seems that way.
--Why are all of Harry's enemies (except for the main ones) such one-dimensional saps? His aunt and uncle are morons and seem more like cartoons than real people. Same with most of the kids from the bad dorm. All the evil, ugly people go to Slytherin. Cartoonish.
--The magic itself. While I have concerns about the scores of younger children getting into the occult because of these movies, I personally just find it lame. I mean, every time someone uses a spell, I find myself thinking of all the other scenarios where they could have used that spell but didn't. If you have something like magic, and you don't use it simply because the story would be over too fast if you did, it sort of distracts from the movie. (How many time could Voldimort have used the kill-spell on Harry but instead monologued?)
Aside from these, the movies where okay. Just for the record, I have no desire to read the books. I don't care that much. Part 2 of movie 7 was definatly the best.
I understand you have never read the books because if you had, you would probably have more of an understanding for this series. It's really sad that you have only seen the movies and decided not to read the books because they are a lot better, but i'm a huge fan of both.
ReplyDeleteDon't judge a book by its movie.
I'm guessing you've never seen Tom Felton's face. Or the girl who played Pansy's face. Or little Tom Riddle.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it's Voldemort. With an e, not an i.
Maybe, but unless the movies totally made up the things that bothered me, the books would have the same problems. Just in more detail.
ReplyDeleteThe books are better. Yes in more detail but it makes more sense and is explained more.
ReplyDeleteI understand that the whole magic thing with kids is sometimes a problem but would you want kids to just watch films with no imagination and just things that are realistic? That would shoot Disney and every other movie company down the toilet.
Ok, so you've never read the books so your ignorance is forgiven (and i mean that in the absolute most respect I can muster up for you have verbally insulted my favorite movies and books in a number of ways that I can't help but feel a little insulted myself).
ReplyDeleteYou see scores of youth have grown up with these stories, and these characters and have spent a great deal engrossed in their lives so I think its safe to say that we know a great deal more about these "one dimensional saps" as you so kindly put. I'm also beginning to wonder if you actually watched the movies cause if you did, you would know that the reason that school is unsafe 90% of the time it is because of the dark lord Voldemort (WITH AN "E") and his journey to ending Harry Potter's life. Dumbledore on many accounts (EVEN IN THE MOVIES) suggests closing the school, but Harry ends up saving the day. If you'd read the book, The Goblet of Fire, you would have known the Tri Wizard Tournament had in fact been cancelled for some time because people had died in it. The only reason why someone died in that book is because (You guessed it), Voldemort. Also you should probably ask yourself, Why are Harry and his friends breaking all the rules?? For the sake of saving that school from destruction often times certain death to other students. His aunt and uncle are not "morons" they are actually layered characters who have reasons behind their rude antics, but seeing as you have not invested much time in reading these books, I wouldn't expect you to understand that.
I am very sorry that you have completely missed the point of Harry Potter. I pity that you did not connect well with the characters. I cannot begin to tell you how annoyed I get when people pull up the "cult" card on this series. It's ridiculous, and frankly premature. I don't believe anyone who has attributed cult activities to Harry Potter have ever really invested time in actually reading what these books have to offer. This series is completely drenched in truth of Love, friendship, using your gifts for good, mercy, mentorship, bravery, standing up for what is right, etc. The list goes on and on and on. And when people fail to point out those significant qualities in this series it irks me to the max.
I understand how this could come across as extremely rude, but this is one thing I will defend till the day I die. I grew up with Harry Potter in my life and I turned to those books and characters in times of depression, loneliness, and in weakness. As nerdy as that sounds I have grown up with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco and they have taught me SOOOO much about what it truly means to be a loving individual. I will not stand by if someone mocks this series because it is a huge part of who I am.
Thank you.
I find it amusing that this discussion went completely off the topic of a truly inspirational and emotional scene in film, and turned into yet another full on Harry Potter argument.
ReplyDeleteThe books will give you all the details you are apparently skeptical about and even though the books are way better, it's only because it's more of the story. I think they did the best turning these books into movies. These stories are so loved and respected that the task to bring them to the screen was no small one.
ReplyDeleteIt just seems like you really didn't want to like them. You sat down and decided that you were going to find every little nit-picky problem with it that you could so instead of enjoying some incredible films, you sat and stewed because everyone likes them and so you needed to find something wrong with them. That's just how it seems to me, though I could be wrong. But if I am right, then I feel so sorry for you because you really missed out.
*Shakes head*................*Still shaking head*............ Stephen, I hope one day you can make a movie that feeds all your wants and needs to you insist on having in films.
ReplyDeleteYeah dude, all your beef seems to be with the books. Take your issues up with the richest lady in the world.
ReplyDeleteIt's like what Leeper said, these books got kids to read. I was one of them.
ReplyDeleteIt was also my childhood as it was for a lot of people. You have every right to your own opinion but what I don't understand is how you can judge something that you went in thinking bad things about already. or at least thats what it sounds like you were doing.
I would agree with Jonathan about the magic. Most christians like to do a stampede effect when it comes to stuff they don't know about. When Harry came out parents were like "I don't think so young man! its evil" Did they ever look at the movies or read the books? No. But some big name Christians said it was occult (they probably did not read them either). But, again, THEY DID NOT READ OR DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES. There are next to no kids forming demonic cults because of this serious...they aren't calling on satan...they just aren't. You CANNOT be ok with Lord of the Rings and be against Harry Potter (at least where magic is involved) HECK! Lord of the Rings talks about Deities that are NOT our God....just because the word witch is used does not give anyone an excuse to write it off. Before you condemn something to hell...figure out WHAT it is first.
ReplyDeleteI think I missed something here. I haven't condemned the Potter books or movies (intentionally anyway). I was simply explaining the things that didn't work well or needed better explaining. In fact, I didn't say anything about condemning the books to hell or about them being evil. Why was everyone so quick to call this condemnation?
ReplyDeleteI don't hate Harry Potter nor do I hate the movies.
I was simply pointing out the things in the film that made me question what the heck was going on. They're not bad films. And there aren't any perfect films out there either. I don't expect perfection. I just have a habit of turning movies inside out. Also, I didn't want to hate them either. I tried to watch them for what they were and they were pretty good at that. I don't know how all this was read into my review. But I guess it's hard to tell someone's intentions or attitude by just reading a bunch of words.
Do you ever try to read what you read through other people's point of view? Because sometimes you come off a bit...... Overbearing? Annoyingly self confidant? Now, you might not be. But you write everything as if you are absolutely right. And therefore others are wrong. Now, you might not mean to come off this way. But you do.
ReplyDeleteYou critiqued some people's childhoods. And the only thing you offered was the negatives. You say they were just the things that didn't add up to you? Guess what! Those books you said you have no interest reading (further isolating you from those enamored) do explain more. These lovers of an amazing series just heard you condemn something they love. Because to say you have no interest in the book, means you have no interest in the series. The books are more than the movies, and there would be no movies without the books.
I would also like to point out, everyone was quick to call this condemnation from all those lovely top ten films I hate blogs. You already set a standard. It's not hard to tell someone's intentions or attitude by just reading a bunch of words. If you say that I'm not surprised you say you have no interest in the books. I wouldn't be surprised if you have no interest in reading books in general, with that attitude. The problem here is that you had a pre-set standard, which made everyone see you as a sour puss/douchebag, taking shots at some of their favorite films/stories, and then you wrote this. With no positive reviews, except for great drama and characters. Which you then contradicted yourself. Unless you think saying the Dursleys and Slytherins are cliche means you think they're good characters. I mean that could be what you mean. I guess.
Sweetie, I'm not as much an Harry Potter die hard as others in the class. And I read this and you pissed me off. And I like being in my on little happy medium. And you pissed me off. It makes me want to critique the Dark Knight, say it was the worst film ever and give you my reasons why and be obnoxiously self confidant in my opinions. But then I'd be mimicking something I don't want to be.
Next time, think first about how it could be taken, then if you get frustrated/mad/pissed off comments, you can be all, What? How can you be so swift to shout condemnation? Until then, don't talk. Kay kay? good.
How does one actually write in such a way it doesn't seem self-confident and assured? All these critiques of my post seem self-assured. Like they know I'm wrong and they're right. When I write out my opinions, I do believe them. Like I said, in words, it's hard to come across as simply having an opinion and not being cocky. Again, how does one not seem self-assured in words? Do we use "I think" or often?
ReplyDeleteAs for the last part, go right ahead and bash The Dark Knight. If you have an opinion, go right ahead and say it. I trust you believe in your opinions strongly too. Nothing wrong with that.
For the record, I posted the top 10 I hate blogs meaning to be more funny than anything else. As I wrote, I didn't think anyone would care about what I thought of movies. And why should it? I'm one nobody who critiqued some movies. I just wanted something to blog about.
First, I'd like to say, there's a difference between self-assured and overbearing/hoity-toity. And your blogs reek of one of those, and it's not self assured. You don't seem to write with much room for disagreement. There's a tone that somehow gets conveyed. Even through the words.
ReplyDeleteMost of the people didn't really care at first. it wasn't till there was a film here they loved. One they felt strongly about. And then they would read, thinking it harmless fun, and then watched as it got ripped to shreds. And it made them kinda pissed off. There's only so much one can get pissed off till they just don't care anymore. It just takes a little nudge, and then you unintentionally announced it was open hunting season on yourself.
Also, I haven't even seen the Dark Knight. That part is more of this bitchy/jerk response/reaction I often have, where if someone hurts me or something I love, I want to hurt them back in the same way they hurt you. I was more of trying to subtle say I'm trying my hardest to not start taking cheap shots. Maybe you're right. Sometimes it is hard to convey what you feel through words.
As it happens, I was originally going to do my film reviews live on camera so I could make the criticisms seem more funny and matter-of-fact than, as you put it, overbearingly/hoity-toity. It was never my intent to appear that way and I apologize. I decided to write my reviews so I wouldn't have to check out a camera every time I wanted to blog.
ReplyDeleteAlso, none of my criticisms were meant to be cheap shots. Just me pointing out flaws in the film. I don't see why that should offend people. Like I said, I'm a nobody. Why should my opinion matter to people? Just brush it off because in the end, it doesn't matter if I criticize a film because what a nobody thinks means nothing.
Still, I am sorry for offending people. I didn't want to do that.
I wish we could all get along like we used to in middle school. I wish that I could bake a cake made out of rainbows and smiles and and we'd all eat and be happy.
ReplyDeleteI think it's just how it came across. Maybe it would have been better if you had done a video, so more of what you wanted would've come through.
ReplyDeleteI know none of your criticisms were cheap shots. I did read most of them, and even if I disagreed drastically, you at least had a reason you believed in.
This is kind of an I'm sorry, but I'm not going to take back anything I said moment, where I still feel the same way and wouldn't take anything back but.... I would like to say sorry.
Also, no one's a nobody. Ever. I don't care if I hate someone, love someone, am apathetic towards someone. A person is a person.
Kelsey, do you even go to this school?
ReplyDeleteMeow
ReplyDeleteWhat's School?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWow!! What a powerful opening!!! That made me tear up! that is so powerful seeing a vet walk through all those crosses.
ReplyDeleteWe were talking about this a little during For Glory production, about how WW2 was some of our favorite wars to learn about. I don't know why, it is a big ugly war, but yet filmmakers just can't keep away!
Saving Private Ryan and Harry Potter have something in common.
I have never seen/read any!
But, thanks to you Stephen I am now encouraged too!
I thought you meant the opening D-Day scene! That is an amazing scene!
ReplyDeleteYes it was, Grant. I was originally going to post that scene, but it is 24 minutes long and I wasn't sure if I wanted to post such a graphic scene. But you're right. That scene was amazingly good.
ReplyDelete