Farewell Harry

As most of you are already more than aware, I have been a complete Harry Potter fan from the age of seven years old. So it would come as no surprise that I have been early awaiting the final installment of the film series to hit the cinemas. I worked at the bar last night, so a midnight screening was off the cards this time round. But instead, I went to a lunch time viewing today with one of my best friends at Gold Class. Although reading the books had provided me with the knowledge of Harry's fate, I was still super nervous for the ending. Walking into the cinema was a bittersweet moment, because after all it was time for me to farewell a bunch of characters who had become a pretty permanent fixture in my life.

The music started, and instead of giving us a "what you missed" or "previously on Harry Potter" sort of catch up montage, the film just picks up where it left off in Part One. The plot begins (or shall I say continues) and I immediately found myself right there next to Harry, Ron and Hermoine, just as I have done for the last fourteen years, in an epic search to find and destroy the remaining horcrux's. I think the best part is the back story of one particular character. It is at that moment that so many questions are answered, and an entire history of plot lines from previous movies all of a sudden make sense! I can't really elaborate too much without spoiling it for those who are yet to see it. So i'm going to have to stop myself here. But I will say this... Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two is easily the best chapter of the series. It is a thrilling and emotionally intense installment that stays with you long after you leave the screening. I take my hat off to all involved in the making of the film, especially Director David Yates, because I don't think there could have possibly been a better way to say goodbye. The series was definitely given the ending it deserved. Besides, if you take Dumbledore's last words for what they're worth when Harry asks him "Is this real? Or is it happening in my head" and he responds with "Of course it's happening in your head Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it isn't real", then Harry Potter and his comrades will have an everlasting place within your life, as they do in mine.

Want to know the best part!!? It's not entirely over for me just yet... Because I'm going to see it again in two hours!!!

Even if you aren't a Harry fan (I'm hoping there isn't too many of you), let me know what you thought of Deathly Hallows Part Two?

Her Name Is Zooey

Actress

Musician 

Model 

Singer / Songwriter

Zooey Deschanel has been blogged to death, but she definitely deserves it!

Personally, I think my love affair with Zooey Deschanel began back in 2003, where she belted out 'Baby it's Cold Outside' in an employee bathroom in Elf. Her supporting role in films like Failure to Launch always saw her cast as the deadpan character - an all too often monotoned friend expressing archly insincere humour (which for those of you who don't know me too well should know I regularly use in my day to day vocab). In the last few years however, Zooey has become well known for her lead roles in Yes Man and (500) Days of Summer, both personal favourites. As a musician, Zooey Deschanel has made my heart melt with She & Him studio albums Volume One and Volume Two. Not to mention the fanciful numbers that appear in her movies, worthy of mention is Munchausen By Proxy.

I think above all though, I am in love with her quirky sort of retro pop style. Sure most of it comes from her ability to rock navy blues and reds and skirts and bows, complimented by her 1960's hair of course. But I think what shines through is a sense of youth and fearlessness. Besides dressing so sweet and being totally adorable, she has real talent that never leaves me disappointed.

Also, I highly recommend having a listen to her version of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas to make that festive mood just a little more lovely!

Sometimes When Two Things Meet The Most Wonderful Outcomes Arise...

In early 2010, two of my all time loves came together, Tim Burton and Alice in Wonderland.

For as long as I can remember, the story of Alice in Wonderland has captured the very best of my imagination and has taken me on my own weird and whimsical adventures. From the original words of Lewis Carroll to Walt Disney’s animated adaptation, Alice in Wonderland continues to stand as the best example of literary nonsense, which seemed to make complete sense… satisfying my peculiar curiosity. I think it was the abnormal group of anthropomorphic characters and their unanswerable riddles and nonsensical poetry that has resinated the most. The only way it could be better is when re-imagined by one of this centuries most visually arresting directors, Tim Burton. The first look photos released last June and the Mad Hatter’s teaser trailer were only a prelude to what he had to offer. And just as Carroll and Disney had done before him, Burton was able to take me on a magical 3D fantasy adventure down the rabbit hole.

But wait! There is more. Just as I thought my excitement for this dynamical duo had reached its peak, I caught wind of Burton’s post Alice intentions to remake another Disney classic, Sleeping Beauty, said to be entitled “Maleficent”. If what is said is true, Burton will become legend to me. I can only hope he continues to provide these effervescent and imaginative twists on some of my most beloved stories of all time.

Oh, and just quickly. Here is another of my two loves combined. Alice in Wonderland circa 1903 & silent film. Enjoy!