Harry Potter at Monaco's open air cinema
Last night we went to see the final episode of the Harry Potter film franchise. The Deathly Hallows Part 2 is showing in 3D several times during summer at Monaco Open Air Cinema (schedule link here), and yesterday was the premier, with just about a full house.
Not having read the book, and also having forgotten what happened in Part 1, we didn't really have any preconceptions, other than the knowledge that Harry would be fighting to save the world from evil Lord Voldemort. Much of the film is taken with the battle for Hogwarts School, which was full of whizz-bang special effects. The quiet moments were touching, especially as Harry prepares to enter the Forbidden Forest to meet his fate at the hands of his nemesis. But we don't want to give too much of the story away. Suffice it to say that the acting was superlative, with a special maBoum thumbs up for Harry, Severus Snape, and Voldemort.
As for the 3D experience, we thought it was just a gimmick. You really don't need 3D to enjoy Harry Potter, in fact, the whole glasses thing detracted a little from the film itself. We got to see what could be achieved by the technique during an advert for Haribo before the movie began, with marshmallows, candies and sweeties floating out of the screen, giving the impression that you could just reach out and grab one. This was a made-for 3D ad, way superior in its use of the effect than anything during the Potter movie. The Deathly Hallows 2 is a dark film, both in terms of plot and cinematography, and the 3D specs added an extra layer so that you wondered if you were missing something in the shadows.
In spite of this, we had a great time, as will anyone who has followed the Harry Potter story.
- We loved:
the truth revealed in Snape's tears
Haribo Smurfs and sweets floating within reach - We liked:
the "circle of life" ending - You'll have to decide:
3D - is it worth it?
