Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I : A Review

 

“Dobby did not mean to kill…only maim or seriously injure”

Ten years ago, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone introduced the world to Harry Potter, the little wizard known as “The Boy Who Lived”. We all watched the events and scenes unfold in the same complete awe and wonder that Harry felt himself. The first time he walked into Diagon Ally, we amazed at its wonder as he did.  When he first gazed at the majestic splendor of Hogwarts, we experienced it right along with him.

In 2010, the world was finally introduced to “The Chosen One” away from the safe confines of Hogwarts, and without the protection of his mentor, Professor Dumbledore.  We finally get to see our heroes - Ronald Bilius Weasley, Hermione Jean Granger, and Harry James Potter -  thrown into the world alone and on-the-run. 

“These are troubling times indeed, there is no denying it.”

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I is decidedly the best movie in the series.  It opens with a touching scene where we see a teary-eyed Hermione remove every evidence of her existence from her parents memories for their own protection.  It is the first true indication of how alone these characters really are in this quest to destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes and defeat the forces of evil that seek to kill them. 

During the course of the movie, Harry starts to realize just how little he truly knows about Dumbledore. The Trio soon come to realize how ill prepared they truly are for their quest, not knowing where to find the Horcruxes, and then not knowing how to destroy them once they do have them.  It is this that tests the Trio’s dedication, resolve, and friendship, and threatens to break their seemingly unbreakable bond…all while having to stay one step ahead of the Death-Eaters who seek to capture them, and bring them before the Dark Lord.

In the end, this movie – Part I of II – is more about fortifying their resolve and solidifying their friendship, than it is about the search for Horcruxes.  Because, when the final battle between good and evil is fought, it is their friendship, love, and trust in each other, which will truly be needed to defeat the evil forces which seek to rule the world, both magical and muggle.

Based on the best book in the series, it so far lives up to expectations...being clearly the best Movie of the Series to date...

The final confrontation between Harry and Voldemort is fast approaching…Hold on to your seats folks, the ending is going to be spectacular!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II
hits theaters on July 15, 2011.

MPF (Metro Playoff Fever) is here! All Hail Estonia!

San Jose, CA – Seven Months ago, the New York Red Bulls graced the field at Red Bull Arena for the first time.  In front of a sold-out crowd of 25,000, they dispatch the much heralded Santos FC of Brazil 3-1.  The first EVER goal at the crown-jewel of MLS was scored by a little known Estonian international named Joel Lindpere.

One week later, the New York Red Bulls suited up for their Regular season debut against the Chicago Fire in front of another sold-out crowd, and again the little known Estonian would be the one to score the first EVER Regular Season goal at Red Bull Arena.

Fast-forward seven months to the final game of the 2010 Regular Season, with the Red Bulls needing a win against the New England Revolution to clinch 1st place in the Eastern Conference and secure homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, nursing a 1-0 lead on a goal by the newly resurgent Jamaican, Dane Richards, Joel Lindpere sealed the victory and capped off the miraculous worst-to-first turnaround for the Red Bulls with the LAST regular season goal this season at Red Bull Arena.  So, having dispatched the Revolution 2-0 at home, the Red Bulls hit the road to San Jose to face the San Jose Earthquakes in the first round of the MLS Playoffs as the #1 seed in the East.

The first 45 minutes saw the Red Bulls withstand some early pressure from the home team and eventually begin to dominate possession.  With only Quakes goalkeeper (John Busch) preventing the Red Bulls from scoring on several occasions, the game ended 0-0 at halftime.  The second-half began with the Red Bulls applying significant attacking pressure which eventually paid-off in the 55th minute.  And, of course having already solidified himself as a Red Bull Legend and walking trivia question, Joel Lindpere added to his mystical aura by pouncing on an errant rebound, sliding through the Quakes defense, and placing a shot to the far post past a diving John Busch, scoring the first Red Bull goal of the 2010 MLS Playoffs.

On Thursday, the New York Red Bulls march into Red Bull Arena holding a 1-0 advantage in the 2 game total goals elimination series over San Jose.  We await to see what else the now known Estonian hero can pull out of his magical mystery hat.

Go Red Bulls!

Peace
G