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Harry Potter

  • 12-11-2001 5:04pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,859 ✭✭✭


    Went to a private Harry Potter premier there last Sunday in the Parnell st UGC and I must say I was quite impressed. Exellant film, I'd recommend to anyone. Sticks extremly closely to the book, somtimes a bit too closely resulting in a slight lack in depth in some scenes but overall an excellant film. Defo one to see.

    .logic.


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,099 ✭✭✭✭WhiteWashMan


    read the first book last night. will read the next one tonight. looking forward to the film :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68,317 ✭✭✭✭seamus


    Amoi, who has actually read the book(s) and is really looking forward to it? It seems to be certain groups of people who have read the book, maybe they had you read it in school. Personally, me and most of the people I know had only vauguely(sic) heard of Harry Potter until about a month ago, whereas most of the people in my girlfriend's course(drama) have read it and love it. Is it really that good? Like Lord Of The Rings good?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,004 ✭✭✭The Gopher


    Excuse me,but what age are you lot?Harry Potter my arse!A pile of adults reading and going to see a film for kids 11 and under?Pathetic!P.S-If the Lord of the Rings is as bad as that thing the Gobbit or Hobbit or whatever i wouldnt touch it with a 50ft barge pole.We once read a chapter and twas ****e!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 932 ✭✭✭yossarin


    "We once read a chapter..." what, in primary school ?

    i've read the books, and while they aren't near Lord Of The Rings good they are quality kids stories + cleverly written.

    The movie was loyal to the book. I thought that it was great.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,608 ✭✭✭✭sceptre


    Originally posted by The Gopher
    Excuse me,but what age are you lot?Harry Potter my arse!A pile of adults reading and going to see a film for kids 11 and under?Pathetic!P.S-If the Lord of the Rings is as bad as that thing the Gobbit or Hobbit or whatever i wouldnt touch it with a 50ft barge pole.We once read a chapter and twas ****e!

    Lord of the Rings is really nothing like the Hobbit. The Hobbit is a book primarily aimed at kids. LOTR is a lot more sophisticated (but then Harry Potter is also)

    Too much bad poetry in LOTR in my opinion but then what do I know.

    As for a pile of adults going to see a kids movie, I'll refer you to Shrek, ET, Star Wars, Toy Story and even Fantasia. Eat my shorts.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 950 ✭✭✭nasty_crash


    He only read the first chapter! yeah the first chapter is ****e! but if you can name a book that the first 2 or 3 chapters are not crap, you will be doin well! You have to get into a book before you enjoy! The Hobbit is excellent as is all the rest of the Lord of the Rings Series! Personally i haven't read the Harry Potter series but i think i might venture out and have a look at the movie! but i am really waiting for the Lord of the Rings! its should be excellent!!


  • Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 10,574 Mod ✭✭✭✭Robbo


    It's a shame that something that will be forgotten in 10 years is looking like it could outstrip, say, a Star Wars film.

    The Irish Times reckons that Potter merchandising is going to be worth about $1billion this year.

    All together now....KER-CHING!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 355 ✭✭Headcase


    dont get me started on idiots that dont know that lotr is one of the best books every written!!!
    i just hope the films dont let me down!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,099 ✭✭✭✭WhiteWashMan


    Originally posted by The Gopher
    Excuse me,but what age are you lot?Harry Potter my arse!A pile of adults reading and going to see a film for kids 11 and under?Pathetic!P.S-If the Lord of the Rings is as bad as that thing the Gobbit or Hobbit or whatever i wouldnt touch it with a 50ft barge pole.We once read a chapter and twas ****e!

    indeed, the well rounded opinion of someone who obviously still plays with matchbox cars and action man.....

    maybe when you grow up you will find that people are allowed to enjoy, well, whatever they feel like. now, i dont go slagging you because you like bosco......


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,488 ✭✭✭Goodshape


    this whole potter thing has gottin out of control imo. I havint read the books, and will probobly see the film, but lets face it - the movie event of the year is not harry feckin potter. Its LOTR next month.

    AMOI... this whole thing stinks to high heaven of a marketing ploy. As far as im aware, it was after LOTR films were announced that they decided to make potter. The fact that it got released first - and only by a month - gives it an unjust advantage at the 'ol box office.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,626 ✭✭✭smoke.me.a.kipper


    im waiting until ive read the book before i go and see the film.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,099 ✭✭✭✭WhiteWashMan


    Originally posted by Goodshape
    this whole potter thing has gottin out of control imo. I havint read the books, and will probobly see the film, but lets face it - the movie event of the year is not harry feckin potter. Its LOTR next month..

    why do you think its lotr?
    is that your considered opinion?
    or is tha just the rumour thats going around the movie world?
    Originally posted by Goodshape
    AMOI... this whole thing stinks to high heaven of a marketing ploy. As far as im aware, it was after LOTR films were announced that they decided to make potter. The fact that it got released first - and only by a month - gives it an unjust advantage at the 'ol box office.

    [sarcasm]
    D'OH!!!!

    you mean they make movies to make money?
    good heavans! why didnt someone inform me before?
    do the police know?
    [/sarcasm]

    a marketing ploy eh?
    so you think they took a few books which were pretty popular and made em into a film. good marketing ploy that. kudos for those boys. certainly made their salary with that desicion didnt they?
    lotr has been in production for a long time. in fact most films that have come out in this millenium were announced after lotr!
    an unfair advantage?
    are you making into a race?
    or is it a case of 'im a lotr fan and i want to see my film do better at the box office'?

    i cant believe so many people have such huge issue with the harry potter film. especially since they havent even read the books. yeah, its aimed at 11 year olds. so what?
    you think the magic roundabout was aimed at 5 year olds.

    or hold on....
    the simpsons. hands up here who doesnt watch the simpsons coz its for kids.....?

    point made, yeah i think so. if youre gonna debate, then bloody do a good job of it, otherwise post something sensible to do with the thread.

    tut! children these days....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,488 ✭✭✭Goodshape


    jaysez WWM, calm down... deep breathes... in through your nose... out through your mouth and all that.


    no need for the attitude. Of corse it was only my opinion. And I have no problem with films aimed at kids. Some of the films I love the most are aimed at kids.

    ....and yes, this is just a simple case of "I hope my film does better". I'm sorry if it upsets you so, but I have been awaiting the LOTR films for years.... and now some upstart comes along and tries to steal the press? forgive me for being a bit annoyed.
    i cant believe so many people have such huge issue with the harry potter film.

    ...I thought that was my point.
    point made, yeah i think so. if youre gonna debate, then bloody do a good job of it, otherwise post something sensible to do with the thread.

    tut! children these days....

    whats this then? a feckin' sing-song?

    tut! moderators these days....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,488 ✭✭✭Goodshape


    wait a sec... not finished...

    ...LOTR has been a labor of love for peter jackson and crew. The guy is a long-time fan of the books. Harry Potter, no matter how fathful the film is, has been rushed out before X-Mas for obvious reasons.
    you mean they make movies to make money?
    good heavans! why didnt someone inform me before?
    do the police know?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,982 ✭✭✭ObeyGiant


    Speaking as someone who has read the philospher's stone, and not "gotten it", allow me to add my 0.0254 euros.
    mumbled by whitewashman
    why do you think [the movie even of the year is going to be] lotr?
    Because, my good sir, LOTR is one of the most-read books in the history of literature (actually, didn't it win some incredible title, like best work of fiction ever?). As such, the movie is eagerly anticipated by just about everyone who has read the books. Even those that haven't still want to see what all the fuss is about. Let's compare and contrast this to Harry Potter, shall we?

    All of this without a massive advertising and marketing blitz. All of this without a coke deal. All of this without it's distributor giving that oh-so-media-friendly soundbite "this film could be bigger than star wars".

    I think the point that Goodshape was trying to make was that the Harry Potter movie is not in any way, shape, or form an actual movie. It is merely a promotional tie-in for all of the merchandise that is already hitting the shelves just in time for Christmas. Director, Chris Columbus, has already said that he's going to be still cutting the film as he's running into the Cinema for it to be shown - if a director has not had time to produce what he thinks is a finished product, what is the point? Is the quality of the finished product worth sacrificing, just so that product can be ready for the pre-christmas buying rush? As both a consumer and a member of the cinema-loving public, I resent this. I fail to see how a half-finished movie (or any movie starring Robbie Coltrane, for that matter) could garner "Movie of the year"

    Then again, perhaps it's all just because, like I said, I didn't "get" Harry Potter.

    One final note -
    [sarcasm]
    D'OH!!!!

    you mean they make movies to make money?
    good heavans! why didnt someone inform me before?
    do the police know?
    [/sarcasm]
    There is, quite honestly, nothing worse than people using excessive amounts of sarcasm (especially when they actually bracket the fact) in an argument. It's easily the quickest way to make you look like a dickless fuckwit.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,099 ✭✭✭✭WhiteWashMan


    Originally posted by ObeyGiant
    Speaking as someone who has read the philospher's stone, and not "gotten it", allow me to add my 0.0254 euros.

    should i really take into consideration someone who cant 'get' a book aimed at 11 year olds?
    Originally posted by ObeyGiant
    Because, my good sir, LOTR is one of the most-read books in the history of literature (actually, didn't it win some incredible title, like best work of fiction ever?). As such, the movie is eagerly anticipated by just about everyone who has read the books. Even those that haven't still want to see what all the fuss is about. Let's compare and contrast this to Harry Potter, shall we?
    .

    ok, go ahead. compare and contrast.
    lets see, ive read the first 2 harry potter books over the last 2 days because i was curious to see what they were like. oops#! must have fallen into the merchandising thing. silly me, but i didnt know they had the book of the film out already?
    lotr.. hmm, must have read it about 5 times over the last 3 decades. looking forward to it? yes and no. like starwars phantom menace i will be surprised if it doesnt disappoint for the same reasons. oh, lets make it over 3 films too. yeah 3 books, 3 films. good money making plan there.
    and im sorry, but lotr should never ever win any such award like the best fiction ever. its good, not that good.
    Originally posted by ObeyGiant
    All of this without a massive advertising and marketing blitz. All of this without a coke deal. All of this without it's distributor giving that oh-so-media-friendly soundbite "this film could be bigger than star wars".

    sorry, i wasnt aware that the more hype a film has the worse it is in the eyes of the considered public. boy, am i glad you warned me there too.
    oh look, my film is better than yours.
    sad.


    Originally posted by ObeyGiant
    I think the point that Goodshape was trying to make was that the Harry Potter movie is not in any way, shape, or form an actual movie. It is merely a promotional tie-in for all of the merchandise that is already hitting the shelves just in time for Christmas. Director, Chris Columbus, has already said that he's going to be still cutting the film as he's running into the Cinema for it to be shown - if a director has not had time to produce what he thinks is a finished product, what is the point? Is the quality of the finished product worth sacrificing, just so that product can be ready for the pre-christmas buying rush? As both a consumer and a member of the cinema-loving public, I resent this. I fail to see how a half-finished movie (or any movie starring Robbie Coltrane, for that matter) could garner "Movie of the year"
    .

    who said it would be movie of the year?
    i ceratinly didnt.
    oh no i didnt, go back and read.....
    oh no a movie starring robbie coltrain could never be film of the year. what about one starring chris o'donnell?
    its not a film?
    oh, it must be double episode thing then is it? bit like the ridiculous star trek movies?

    Originally posted by ObeyGiant

    Then again, perhaps it's all just because, like I said, I didn't "get" Harry Potter..

    does it really matter if you get it or not?
    its a film.

    Originally posted by ObeyGiant

    One final note -

    There is, quite honestly, nothing worse than people using excessive amounts of sarcasm (especially when they actually bracket the fact) in an argument. It's easily the quickest way to make you look like a dickless fuckwit.

    youd be surprised how many people here let sarcasm slip over their little heads. i see irony has probably pased you by as well.

    one final note as well.
    im glad to see you get outraged at the mere thought of a crass film like harry potter, a 'blow in' should we say, arriving and someone proclaiming it might actually be good.

    you see, the problem is that while you have waffled on and talked a not inconsiderate amount of rubbish, you have completely missed the point of my post.
    the thread is about a film called harry potter.
    some people posted that they would see it, some people posted that they wouldnt see it, some people posted saying they had seen it and enjoyed it. in my own inimitable fashion, i try to put to rest the talk of lotr because its a different film.
    you want to be outraged at lotr etc then go and make a thread about it. if you cant stand to here someone make critisisms, then dont look or turn away.
    dont however call me d1ckless or a f*ckwit when its obvious you cant put an argument together.
    maybe you just feel passionate about the whole affair. in that case, go and sit down.
    you will read back and see that i havent said anything bad about lotr. i have mearly said that its not going to be film of the year for me because i think (and i hope im wrong) it will suffer from the same problem as phantom menace.
    no attitude from me.
    in future try to read what was written and not what you want to see.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,488 ✭✭✭Goodshape


    WWMAN, your a fool. I dont feel the need to continue the LOTR v HP debate.... but quite obviously its more than valid in this thread. The HP movies were made because LOTR was on the way.

    Am I saying that they wouldint have been made anyway? no. But that dosint take away from the validity of the argument. released within a month of each other... ever so similer themes... one the most popular book ever (TM), the other the talk of the moment.... see the relevence?!?!

    <EDIT>
    ...also, read back.. I dont belive I said anything bad about Harry Potter, not the books anyway. It simply pisses me off that such an obvious cash-in could subtract in anyway from a film like LOTR. My opinion could be changed when I see either film, but this is a webboard... its were poeple post there opinions on a given topic ffs.
    </edit>


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,099 ✭✭✭✭WhiteWashMan


    Originally posted by Goodshape
    WWMAN, your a fool. I dont feel the need to continue the LOTR v HP debate.... but quite obviously its more than valid in this thread. The HP movies were made because LOTR was on the way.

    Am I saying that they wouldint have been made anyway? no. But that dosint take away from the validity of the argument. released within a month of each other... ever so similer themes... one the most popular book ever (TM), the other the talk of the moment.... see the relevence?!?!

    <EDIT>
    ...also, read back.. I dont belive I said anything bad about Harry Potter, not the books anyway. It simply pisses me off that such an obvious cash-in could subtract in anyway from a film like LOTR. My opinion could be changed when I see either film, but this is a webboard... its were poeple post there opinions ffs.
    </edit>

    yep thats right! whatever.
    similar themes? they have magic thats a bout it.
    so i guess die hard and towering inferno are same type movies as well as they both have large skyscrapers in them?
    still going on?
    say something useful
    snore.......


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,982 ✭✭✭ObeyGiant


    Originally posted by WhiteWashMan
    should i really take into consideration someone who cant 'get' a book aimed at 11 year olds?
    Allow me to elaborate. I read it. I understood it. What I don't 'get' is what all the fuss is about. Apologies if this wasn't obvious.
    Originally posted by WhiteWashMan
    ok, go ahead. compare and contrast.
    lets see, ive read the first 2 harry potter books over the last 2 days because i was curious to see what they were like. oops#! must have fallen into the merchandising thing. silly me, but i didnt know they had the book of the film out already?
    What?
    What exactly are you trying to say here?
    If you've got issues with people berating you because you're "jumping on the Harry Potter bandwagon" - please take them up with someone else. I have absolutely no problem with people reading the books for any reason, whether it's a result of the movie hype or not. Re-read my original post for evidence of such.
    Originally posted by WhiteWashMan
    lotr.. hmm, must have read it about 5 times over the last 3 decades. looking forward to it? yes and no. like starwars phantom menace i will be surprised if it doesnt disappoint for the same reasons. oh, lets make it over 3 films too. yeah 3 books, 3 films. good money making plan there.
    I think the main problem with people not liking the Phantom Menace was that most people were children when the originals came out. Then they (predictably) grew up, and probably expected the Star Wars films to grow up with them. Perhaps people were expecting some sub-Tarantino bumpf? "Use the force, Motherfucker!". I dunno - I personally dug TPM.It would come second if I was to list the Star Wars films in order of preference, so I can't even begin to make excuses for it.

    As for LOTR - 3 books, 3 films. Where's the problem?
    I don't know about you, but I personally can't sit through a film for more than 3 hours. And there was no way for any director to try and cram all three books into one film, and still remain "true" to the books. I doubt the fact these films are being released as a trilogy was some cynical marketing ploy, I propose this is simply simply the result of a director looking for the best way to realise his vision. I could be wrong, though.
    Originally posted by WhiteWashMan
    and im sorry, but lotr should never ever win any such award like the best fiction ever. its good, not that good.
    Like I said - I only think it won it. Or maybe it came in after Ulysses. Can anyone clarify this?
    Originally posted by WhiteWashMan
    oh no a movie starring robbie coltrain could never be film of the year
    Okay, this was a cheap, facetious jibe at the quality of Robbie Coltrane's
    A. Acting abilities
    B. Choice of roles in the past.
    (I wonder how this fact escaped you, I thought it was quite obvious enough. Perhaps I need to bracket these comments to highlight exactly where I'm being facetious)
    Everything else I said was said in all seriousness.
    Originally posted by WhiteWashMan
    the thread is about a film called harry potter ... i try to put to rest the talk of lotr because its a different film.
    Let me refer you to the question in your post that prompted me to comment.
    Originally posted by WhiteWashMan
    why do you think its lotr?
    Do you always try to 'put to rest' the talk of a subject by asking question about it? Odd tactic.

    Please read over what I said. I kept my argument on-topic - The only references I made to LOTR were answering a question you had asked. The rest of my post was me listing the problems that I have with the Harry Potter movie. I suggest you take your own, bizarre advice - "if you cant stand to here someone make critisisms, then dont look or turn away". Just don't blame me for being off-topic.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 193 ✭✭StarScream


    I went to see HP last saturday and i suppose it was fairly good film but has anyone else noticed how similar it is to star wars at times?
    i know star wars follows a familiar fantasy theme but harry potter is just takin the piss


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,099 ✭✭✭✭WhiteWashMan


    Originally posted by ObeyGiant

    Allow me to elaborate. I read it. I understood it. What I don't 'get' is what all the fuss is about. Apologies if this wasn't obvious.


    i was being facitious.
    Originally posted by ObeyGiant



    What?
    What exactly are you trying to say here?
    If you've got issues with people berating you because you're "jumping on the Harry Potter bandwagon" - please take them up with someone else. I have absolutely no problem with people reading the books for any reason, whether it's a result of the movie hype or not. Re-read my original post for evidence of such.

    [/]

    no, it was the point about harry potter only being released as a vehicle for merchandising. ie, the book of the film. i thought it was humourous. obviously im alone on that one. wel, we arent all as talented as me :)
    I think the main problem with people not liking the Phantom Menace was that most people were children when the originals came out. Then they (predictably) grew up, and probably expected the Star Wars films to grow up with them. Perhaps people were expecting some sub-Tarantino bumpf? "Use the force, Mother****er!". I dunno - I personally dug TPM.It would come second if I was to list the Star Wars films in order of preference, so I can't even begin to make excuses for it.

    hahahahahahaha! i like it!
    use the force motherf*cker!
    brilliant.
    however, we all had different reasons for not liking this or that about TPM. personally i thought it was ruined by the likes of jar jar binks. the film wasnt menacing enough. i thihnk star wars was menacing. thats why i didnt like it anyway. well, not disliked, but let down. also, it was more a spot hte cameo film. would have prefered it like the oiginal, use all unknowns.
    As for LOTR - 3 books, 3 films. Where's the problem?
    I don't know about you, but I personally can't sit through a film for more than 3 hours. And there was no way for any director to try and cram all three books into one film, and still remain "true" to the books. I doubt the fact these films are being released as a trilogy was some cynical marketing ploy, I propose this is simply simply the result of a director looking for the best way to realise his vision. I could be wrong, though.

    again you are taking me at face value. try to read into what im saying a little bit. dig around. im trying to make you think a little bit. i dont want to have to write an essay on mhy i wrote something in the first place :)
    and dont get all techy with me!


    Like I said - I only think it won it. Or maybe it came in after Ulysses. Can anyone clarify this?

    i wasnt taking you at face value, im quiet sure it has never won any such award. apart from being critically acclaimed its not actually the wonderfully written. entertaining and fantastic yes, good writing no.

    Originally posted by WhiteWashMan
    the thread is about a film called harry potter ... i try to put to rest the talk of lotr because its a different film.


    Let me refer you to the question in your post that prompted me to comment.

    quote:
    Originally posted by WhiteWashMan
    why do you think its lotr?


    Do you always try to 'put to rest' the talk of a subject by asking question about it? Odd tactic.

    erm, someone else brought it up, i was merely refering to it.
    Please read over what I said. I kept my argument on-topic - The only references I made to LOTR were answering a question you had asked. The rest of my post was me listing the problems that I have with the Harry Potter movie. I suggest you take your own, bizarre advice - "if you cant stand to here someone make critisisms, then dont look or turn away". Just don't blame me for being off-topic.

    the only problem with that is that i cant see where you said youd actually seen the film or not, and if you havent seen hte film, you cant really comment on it as such :)
    which in itself is quiet amusing, as i havent either :)

    i do have aproblem with someone turning around in a thread and saying something like,

    well i thihk harry potter the film is a load of rubbish because..
    a) i havent seen it.
    b)i havent read the books
    c) lotr is coming out and i think it should be much better because its older and its been worked on for a lot longer and its my favourite book of all time.

    now, do you think i have a little bit of a valid point here. i mean i can argue all you want, but to be honest my only point among all of my padding was this.
    i think the saying is, dont judge a book by its cover.
    sure, entitled to an opinion, its just the wrong one :)
    ...also, read back.. I dont belive I said anything bad about Harry Potter, not the books anyway. It simply pisses me off that such an obvious cash-in could subtract in anyway from a film like LOTR. My opinion could be changed when I see either film, but this is a webboard... its were poeple post there opinions on a given topic ffs.

    oh and goodshape, if lotr is so good, it wont matter what is realeased a month in advance. it p1sses me off when people open their mouth and spew before they think. and i think its a just and noble cuase that all the money earned from lotr will be donated to charity. oh? its not? must be another marketing ploy eh?
    but this is a webboard... its were poeple post there opinions on a given topic ffs.
    amen brother. amen.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,967 ✭✭✭adnans


    take this from a person who never ever heard of Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings before now and who couldnt be arsed to read the books since there are full length feature movies available to be watched on both subjects soon. give it a ****ing rest!! go smell a flower.

    my mum has kindly offered to take me to see the movie (Harry Potter) to which im quite excited since i dont have to pay for the ticket or the popcorn. so im gonna take logic's advice and go see it.

    adnans


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,488 ✭✭✭Goodshape


    Originally posted by WhiteWashMan

    oh and goodshape, if lotr is so good, it wont matter what is realeased a month in advance. it p1sses me off when people open their mouth and spew before they think. and i think its a just and noble cuase that all the money earned from lotr will be donated to charity. oh? its not? must be another marketing ploy eh?

    well tbh, WWMan, my first post was intended to be taken kinda lightly... y'know tongue-in-cheek styleeE....

    ....i mean these are 'just films' for gawds sakes.....


    .........but HP was planned produced and rush-released primarily for two reasons:
    1. X-Mas toys
    2. coz LOTR was looking like a sure thing.

    whether or not the film is any good remains to be seen, and I wasn't trying to comment on it. As I haven't seen it. Because its not out yet. I just wish they took a bit of pride in there work as oppose to worrying what people will buy for christmas or what the 'latist trend' is.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,660 ✭✭✭Baz_


    woooooooooooooooooooow!!!!

    calm down people.

    On lotr, I would have to disagree with you wwm on the fact that lotr is not well written, I [personally] think that it is one of the best written books I have ever read (but this could be a caused by the fact that I have read the wrong books, but I acknowledge that that could be the case so don't technically analyse my post and start ripping the piss out of me AnyBody mmmkay), from the very first moment I picked it up to the very last moment I put it down I wanted to be reading it 24/7, but like i say thats just me personally.

    On HP I unfortunately am in germany at the moment so i probably wont get to see the flick on the big screen (unless in german, or it is still in the big screen at xmas time), but if I was going to see it I would definitely like to read the books first... Whats my point ihear you all ask, well actually i just asked myself that and it appears i dont have one doh.

    Anyways to wwm that sarcasm in the [sarcasm] brackets was just classic, I laughed for a good 30 seconds, keep up the good work.

    Baz_


  • Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 28,633 Mod ✭✭✭✭Shiminay


    Without getting dragged into Harry Potter -v- Lord Of The Rings debate, I'll say this...

    I saw Harry Potter on 9pm on Saturday evening (did you say the premieré was on Sunday Logeroo? ROFL) and it was a really good film - not breath taking like I hope LOTR will be, but a really well put together flick that has something for everyone.

    Anyway, it really could wait for the DVD, but if you are bored and fancy something different, give it a lash.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,443 ✭✭✭✭bonkey


    OK,

    I'm not going to get into the whole b1tch-slapping which has been going on here, but I thought I'd offer a few morsels for thought.

    People are complaining about HP being all pure marketing while LOTR is somehow different. Newsflash - LOTR is being released in three films, each a year apart. These three films were all shot together, and it will not take a year to finish each of the remaining two movies. The reason they are spread out like this is pure marketing - nothing more.

    All you people who are complaining about HP being a "marketing ploiy" should really make themselves aware of some facts. First of all, the marketing surrounding your beloved Star Wars movies dwarfs that of Harry Potter. Secondly, JKR banned any product placement in the movies, as she felt it would not be appropriate - hardly the work of a marketing campaign.

    Now, lets look at the books. LOTR was written over 50 years ago, and its fair to say that most people have been waiting for a movie of it ever eince they read the book. Does its age somehow lend it more credibility? Or the fact that LOTR is a more "adult" book? The simple fact is that in 50 years, LOTR is estimated to have sold close to 100,000,000 copies - pretty impressive. Harry Potter, on the other hand, has racked up 100,000,000 sales across the four books in just 4 years. While this is across the four books, the sales figures continue to climb for all books, and it is highly probably that by the time the 7-book series is complete that the sales figures will be in the region of 40-50 million per title.

    What does this tell us? It tells us that Harry Potter is at least of a comparable popularity to LOTR, and possibly even more than that. It indicates that Harry Potter will probably still be remembered in ten years time, despite what some posters here seem to believe. The Harry Potter series is likely to become a timeless childrens series in the vein of CS Lewis' Narnia chronicles. Just because its new doesnt make it bad.

    Also, I cant understand people posting here saying that "I havent read Harry Potter but....". There is no but. If you havent read it, and havent seen the movie, then you have absolutely no basis to make any assertions as to the quality of either. So do the rest of us a favour, and keep schtum until you have some basis to rest a case on.

    As for the argument that LOTR was announced first, and HP is an attempt to steal the limelight....this shows a complete lack of understanding for how the movie industry works.

    Although the major studios are in competition with each other, they keep a very sharp eye on the competition, and time their releases so that they dont clash. Its all about getting as large a share of the pie as possible, and this is done by not putting two giant movies against each other. Furthermore, it is highly unusual for a movie to remain at the top of the box office charts for more than 3 or 4 weeks. It simply doesnt happen very often. One month is a massive gap between movies in relative terms for the industry. It shows that WB do consider LOTR likely to be a major success, as you can be damn sure that they would have preferred HP to be a Christmas hit, as opposed to a November one. November, incidentally, is traditionally a weak month for movie sales - again further proof that it is not being set up to cripple LOTR.

    At the end of the day, I reckon HP will take the no.1 slot for the year in terms of box-office gross. LOTR will hopefully take the second slot, but this is by no means guaranteed - its popularity is far more "niche" based than HP.


    Theres only one thing worse than snobbery ("HP shouldnt do well because its kids marketing" crap) and thats begrudgery ("HP shouldnt do well because I want LOTR to do better").

    Personally, I'm hoping for two enjoyable movies. If I get that I'm happy. All you whiners who want LOTR to be top dog should really give it a rest. WHO CARES if it is the top movie this year? All three have been shot, they will be produced, and you get to see it. WHAT MORE COULD YOU POSSIBLY WANT?

    jc


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,626 ✭✭✭smoke.me.a.kipper


    Originally posted by Goodshape
    .........but HP was planned produced and rush-released primarily for two reasons:
    1. X-Mas toys
    2. coz LOTR was looking like a sure thing.

    :rolleyes:

    it was produced because they thought a film of the book would be a good idea and *shock* make some money.

    it was rush released because films aimed at young children (and those of us adults who will go to see it :)) generally do better at this time of year, and there is no major box-office release out at the same time (and not because LOTR is out a month later. they probably chose that release time because there are no other big films out then).

    toys and merchandising are inevitable these days with any childrens film or major blockbuster. duh! they want to make as much money as possible.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,443 ✭✭✭✭bonkey


    I've been reading some stuff about the making of the HP movie, some good some bad...I havent checked the veracity of all these facts, but thought they may make for some interesting reading, and perhaps start a bit of intelligent discussion as opposed to the "I want my movie to be better than yours" rubbish that most of this thread has been proliferated with ;)

    1) Hollywood initially wanted to make Harry Potter as an animated movie, but Rowling refused them the rights.

    2) Spielberg was rumoured to want to do the first three books as one movie, but this was also refused. (I'm skeptical of this one because of the next item). Another version of this is that Spielberg turned it down because of "fan expectations and artistic limitations"

    3) Speilberg is interested in directing the thrid movie, as he reckons it is the best written and darkest of the first three

    4) Rowling apparently only agreed to the current director (Chris Colombus) on the condition that she had some input into the style of the movie - she was concerned that his track record of movies such as Home Alone would result in the film not being "dark" enough.

    5) There are persistent stories about the actors and actresses in the first movie getting relatively little pay by todays standards, causing the potential for problems in the second movie if the same cast is to be used

    6) The excusive first-showing-on-TV rights for HP broke the previous record ($30m) set by Titanic. HP went for $70m. This is suppsedly where the "bigger than Titanic" comment from the producer originated.

    7) The fourth book, The Goblet of Fire, may end up being produced as two movies due to the length of the book. Should this happen, it is also possible that they get released as little as 3 months apart (in 2004)

    jc


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,099 ✭✭✭✭WhiteWashMan


    sometimes i wish i could put points accross as well as bonkey has done so.
    bas7ard :)
    anyway, im half way through the third book, and still enjoying it :)

    am such a kid sometimes. cant wait for the film on friday


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,488 ✭✭✭Goodshape



    sometimes i wish i could put points accross as well as bonkey has done so.

    ...yea.... em, dont have much to say after that. Good points there likes..... but fudge it... i still want my movie to do better :p

    ...darn films gettin us all worked up.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,443 ✭✭✭✭bonkey


    Originally posted by WhiteWashMan
    sometimes i wish i could put points accross as well as bonkey has done so.
    bas7ard :)

    I'm glad you included the "bastard" in there, or I'd be in danger of getting a big head.

    I feel all guilty now....this thread went from being all busy to being practically dead.

    Damn....I'll have to sign up again as "yeknob" and use that for being abusive about LOTR or something :)

    jc


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,488 ✭✭✭Goodshape


    I'll have to sign up again as "yeknob" and use that for being abusive about LOTR or something

    [sarcasm]
    ...abusive towards LOTR?!? ....what are you talking about?? its OBVIOUSLY the better book / film bla bla bla... etc.
    [/sarcasm]*




    * sarcasm device TM and (C) WhiteWashMan. Used here without permision for non-profit purposes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,443 ✭✭✭✭bonkey


    Here's a few more tidbits I picked up today :

    1) It appears likely that HP will break the record for "number of screens opened on" in the US. the current record is held by MI2 (3653 screens). HP may open on 7000+ screens, which is approx 1 in 6 screens in the US.

    2) Robin Williams wanted to be in the films, but was turned down because of a ban on American actors appearing in the movie.

    Both of these come from todays IMDB news....

    jc


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,982 ✭✭✭ObeyGiant


    Originally posted by Bonkey
    These three films were all shot together, and it will not take a year to finish each of the remaining two movies. The reason they are spread out like this is pure marketing - nothing more.
    As I have already stated, the most likely reason the films are being released seperately is because bringing out one film, encompassing the three books would be insane. Can you imagine if Lucas released all three (or six) SW films as one? Just to make it even bearable (three hours generally being accepted as the cut-off limit for a "bearable" film), a significant proportion of the film would have to be cut out, thus compromising the director's "vision" (despite how bent that sounds)
    Originally posted by Bonkey
    All you people who are complaining about HP being a "marketing ploiy" should really make themselves aware of some facts. ... Secondly, JKR banned any product placement in the movies, as she felt it would not be appropriate - hardly the work of a marketing campaign.
    I recently went into Smyth's toy shop to start some of my Christmas shopping, and believe me, the film didn't need product placement.

    Product placement is generally seen as being "tacky", and very few films actually resort to it. A few exceptions exist ("Mac and Me", "Happy Gilmore"), but on the whole, very few directors will do it - simply because with something like Harry Potter, there is absolutely no need, the film has enough marketing possibilities without it. Please, even take a look at the example you have already given - Star Wars. There is no product placement in that film (unless you count the dodgy ladyshave they used as a walkie-talkie), but that did not stop Lucas & Co. churning out buckets of plastic junk emblazoned with the Star Wars logo.
    Originally posted by Bonkey
    The simple fact is that in 50 years, LOTR is estimated to have sold close to 100,000,000 copies - pretty impressive. Harry Potter, on the other hand, has racked up 100,000,000 sales across the four books in just 4 years. While this is across the four books, the sales figures continue to climb for all books, and it is highly probably that by the time the 7-book series is complete that the sales figures will be in the region of 40-50 million per title.
    You're comparing the sales of 4 barely-100+ page childrens books to the sales of 3 400+ page books that have been called (paraphrasing a quote from the back of FOTR) "a masterpiece of literature"? I would have thought the differences in sales would be obvious - and barely relevant to what we were discussing.

    One last thing, just to clarify - in case it hasn't been entirely obvious, my problem is not with the Harry Potter books. As I've said, I've read TPS, didn't see what all the fuss was about, but a lot of people seem to like it, so the problem must lie on my side, there must be something there that I'm missing. My whole problem with this whole situation lies with the Harry Potter movie, which I've already expounded on.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,339 ✭✭✭✭LoLth


    Well, I for one am looking forward to the films .. both HP and Lotr.

    I've read both sets of books and enjoyed both for different reasons. From what I've heard, both films are sticking incredibly close to the written material.

    Anyone else read the comparisons of HP and Lotr in some tabloid?
    I forget which one but one of the reason why HP was considered (by that paper) better than Lotr was "it's got more magic in it".

    hmmm, I somehow can't see HP standing toe to toe with Balrog but from the clips, that fluffy thing looks like it could give a nasty nip :)

    However, as I did with TPM and most films I want to see, I'm going to ignore the hype, avoid the spoilers and just go with as open a mind as possible. Things are always so much more enjoyable that way...

    one thing I did think was funny, if true, wasn't the HP title changed in America from Philosophers stone to Sorcerors stone because they weren't sure american kids would understand what was meant by the original title?

    ahhh, me sits back and waits for the "Demonic! Eeeeevil! Spawn of Satan's Loins!" cries from the hardliners who are against anything even hinting at witchcraft and magic.

    and on a final note: I anyone wants to whinge about marketing go and have a listen to the latest buzz about Barbie.. Barbie and the Nutcracker Suite!! ffs, now if that isn't blatant marketing, not to mention a form of sacrilege I don't know what is!

    PS. anyone comparing the quality of a book by using it's sales figures is mistaking quality with advertising. One exapmle: The Bible.. it's a Good Book but not really a great book now.. more seriously, Jose Saramago's Bible according to Jesus Christ and Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist both sold a lot less than any Gemmell or King book but the quality of the first two far exceeds anything produced in the latter's works.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,488 ✭✭✭Goodshape


    one thing I did think was funny, if true, wasn't the HP title changed in America from Philosophers stone to Sorcerors stone because they weren't sure american kids would understand what was meant by the original title?

    ...its true... silly americans! I guess it never crossed there mind that kids may actually find out what it ment, hence actually learning something.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,443 ✭✭✭✭bonkey


    Originally posted by ObeyGiant
    Product placement is generally seen as being "tacky", and very few films actually resort to it. A few exceptions exist ("Mac and Me", "Happy Gilmore"), but on the whole, very few directors will do it - simply because with something like Harry
    Are you kidding me? Product placement is in virtually ever film you see. For example, car manufacturers bid over the rights to supply Bond's next car. Food and drink purveyors pay to have their coffee cup on the table, or their drive-thru being the one visited.

    Whenever you see a brand-logo in-shot, you can pretty much be guaranteed that it was paid for. When no payment is available, then the studios prefer to go with fictional brands.

    OK - the Harry Potter movies dont lend themselves to massive amounts of product placement because of their setting, but trust me - Hollywood could easily have worked it in...
    You're comparing the sales of 4 barely-100+ page childrens books to the sales of 3 400+ page books that have been called (paraphrasing a quote from the back of FOTR) "a masterpiece of literature"? I would have thought the differences in sales would be obvious - and barely relevant to what we were discussing.

    I was actually referring back to the point that someone made that HP wouldnt even be remembered in 10 years. I think with sales like that, it is firmly enshrined in the "classic" section because books have never suffered the fate of pop groups.

    Also you were the one who mentioned that LOTR was one of the most-read books....I was just supplying the counterpoint that the popularity of LOTR does not make it, in any way, a better bet.

    I put the figures in context to show why the HP movie is a big deal. Even if you want to compare it to LOTR, its still a big deal. LOTR as a movie is not a big deal because its a classic work of literature - its a big deal because its a hugely successful work of literature. So is HP - and arguably more successful when you take "sales per year" instead of sales.

    OK - maybe the HP are the first "pop books" which will dispapear in 10 years despite ruling the roost in their day, but I do not believe so. Like I said before, they will be remembered as kids classics, alongside works like those of CS Lewis.

    It also explains why such a huge deal is being made of the movie. The HP series is huge. It doesnt even matter if its good or bad - it is huge beyond comprehension. When you take something that popular, and translate it to the screen, it is a massive deal.

    Oh - one last thing - the fourth HP book is in excess of 500 pages - it is in the same "size category" as any of the LOTR books, and is also the largest selling HP book yet.
    One last thing, just to clarify - in case it hasn't been entirely obvious, my problem is not with the Harry Potter books. As I've said, I've read TPS, didn't see what all the fuss was about, but a lot of people seem to like it, so the problem must lie on my side, there must be something there that I'm missing. My whole problem with this whole situation lies with the Harry Potter movie, which I've already expounded on.

    But I disagree with your reasoning "against" the movie.

    HP did not need a movie for the Christmas merchandising. It was already going to sell most/all of that anyway. The movie is just another money-making angle, and Christmas is the best time to release a "kids movie". Summer is blockbuster land for adults, and Christmas is the kids movies. I'm actually surprised that LOTR isnt aimed at a June/July timeframe, as its target audience is more actively cinema-going around then.

    Regarding marketing and hype - LOTR has been advertised (and not all that quietly) for more than a year...you can hardly say that this is "without a massive advertising blitz". In fact, I can honestly say I've seen and heard more about LOTR than about the HP movie. I've heard so much about it, for so damned long, that I'm almost fed up waiting for the damn thing to arrive. Bit like Phantom Menace and Jurassic Park 2 really...."teaser trailers" 12 months in advance of the movie. Really.

    Finally, Harry Potter did not get a tag about being bigger than Titanic for no reason - it has broken the "first show rights" cost record (taking it from Titanic), it will break the "most screens on opening day" record, and will almost unquestionably be the largest box-office hit of this year due to its incredible popularity. The comment was made because of these facts...not to help make them a reality.

    It will not, however, be "movie of the year" in my book, or most critics. At the moment, that seems to be held by "Amelie of Montmartre" which is the best thing I've seen in I've forgotten how long. Anyone who puts HP as "movie of the year" has about the same quality of taste (IMHO) as those who reckoned FF-TSW was "the best movie I ever saw".

    So...in conclusion...you have a beef about the movie, and I think you are being unfair in most of your criticisms. Lets agree to differ :)

    jc


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,488 ✭✭✭Goodshape


    Originally posted by bonkey

    Whenever you see a brand-logo in-shot, you can pretty much be guaranteed that it was paid for. When no payment is available, then the studios prefer to go with fictional brands.

    ...simply untrue. Havint been botherd to read your whole post (kinda bored of this topic), but ObeyGiant was right, product placement isint used that much anymore. Thats not to say its not used at all, Bond has his cars fair enough, but using fictional brands because your not getting paid not to (er, yea..) is just stupid.

    Anyway, what did you expect... Harry Potter nocking back a diet coke while he runs off to save... ah, what ever it is he saves?

    of corse HP seems to have gone the other way here... placement on product rather than product placement.... Harry Potter Cola anyone?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,099 ✭✭✭✭WhiteWashMan


    by the way, bloody good film :)

    and the trailer for lotr and starwars 2 also.

    very exciting.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 28 bashibazouk


    Frankly, I'm looking forward to the FOTR movie in the hopes that it will avoid the interminably boring "ingenius" songs and poems that made my eyes glaze over when I read the book. Also, I'll be looking forward to seeing how the pathetic female characters are handled in the film. LOTR had a good premise but it is woefully written and interminably boring at times and hopefully the film will set this right.

    As for Harry Potter and merchandising: there is a market for it, kids want it, our economy is based on supply and demand. Merchandising is merely a symptom, it's what the consumer has demanded and therefore the problem lies with us, the consumer, and not people who are merely doing their jobs and supplying what has been demanded. It is people that overspend. I have studied advertising at length and the consumer is not as stupid as we would like to believe.

    The book is extremely enjoyable, clever and well-written. The film sticks to the book very well and brings the book to life with respect for both the book and the audience. It is not a botch job in time for Christmas and I find people who claim that it is so without viewing the film are speaking out of their rectal passages. Spiceworld is an example of a product that was vomited out in about 5 minutes to please a preteen audience.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,275 ✭✭✭Shinji


    Gotta love folk who begrudge anything successful its success :)

    Magnificent film; great ensemble cast, the kids show a lot of promising talent, the special effects are great and the Quidditch match set-piece is absolutely jaw dropping. Those who thought that the podrace sequence in TPM was impressive are no doubt hunting for their jaws on the floor right at this moment, in fact...

    Now all I want is for LOTR to live up to its promise as much as this did, and my Christmas is complete.... Don't let that put you all off buying me presents naturally ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,099 ✭✭✭✭WhiteWashMan


    Originally posted by Shinji
    Don't let that put you all off buying me presents naturally ;)

    arf!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,443 ✭✭✭✭bonkey


    Originally posted by Goodshape
    ...simply untrue. Havint been botherd to read your whole post (kinda bored of this topic), but ObeyGiant was right, product placement isint used that much anymore.

    This would explain why there are over 100 different product placement companies in the US, and an Association of these companies to imofy their efforts? Do a google search on "product placement", or check www.erma.org for more info

    Product placement is HUGE business.

    but using fictional brands because your not getting paid not to (er, yea..) is just stupid.
    Well, actually, if you dont have product placement agreements, then the film producers would be liable to the goods manufacturers for using their products without permission. This would end up with the studios paying the goods manufacturers in order to show their product on-screen.

    Therefore, you can rest assured, despite what you may believe, that any branded product shown on-screen is either a non-existant brand, or a brand for which the studio has a license. The only thrid option is to avoid brand names...have no visible labels on anything, which is well difficult to do in the "mainstream" movie arena.

    This licensing is most typically handled by "flat fee" or "no fee" agreements, where the likes of (say) Heinz pay a small flat fee, (or no fee in some cases) which allows their product to be used in any number of movies, as long as it is "background" placement. If the placement is to place the product in the spotlight, then specific fees may be used.

    So, while I would agree that Bond's z3 is an exceptional case, it does not mean that product placement has gone out of fashion....it is still a big deal.

    Anyway, what did you expect... Harry Potter nocking back a diet coke while he runs off to save... ah, what ever it is he saves?
    I'm sure coke would have loved that :) I mean, they spent $150m as the sole "tie-in advertiser", and all they get out of it is the right to put HP images on their stuff. They didnt get in the movie, and they dont get to show Harry drinking Coke even in their own promo's. Suckers :)

    jc


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,443 ✭✭✭✭bonkey


    Originally posted by Shinji
    Magnificent film; great ensemble cast, the kids show a lot of

    Grrr. Not released here (Switzerland) till this Friday. Bah :(

    jc


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 842 ✭✭✭the celtic tiger


    i saw it the other day.

    a really magical kids movie.

    i really enjoyed it......REALLY!!!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,488 ✭✭✭Goodshape


    Originally posted by bonkey
    ...Product placement is HUGE business...

    ...damn you and your points :rolleyes: !

    ...maybe it was only a particular technique of product placement that is no longer used or somat..... I definitely read something about it anyway.

    of course I have been known to make mistakes. from time to time.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,443 ✭✭✭✭bonkey


    Originally posted by Goodshape
    ...damn you and your points !

    ...maybe it was only a particular technique of product placement that is no longer used or somat..... I definitely read something about it anyway.

    I'm guessing what you read was the fact that the fees paid for pp peaked in (I think) the late 80s or early 90s.

    Companies realised that it wasnt worth *that* much money, and that a big success from pp is quite rare. That said, what remains is still a big business.....just not a silly big one. Massive bidding sprees in the order of Bond's z3 are now quite rare.

    jc


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,397 ✭✭✭✭azezil


    I'm not geting involved in your little debate, I just wanna say what I thought of the film....

    Boreing, predictable, snore fest, I think is how I'd sum up this film... I really like fantasy and magic stuff but this bored the hell outta me! His little friend did all the cool stuff, the only good part was the was in the woods n that lasted all of 30 seconds.

    They should put a big sign up on the door saying "UNDER 12'S ONLY!" because imo theres nothing in this film for anyone older than that.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 421 ✭✭SweetBirdOfTruth


    too many ppl with too many issues round here, imo. if star wars and lord of the rings are the height of cultural achievement in your world, then really i want to get off this planet pretty damn quick.

    but to the subject. harry potter. the flick.

    as kids flicks go, it went. it's easily be up there with chitty chitty bang bang, willy wonka's chocolate factory, mary poppins and the railway children.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,771 ✭✭✭Xterminator


    Just want to say, enjoyed the film, very good entertainment.

    I am a big LOTR fan, and look forward to it too.

    X


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