“Three Apples changed the world: One seduced Eve, One awakened Newton and One fell into the hands of Steve Jobs”

Steve Jobs has passed away.

My sincerest condolences to his family.

I may not have known Steve Jobs personally, although I wish I did, I am deeply, deeply, saddened by his death.

Steve was an inspiration to many, including myself, and his innovative vision and quest for perfection will be sorely missed.

Rest well Steve and suffer no more.

[I wrote a larger piece on Vamers if you are interested to read it]

If you do one thing today, do yourself a favour and watch this speech that Steve Jobs gave to graduates at Stanford University:

The experience is not unlike being taken to a lavish all expenses paid three course meal and, just before dessert is served, you are told that you have to leave. Worst of all, we are forced to wait an additional eight months for our just desserts.

In addition to the unfortunate wait, it goes without saying that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 is not a word for word recreation of JK Rowling’s exquisite books. Instead it is a artistically thoughtful recreation.

However, just like Harry Potter and the Half-Blood prince, this is by no means a bad thing.

With this latest movie installment of the Harry Potter series, the visual cinematic flair is once again flush with the book. Following the tone set in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood prince, British director David Yates has managed to capture, almost perfectly from page to screen, the progressively dark and emotional themes found in the later books of the Harry Potter series. Furthermore, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint are spectacular in this film with each actor showcasing how much they have grown over the last nine, almost ten, years. The onscreen chemistry between these actors is phenomenal and they perform their roles with absolute aplomb.

Without a doubt Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 is a visually stunning movie. However, therein lies the problem.

Although I am sincerely happy that the creators of this beautifully crafted movie took the time and energy to divide the last book in the Harry Potter series into two parts, I cannot help but feel that they short changed the audience by wasting a lot of time showcasing how beautiful the United Kingdom’s countryside is. Look, I thoroughly enjoy cinematic shots of sweeping vistas and unbelievably spectacular vantage points, some of my favourite scenes in the movie revolve around those shot in the country side with just Harry and Hermione left to their own devices. However, given the two movie split, all these exquisite scenes served to do was draw out what will inevitably become a rushed story. Let me explain.

In contrast to the previous movies in this series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 comes across as a fully fledged drama, sparsely sprinkled with elements of adventure and action. Given the source material, I can understand why this change was necessary. However, what perplexes me most is the way the movie was executed. Essentially two and a half hours is dedicated to the characters dealing with the fact that Dumbledore is dead and that they now need to find the Horcruxes in order to defeat Voldemort. Even though the movie was loaded with references from the past books/movies, which fans will enjoy, I cannot help but feel that this final story was split in two purely for monetary reasons. After all, they managed to fit the longest book in the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, into a single movie.

Given the running time of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, I personally feel that they could have better explained the story featured in the 470 odd pages before (highlight to reveal) Dobby  meets his untimely demise. This is especially true for those who have not read the books. Instead this movie is merely used as an arbitrary and visually delightful precursor of what is to come in the ultimate finale. As a result, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 feels unnecessarily, yet beautifully, drawn out. A lot of build up with little payoff. Understandably, the movie is only one half of a full story, but the fact of the matter is that the movie could have been made to stand on its own. Those who have read the books all know how richly detailed the Harry Potter universe is. No doubt the epic finale will be a non-stop thrill ride, but my fear is that this forthcoming sequel will feel rushed. However, only time will tell if this should serve to be the case.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Despite my grievances with the sparse story elements; the screenplay, acting and production values for the movie are simply fantastic.  In fact, I would go so far as to say that they are some of the best in the entire series and more than make up for the arguably inadequate use of the source material. The movie makes use of spectacular visual effects and awe inspiring camera work which, truthfully, makes the two and a half hour runtime fly by (true fans can never get enough of being immersed in the Harry Potter universe). 

Compared to other movies in this series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 is an intense drama, and rightfully so. If you are an action fan, you are out of luck. Despite the excellent action scenes, they far and few between. Nevertheless, I do believe that almost all audience members will find themselves, at some point, laughing aloud with joy, cringing with fear, swooning with understanding, sobbing in sorrow and asking for more. I know I did.

Fans, young and old, will enjoy this latest ride into the world of Harry Potter. Just bear in mind that the movie does end on a bit of a sour note with a cliffhanger that would leave even the happiest of people feeling slightly morose. Do not worry though, as that feeling will subside around the 11th July 2011 when Part 2 is released! As long as you can accept that you will only be watching one half of a story, you will thoroughly enjoy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

The Red Carpet gives Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1: 7/10.

The movie was screened in the Il Grande theatre at NuMetro cinema’s inside Monte Casino, Johannesburg. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 releases nationwide on Wednesday 24th November 2010.

Once you have watched the movie, why not cap off the evening with an almost perfect Butterbeer recipe. Go on, try it!

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

“A young couple suspects that their house is haunted by a malevolent entity. They set up video surveillance to capture evidence of what happens at night as they sleep. Their surveillance and home videos have been edited into the 99 minute feature film Paranormal Activity”.

The trailer alone has enough content to run Goosebumps up and down my spine. I have included it in this post, for your chilling pleasure:

I am not sure when this fright fest will be making it’s way to our shores, but when it does, you can bet your lily whites that I will post a teeth chattering review.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

It is Music Monday and thus time for another Vivaciously Varietal Vibe!

• Flavour: Alternative Rock
• Artist: Ours
• Album: Mercy… Dancing For The Death Of An Imaginary Enemy
• Song: Mercy

Rationale: I am a big fan of MUSE. Consequently, I have been scouring the net for a band which has a similar sound and repertoire. Although I have yet to find such a band, I was lucky enough to discover the musings of a band known as Ours.

“When you first hear Ours, you will likely get strong flashes of Jeff Buckley. Listening to Jimmy Gnecco’s voice [lead singer of Ours] and inflections it is hard not to, the similarities are as clear as day. In addition to Buckley, I heard touches of The Cure and Radiohead all blended together in this art rock mic. Despite the comparisons, Gnecco is still able to carve out his own direction and differentiate himself. The song writing is a thing of beauty, with flowing guitars, smooth rhythms, and an expansive soundstage, Ours moves with an ebb and flow that is all of its own” (Chris Beaumont, BlogCritics, 07/04/08).
 
I chose the song Mercy, because I believe that everyone will, at some point, either be merciful towards another or be shown mercy through an act of humility. In some ways mercy may have a direct correlation with forgiveness. I believe in forgiveness. To forgive is to pave the way to absolution. Even so, I am of the opinion that not all things forgiven need to be forgotten. Consequently, one must always try to learn from past experiences and attempt to move on. As the adage goes ‘what does not kill you, can only make you stronger’.

‘Mercy’ by Ours off of the album ‘Mercy… Dancing For The Death Of An Imaginary Enemy’

As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on Music Monday’s, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

For a time after learning about their passing, I felt numb. I was unsure of how to process this kind of loss when I had only just begun to accept the loss of a friend. All the wounds I had so carefully tried to sew and mend were viciously ripped reopen. As a result, I was unable to exhibit any kind of emotional grief… until the day of the funeral when the funeral service began. The pent up grief, held back by sheer disbelief, finally and savagely clawed its way out of my already tender and torn heart, exploding in a torrent of uncontrollable sobs and savoury tears. All I wanted to do, at the time, was to bolt out of the church and revel in the despair which consumed me completely. However, I held steadfast and, like a faucet, controlled the flow of emotion which yearned to be set free.

My sincerest condolences, love and support go out to all the parents, brothers and sisters of both Deon and Renche respectively, but most importantly to their three children.

We are all in the process of recovery, myself included. Life is meant to be lived and celebrated. An ethos I have taken to heart! Above all else, we must never forget that time and faith are the greatest cobblers of pain and suffering as they allow us to walk away from grief into the arms of hope.

My sincerest condolences, love and support go out to Mr & Mrs Da Mata, his beloved parents, and Michelle, his cherished sister.

The funeral will take place at Saint Luke’s Methodist Church (43 Kosmos Road, Wilropark, Roodepoort) on Thursday 22nd January 2009 from 14:00 (2pm).

As a good friend of Mark’s, I have been asked to say a eulogy and to be a pall bearer. The following is the eulogy I have written for one of my best friends:

Mark Anthony Da Mata
8^th May 1985 – 18^th January 2009  

I can still remember the very first day I met Mark, over five years ago. It was our first day at Monash University. As I walked through the primary quad, I heard a distinct voice accompanied by a cacophony of laughing. That unique voice belonged to Mark and the laughing to a group of friends who, over time, would become very close – almost all of which are here today.

From Mark’s Colgate smile and warm demeanour to his caring eyes and infectious laugh, everyone knew that when Mark was around there truly was never a dull moment to be had. I cannot recall how many times we would all burst out laughing, often mid lecture, to something Mark had just uttered about the Lecture, Lecturer or something completely off topic, but somehow, ridiculously relevant. Without a doubt some of my fondest memories of Mark are from our days at University.

I have always admired Mark’s character and his ability to always say what was on his mind, regardless of the often hilarious repercussions, which always allowed him to walk into almost any situation fearlessly and without hesitation. I do not think I ever told Mark this, but it was through our friendship that he had the greatest impact on my character and the person I have become today. He taught me to never be afraid to speak my mind and to always accept myself for who I am because, as he would always say, “you’re fabulous”. 

Mark was a beautiful, kind and gentle soul who touched many lives with his love. It has been my absolute privilege to have been his close friend and to have had him in my life. The times we shared will forever be cherished, never forgotten and will always have a special place in my heart. To one of the greatest friends I will ever know, this is not the end but merely a new beginning with our Heavenly Father. I know that if Mark was here now, he would most likely turn toward me and say “Garra, enough now, pull yourself together, everything will be all right”.