[Weekly Updates] March 1, 2021

This will be a shorter update.

ABOUT THE CHANNEL:

• Originally, our next video will be about how to get into the habit of watching foreign films. The script is half way done.
• And then news of Hong Kong actor Ng Man-tat's sudden passing hit.
• I had a video in the work about him for a long time, but never managed to finish it. I decided to change the schedule around, and finish that video as soon as possible. I think you can all understand.
• Since I'm scrambling to finish an unplanned video, that's why this update is shorter than usual.
• That means this video will take extra long. So it'll be unlikely come out this week. And because of the delay, our April Fool's video may have to be cancelled.
• I'll keep you updated on the situation.

ABOUT MEDIA:

• So I finished all 8 Harry Potter movies. Let's do a quick review for each.
• Philosopher's Stone: I still have vivid memory of this film from my first viewing, back when it was brand new. In terms of crafting a magical word, this movie has done a marvellous job. The story's pretty decently told, limited only by JK Rowling's writing. In my opinion, still one of the best in the series.
• Chamber of Secret: Directed by the same director as the first one, Chamber of Secret is a more forgettable entry. By the second movie, we are all used to this word. World building alone doesn't hold the film together, and the weakness in the story begins to show.
• Prisoner of Azkaban: Cuaron directed this one and it shows. Instead of focusing on the magic, it begins to focus more on the characters, a smart direction. Cuaron's very theater-esque wide angle lens composition is good to look at. Sadly the story doesn't have enough gravitas to justify this grand style.
• Goblet of Fire: This is where JK Rowling's writing became really good. Goblet of Fire has a grandiose story, but still managed to keep magic fascinating. Part of me wish Cuaron directed this one, as his style would make Voldemort's return that much more epic. But director Mike Newell brought some genuine good humour to the film, something that is surprisingly rare for the series. This is my favourite of the series.
• Order of the Phoenix: Yet another entry that I don't remember much, outside of the final duel between Voldemort and Dumbledore. Magic looks its best and worst in this film. The duel was great, but throughout most of the film, wands are practically just laser blasters. The heavy reliance on CGI begins to show. It is much less tactile than it used to be, and it'll stay this way from now on.
• Half Blood Prince: Basically a set up for Deathly Hallows, this movie feels like it's all set up with little pay off. It's my personal least favourite entry in the series. But I do have to say, it does make me feel sympathetic towards Malfoy. That was a neat change of pace.
• Deathly Hollows Part 1: We all know breaking the last book into 2 movies is a cash grab. But it certainly paid off artistically. This movie has room to breathe, has time to let emotions brood. I love the tone and the atmosphere. I also love the dialogues, how minimal the informations are often are.
• Deathly Hollows Part 2: What a satisfying ending. Personally I still think Part 1 is better, but Part 2 ranks pretty high. It's not easy to end a long series satisfyingly. EndGame is kinda hit or miss for me. But Deathly Hollows couldn't have been much better. Each character has a satisfying arc, the mythology is neatly wrapped up, it feels complete.
• At the end, I think I'll go with this order:
• Goblet -> Philosopher -> Hollows 1 -> Prisoner -> Hollows 2 -> Phoenix -> Chamber -> Half Blood.

And that's the update. Which Harry Potter movie is your favourite?

No, I'm probably not gonna watch all the Fantastic Beasts movies.