Are you kidding me?

When I read Richard Corliss' review of the latest Harry Potter movie I got pretty riled up. I don't mind that the author didn't like the film, he's perfectly entitled; but I found his reasons to be...upsetting?

Dear Sir or Madame,

“A Hollow Hallows,” Richard Corliss’ review of the seventh installment of the Harry Potter franchise was an uninformed, mass appeal, and tasteless piece. In it the author reproaches the film for slowing the story down “just as it should rev up” due to it being split into two parts. Maybe the movie not being an overstimulating morsel of mindless entertainment is what makes it unique. Did he not consider that the intention of that move was to make the end of a wonderful story as accurate as possible by not having to edit out half of the story? Sure they make more money, but if you go through life believing that everyone is a money hungry brute, what’s the point? The seventh book is about the aimlessness and vulnerability of the trio, and then the review knocks the film for capturing that so perfectly?  The comment that Harry “spends too much time cursing his mentor... for not having left clearer clues to follow” contains a double standard. The introduction of a real emotional reaction into the film is heralded as an annoyance, yet Mr. Corliss claims that the film lacked “emotional kick” until the final Dobby death scene. He states that “three teens in a tent...ought to spark some sexual tension” yet the book isn’t about sex or “erotic abrasion.” It’s about a group of teenage friends who love, not lust. He also says that Hermione is Harry’s “obvious soul mate,” but anyone who knows anything about the true plot of Harry Potter knows that Ron and Hermione, and Harry and Ginny, end up married (wouldn’t Harry marrying Hermione be too obvious?). Mr. Corliss states that Hermione plays the role of “an efficient woman who must be mother to [Harry and Ron]”. Just because Hermione is a smart and capable young woman who carries male characters of the story does not make her a mother. If it was the other way around no one would say that Harry was the father. Many movies are centered around a male character carrying the rest of the cast, but are not reproached for having a “dad figure.” Also, as to the “efficient woman” comment, to quote Ron and Hermione, “always the tone of surprise.” Just because the film was not the typical action, sex, objectified stupid women type that everyone in America seems to love, doesn’t mean it has no value. Maybe it even has more. 

Thank you, and with all due respect, 

Chloé Despos, 15