This is it: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2 Review

July 14 was an anxious day.  I was watching earlier Harry Potter films all day and doing what I could to look for a job.  I was excited because that night I would get to see the final Harry Potter film at midnight with my wife.  It all started in 6th grade (2000) when I read the first four Potter books in under two weeks.  I never really got into reading until then.  Then the films started that next year.  I was there the day the first one came out.  I was first in line with my friend.  I was there for the first (or second) day or midnight showing for all 8 Harry Potter films.  This is a big deal for me.

Enough about me, what about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2 (say that 5 times fast)?  Being the most talked about film this year, HP7.2 lived up and exceeded the hype.  The acting was free from hiccups that has riddled the young actors for years.  The older actors (Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, and more) were great.  All the actors delivered the action and emotion that was necessary to make this film near-perfect.

One element of the film-making that really impressed me for the second time in a row was the pacing.  Part 1 was meant to be a slower, anxious feeling film.  Part 2 was almost the opposite: a fast-paced action film loaded with emotion, well-placed humor, and answers to questions building since the first installment.

This film stays true to the book and will please both fans of the just the films or both films and books.  The film wasn't perfect, but I'm not going to complain.  How can you complain when [spoiler] Molly Weasley calls Bellatrix Lestrange a bitch and then kills her?  It's just awesome.  Ron and Hermione's kiss also did not disappoint.  The years of built up emotion released in the amazing on screen kiss.  I got shivers.  The feeling I got when this film was finished is still lingering: joy.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is rated PG-13 and runs 130 minutes.  This film is a lot of action, death, and scary scenes and a little language.  Just know this before you show your kids or kid siblings this flick.  I gave Part 1 ten ramheads out of 10.  This one was better even than that.  I give Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 10 ramheads out of 10.

New type of movie: Interactive!

I heard about this stuff from Mashable.com and I love it. It is creative, well thought out, and beautifully made. Interactive movies are going to be one of the next best really cool things online. Chad, Matt & Rob are entertaining and do a great job. Watch and play The Treasure Hunt here:

5 Scenes that I would have liked to see in Deathly Hallows part 1

If you haven't seen Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, you may not want to read this, as I talk about what is and isn't in the film. If you haven't read the book, you'll be confused.

5. Phineas Nigellus in the beaded bag

4. Harry stealing and eventually burying Mad-Eye Moody's magical eye

3. Harry, Ron, and Hermione listening to their friends on Potterwatch radio

2. Dudley's heartfelt goodbye with Harry

1. Harry telling off Lupin at Grimmauld place

To make room for some or all of these scenes I could have gone without the Harry-Hermione dance. It was a little weird and didn't really go with the flow of the movie. I didn't hate it, but I could have gone without it.

What do you think? What scenes did you want or did you not like?

Avatar Update

So you've probably heard that Avatar was released on DVD and Blu-Ray last week. It only features the film, no extras at all. I'm not going to buy this version. Why? Because in November they are releasing a box set version with tons of special features and a lot of extra footage. I'm going to save my money now and buy the better edition later. I figured I'd give you a heads up about that. Have a great day!
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This ghost is no Casper, but he's friendly

I've always enjoyed Ewan McGregor films. I haven't seen alot of them, but the one's I've seen have been excellent. He grows an awesome beard in Star Wars II and III, he is spectacular in Big Fish, and I love his first name. The Ghost Writer is no exception.

McGregor plays the character only named "The Ghost" in this brilliantly written suspenseful thriller. The difference between this thriller and alot of others out there is that this one is smart. The characters are very convincing, thanks to the acting. Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, and Olivia Williams all pull of award-worthy performances. The minor roles all had solid acting as well.

The other thing that sets this film apart is the ending. I'm not going to say how it ends, but I was extremely impressed. It is just good movie-making. It reminded me of how Citizen Kane ended.

The music in this film is very well done. Andre Desplat, the composer, did a great job assisting with the suspense and intrigue. The music in this film is putting me a little at ease about the fact that Desplat is doing the music for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1.

This film was bloody brilliant in my opinion and I would highly recommend it. The Ghost Writer runs 128 minutes minutes and is rated PG-13. This isn't too bad for kids, but younger ones probably wouldn't get it. I give this film 10 ramheads out of 10.

Alice!

I finally saw the much anticipated Alice in Wonderland [3D] (2010) on Saturday and let me tell you, another film lived up to the hype. First Avatar, now Alice.... I'm a pretty happy moviegoer.

Tim Burton creates a much more adult "Underland" in this adaptation of the Lewis Carroll book. Alice has returned to Wonderland, where everything seems vaguely familiar to her, but she thinks it is a dream. The audience journeys along with Alice as she deals with a darker Wonderland than in her childhood and has more decisions to make. Parts of the movie may seem superfluous or misguided at times, but that is because Alice is feeling misguided; the film immerses the audience very well. You feel how Alice feels. It's pretty sweet. It may be a bit darker and dealing with heavier subject matter, but it was still funny.

Johnny Depp, of course, plays the Mad Hatter, who has a lot more depth than I remember from the animated classic. Depp does a spectacular job. Mia Wasikowska also nailed her role as Alice. I was extremely impressed with the performances...even the CG performances. The characters felt real to me. (That's a good thing.)

Danny Elfman's score was brilliant. It helped create the mystery and was an essential part of this film. The only thing is that it felt like I had heard it in another film; it just felt familiar. I love this score, so I'm not going to knock it. Here's a sample:

Overall, this movie rocked. Alice in Wonderland is rated PG and runs 108 minutes. This one can be shown to all ages, though kids probably wouldn't get the deeper meaning. 9 ramheads out of 10.

Who thought a movie about journalism could be so exciting?

...Or that Russell Crowe could be that chubby? State of Play (2009) is an action packed, mind boggling thriller that is smart, well-cast/acted, and about politics.

The story is about a politician, his journalist friend, and the love polygons that eventually lead to a murder. And guess who does the principle investigating? Certainly not the cops...it is the journalists! This story of betrayals and friendships will keep you guessing until the end (unless you've seen it already).

I was thoroughly impressed with the story, the amount of action, and the acting. The music didn't stand out, but I'm sure it added to the suspense. Finally, this story could really happen. That impressed me the most. The only thing this film doesn't have is staying power. Because the story is so suspenseful, one needs to wait a long time after he/she sees it to see it again...otherwise you lose that unexpected feeling in the pit of your stomach.

State of Play runs 128 minutes and is rated PG-13. I would follow the MPAA on this one...only watch with 13-year-olds or older: this movie is too smart for some younger kids and has enough language. I give it 8 ramheads out of 10.

One of those movie that you're embarrassed to watch with your mom...

About five minutes ago, I finished watching The Hangover (2009) for the first time. This movie wasn't the funniest movie I've seen, but it was one of the best written comedies. It is creative, not generic.

If you haven't seen it, here's a brief summary: 4 guys go to Vegas for a bachelor party, get really drunk/drugged, wake up with a lot of weird stuff, realize the groom is missing, and have to figure it out from there... It was really cleverly written. The acting was really good, especially from Zach Galifianakis (Alan). (You'll know him when you seem him.) There is quite a bit of language and one naked Chinese guy (Ken Jeong, Community), but all in all, this movie was hilarious.

This movie runs 100 minutes and is rated R. DO NOT show this to kids, it will screw them up. I give it 8 ramheads out of 10 for a creative screenplay and because it was really funny.

One of my favorite Christmas movies....

We all make choices, choices that decide our path in life and choices that define us. All of our choices define us. What if we could get a glimpse of what our life would be like if we chose otherwise? The Family Man (2000) explores what Jack Campbell's (Nicolas Cage) life would be like if he changed his mind in college. Jack gets the glimpse of a lifetime.

This film stresses priorities and choosing love over career. It is a wonderful, wholesome message wrapped in a humorous package. This film is brilliantly written and hits me right in the heart. I adore this film and will make a point of watching it every Christmastime.

The Family Man runs 126 minutes and is rate PG-13. Aside from some language (two words) this film is one that the whole family can watch. I give it 10 ramheads out of 10.

Grab your umbrella!

Like I said in an earlier post, I watched A LOT of movies over my Christmas break. Rain Man (1988) was one of my favorites. This film deserved all the awards it won.

The film is about a selfish foreign car importer, Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise) and his discovery, upon his father's death, that he had a brother--Raymond (Dustin Hoffman)--and that his brother is an autistic savant (he is extraordinarily with numbers and memory, but lacks the ability to do simple tasks and to have normal relationships). Charlie "kidnaps" his brother, intending to get ransom money from the institution he took Raymond from, but things don't go his way. He ends up traveling across the country all the while growing more and more fond of his brother.

It is a story of transformation for Charlie, and a heartwarming one at that. There is a bit of language, but it is definitely part of Charlie's character and is necessary for the film. Tom Cruise does an excellent job, but Dustin Hoffman gave the performance of a lifetime. He was truly spectacular.

Rain Man runs 133 minutes and is rated R. This is not a film for children. I give it 9 ramheads out of 10.

Elementary....or not?

Just minutes ago I returned from the movie theatre upon seeing Sherlock Holmes (2009). I must say, I was thoroughly entertained! Robert Downy Jr. (Holmes) is spectacular and his Golden Globe was much deserved.

This film did was movies are supposed to do: entertain. The acting was solid. The story was definitely a Sherlock Holmes mystery, very well written. The music (by Hans Zimmer) was spectacular. It was the best music I've heard since Harry Potter 6. Here's a song that's not on the soundtrack, but featured in the end credits:
This film looks really good. London looks great. Great filmography. The only thing missing is the fabled term "Elementary" from Holmes' dialogues with Watson.

If you haven't yet seen it, go ahead!

P.S. They are already planning a sequel, and Brad Pitt is probably going to be the villain.

Sherlock Holmes runs 128 minutes and is rated PG-13. Most kids would be fine watching this one.... 9 ramheads out of 10 for a purely entertaining experience.

It's kinda sad to see a baby die....

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) was very curious indeed, it probably didn't deserve all the nominations it received, but won what it deserved. Confused yet? It was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars and Golden Globes, but didn't win any GG's and won Oscars for "Art Direction", "Makeup", and "Visual Effects". These I agree it deserves, but definitely not even a Best Picture nomination.

Sure, the concept is extremely intriguing (originally written as a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald), but the filmmakers didn't do enough with it. The acting was outstanding, Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett both shined. The visual effects were really well done. The music was sufficient; it didn't stand out as bad or good. Technically, the parts were there, but I still would have changed a few things.

First, this film was missing morality. Random sexual encounters occurred numerous times and the marriages in this film weren't good examples. The magnet-affected moral compass was troubling to me... Second, this film was really LONG. It wasn't quite 3 hours, but it felt like it. Finally, this film was missing its X-factor. The filmmakers seemed to rely on the concept of reverse aging to drive the entire film. It didn't and I was disappointed.

Benjamin Button runs 166 minutes and is rated PG-13. Sure you can show it to kids, but they would probably be bored. I give it a disappointing 6 ramheads out of 10.

Remember Even Stevens?

I got Disturbia (2007) from the library last week because I've heard good things about it (and I like to watch movies)....also, because it always makes me think of the song Disturbia by Rihanna...

The film focuses on Kale (Shia LaBeouf) and his punching-his-Spanish-teacher-in-the-face invoked house arrest. Upon the realization that his mom canceled his X-Box Live and iTunes and cuts the cord to his TV, he takes to sleeping, making Twinkie towers, and watching his neighbors with binoculars. He ends up learning a lot about his neighbors: some are boring, some are hot (and end up dating you), and some are serial killers.

The story is intriguing, but not complex. There were moments that I was having a hard time watching, because I knew something bad was going to happen. For that, I commend this film. It really made my heart pound. There are some things that I (and most others) would not do that some of the characters in this movie did. For example, I would never sneak into someone's home--who I suspect to be a crazed killer--and poke around trying to figure out if he is one.....especially not at night. And, if I was unable, I would definitely not convince my best friend to do so, putting him in harms way, possibly awaiting his death. For these moments of shear stupidity, I take away ramheads.

The filmography is well done, the music is great, the acting was solid. Disturbia runs 105 minutes and is rated PG-13. This would probably scare kids, so use discretion. I give this film 7 ramheads out of 10.

Citizen Kane....my first REAL classic movie review...

While browsing the DVDs at my local library, I came across Citizen Kane, the 1941 Academy Award winning classic, starring Orson Welles. I had heard of it, and knew it was considered a classic. I figured I'd culture myself and watch it.

While this film does not have amazing action scenes, dazzling special effects, or even an exciting story, it does capture the essence of man. Man who was given away for money. Man who could get almost anything he wanted. We journeyed with that man. We saw that man at his best, though he never achieved what he could, and we saw him at his worst.

Charles Foster Kane didn't have God, he never really loved, and he strove for the love of others, to win the hearts of the people. His people.

I thought the film was brilliantly written, with the perfect ending. I would recommend anyone who is mature enough to watch it. It earned the title classic.

Citizen Kane was made before ratings, but I wouldn't show it to kids, they wouldn't get it and would probably be bored. I give it 9 ramheads out of 10.

They're blue, but they're not Smurfs...*UPDATE*

*I SAW IT AGAIN IN 3D AND DECIDED TO UPDATE THIS REVIEW*

While watching Avatar for the first time, all I could think was, "Wow." Ever since I left, all I could think was, "I want to see it again." I actually did see it again. Yeah, I loved Avatar.

To start, James Cameron's epic was visually amazing. The Na'vi looked real. Pandora looked stunning. The creatures were convincing. The human weapons, ships, robots were also realistic and believable. But enough about the CG and special effects, what about the story?

Many action movies and sci-fi movies don't have much of a plot. Avatar does not fall in this category. Cameron layers this story, intertwining numerous different themes.

The first evident theme is shown by Colonel Quaritch (Stephen Lang). Quaritch is hardcore, hardened military man. He shows no mercy to his enemies and is quick to decide you are his enemy. He had an unwavering prejudice of the Na'vi and those who side with them. He is eager to fight them. The underlining theme here is that some like Quaritch fight first, ask questions later. Military is shown in a negative light in this film, but it really isn't military, they are hired "security". This brings me to the next theme woven into this film.

The next theme is that of corporate greed. Parker Selfridge (Giovanni Ribisi) is trying to please shareholders by destroying the home of the Na'vi to get the conveniently named unobtainium. He needs to make money at all costs. We see this around us every day. Greed. Love of money above the lives of others. It is sad, but true.

Another theme I've noticed is that of love. Jake falls in love with Neytiri. Cameron is good at telling stories like these (Titanic). Just to be clear, though, this is NOT the main theme. Sure it is there, but it does not consume the story.

I've only touched on those themes that are evident to me and more obvious. I'm sure there are many more--I just thought of one: redemption--but I just wanted to convey that this film is much more than pretty visuals and action. There is a heart and soul to this movie.

There was solid acting all around. They aren't the biggest names in the film industry, but the actors in this film do their job. The musical score in this film is good, not great. James Horner's score in some places is spectacular and in others somewhat generic. I've listened to it separate outside the movie (and obviously during the film) and I like it. It doesn't match his work in Titanic, but it does the job well. On a side note, this movie doesn't feature unnecessary sex scenes, swearing, or any other garbage featured in a lot of today's movies; I was pleasantly surprised.

Finally, the 3D is cool, but not needed. I think in someways it really adds, but really, the film doesn't need 3D to be a great film.

P.S. Cameron said if Avatar is successful, he might make up to 2 sequels to it.

I expected to enjoy this movie, but not this much. I'm not going to give any more away. I was truly drawn into the Avatar experience. I think you can be too.

Avatar runs 162 minutes and is rated PG-13. I give it 10 ramheads out of 10.

MATT DAMON!

I just finished The Bourne Ultimatum last night and I decided that I should review the Bourne Series. The three movies are based on the Robert Ludlum novels from the 1980s (which I intend to read sometime in my lifetime.)

The Bourne Identity (2002) starts this CIA conspiracy story off and really gets the heart pounding. An action packed, well-written story like this is a rare find. The things that Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) does are not unrealistic, they're just awesome. The story gets you rooting for Bourne and against the US government. It is impressive.

The Bourne Supremacy (2004) picks up where Identity left off. Jason and his girlfriend are hiding in India where a hit-man comes and tries to take Bourne out, and ends up killing his girlfriend. This pisses him off and he searches for the people who tried to kill him and gets tangled with the CIA again. He ultimately remembers some stuff from his past and deals with that while once again escaping CIA capture.

The third one, The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) is the most recent Bourne film and the best one yet. I liked the story, how things are resolved, and the action was phenomenal. It continues where Supremacy ended (and actually overlaps some times) and he's trying to find out about how he became a brainwashed CIA agent/assassin. He does find out (but I'm not going to tell you how). There was some resolution in this one, including Bourne learning his real name, David Webb.

As far as the future goes, Matt Damon stated that he is working on a fourth Bourne film, which is good because those movies are really enjoyable and Damon does an excellent job.

All three movies are rated PG-13 and they run 119, 108, and 115 minutes respectively. This film isn't as violent as Gladiator so I think most kids are ok watching it. I give the first 3 movies in the Bourne Series 8 ramheads out of 10 for solid action in a good plot.

He throws phones and kicks butt....

Most people remember when Russell Crowe threw a phone at a housekeeping worker at a hotel. That was really funny, but kind of a letdown. Russell Crowe is a tremendous actor and I hope he lives a good life off screen. Gladiator, however, was no letdown.

This film also co-stars Jacquin Phoenix, who went AWOL with acting and had an awkward experience on Letterman in February. Phoenix is a great actor and does an awesome job as the villain in this film, and you really hate him.

The story was severely entertaining and superbly written. There was action a-plenty. The acting was near perfect. Hans Zimmer's music is tremendous (but weirdly Pirate-esque). The special effects were seamless, especially when you realize that this film was released almost 10 years ago.

I had only one problem with this film. There are a few lines here and there that are mumbled and quiet that I had to rewind and listen to again (sometimes 3 times). That got to be a little annoying.

This film is an epic. It is rated R (i'm sure for violence) so any desensitized kid is ok watching it. I wouldn't recommend it, but if they are already messed up with video game violence, this film won't hurt any. It runs 155 minutes (unless you get the extended version on DVD). I give this really cool film 9 ramheads out of 10.

It looks better with completed CG...

Yeah, you caught me. I watched X-Men Origins: Wolverine online, in an uncompleted format. Sure, the quality was low, but it still was a cool movie. And besides, I'm in college and I don't have any money. That was last spring. This time I watched the completed, DVD quality version. The movie was pretty much the same, but the action was way better.

Origins has a somewhat complex plot for a comic book movie. It really took me two times (the second of which I was NOT tired) to really grasp the full effect and feel of this film. It is a highly interesting story, especially for someone like myself who has not read the comics. Ever since the first X-Men movie came out, I've always wondered what made Wolverine what he is. This story does that and more. It shows how other popular X-Men characters intertwined their origins with Wolverine's.

Technically speaking, this movie is phenomenal. The special effects and action are heart-pounding. The music isn't "go-out-and-buy-this-soundtrack" good, but it does a decent job. The acting is solid, Hugh Jackman is good as ever, and ripped as ever. Although I was really impressed with this movie it is far from perfect. It has a big plot, but doesn't have a ton of substance: not really good verses evil, but good is seeking revenge, gets confused, gets screwed, then gets screwed again, then gets shot in the head and forgets everything. I give it 7 ramheads out of 10, I liked it, but it wasn't standout. It is rated PG-13 and runs 107 minutes. You really can show this to your kids if you want, it isn't that bad. Honestly, they'll like the action (if they are boys) or just get confused with the plot (if they are girls).

Titanic UPDATE: 3D?

So guess what I recently heard and never told you? Yeah, that's right, Titanic is going to be back in theatres in 2011 in 3D. This is two things: cool and selling out. I will go and see it (with my fiance) but I know they are doing it to make some more money. Oh well....it's kind of a win-win for those who like the movie and a nuisance for those who don't. I'm ok with that.

Heil von Stauffenberg!

This is going to be short and sweet. Valkyrie was a quality historical thriller that delves into the meat of WWII Nazi Germany. It taught me a lot of what I didn't know and thoroughly entertained me as well. Tom Cruise is still a solid actor and his performance here proves it. Even though he's a little crazy, he does a great English speaking rebel Nazi. The intensity of this movie kept me awake even though I was pretty tired. The technical aspects of this movie were also well done. Overall, I was entertained by this film.

The film is rated PG-13 for violence and language...I wouldn't show this to anyone under 13. There is a good deal of violence and language. It runs 120 minutes. I give it an above-average-but-not-the-best-film-I've-seen 7 ramheads out of 10.