Blog

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

What can I say?

If you are going to watch this film then you already know what it’s about. It certainly delivers, bringing to life the book I love so much. It had everything, tension, drama, romance and those wonderful laugh out loud moments to break though the sheer darkness of it all.

Sitting through the  Deathly Hallows part one was like sitting through the first half of a film and skipping the ending. This is that ending. It gives no concession to anyone who might have missed part one, it just jumps straight in. Once it starts, it just steam rolls all the way to the end. Against its bleak setting, Harry Potter’s young cast shine. They have all come such a long way since this saga began. 

Visually, it is stunning and if you choose, you can bid farewell to Harry in 3D.

Potter fans will not be disappointed, and even as a casual observer, you can’t deny this films’ brilliance.

Film of the year.

 

Potter Mania!

In 1997 Ms Rowling gave the world Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, a fantasy novel about a young wizard named Harry. It was aimed at children. Fourteen years later, who would have thought one kids book could have such a massive impact on popular culture.

My local cinema has shown each of the previous seven films each day since last Friday, gearing up for the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Every where I turn I am reminded of its release. It seems that other film makers have marked the day in their diaries with a black x, nothing wants to compete against it. I can see why. You know your franchise is huge when you can advertise a release with just a picture of your characters, no title needed.

It’s now been four years since book stores nation wide flung open their doors to costumed Potter fans at midnight for the release of the final book. Four years, and fans are still clamouring for it. The turn out at the premier was proof of that.  But this is it. The final film. It’s a little bit sad really. When was the last time there was this much excitement over a book, or series of books? I hope  J.K. Rowling decides to publish again, I’m sure it will be something special, but more than that I really want to see the reaction to it. I want the excitement of Potter all over again.

In the mean time, I will be at the cinema over the weekend to see The Deathly Hallows. Looking forward to it.

Transformers: Dark Side of The Moon

Another outing for the Autobots and Decepticons. The war between the two sides continues and, as we find out in this film, has been raging for much longer than anyone thought. Led by Optimus Prime, the Autobots are racing against time to discover the secrets hidden on the dark side of the moon. Once again Sam Witwicky is at their side, with latest girlfriend in tow.

Dark Side of the Moon, the third film in the Transformers franchise, is much better than Revenge of the Fallen.  The story rattles on at a fairly impressive pace, it needs to for the length of it. As it’s a sequel, there’s no real need to set up the characters, we already know them. That makes it easy to get into. If you’re looking for deep characters and incredible story line, then look elsewhere, though by now most people will know what to expect from Transformers. This film is all about the action and the eye candy and on those fronts, it delivers. Too many films have jumped on the 3D bandwagon (unsuccessfully), this isn’t one of them. The 3D only enhances the effects.

No Megan Fox in this film, instead Rosie Huntington-Whiteley plays Carly Spencer, Sam’s girlfriend. Sentinel Prime is voiced by Leonard Nimoy, who also leant his voice to the 1986 animated Transformers film. A quick mention too for Alan Tudyk who plays Dutch. He was great as always.

Impressive new villain Shockwave leaves a lasting impression. He was certainly a highlight of the film for me. I loved the splice of real footage from the sixties space race with footage created for the film early on. A cameo from Buzz Aldrin was a nice touch.

Wheelie and Brains get a little annoying after a while, but I think that’s the point.

Entertaining.