Harry Potter Deathly Hallows1

I don't see why  numerous other reviewer’s are  raving in this as  the best in the series. I do not agree. I would give it a 70 out of 100 points. I felt let down at the end. This installment is definitely more tied to the emotions of the characters than any other, that is undisputable but it seems enough  critics aren’t  talk about  that. There are not numerous  creepy scenes like some imply. I found nothing  “wickedly creepy” in this. Voldemort (sp?) robs Dumbledoor’s (sp?) grave?  Not scary. Should have  been! There is one rather startling scene,  and seeing where Harry’s parents died seemed down played where I would’ve preferred the story explore more background conflict there. I do not know if  this work reflects the book’s storyline well.  This installment  is  the equivalent of   “The Empire Strikes back in the Wizard’s World” to me.

The ending left me feeling hanging by a thread. It was just “there”.  Many adults left my  showing (large theater,  full crowd) griping about the chintzy ending. Seems to me this release was  commercialized to suck you back in to see the real final installment (more profit taking) at your expense. I would prefer one long showing of  the final installment  in the series  with a concessions break in the middle, which would've brought the theaters more profit as well.  Point is: I’m not  chomping at the bit to see part 2 while  I have been  excited about  seeing subsequent   films after seeing some  other installments in this series.

Personally, I wish someone had told me to wait and  buy this DVD and then watch it right before going to see part two in the theater for the sake of continuity.

LiveJournal Tags: Harry Potter,review,Deathly Hallows

Some Oscar talk

While there's still  enough movies that haven't yet  been released to justify  belaying casting my vote for best male actor or best picture for the upcoming Academy Awards;  here  you’ll  find a little something to read to give you some ideas about the pictures that I too am looking at for good solid big-screen entertainment:
http://www.comcast.net/articles/entertainment-eonline/20101116/b211413/

I’m also a little disappointed there is no mention of  Remmer’s supporting role in  “The Town”; here’s hoping that type of commentary was just beyond the scope of that authors post.

LiveJournal Tags: Academy Awards,Best Picture,Best Supporting actor

Hereafter

What happens when we die? Hereafter is really about our human instinct and wishing we could  still reach out to those who pre-deceased us.  Explored through the  perspective of at least  3  key players:  a French woman, a young child, and the  seer-sayer himself. Others though do play impactful roles, for example; Damon’s character’s cooking class partner for one runs away when   confronted by his unique ability.  A few terse moments occur,  but the movie’s intent is not fright. It makes you think not only about what happens in the transition, but what if anything is there to look forward to?  Well acted, well scripted. A stark ending though,   that I  finally decided was intentional. Spiritually oriented individuals will really  like this,  others I think could  be  bored.

Must be seen on big screen?	No	Entertaining and worthwhile  just the same
wait for DVD or rental?	not if   money’s not tight
OK for your elementary school child?	Probably not unless  you’ve already   explored the concept of “death” and “dying” with your child
OK for your child  14 or under?	probably yes	I envision a curious child could  confront you on your positioning relevant to  death & dying
OK for Family movie night?	Yes	no foul language nor sexual implications of concern;  slight and  brief drug use easily overlooked in the beginning
Comments	I actually wished it had been intentionally spookier	probably due to the time of year

LiveJournal Tags: Herefter,death,dying,pyschic

What’s hot now

My goal  is to help you decide from a responsible parent’s perspective and in   < 50 words if you  would like a given movie (or should you let your young children see it). An arduous task when trying to express  value   for you entertainment dollars in a simple way.

I post sporadically this  “What’s hot now”  for the occasional  movie go-er in order  to help them   select wisely for their interests and their available choices.  Recommendations  are for releases up to the date of the post.

Best family picture: Secretariat

Best overall picture: The Social Network

Possible  nomination for  best male supporting role: Jeremy Remmer in  Aflack’s “The Town”

Two thumbs down: Machete

All the above and more  are reviewed in this blog.

LiveJournal Tags: The Social Network,Secretariet,The Town

RED

An entirely fun, entertaining movie! Better writing would’ve  put together  more continuous rather than spotty  laughter, and a more complex plot – both together could’ve   made this  action comedy really top flight. Still, I LOL alot during this showing.  Malkovich on  the screen as the loony  character he portrays is delightful, and Mary-Louise Parker plays the role of the older guy’s young girlfriend so perfectly.

Must be seen on big screen?	No…	…an entirely fun, entertaining movie!
wait for DVD or rental?	No…	… but parents attending with children  pay heed below
OK for your elementary school child?	No	sporadic  graphic scenes of violence
OK for your child  14 or under?	guarded yes	if you allow them to view scenes  of  graphic violence and injury
OK for Family movie night?	highly recommended for a more mature viewing audience	Mom & Dad both will probably like this
Comments	I’ve never yet seen Bruce Willis in a bad flick,  and that streak continues	Malkovich excels in another   eccentric character role
Comments	no doubt  I will add this to my collection

LiveJournal Tags: RED,Willis,Freeman,action movies,comedy

Secretariat

The   horse won the triple crown and made history in  1973. Disney studios  captures well the chronicling of the greatest race horse ever known   in “Secretariat”.  John Malkovich excels in  hilariously superior form as the horse’s eccentric and whimsical trainer, along with other well acted roles played by a variety of actors you’ll recognize.  This is a feel good family movie  about getting  hit  head on  with obstacles,  perseverance,    and positive outcomes. This movie is clean, good  fun, and leaves  you feeling refreshed - with a little bit of the history  from back in  the day too. Enjoy!

Must be seen on big screen?	no…	… but it’s well worth it if you do
wait for DVD or rental?	no need, this a good for the entire family
OK for your elementary school child?	Absolutely yes	Contains   scenes from a funeral
OK for your child  14 or under?	Yes
OK for Family movie night?	Highly recommended for any age group	A lot of people who see this will add it to their collections for a feel good family movie night repeat
Comments		A wall acted accounting of a piece of history from many of our lives

LiveJournal Tags: 70's,1973,Secretariat,horse racing

The Social Network

Rarely does  a work chronicle an event or an era or a situation so well that people must  hold the work in truly  highest regard.  This is  true of  “The Social Network”,  which magnificently  chronicles our lives, our existence, our being,  and events in our our time and the era we’re living in a la   par excellence. To date,   I see  The Social Network  winning Best Picture at this year’s Academy Awards.

Must be seen on big screen?	Yes	Well acted, well told story you  will be able to   understand and relate to
wait for DVD or rental?	No, but will  probably add it to my collection	A Best Picture nomination  mostly likely assured; winner possible!
OK for your elementary school child?	No	prevalent drinking, some sexuality and  probably too complex to enjoy for a  grade school child.
OK for your child  14 or under?	Yes	They are probably on Facebook anyway although   some of the  business  irony might get lost on them if not attentive
OK for Family movie night?	Yes	just beware of scenes with  some adult content (some nudity, some drugs)
Comments	Better than “The Town”, but  not in the “action”, ”crime” , or “drama” genres either	Exciting,  satirical,  chronicle of an era

LiveJournal Tags: Academy Awards,Facebook,chronicle