Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Directed by David Yates, Warner Bros., 2011. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman and Maggie Smith.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery

Question: Any Harry Potter fans out there? I know dumb question but I have to start with something. I just got back from the final installment in J.K. Rowling's magical tale, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, and it far exceeded my expectations. Well done!

About twelve years ago I started reading the Harry Potter books and found them fascinating, entertaining and wildly imaginative. It was a world that I so wanted to visit again and again. Ten years ago the first of eight movies was in the theater. I was blown away with the leap from book to silver screen. The first movie captured everything and more from the casting, special effects and the telling of the story of the boy who lived.

The next six movies all did a fantastic job translating the tale but usually with a lot of details removed. That didn't ruin any of the movies but I was happy to know the deeper meaning of each film; and since this series of books landed on the best sellers lists again and again I knew I wasn't the only one privy to the extra information.

If I had reviewed the first seven movies they probably would have averaged 8 out of 10 for me. Each one helping us delve deeper into the wizardly world of Harry Potter. Every character, spell or creature compelled us to follow the path to the next movie (book). So today when my son and I went to see the final chapter I was a little sad to see it come to an end. However, let me say, they saved the best for last! WOW!!

I am not going to go into much detail like my other reviews, but I have to say that the final movie captured what I deeply adored about this tale: That love is the greatest power and what gives you the courage to face your fears. Many might not realize that this is what Harry Potter is about - they might think this is about good vs. evil, or learning to find your potential or just really cool magic. And, yes, those are a part of this wonderfully bewitching story but I always saw something more.

To me Harry Potter was always about something greater: Love. The love of a friend, the love of a family member and even a love from a far allows everyone to find the courage to live even when faced with the what looks like insurmountable odds. And with that kind of love sacrifice is an easy choice to insure this world is a better place.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 finally revealed many things that were never answered or answered differently in the previous films. The storytelling was perfect. I remember when I finished the book I lingered there realizing I just finished one of the best messages I had ever read, and the same thing happened when I finished this movie. In fact, I started this review not twenty minutes after it ended. I couldn't write it down quickly enough.

Now I don't think you should see this movie if you hadn't seen all the earlier movies. Sure you can skip reading the series but I ask: why would you? (My son is reading the books now and halfway through the movie he whispered to me "Mom, this is a 10 out of 10!" I smiled thinking the same thing.) Harry and the gang gave us a thrill ride and I want to thank them for a great time.

The special effects were spectacular, the acting was spot-on and the emotions it evoked brought tears to my eyes, several grins and even a huge chuckle but finally a cathartic sigh. It was a relief to know that the filmmakers took the time, respect and care to tell us this perfect tale - a tale of love. That is the greatest magic of them all, don't you agree?

My favorite thing: One character, who will remain nameless now, whose sacrifice was heartbreaking for me but probably one of the greatest form of love I saw on film.

My least favorite thing: not one thing!

Rating: PG-13
Length: 130 minutes

Review: 10 out of 10

Midnight in Paris

Directed (and written) by Woody Allen, Gravier Productions,  2011. Starring Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Michael Sheen and Marion Cotillard

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance.

Question: Have you ever gone to a film reluctantly? A lot of the times you think the movie isn't your cup of tea, right? I had to use that expression because my mother wanted to go see the latest Owen Wilson film because she likes him. Yes, my mouth dropped open when she said that. My mom likes Owen Wilson! Not that I blame her, one bit, but I immediately thought she must have seen only Marley & Me and Behind Enemy Lines and not Bottle Rocket,  Wedding Crashers or The Royal Tennenbaums.  I was right.

However, it was Woody Allen's latest film: Midnight in Paris that had me questioning the offer of a free movie ticket. I am not his biggest fan, but I do have respect for the film-maker. Nevertheless, you know I am always game to see a film.

As we were sitting in the theater, at noon on a Monday, I noticed there was a certain age bracket that kept walking in. I was not a member of that group. My mom was though. I wondered if they too were Owen Wilson fans, and I started giggling as each person or couple came in. My mom laughed with me once I informed her about my reason for the giggling.

Soon the lights dimmed and the 15 previews finished. Okay, I am exaggerating but even my mother complained about how many there were. Maybe, I got my distaste of previews from her?

The film began and I was getting a little nervous because the opening credits and song went on for an extended period of time -- perhaps two or three minutes too long. However, it was bearable for it was showing picture-perfect views of Paris. Then the dialogue began and I knew immediately I was watching a Woody Allen film. Owen Wilson's voice conversed with Rachel McAdams' character for about a minute to a black screen. It was quintessential Woody Allen.

Then it hit me: Owen Wilson might have been born to act in a Woody Allen film. Seriously, it was perfect casting. His demeanor and delivery of the overly wordy but brilliant dialogue dripped deliciously off his tongue. I soon relaxed and let the story take me away. And what a wonderful story!

Now, if you like any of the following: Art History, Classic Literature, Musical History, or Film History -- you are going to love this movie. Okay, that is about the only hint I will give you about the wonderfully imaginative part of the plot, but rest assured this movie will delight you.

Owen Wilson plays a writer visiting Paris with his self-absorbed, and overly-pampered-by-her-parents-fiancé played brilliantly by Rachel McAdams (complete opposite of her character in Wedding Crashers). He is a writer stuck in a type of career that doesn't fulfill him and all he wants to do during his trip is walk around Paris soaking in the city's allure.  His fiancé, however, does not so he strolls alone, at night, around the City of Lights. This is something that everyone should do from time to time.


The adventure or quest he takes allows the imagination to soar. It's a slightly off-beat, Woody Allen-esque temperament story, but told in such an endearing way. I sat there mesmerized. This journey of discovery is one that most creative people must take to find their true passion in life. However, many choose not to take it for financial reasons.  Gil Pender, Owen Wilson, happily pursues the mysterious passageway, and we are all along for the ride of a lifetime.

His character felt eerily familiar -- not to another fictional personality but something more about yours truly. Spooky!


I loved Midnight in Paris, probably more than most would. First, I studied Art History in college; I recall many of the great authors of our past and envy their talent (especially of late); I am married to a musician and through osmosis picked up many wonderful facts about it; Plus, film, most importantly, is turning into my greatest passion in life.

In fact, I am now on my own creative quest, and I keep getting signs slapped in my face telling me things that will alter my creative life forever. It is scary but thrilling all at the same time. However,  Midnight in Paris was not just another one of those signs that only I will appreciate.

The cast of characters played by the following list was a perfect choice of actors to round out this masterpiece: Kathy Bates, who can do wrong in my eyes; Michael Sheen, probably one of the most talented and most diverse actors today; Tom Hiddleston, who I only saw recently in Thor but think he is about to hit his stride in Hollywood; and of course, Rachel McAdams and Owen Wilson were a brilliant pairing. This is their second movie together, and I have a feeling it won’t be their last.

I will never go reluctantly to a movie again! Thanks Mom (plus, Owen & Woody)!

My favorite thing: The moral of the story.

My least favorite thing. Nothing -- okay, the opening song was a little too long but that is being really picky.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 100 minutes

Review: 10 out of 10

Click on film poster to watch instantly:

127 Hours

Directed (and co-written) by Danny Boyle, Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2010. Starring James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara, and Treat Williams.

Genre: Adventure, Biography, Drama, Thriller.

Question: We all have had nightmares but you know the ones where you are screaming for help and nothing comes out? No matter what is happening in your dream:  being chased by a monster, falling from a skyscraper, or you just can't open that door -- not being able to get anyone to hear your desperate plead is by far one of the worst nightmares to have. 127 Hours takes that kind of nightmare from a real-life story and totally sucks you in to an unimaginable tale of one man's struggle.

I nearly cried when James Franco, stuck in the canyon on the first day, screams "HELP!" at the top of his lungs. This movie was powerful, emotional almost gut-wrenching at times, and had one of the most cathartic endings in any story on film. We all know the story but if you don't I won't tell you about it. 127 Hours is the true story of Aron Ralston and his survival story. (Based on the book "Between a Rock and a Hard Place", WOW, what literal meaning that has.)

It took me a long time to want to see this movie. Danny Boyle is by far one of the best directors we have today and his previous film, Slumdog Millionaire, is proof of that. But I just had no desire to see this one. Maybe it was the story. I have mentioned I am easily affected by movies and the premise made me feel a little claustrophobic. Also, James Franco is not one of my favorite actors. I know, shocking. I seem to like everyone -- according to my past reviews. There is just something about him that always kind of made me go "eh". Perhaps it is the characters he chooses to play. Who knows?

However, there was no denying 127 Hours was a good movie. All the accolades and awards tossed around did make me think twice. Now that I am reviewing movies I am forcing myself to broaden my horizons and not let any prejudices or preconceived notions get in the way. I am so happy I let me guard down about James Franco. He was fantastic and so was the movie!

The movie started off in an odd way but after you get into the story you soon understand why. We are not alone in this world of six billion people, but when you find yourself in a situation like Aron Ralston did -- it really doesn't matter how over-crowded our world seems.

While I was being totally mesmerized by Franco's performance, I kept wondering why it garnered a R rating. Sure there was an occasional curse word or two, no real nudity or violence against others, but then the scene I was dreading the most happened.  My fingers slowly crept up towards my eyes to help me shield the horror and then I understood the rating choice. How could someone own the ability and courage to do what he did? 127 Hours answers that question -- brilliantly and honestly.

Now if you have not seen this movie yet -- stop reading this review now and go download this or put it on your queue. You won't regret it.

My favorite thing: James Franco. He was truly fantastic in this film.

My least favorite: The urine part. I have a weak stomach.

Did the previews ruin it by showing too much? No!

Random thought: This movie had some wonderful shots of Moab and it reminded me of a friend of mine's Photography: Frank Lee Ruggles. Check out his work on his website or on his fanpage on Facebook. Amazing photographs of America.

Rating: R
Length: 94 minutes

Review: 10 out of 10

Inglourious Basterds

Directed (and written) by Quentin Tarantino, Universal Pictures, 2009. Starring Brad Pitt, Melanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz, Diane Kruger, et al.

Genre: Adventure, Drama, War.

Question: Have you seen a lot of war movies - specifically about WWII? I have. In fact, I have probably seen more than the average woman. Why? It's probably because my father enjoyed watching them and I enjoyed being with my dad, especially when I was younger. I believe I even saw Midway, The Eagle has Landed and A Bridge Too Far in the theater when I was around 6 or 7. I really can't be accurate about all the ones I viewed in the theater because I was so young. However, I saw most of them at home when they were on TV. No matter when or where I saw them, watching them prepared me for one of the best movies I have seen about WWII - Inglourious Basterds

I have been a huge fan of Quentin Tarantino ever since Reservoir Dogs (one of my top 5 favorite movies) was released in the early 90's. So, I can't tell you why it took me so long to watch his latest masterpiece. Honestly.

If you don't care for violence or watching movies with a lot of subtitles, then you might not like Inglourious Basterds but I recommend this movie anyway. I found it to be witty, entertaining, and an interesting attempt to depict WWII from a different point of view. Yes, this is a fictional story but a really good one.

The story was not told like some of the other Tarantino movies, it had a linear time-frame with only a few flashback scenes. Plus, there was one of the most brilliant endings I have seen in a long time. But it was the characters that Tarantino created that really made this movie awesome. Brad Pitt, probably the most recognizable star in the film, was a brash, unapologetic American soldier. His character reminded me a bit of Robert Duvall's character in Apocalypse Now. He had no fear and he enjoyed his job in the war - really, really enjoyed it.

The other characters, mostly played by foreign actors, were the surprising instrumental contributors to Inglourious Basterds: Melanie Laurent, Diane Kruger and Christoph Waltz. In fact, Mr. Waltz won the Academy Award for best actor for his portrayal of Col. Hans Landa. This may be one of the most evil characters ever created on film, but he played it with such finesse that you knew you were watching greatness.

There are so many more characters in this film that I would be remiss if I did not tell you that everyone played an important part to this production. The list is too large to go into but I enjoyed watching every single character, no matter how small their parts were, in this film. There is even a surprise cameo by one of my favorite SNL actors.

I will admit I thought Inglourious Basterds was going to be more violent. It still is very brutal, at times, but just not as much as I thought it could have been. And it is a long movie, but I never wavered or got bored - not for one second - not even during one of the longest scenes I have ever seen in a film.

You must have a sense of humor to enjoy this movie. This is not a comedy but it is irreverent, like most of his movies. Tarantino doesn't take himself too seriously and neither should you. Just enjoy the storytelling. I sure did!

My favorite part: Christoph Waltz. He deserved all those acclaims and awards!

My least favorite part: When the credits rolled and it was over.

Did the preview show too much? NOPE! YAY!

Rating: R
Length: 153 minutes

Review: 10 out of 10

The King's Speech

Directed by Tom Hooper, See Saw Films, 2010. Starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter and Guy Pearce.

Genre: Drama History

Many of you have heard of The King’s Speech and all the glowing praise about this film. Well, I am here to tell you it is all true. GO SEE IT!!

Colin Firth gives an award winning performance as does Geoffrey Rush.  The story is believable and heartfelt; and the combination of talents between the cinematographer and art director is spectacular. In fact, one could capture a single shot of this film, put a frame on it and hang it up on the wall for all to marvel at. It is that beautifully shot.

I particularly enjoyed watching this film when the central characters were purposefully off center during their close-ups. It somehow made me feel more empathy for each one.

Yes, this is another picture about royalty – one of my favorite genres – but simply put: this film is about a friendship and overcoming one’s own fears due to the benefits of that friendship.

The previews or trailers ruined nothing about this film but go see it while it is still in the theatre. You won’t regret.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Rating: R

Length: 118 minutes

Movie Marathon Weekend

Well, I must admit I love a holiday weekend. It gives me time to view more films and some of them I enjoyed watching with my children. So far I have watched 3 movies and I liked them all - to varying degrees. Date Night, Shrek Forever After, Toy Story 3.

First: DATE NIGHT

Directed by Shawn Levy, 20^th Century Fox, 2010. Starring Steve Carrell & Tina Fey.
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Thriller and Romance.

Now I liked this movie but I would have liked it more if I hadn’t seen the previews. Once again, the previews showed way too much and sort of ruined the best lines and most of the set ups. So if you were lucky enough to have missed the previews you are going to really enjoy it. Date Night was funny, well acted and not a bad way to spend an afternoon during the holidays. Steve Carrell and Tina Fey definitely had chemistry and were very believable as a couple as they went through their date night from hell.

Review: 7 out of 10
Rating: PG-13
Length: 88 minutes

Second movie: SHREK FOREVER AFTER

Directed by Mike Mitchell, Dreamworks Animation, 2010. Starring Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy and Adventure

This was the last installment, they say, of the Shrek series. Now I will admit I loved the first 2 but I couldn’t get through the third Shrek but this one was pretty good. Taking an “It’s a Wonderful Life” approach to the story was an interesting way to solidify what is good in Shrek’s life. Watch it with the kids.

Review: 7 out of 10
Rating: PG
Length: 93 minutes

Last movie of the weekend: TOY STORY 3

Directed by Steve Unkrich, Pixar Animation Studios, 2010. Starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Betty and many more.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy and Adventure.

Now I saved the best for last. I LOVED Toy Story 3. Previews didn’t ruin this one bit. It was a poignant film about friendship and family. I did tear up a few times, laughed and was genuinely concerned for the characters as the story unfolded. This is an adventure movie – yes, an animation movie was a great adventure movie.

Rent it, borrow it from your neighbor or buy it. Even if you don’t have kids – watch this movie. You won’t regret it.

Review: 10 out of 10
Rating: G
Length: 103 minutes