The final chapter on Harry Potter... WOW for wizardry at it`s finest.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2, released this month,  is the final installment in the series created by novelist J.K. Rowling.  The film  highlights a spectacular war pitting good against evil  in a life-changing battle. 

Guest Blogger, Melanie Anderson, posts her review of the film from the perspective of an avid reader of each of the books, and viewer of each the seven films. She has grown up with the Hogwarts family, enjoying magical adventures with  Harry, Ron, and Hermione. How does it end.... check it out in 3D!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2  

                                          

by Guest blogger: Melanie Anderson     
Synopsis:
In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the world of wizardry evolves into an all-out war with Voldemort. Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their quest of finding and destroying the Dark Lord's three remaining Horcruxes.  Life as they know it will never be the same again.

Genre: Scifi/Fantasy/Action/Adventure‎‎  Rated: PG

Released: July 2011

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.  Ralf Feinnes stars at Voldemort. 

Director: David Yates 

Writers: Steve Kloves (screenplay),  and J.K. Rowling (novel)

Trailer

The final installment in J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series grasps audiences from the opening. The first scene reminds viewers that Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) stole Professor Dumbledore’s wand (the most powerful in the world) and is now prepared to take over Hogwarts. Meanwhile Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue to search for and destroy the last of the seven Horcruxes, the everlasting items that possess parts of Lord Voldemort’s soul.

The dark tone of Hallows Part 1 continues as the final chapter is set in motion.  Hallows Part 2 definitely delivers additional excitement as the final battle between Harry and He-Who-Must-Not-Be Named. ``We started this together, we end this together” Harry exclaims as he and Voldemort fly off a tip of the Hogwarts castle.

Viewing this film in IMAX 3D was beyond magical.   With several scenes involving mysterious creatures, explosions, spells, and a Gringott’s break-in, the 3D technology shines.  As expected, I did miss the charm and warmth often felt within the corridors, classrooms, and dorms of Hogwarts walls.  However, I was pleased with the number of references to previous storylines and the return of familiar faces.  Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith) champions a leadership role in the protection of Hogwarts, and as always, the Weasley twins are a welcomed comic relief, in easing the intense action.

Surprisingly, several other unexpected heroes emerge, including a brave display from Neville Longbottom. The film focuses primarily on Harry; his past, relationship struggles, and unbearable connection to Voldemort. With more emphasis placed on ‘the boy who lived,’ Danielle Radcliffe truly embraces his opportunity to shine, and did not disappoint. 

Growing up with the Harry Potter characters, who are actually close to my age presently,  it is impossible for me to not feel a connection with them.  A flashback of Harry being sorted into Gryffindor House from the first film brought back memorable, exceptional moments from the past films.  Witnessing the characters develop into mature young adults is one of the most rewarding aspects of the saga.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 truly did end the series with a bolt.  But, I can attest to the belief there is not a single muggle out there that won’t fight to keep the extraordinary magic of Harry Potter alive.

Additional Trailer for your viewing enjoyment! 

Horrible Bosses... Time toTake Management toTask?

Horrible Bosses was clever,  delivered witty dialogue, and  offered some keen acting by a trio of employees, and their trio of bosses. A flick with chuckles, that get louder as the plot thickens. Jennifer Aniston does not disappoint as the crudest-boss ever!

Horrible Bosses; Hello to "Bro-Evil" Payback from the Peons

Horrible Bosses

Synopsis:

Three buddies working in three different companies are grappling with a miserable existence working under dreadful bosses. Together they devise a murderous plan to rectify the situation, and rid themselves of their superiors-for good.

Genre: Comedy
Released July 2011

Starring: Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey, Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx.

Directed by Seth Gordon, written by Micheal Markowitz  

Rating: R (sexual content, pervasive language and some drug material)

Horrible Bosses gleefully works in spite of its crude storyline, largely due to some unique chemistry brewing between with the three main characters; Nick (Jason Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) and Dale (Charlie Day). Although three long-time friends are barely coping with abuses from their horrendous bosses,  they each come to terms with staying put at their jobs, due to rough economic job situation in lingering today's recession.  Nick could be promoted to V.P of Sales at his firm if only his psychotic boss (Kevin Spacey) wasn’t preventing any advancement. Kurt is the pet employee of the boss/owner of a chemical company who is forced to take a backseat when this boss dies. The irresponsible coke-head son (Colin Farrell) moves in to take over the business.   Dale is a dental assistant, who is very devoted to his fiancé but  each day struggles with outrageous, crude sexual advances from his boss, Dr. Julia Harris (Jennifer Aniston). Fed up, together they hire a murder consultant con-man (Jamie Foxx), who advises them to kill each other’s bosses so the crimes can’t be traced.

The pace of the storyline is quick, as their plan unfolds, moving seamlessly from one hilarious antic to the next.  Dale (Charlie Day) successfully pulls off his goofy, nerdy persona illustrated during the murderous plot, bungling his tasks along the way.  Producers Brett Ratner and Jay Stern (Rush Hour films) as expected, deliver on the screeching tires and general mayhem theme, as the film progresses.

Dale (Charlie Day)and his boss, Dentist
Julia Harris (Jennifer Aniston)

What is interesting, and  downright refreshing in this comedy,  is the diversion of the lead characters from their typical film roles. For example, Jennifer Aniston's normally predicable "goodie two-shoes" persona  jumps waaay outside the box with her dirty display of no-holds barred sexual advances, as she preys on her helpless assistant Dale.   Because the roles have reversed with a male on the recipient end of sexual harassment, we gain an unusual perspective,  and truly feel sympathy towards him. Colin Farrell, is barely recognizable as the boss-son replacement, balding, coke-snorting, and womanizing, while embracing his ruthless, crass behavior with ease.

Kevin Spacey as Nick's boss, smoothly rolls through his part, exhibiting his pompous self,  effortlessly, as for him,  a more disgusting character is a norm for many of roles, and is very easy to hate.

These potential murderers exude a unique camaraderie that causes the audience to be drawn to support their cause. We gain a liking for three compromised employees, relating perhaps to the many unjust situations in our own work lives over the years, and also secretly wishing “bad’ on our superiors.  If any of the three is the lead man, it’s Jason Bateman as he triumphs in his "lets get organized" role. He guides the group as best he can, considering the goofy scenarios that seem to continually crop up for the trio. A fun, well-scripted flick, guaranteed to evoke laughs, and garner your support for a murderous quest.

Jason Bateman is busy with two upcoming movie releases; August 2011's Change-up (also starring Ryan Reynolds),  and in 2012,  Arrested Development (Michael Cera, Portia Rossi). Jennifer Aniston is wrapping up Wanderlust, set to open October 2011, which is a story about an urban couple who decides to branch out to live a more counter-culture lifestyle.

Larry Crowne...not a romantic comedy win...

Larry Crowne starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts scoot to a romp in a light summer rom-com flick. Not amazing, contrary what I expected, but still, offered a quirky college backdrop diversion and a few snickers. Stay tuned next week for my review of Horrible Bosses, starring Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman.

Larry Crowne; An Easy Breezy Summer Comedy-Fluffy on Emotion

Larry Crowne

Synopsis: Oscar winners Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts reunite for a romantic comedy about a jobless, divorced, 50-something, and a burnt-out unhappily married college professor. Larry Crowne (Tom Hanks) tries to cope by reinventing himself with his enrollment in a community college, joining a scooter gang, and falling for a professor Mercedes Tainot ( Julia Roberts).

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Rating: PG-13, Released July, 2011

Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts

Directed and Produced by Tom Hanks and written by Tom Hanks and Nia Vardalos

With his retail job-gone, wife-gone, and money almost-gone, all Larry Crowne (Tom Hanks) has remaining is his dignity and desire to rebuild his life. To that end, he acts on his neighbours' Karmar (Cedric the Entertainer) and B’Elle (Taraji P. Henson) suggestion of enrolling in college. Upon arrival to register, the Dean of the college convinces Larry to join a speech class (Speech 217) which is taught by Mercedes Tainot (Julia Roberts) to better prepare Larry for his potential job interviews.

Enter Mercedes Tainot (Roberts), who is churlish and unhappy, deflated and hung-over, feeling her lessons have no impact on her students anymore. Her personal life is going nowhere fast, residing with her useless porn-surfing husband, (Bryan Cranston), and resorts to regularly soothing her troubles with booze. Her classroom scenes are funny, highlighting the inadequacies of her misfit students, and their comical struggles with presenting speeches.

Co-scripted by Nia Vardalos, (monster hit My Big Fat Greek Wedding) worked the main ideas with Hanks for this screenplay, by incorporating a college classroom setting. For anyone who has attended (or taught in) community colleges is familiar with the diversity of most student bodies, which go every which way, ethnically, socioeconomically, generationally contributing nicely to the storyline tangents.

Larry connects with a fellow student, a 30-year his junior, sexy classmate Talia (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who makes it her mission in life to transform him into a more contemporary dude. She is impressive with her out-there confidence, and blunt, humourous dialogue. Talia’s boyfriend Dell, also "Fez" from That 70′s Show! (Wilmer Valderrama) is hilarious in his “monitoring” role, keeping a close eye on any potential romantic developments between Larry and his Talia. George Takei (Sulu, Star Trek) plays a quirky Economics professor Dr. Matsutani, who regularly messes with his students’ heads, and enjoys hiking his students' smart phones.

The plot is fairly predictable, with the lead actors Tom and Julia, (cute together-but unfortunately little sizzle) when they finally start to click; well, maybe sort-of. Particularly fun when they gallivant on a scooter, but they just don’t seem to inject a magnitude of meat into their roles keeping the mood, and emotions light and almost too airy. Disappointing for such colossal actors.

The story emphasizes that hope and happiness are possible, even when life is tumbling downward around us, namely society’s nagging recession such as employer downsizing, sky-high gas prices, housing foreclosure, and garage sale bargaining.

Larry Crowne offers an easy-going summer flick, certainly not riveting, but relaxed and comfy, and is perhaps most suitable for an "older" crowd...40-something plus.

As a side-note, Tom Hanks was in fine form this weekend in Hollywood, California. Apparently described as the Royals favorite, Hanks enjoyed chatting and belly-laughing with Princess Kate, and Prince Wills at a charity fundraiser during their visit to U.S. Way to go Tom!

Tom Hanks, wife Rita, and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge

Bridesmaids, and Bad Teacher

Two (rather crude) Comedies to peruse this week; both fun, and great for a summer laugh. Bridesmaids (Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph) appeals more to a wider audience, whereas Bad Teacher (Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Jason Segel) is more for the older teenage, and younger adult age groups. Movie trailers are included for each. If you care to share your opinions of any of the flicks following your viewing experience, just click on any movie review (blue titles) to add your own comments in the white box.

Bad Teacher; Sugar Daddy Quest, New "Endow"ments, and How NOT to teach

Bad Teacher

Synopsis: Bad Teacher is highlighted with a budding teacher, Ms. Halsey's crude seventh grade classroom antics, recklessly bottled with her mean-spirited flavour. The film offers a laugh-filled quest for winning a rich man, and is especially tailored for young adults.

Genre: Comedy

Released: June 2011
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Jason Segel

Directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Gene Stupnitsky, Lee Eisenberg

                                                               Bad Teacher Trailer

                                                                  
 Teacher Elizabeth Halsey, (Cameron Diaz) returns home on the last day of school, to be thrown a devastating curve ball. Her longtime wealthy boyfriend has suddenly ditched her, thus taking away her lavishly accustomed lifestyle.

As her coping method, she sets her sole mission in life to entrap any new rich man and encounters some hilarious bumps (two) along the way. Her ultimate prize is Scott, (Justin Timberlake) who is a newbie staff member, rich (check) and therefore is perceived as fair game for all (not good). An interesting paring, as they were a couple in real life, working their chemistry with no problem.

Elizabeth learns to her chagrin, that Scott prefers well-endowed women, AND another teacher on staff, Ms. Perfect Academia, Amy (Lucy Punch) is also steadfast in the running for his affections. No matter. She sets her mind on purchasing a new set for herself which unfortunately requires a pile of money she does not have anymore. Elizabeth is bent on landing Scott and leads us through a "no-holds barred" journey to win her ticket to a cushy life; restored for good.

The storyline remains afloat via a variety of delinquent behaviors, along with some heartwarming themes that emerge. One tangent, staff friendships, is displayed by an unconditionally supportive, naive gal pal teacher, Lynn (Phyllis Smith, The Office). The wonky, aloof, principal Wally Snur, (John Michael Higgins) complete with his dolphin fetish also contributes to her social circle of misfits. A brief bathroom scene with principal Snur, and Elizabeth offers a few audible surprises, and keeps the laughter "flowing."

The gold digging escapades heat up with Elizabeth's two ventures she harnesses to raise money for her cosmetic surgery. First, a busting-out car wash fundraiser exposes young eyes gleefully, uh, during the wash cycle. To follow that event, her main scheme for gathering cash, is hoping to win the seventh grade classroom state academic test. With a prize of $5700.00 for best scores, she determines her class must win, and ventures to seduce the state academic official for any assistance he can render.

The secondary romantic potential is kept at bay and keeps us guessing, with the advances of teacher Russell, (Jason Segel). He meekly offers his affections to Elizabeth, but is bluntly turned down of course, due to his meager banking potential, (alas), he still is only a Physical Education teacher. Russell's contribution is touching in the mix, and we can't help but root for him as the story progresses.

Cameron Diaz does not disappoint, and Justin Timberlake accomplishes his clued-out, prudish role smoothly. The language is vulgar, with staff activities unpredictable, delivering a comical, atypical examination of the teaching profession.

(Rated R, Sexual content, Coarse Language, Drug Use)

Bridemaids- A funny Fromance for all!!!

Bridesmaids

Synopsis: A odd-ball group of friends encounter a loopy string of hilarious mishaps during the maid-of-honour's offerings of bridal events.

Released: May 2011

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, Rose Bryne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Jon Hamm, Chris O'Dowd, and Jill Clayburgh.

Directed by Paul Feig, and written by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo.

With a still mounting box office intake of over $150,000,000 to date, Bridesmaids offers an "over the top" romp of the more-typical male raunchy-approved (yes, even bathroom humour) comedy, that delivers a hoot of a movie for both guys and gals. A funky group of women elevate to a new found place on the “throne” of laughs.

Protagonist, and long-time best friend of the bride, Annie, (Kristen Wiig),who also co-writes this story, is asked by Lillian (Maya Rudolph) if she would be her maid-of-honour. Annie (also a six-year veteran of Saturday Night Live), agrees of course, however, struggles with many of her own broken-down issues. Annie grins and bears it, including her "barely there" moments with her easy to hate male egotist squeeze Ted, (Jon Hamm) and the unfortunate loss of her beloved bakery shop.

The film examines the haphazard process of Annie planning and presenting traditional bridal socials in preparation for Lillian’s big wedding day. The chemistry between the cast members works surprisingly well, which is not bad for a wide spectrum of actresses, mainly unknown to the big screen. Confident and witty, the script combines numerous additional plotlines seamlessly, such as women friendships, women conflicts, and no-holds barred male shallowness. The plot warmly includes a romantic twist of some male genuineness portrayed by irish officer Nathan Rhodes, (Chris O’Dowd) who almost gets lost in the shuffle of Annie’s life gone awry. An interesting eye-opener is the rare opportunity of a potential quality relationship that could indeed be directly under our nose, but something we just don't see.

The bride, Lillian (Maya Rudolph) attempts to be understanding of Annie’s pitfalls while she struggles to pull off bridal activities including a highlight visit to the bridal dress salon.

Lillian evolves to depend upon another buddy, a much more recent acquaintance Helen, (Rose Byrne) for the main wedding shower task. (Helen is the wife of the Lillian's fiancé's very wealthy boss). Annie is distressed with jealousy with this changing of the guard, as she is the one who should be accomplishing the bridal tasks at hand for Lillian, and not the foo foo affluent impossibly perfect Helen! Their chemistry boils over into a scalding competition for Lillian’s approval and is fun to observe the escalating game of one-upmanship.

The bridal gang also includes Megan, (Melissa McCarthy) who is eccentric, tough, and exhibited playful yearnings for men, which are hilarious. She could be easily compared to the cast-out bizarre, yet lovable Zach Gianfiankis' "Alan" character in Hangover's I and II. An abrasive mother of three, Rita (Wendi McClendon-Covey), offers experiences from raising her brood of boys, and Becca (Ellie Kemper), is the all too sweet, newly married one, deeply enthralled in marital bliss. Annie carries the film with ease, her expressions priceless, funny, and her dialogue impeccably timed. The late Jill Clayburgh plays Annie's mom.

In a recent interview, Ellen DeGeneres suggested to Maya Rudolph that a role be created for Ellen in a potential Bridemaids' sequel which is already receiving mega-interest. Perhaps a tête-à-tête between Ellen and Jon Hamm??? Now that would add some spice to this estrogen sauce!! A fun flick, light, and guaranteed giggles. Enjoy and bring on Bridesmaids II!

(rated R, Profanity, Sexuality, Raunchy humor)