‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ Download and Reviews

December 18, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Adventure, Family, Fantasy

“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” Movie Details

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix tagline: Evil Must Be Confronted.
HP and the Order of the Phoenix - DVD Cover

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix DVD Cover

Actors:
Daniel Radcliffe Harry Potter
Rupert Grint Ron Weasley
Emma Watson Hermione Granger
Helena Bonham Carter Bellatrix Lestrange
Robbie Coltrane Rubeus Hagrid
Ralph Fiennes Lord Voldemort
Michael Gambon Albus Dumbledore
Brendan Gleeson Alastor ‘MadВ­Eye’ Moody
Richard Griffiths Uncle Vernon
Jason Isaacs Lucius Malfoy
Gary Oldman Sirius Black
Alan Rickman Severus Snape
Fiona Shaw Aunt Petunia
Maggie Smith Minerva McGonagall
Imelda Staunton Dolores Umbridge
Directors: David Yates
IMDB Rating: 7.4/10 out of 97,314 votes

“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” Movie Review

“HP and the Order of the Phoenix” Plot Summary

With their warning about Lord Voldemort’s return scoffed at, Harry and Dumbledore are targeted by the Wizard authorities as an authoritarian bureaucrat slowly seizes power at Hogwarts.

Great and emotional

Well, for me it was a pretty great movie. I am too, a huge book fan. But I know that cinema and literature are two well respected but totally different arts. The narrative in both has to be managed differently so the message can get to the spectators. So I understand the challenged it is to adapt a novel and turn it into a script. My solution is to enjoy the movie for what it is and what is made of. If I am going to compare it harshly I’ll do it in its own gender: with the rest of the Harry potter films. This is a movie that along with the goblet of fire helps us experience the evolution in the characters. The kids are growing and now they turned into teenagers, who have to deal with so many issues

The visuals: are great, but at times they seem to have changed effects that had been used in previous movies. To me that’s a mistake, as a movie spectator, no matter how the direction changes I always want to see certain connection between movies that will keep me believing that no matter who is behind it, this is always a Harry potter sequel. ***Spoilers*** Two effects that changed a lot were the dementors and Sirius talking to Harry through the fire in the chimney. Still, that final battle is really impressive.***spoilers** The actors: The old actors seem to be giving a lot and that’s great. The new actors showed quite potential for the characters. Dolores: is pretty convincing as a despicable just plain odious teacher. Tonks: is sweet in a way and funny in other, to me that said well about her. Bellatrix: I think she was my favorite. She had this crazy, detestable glow. Although her intervention was small, I don’t think anybody was left with doubts about her personality or her further importance in the story. Finally, Luna: sweet, strange, not comprehended, sometimes creepy. But her addition to the gang was progressive and well assumed. I think Voldemort is amazing! His intervention in the goblet of fire and now in this movie just makes me see that Ralph Fiennes couldn’t be more perfect. The music: ?Honestly? At times I almost hated the music. I just beg for john Williams to get back in the sequel. I’m sorry but the music in this movie was just plain, sometimes even dull. It was nothing compared to the previous four. If they are going to change Williams, they should do it for someone in the same high category. I have to admit that my favorite movies are goblet of fire and in second place Prisoner of Azkaban. But order of phoenix gave out great tools to continue to experience the wonders that come up ahead in the lives of these amazing characters. I loved the movie getting darker, and I always think that creativity and having the guts to dare to give new aspects into each of the movies are some of the qualities a Harry potter director should have to put it together. Don’t get me wrong, I adore the books, J.K Rowling is a genius. But separately I like to see a well assembled story that will make me experience something as amazing as the Harry potter world. Order of phoenix is great, impressive and emotional. Of course I found stuff I didn’t like, but I found stuff I loved, I’m looking forward to the next.

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‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ Download and Reviews

December 17, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Action, Adventure, Family

“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” Movie Details

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince tagline: Once again I must ask too much of you, Harry
HP and the HBP - DVD Cover

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince DVD Cover

Actors:
Daniel Radcliffe Harry Potter
Emma Watson Hermione Granger
Rupert Grint Ron Weasley
Michael Gambon Albus Dumbledore
Alan Rickman Severus Snape
Helena Bonham Carter Bellatrix Lestrange
Jim Broadbent Horace Slughorn
Robbie Coltrane Rubeus Hagrid
Timothy Spall Peter Pettigrew
David Thewlis Remus Lupin
Maggie Smith Minerva McGonagall
Julie Walters Molly Weasley
Mark Williams Arthur Weasley
Tom Felton Draco Malfoy
Evanna Lynch Luna Lovegood
Directors: David Yates
IMDB Rating: 7.4/10 out of 57,200 votes

“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” Movie Review

“HP and the HBP” Plot Summary

As Harry Potter begins his 6th year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he discovers an old book marked mysteriously ‘This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince’ and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort’s dark past. |

One of the Summer’s Best Blockbuster’s

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the sixth installment in the Harry Potter series, and it is the greatest one yet. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince mixes comedy, romance, drama, and adventure into one, and makes it so marvelous and fun to watch.

The acting in this film than in the earlier ones is more mature and better in quality, also in part because of the maturity of all the actors in the film. Jim Broadbent, Alan Rickman, and Michael Gambon are brilliant and elegant to watch in this masterpiece. The trio, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Daniel Radcliffe are also amazing in their roles and pull them off well.

The directing and visuals in this one are marvelous. David Yates gives his best directing in his career to date, and does an amazing job of telling the storyline of J.K Rowling’s fantastic book. The visual effects are so well done and look so real. The cinematography sets the tone for the whole movie right from start to finish, and turns the series in a even darker direction. I also give praise to Hooper’s score which is beautiful and sets the tone in certain dark scenes.

To cap it off, the last half hour of the film is just delicious. The effects, cinematography, and acting are stunning in the last half hour, and sets up for a shocking ending. The movie is not sort of rushed, but you feel that it is being pushed forward. It doesn’t feel long at all because of everything going on, so it passes by normally. Quidditch is back and is certainly the funnest part of the movie and is action packed. The romance in this film is done well and is done humorously. Everyone in this film, whether it be Harry, Hermione, or Rom, all have love on their mind. Half-Blood Prince is also very funny, and Ron will have you laughing a lot.

A great film that most people will enjoy and especially fans of the books. It combines a lot of genres together and makes the film feel more real and more magnificent then the others. It’s a pleasure to watch, and when your done, you just can’t wait for the next two to come out. I hope you enjoy it!

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‘Jumper’ Download and Reviews

December 11, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

“Jumper” Movie Details

Jumper tagline: anywhere is possible.
Jumper - DVD Cover

Jumper DVD Cover

Actors:
Hayden Christensen Davey
Samuel L. Jackson Cox
Diane Lane Mary Rice
Jamie Bell Griffin
Rachel Bilson Millie
Tom Hulce Mr. Bowker
Michael Rooker William Rice
Sean Baek Lawrence Simmons
Katie Boland Sue Kimmell
Nathalie Cox Maggie
Teddy Dunn Mark
Barbara Garrick Ellen
Meredith Henderson Fiona
AnnaSophia Robb Young Millie
Max Thieriot Young Davey
Directors: Doug Liman
IMDB Rating: 5.9/10 out of 63,917 votes

“Jumper” Movie Review

“Jumper” Plot Summary

A genetic anomaly allows a young man to teleport himself anywhere. He discovers this gift has existed for centuries and finds himself in a war that has been raging for thousands of years between “Jumpers” and those who have sworn to kill them.

Insanely idiotic and vapid

I ended up watching this movie by chance and considering how hard I can resist to walk out a theatre to give the film a chance, I inflicted myself some serious pressure not to walk away

I honestly can’t think of anything redeeming. The storyline is so bland I can only picture a bunch of 14yo Beavis and Butthead teenagers writing this on a clownpointed Saturday detention assignment. The characters are weak and predictable. The so called ‘great’ life David has is boring beyond words and looks like a mere cliche of a pure teenage fantasy. The way the story goes turns him into a little unappealing selfish spoiled boring knucklehead. Oh lord, prevent me from cringing. CRINGE CRINGE CRINGE! Jamie Bell is an awful actor and so irritating, Samuel L. Jackson is out of place, Rachel Bilson tries her best but what’s all the fuss about these people? I’d damn myself for eternity for taking part even in a minor role of this movie. The end is just even worse, fizzling out into the outer space of vergognaland

Save your money, that’s the best advice I can give.

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‘The Simpsons Movie’ Download and Reviews

November 2, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Adventure, Animation, Comedy

“The Simpsons Movie” Movie Details

The Simpsons Movie tagline: See our family. And feel better about yours.
The Simpsons Movie - DVD Cover

The Simpsons Movie DVD Cover

Actors:
Dan Castellaneta Homer Simpson/Krusty the Clown
Julie Kavner Marge Simpson
Nancy Cartwright Bart Simpson
Yeardley Smith Lisa Simpson
Hank Azaria Moe Szyslak/Apu Nahasapeemapetilon/The Sea Captain
Harry Shearer Seymour Skinner/Lenny Leonard/Dr. Hibbert/Ned Flanders
Albert Brooks
Kelsey Grammer Sideshow Bob
Joe Mantegna Fat Tony
Karl Wiedergott Various
Erin Brockovich-Ellis Herself
Minnie Driver
Pamela Hayden Milhouse Van Houten/Jimbo Jones/Rod Flanders
Tress MacNeille
Maggie Roswell
Directors: David Silverman
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10 out of 112,489 votes

“The Simpsons Movie” Movie Review

“The Simpsons Movie” Plot Summary

After Homer accidentally pollutes the town’s water supply, Springfield is encased in a gigantic dome by the EPA and the Simpsons family are declared fugitives.

The Simpsons Movie was Worth the Wait. Fantastic!

I Don’t want to give much away, but this movie truly is EPIC. The storyline is great, so is the animation. The movie is hilarious throughout, and also has one of the most emotional moments ever on The Simpsons. You can see just about every face ever on The Simpsons and they keep making subtle references, such as when Homer and Bart jump Springfield Gorge, the ambulance is still crashed into the tree

It definitely rewards long-time fans, but it is a great movie even for those who don’t watch the Simpsons. CGI only adds to the excellent drawings, and it is very cool to see them on the big screen!If you love the Simpsons, Old or New, you will LOVE this.

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‘Donnie Darko’ Download and Reviews

October 25, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

“Donnie Darko” Movie Details

Donnie Darko tagline: Life is one long insane trip. Some people just have better directions.
Donnie Darko - DVD Cover

Donnie Darko DVD Cover

Actors:
  • Gary Lundy
  • Drew Barrymore
    Jena Malone
    Jake Gyllenhaal Donnie Darko
    Holmes Osborne Eddie Darko
    Maggie Gyllenhaal Elizabeth Darko
    Daveigh Chase Samantha Darko
    Mary McDonnell Mrs. Rose Darko
    James Duval Frank
    Arthur Taxier Dr. Fisher
    Patrick Swayze Jim Cunningham
    Mark Hoffman Police Officer
    David St. James Bob Garland
    Tom Tangen Man in Red Jogging Suit
    Jazzie Mahannah Joanie James
    Jolene Purdy Cherita Chen
    Stuart Stone Ronald Fisher
    Sean Smith
    Directors: Richard Kelly IMDB Rating: 8.3/10 out of 195,481 votes

    “Donnie Darko” Movie Review

    “Donnie Darko” Plot Summary

    A troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him to commit a series of crimes, after narrowly escaping a bizarre accident.

    One of the greatest cinematic achievements

    Donnie Darko tells the story of a delusional teenager who begins to see visions of a a man in a blue bunny suit, who orders him to do certain tasks through suggestive clues and voices, to which he insists he MUST do, or the world will end

    Now, really, this is a movie you must see to get the plot, if I were to give the full, detailed, complex plot it would take far too long (And will probably you leave you more stumped) to which reveals the majestic brilliance of Donnie Darko; which is that their are endless amounts of theories and interpretations, making it one of the most thought-provoking fantasy of recent years

    The acting is superb (Maggie Ghyllenhal, Jake Ghyllenhal and Drew Barrymore to name a few), the music is perfect, subtle and atmospheric and the fantastic direction, coupled with a roller-coaster ride of a storyline will leave you of utmost interest and intrigue like no other movie. Not only that, but you will find yourself watching it more than a few times, as it will stick in your mind until you reveal your own personal interpretation (To which you may experience a Donnie Darko ‘phase’ which I did, warning: It WILL take up a sizable chunk of your life).

    But adding to the already deep and complex storyline, there are also a vast amount of underlying themes, most noticeable the character Patrick Swayze plays, in which it represents a false ’superior’, referring clearly to religion

    Donnie Darko is truly a classic, one of my favorite films and I recommend it to anyone. Incredible.

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    ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ Download and Reviews

    October 16, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Adventure, Family, Fantasy

    “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” Movie Details

    Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone tagline: Let The Magic Begin.
    Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - DVD Cover

    Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone DVD Cover

    Actors:
  • Richard Bremmer
  • John Cleese
    Alan Rickman
    Rupert Grint
    Emma Watson
    Daniel Radcliffe Harry Potter
    Maggie Smith Professor Minerva McGonagall
    Robbie Coltrane Rubeus Hagrid
    Saunders Triplets Harry Potter (Age 1)
    Richard Harris Albus Dumbledore
    Fiona Shaw Aunt Petunia
    Harry Melling Dudley Dursley
    Richard Griffiths Uncle Vernon
    Derek Deadman Tom
    Ian Hart Professor Quirrell
    Ben Borowiecki Diagon Alley Boy
    Warwick Davis Professor Flitwick/Goblin Bank Teller
    Verne Troyer Griphook the Goblin
    John Hurt Mr. Ollivander
    He Who Must Not Be Named
    Directors: Chris Columbus IMDB Rating: 7.2/10 out of 124,716 votes

    “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” Movie Review

    “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” Plot Summary

    Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

    Good Family Fantasy

    In the first outing for Harry Potter, he learns of his descent from a magical background and enrols at the school of witchcraft and wizardry ‘Hogwarts’Largely character building this magical adventure takes Harry and his new friends, Hermione (a very talented young Witch) and Ron (Harry’s best friend) on a quest for the Philosopher’s stone, a powerful stone wanted by the murderer of Harry’s parents (Voldomort)Not having read the books, i can’t make any comparisons, but even as a stand alone movie, this makes a fine fantasy adventure, fun for all ages. The characters are great, the scenery is wonderful and there is enough magical enchantment to charm and entertain all of us.8/10

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    ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ Download and Reviews

    September 21, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Adventure, Family, Fantasy

    “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” Movie Details

    Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire tagline: Difficult times lie ahead, Harry.
    HP and the Goblet of Fire - DVD Cover

    Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire DVD Cover

    Actors:
  • Stanislav Ianevski
  • Eric Sykes Frank Bryce
    Timothy Spall Wormtail
    David Tennant Barty Crouch Junior
    Daniel Radcliffe Harry Potter
    Emma Watson Hermione Granger
    Rupert Grint Ron Weasley
    Mark Williams Arthur Weasley
    James Phelps Fred Weasley
    Oliver Phelps George Weasley
    Bonnie Wright Ginny Weasley
    Jeff Rawle Amos Diggory
    Robert Pattinson Cedric Diggory
    Jason Isaacs Lucius Malfoy
    Tom Felton Draco Malfoy
    Viktor Krum
    Directors: Mike Newell IMDB Rating: 7.6/10 out of 105,090 votes

    “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” Movie Review

    “HP and the Goblet of Fire” Plot Summary

    Harry finds himself selected as an underaged competitor in a dangerous multi-wizardary school competition.

    Dark, and funny.

    Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – Harry (Dan Radcliffe) enters his fourth year of Hogwarts and is entered into the incredibly dangerous Triwizard tournament by an anonymous stranger. All hail to Mike Newell, the director of this masterpiece! The movie forgoes the happiness and frivolity of the previous movies and replaces it with teen problems (done very funnily of course), epic action sequences and hilarious British humor

    Coming back to the show are the fantastic three. Dan has come into his own. He is Harry. He is vulnerable, angry, not always sure what to do, and has actually gotten quite good at comedy routines. Rupert Grint is not just used for comedic relief this time. He gets jealous of Harry for getting into the tournament, and is tired of being referred to as ‘Harry Potter’s Stupid Friend’. Emma Watson is beautiful and plays the supporter of Harry largely, but does it well. The other children are a blast to watch, especially Neville and Fred and George. I liked how more attention came to the character of Cedric Diggory, and his brief relationship to Harry

    The adult actors are sparingly but well used. Alan Rickman only has two main scenes (He probably did about one day of filming) but it’s just enough. Maggie Smith is equally funny and Micheal Gambon is used more than in the previous film. He thankfully has one fatherly scene in this film, which was lacking in PoA. Brendan Gleeson is hilariously over-the-top as ‘Mad-Eye’, a vicious old dark wizard catcher assigned to be the new Dark Arts teacher

    The humor has grown more adult, which fits the growing audience better. Sexuality and Excellent Writing replace most of the repetition gags and silly physical humor of Columbus and Cuaron. This fits J.K. Rowling’s style much better actually. It’s all very funny and very British, as it should be. As for the teen problems? Getting a date for the dance, and learning to dance. Dealing with rejection and hormones. We’ve all been there. It’s all very real and well done. These kids feel like real people, not mythical elves or gods

    The movie is close to 3 hours, but chances are you’ll spend most of it either laughing or terrified. Harry’s round with the dragon is intensely scary but amazing. His second task, slightly less so, but the dragon was a tough act to follow. The maze is scary, easily a villain by itself. Think ‘The Shining’ on crack. The finale will leave pretty much anyone with a soul breathless and crying. Ralph Fiennes is terrifying as Voldemort. Dark times indeed

    Not for anyone who hasn’t seen the other movies or read the books (or doesn’t want to because it’s not ‘cool’), but who gives a crap about them? Not for kids under 12 (they’ll go to see it anyway, I’ve seen 7 year olds read the 6th book), but this stuff is scary for anyone. Diehards who want every side-plot of the book included will be disappointed. C’mon guys, the movie’s almost 3 hours anyway (Though I was genuinely disappointed at the lack of further exposition about Neville Longbottom)! The movie does the best at being comprehensible without aid of reference from the books of it’s predecessors, and is a genuinely exceptional comedy/thriller, and feels epic and yet real. And that’s a tall order to deliver for a story about magic and a wizard. Mike Newell is a god truly

    Not for the faint of heart, this gets an A

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    ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ Download and Reviews

    September 8, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Adventure, Family, Fantasy

    “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” Movie Details

    Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban tagline: Something wicked this way comes.
    HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban - DVD Cover

    Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban DVD Cover

    Actors:
  • Rupert Grint
  • Daniel Radcliffe Harry Potter
    Richard Griffiths Uncle Vernon
    Pam Ferris Aunt Marge
    Fiona Shaw Aunt Petunia
    Harry Melling Dudley Dursley
    Adrian Rawlins James Potter
    Geraldine Somerville Lily Potter
    Lee Ingleby Stan Shunpike
    Lenny Henry Shrunken Head
    Jimmy Gardner Ernie the Bus Driver
    Gary Oldman Sirius Black
    Jim TavarГ© Tom the Innkeeper
    Robert Hardy Cornelius Fudge
    Abby Ford Young Witch Maid
    Ron Weasley
    Directors: Alfonso Cuaron IMDB Rating: 7.7/10 out of 102,035 votes

    “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” Movie Review

    “HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban” Plot Summary

    It’s Harry’s third year at Hogwarts; not only does he have a new “Defense Against the Dark Arts” teacher, but there is also trouble brewing. Convicted murderer Sirius Black has escaped the Wizards’ Prison and is coming after Harry.

    Best of the three

    Although this film isn’t all that I’d hoped it would be, I believe that it was the best of the three ‘Harry Potter’ films so far, thanks largely due to director Alfonso Cuaron. In ‘Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban’, the trio are now thirteen and beginning their Third Year at Hogwarts, under the fear of an escaped criminal who played a part in the deaths of Harry’s parents and seems to be stalking the school, preying on Harry

    The child acting in this film has improved slightly with Emma Watson and Rupert Grint probably faring the best in comparison to their young co-stars. Although he is lumbered with a Ron who has once again been reduced to a comic character, it’s a sign of Grint’s abilities that he does well without looking embarrassed or too clownish. Dan Radcliffe was still very poor, obviously struggling to portray Harry’s darker emotions in a manner that isn’t wooden and awkward and and this was very apparent in the scene where he makes an atrocious effort to cry when he finds out his godfather had betrayed his parents to their deaths. while Tom Felton was let down by poor scripting of Draco

    The adult cast were excellent. Remus Lupin and Sirius Black were perfectly cast. Lupin was soft yet stern when needed and you could feel there was a parental rapport between him and Harry, and I couldn’t imagine anyone other than David Thewlis in the role. And Gary Oldman was great in depicting Black’s determination, mingled with an hysterical madness due to his incarceration in the hellish wizarding prison Azkaban. As for Michael Gambon, who was recast in the role of Dumbledore, I felt he was an improvement. Richard Harris was a gifted actor but his Dumbledore had a cold, aloofness to him whereas Gambon was able to portray the warm, eccentricity of the character without diminishing the power and wisdom of Dumbledore. And the rest of the regular cast, such as Alan Rickman and Maggie Smith, were perfect although we expect no better from them now!One of the best aspects of this film is how it no longer pandered to kiddies like the previous two films did. There was a darker, moodier edge to the story and the characters. The wizarding world no longer seemed like a perfect haven and the characters had grown beyond being innocent children; this reflected the book itself since many feel PoA was a turning point in the series where it finally felt like Harry Potter- boy and book- were growing up. The Hogwarts’ setting differed from the previous films yet not only was it definitely more faithful to the books but finally it felt as if the castle was in Scotland rather than perpetually sunny Disney Land and this enhanced the mood being set in the film. The clock was a nice touch, linking to the theme of time in the actual storyline, as was the bridge in being a place for Harry to mull over his problems. Also, in many ways, this film could have ended up a muddled mess in regards to the ending but Cuaron handled the Time Turner scenes well

    However, there were flaws to the film, which let it down. The characters of Hermione and Draco were poorly scripted so they seemed like two completely different characters from the ones we know and love in the books. Although Watson as an actress has improved since CoS, the main problem with the script is that Hermione is being portrayed as being too cool and cocky compared to the bookworm who has no interest in fashion that we know Hermione to be in the books. Steve Kloves, the scriptwriter who admits he’s responsible for the change, really needs to learn heroines don’t need to be cool Buffy types to be admired; part of why Hermione is so popular as a character in the books is that she appeals to girls who are bookish themselves and easily identify with her. And as for Draco, he comes across as too much of a cowardly, weak girlie-boy rather than an insidious, vicious brat who can be a threat to Harry when he chooses to. Also, there was no telling of what Black did to Snape in school that left him so bitter in his hatred and I wished they’d included the scene where he let slip what Lupin was, especially as this animosity between him, Black and Lupin plays a larger role as the books go on. And speaking of Lupin, the werewolf CGI was atrocious. He looked like an emaciated rat rather than the wolf-like creature who leaves even the more powerful wizards quivering in fear. I wished there was more in the ending too as I would have loved to see Vernon’s face when he found out who Black was. Kloves needs to learn how to round the Harry Potter films off properly as this was also a sticking point in CoS.At the end of the day, there were scenes left out, some of which we didn’t mind skipping but others (an explanation to Harry of James Potter’s friendship to Black and Lupin) were sorely missed. It was a great film but it could have done with being made longer or skipping on non-essential scenes (less of the Knight Bus and Hermione punching Malfoy in a manner that makes her out to be a thug) to make way for scenes which are more important. I think I was disappointed because I was expecting something along the lines of RotK but it’s still great viewing. I’d give it a seven-and-a-half out of ten with the hopes Cuaron will return to the helm again although preferably not with Kloves as the scriptwriter. I think Cuaron would be excellent working with a script produced by someone who has a better handle on the darker aspects of the books and a deeper understanding of the HP characters.

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    ‘Live Free or Die Hard’ Download and Reviews

    September 7, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Action, Crime, Drama

    “Live Free or Die Hard” Movie Details

    Live Free or Die Hard tagline: Yippee Ki Yay Mo – John 6:27
    Die Hard 4.0 - DVD Cover

    Live Free or Die Hard DVD Cover

    Actors:
    Bruce Willis John McClane
    Timothy Olyphant Greg
    Maggie Q Mai Lihn
    Justin Long Matt Foster
    Jeffrey Wright Victor Pope
    Mary Elizabeth Winstead Lucy McClane
    Cyril Raffaelli Rand
    Yancey Arias Agent Johnson
    Yorgo Constantine Russo
    Allen Maldonado Goatee
    Chris O”Brocki Angry civilian
    Chris Palermo Del
    Tim Russ Agent Summers
    Jonathan Sadowski Trey
    Kevin Smith The Warlock
    Directors: Len Wiseman
    IMDB Rating: 7.5/10 out of 120,037 votes

    “Live Free or Die Hard” Movie Review

    “Die Hard 4.0″ Plot Summary

    John McClane takes on an Internet-based terrorist organization who is systematically shutting down the United States.

    A must-see action movie.

    I watched the movie at a premiere day. My girl-friend and I adore Die Hard movies and especially Bruce Willis. He is really charismatic one. The movie was filmed almost perfectly, the only thing I disliked its when that Chinese girl being hurt so much stayed on her feet nevertheless

    Gush!!! It was unreal!!! But the rest: stunts, hand-made tricks, specific sense of humor – was great and amazingly impressing. I am so excited about all this stuff. I would like to wish all the crew good luck and brand new, impressing stunt-tricks, directors, screenplays ‘cos guys you’re worth of it!!! Ukraine is looking forward to meet Die Hard 5.0

    Die Hard 4.0 - Movie Still 1 Live Free or Die Hard Movie Still 2 Die Hard 4.0 Movie Image 3 Live Free or Die Hard Screen Image
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    ‘The Matrix Revolutions’ Download and Reviews

    September 2, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

    “The Matrix Revolutions” Movie Details

    The Matrix Revolutions tagline: Everything that has a beginning has an end.
    The Matrix 3 - DVD Cover

    The Matrix Revolutions DVD Cover

    Actors:
  • Nona Gaye
  • Carrie-Anne Moss Trinity
    Hugo Weaving Agent Smith
    Keanu Reeves Neo
    Mary Alice The Oracle
    Tanveer K. Atwal Sati
    Helmut Bakaitis The Architect
    Kate Beahan Coat Check Girl
    Francine Bell Councillor Grace
    Monica Bellucci Persephone
    Rachel Blackman Charra
    Henry Blasingame Deus Ex Machina
    Ian Bliss Bane
    David Bowers Q-Ball Gang Member #1
    Zeke Castelli Operations Officer Mattis
    Collin Chou Seraph
    Essie Davis Maggie
    Laurence Fishburne Morpheus
    Zee
    Directors: Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski IMDB Rating: 6.5/10 out of 115,873 votes

    “The Matrix Revolutions” Movie Review

    “The Matrix 3″ Plot Summary

    The human city of Zion defends itself against the massive invasion of the machines as Neo fights to end the war at another front while also opposing the rogue Agent Smith.

    Amazing movie in my opinion – hated and not understood by many

    Matrix Revolutions is deliberately constructed as a puzzle in which you have to work out the complete picture for yourself. It contains some fundamental questions of philosophy, a war story of a hopeless struggle against the machines who besiege Zion and it comes to a conclusion which is not understood by many viewers. The philosophical questions are answered (e.g. some choices lead to a string of consequences which may often appear as predestination), the war scenes in Zion are overwhelming and the final scenes depict the reestablishment of harmony between body, mind and soul. The absence of this harmony being one of the major reasons for conflict and war

    The Wachowski brothers did also make some mistakes when designing Matrix Revolutions:- Scenes like the train station take a bit too long although they contain important hints for the story that is about to unfold. This way the movie loses pace at times. Some viewers also felt that the war in Zion occupies too much space – but come on, this is mankind’s last stand so this fight is bound to have epic proportions.- The Wachovskis do NOT explain their story design and its implications. Viewers are expected to figure it all out for themselves. This is simply rejected by many people who -not without any justification- expect to be told a little more what the plot is all about instead of following hints in dialogues and imagery.- The philosophy is often criticised as basic. But the questions raised are fundamental by nature: choice vs. predestination, harmony of body, mind and soul, do humans define themselves through suffering etc.. Furthermore, how should machines completely understand deep mythology and philosophy of humans and depict that convincingly in their artificial construct known as the Matrix? The stereotypes in the Matrix (e.g. the Merovingian) are to me a natural consequence of machines trying to reproduce human myths and ideas

    But the negative points of Matrix Revolutions are by far outweighed by the positive aspects of the movie:- There is a colour code in all Matrix movies. Blue is the physical world, green represents mind/rationality and bright yellow or white stands for the soul of a being. All scenes in the real world have a blue hue, the Matrix is always somewhat green and e.g. the machine city, many images of the sentinels and the power lines from the fields where humans are grown – they are all coloured in bright white or yellow. This represents the separation of body, mind and soul which is overcome only in the final scenes of Matrix Revolutions where all colours are mixed in the sky’s clouds – this is by the way the contribution of Sati to the revolution/recreation of the (new) Matrix.- The connection of the real world and the Matrix is the spirit or soul the machines acquire from the humans. Programs and machines now have emotions and feelings (remember the parents in the train station?). Even Agent Smith has some twisted soul. Neo can feel and manipulate the spirits of simple machines but he has significant difficulties to handle more complex machines like sentinels. Similarly, Agent Smith has to struggle hard to control the human called Bane who becomes schizophrenic in that process.- The energy which the machines drain from the humans is not so much physical or electrical power but mental energy (soul). Like the Architect said in Matrix Reloaded when Neo claims that machines need humans to survive: ‘There are levels of survival we are willing to accept!’. So the machines tap into the souls of humans in order to get something their human creators could not grace them with: a real soul and real feelings. The machines are, however, willing to sacrifice these gifts in order to ensure their mere physical survival. It is quite an amazing outcome of the Matrix storyline: humans exist only because they are useful – they provide real feelings and emotions for the machines and they can even be used to control rogue programs in the Matrix which challenge the existence of the Matrix itself (Neo is used as a carrier for life-force in order to overcome Smith who represents death).- Neo has to finally realise that only his own sacrifice can end the conflict between machines and humans. He has to accept his evil twin brother Smith and reunite with him in order to become complete. This resonates with Asian Yin-Yang philosophy.- The Oracle has an interesting role. Neo has become too powerful even for Agent Smith and his duplicates. So the Oracle merges with one of the copies of Agent Smith in order to create the one copy of Agent Smith with enough power to really challenge Neo. It is the Oracle’s deliberate sacrifice which finally leads to the death of Neo while he reunites himself with his evil opposite Smith – Neo has to realise that he cannot win against Smith and instead of continuing the final fight with Smith he chooses to sacrifice himself in order to end the war and the domination of the Matrix by Smith

    Sadly it’s impossible to provide guidance for understanding the Matrix Trilogy without spoilers. The Wachovskis made some mistakes by not involving their audiences in the plot developments. They kept their ideas to themselves and only provided hints for the viewers to make their own discoveries. I was quite pleased by the challenges provided in getting a (rather) complete understanding of the Matrix Trilogy. But I can also imagine that many viewers were lost in the process and did not find the whole exercise worthwhile. As you might guess by now, I recommend that those who dislike Matrix Revolutions give this amazing movie another chance. I sincerely hope that my comments open up some new perspectives on a film trilogy that blended Sci-Fi, action and philosophy in such a brilliant and innovative way.

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