Friday, July 22, 2011

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2

The end :(  In LA, some theaters ran Part 1 and Part 2 back to back. That's the way I would have wanted to see it. Other people told me that they watched Part 1 and then went to the theater to see Part 2. I saw Part 1 last year. And now Part 2. No matter what path you took to get there, just get there to see the ending.

It was a dark ending with light at the end of the tunnel. A long voyage for Harry. A lonely one too. We all know how it began and if you read the books like I did, you know how it will end. This movie starts with the continuation of Harry and his besties hunting down the last of the horcruxes in order to weaken Voldemort enough to finally destroy the SOB. At Hogwarts, classmate and teachers defend themselves against the Voldemort's legion as Harry and gang hunt down and destroy horcruxes. Some friends we've grown with through these movies die. Some find new strength and conviction. In the end, it's kill or be killed. I cried. I giggled. I cringed. I gasped. But most of all I believed. All things I want to do when watching a movie.

Some friends said the movie was to short. I don't think it was, but I agree. I always want to see more. I saw some really young kids at this film with their parents. And sorry parents, but 5 year olds shouldn't be watching this. Much too violent. The kids in the story have grown up. The youngers should stick to the first few movies.

Worth the money: $$$$ 1/2

X-Men: First Class

This was awesome. Well, more awesome than TRANSFORMERS. Okay, much more awesome than TRANSFORMERS; mainly because there was an interesting plot plus great special effects.

So where do you start the story? At the beginning, of course. I'm not a comic book reader, so having the prelude to the movies not only filled in the background for me but also made me appreciate and love the previous X-Men movies more.

James McAvoy was charming as Professor X. Michael Fassbender was that great mix of good guy with a vengeance as Magneto. Together, with a cast of young characters wrestling with their ability to fit in, this movie takes you on a fun, action-packed ride. I loved seeing what made these characters who they are today, especially seeing the more human side of Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence's character formerly played by Jerry O's wife, Rebecca Romijn). It was also fun to see Mad Men's January Jones and Kevin Bacon as villains.

I won't ruin this movie for you. It's a must see in the theater. Turn up the sound. Sit back. And be amazed.

Worth the money: $$$$

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Director Michael Bay doesn't disappoint with this film. Even the concession stand guy said this movie made up for the last. I totally agree.  I have to admire Michael Bay for this one. The action sequences were amazing. And I kept wondering how all of those scenes were orchestrated to pure perfection.

The movie opens with the US and U.S.S.R. space race to the moon, and Sam doing something down to earth, trying to get a job. Yes he's saved the planet twice, but he's far from the corner office. Malkovich plays a funny employer and his model girlfriend, Victoria's Secret model, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley adds eye candy. Megan Fox's absence is explained in one sentence by Sam's parent's, but I actually missed seeing her. I like having the same actors in sequels but truth be told, I really came to see the Decepticons and Autobots fight for the planet.

As you probably guessed from previews there's something about the dark of the moon that is revealed. That's pretty much the main plot with subplots of Sam and his girlfriend and her boss played by Patrick Dempsey. Dialogue wasn't a scene stealer but it never was in Star Wars either. When it comes to films like this, it's not something you're really looking for. Great effects and supreme sound kept this moving pumping. Some teenage guys in the theater clapped when it was over. Haven't seen that in a long time.

Fun summer movie. Bring a friend. Share some popcorn and enjoy the ride.

Worth the money: $$$$