“Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince” is just around the corner and muggles worldwide are all breathless with expectation. I won’t be recounting any of the past Harry Potter films nor going to be giving a synopsis of what this film will be about (If you don’t know yet then just grab a copy of the book.) but will be simply blabbing about the latest in the lives of the Potter film stars.
As we all know Emma Watson had a very public fiasco when the wind conspired with her hormone ridden teenage boys fans and flicked open her dress for her to reveal nice long legs and her underwear. She showed “Hermione-like” calmness on David Letterman and good humour when she said, “At least I’m wearing underwear.” When it comes to her kissing scene with Rupert Grint (Ron Weasly) both of them agree was uncomfortable. As Rupert said, “I remember being inches away from her lips and thinking, ‘Good lord, this is going to be strange.” Emma Watson even goes as far as saying that with Rupert being “like a brother” to her kissing him “felt like incest.” A thing the little kids who will be watching (I think this one’s rated PG and not PG-13 like the last two films.) need not know. Whatever the case, you can be sure their unease won’t show on screen. Of course we’ll have to wait for “Deathly Hallows” till we see this scene.
As for their future beyond the Harry Potter films Daniel Radcliffe has expressed his desire to continue acting, Emma Watson is not yet sure though she seems to be seriously considering on going to college, and Rupert Grint is just sure that he’ll be missing the shoots and is adopting a wait and see attitude on what the future holds for him.
As for muggles worldwide all we can hope for is that wherever you are, come Wednesday, it won’t be literally raining on our parade, which is what happened in the London premiere. I guess it just goes to show that their magic wand works only in the film and not in real life.
Half-Blood Prince Delivers
I saw “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” yesterday and as can be expected it was good. My main problem with the movie though is that it just left me hanging! I haven’t read “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” and since I do enjoy the movies a lot don’t plan on reading it until I’ve seen the last film. I know I’ve got it backwards but it’s just more exciting to watch without knowing what’s going to happen next. I do love reading but this time the film adaptations are just so good (despite minor scenes) that I don’t think it would do a disservice to the book by watching the film before reading it.
Anyway, back to the “Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince.” What I liked about the movie (let’s not discuss the story anymore because we all know it’s good) is that it delivered. The CG was spectacular, a lot better than in the last movie “Order of the Phoenix” where we were introduced to Hagrid’s giant half-brother, Grawp. Grawp was adorable but like the centaurs was obviously CG. In contrast I don’t remember any part of the “Half-Blood Prince” looking unrealistic. Watching the film makes you think that everything is being shot as is.
The actors/actresses did not disappoint as well. The cast has obviously grown not just in age but in maturity in their acting skills. Those that stood out to me were Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), who was able to embody his very conflicted role, Rupert Grint (Ron Weasly), though I must be biased because Ron is my favorite character, and Frank Dillane (older Tom Riddle), who just sent shivers down my spine…he was so creepy! Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) did a good job as ever showing as Harry growing to be more than a boy. Others who did not stand only because in relation to their own achievements as actors (they always do an excellent job) are Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix), Alan Rickman (Snape) and Michael Gambon (Dumbledore). Cutest character in this movie is the same one in the last movie – Luna Lovegood (played by Evanna Lynch). She’s so cute I can’t help but wish Harry would just hook up with her instead of Ginny.
Star Trek Review
May 8 was Star Trek day for me. Armed with food and drinks I sat in the middle of the cinema (made sure I got good seats) and finished my food before the movie started (I was so restless). I was a little nervous that the movie would disappoint. It didn’t.
SPOILER ALERT: Don’t read this post if you haven’t seen the movie yet.
I know the entire plot changes how the Star Trek universe will proceed in the future, after all what will happen with two Spocks? I know some purists would love to have old Star Trek back but for the most part I would think that people, old Trekkers or new converts, are as happy as I am with the film. It just grabs your attention from the start and continues to hold it till the end. Non-trekkers wouldn’t have a hard time following the plot either because the movie is self-contained. My friend who has no clue said it was better though for the brief background I provided about the Enterprise and its crew right before the movie started (I managed to run my mouth off in between bites and sips).
As for the acting they were superb though I am left with mixed feelings about some things such as Spock and Uhura’s romance and Scotty. Simon Pegg was really funny but I’m thinking that he’s a bit too jaunty compared to the original Scotty. The ones I liked were Eric Bana (Nero), Anton Yelchin (Chekov), and Zachary Quinto (Spock). Everyone gives well-deserved praise to Karl Urban for his faithful portrayal as Dr McCoy. The best part for me though was seeing Leonard Nimoy step into his role. Zachary Quinto may do a really good job but Leanoard Nimoy really owns the character. I’m so glad the plot included a future Spock in it even though it throws the entire Star Trek universe into a spin.
When it comes to the effects and action sequences there’s no doubt about it that Star Trek is a winner. Naysayers may say that it just makes this movie a movie for the new “ADD Star Trek audiences” and that it lacks the depth and intelligence of old Star Trek movies but I say that the effects just gives the Star Trek concept justice. The movie may not reveal all the rich history of Star Trek but it is a great introduction if we want to get Star Trek back. For me, I’m just hoping that this will be a new start of a whole generation of Star Trek.
Terminator Salvation May Be Terminator’s Redemption
Terminator Salvation isn’t set to come out till May but everyone’s already really excited about the movie thanks to director Manuel Balce Ceneta McG’s panel discussion during the movie trailer’s premiere at WonderCon last Saturday.
The movie is still very much in the works with some key elements still unsettled such as the appearance of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton and what role their icon characters will take in the movie. What is settled though is that the movie will be more about the story than the action sequences. It goes back to the question of humanity and according to McG asks, “Where does humanity lie? If you have an artificial hip, or an artificial heart, you’re still human, right? Well, where does that line end up being drawn? We’re flirting with the point now to where it’s not necessarily science fiction anymore. It is a real issue and part of what this film does is explore that question.” This movie, as Anton Telchin (Kyle Reese) puts it “honors the legacy of those first two movies.”
I say great news for Terminator fans that were sorely disappointed with the last movie (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines). Terminator Salvation is out to redeem the Terminator name and it seems like it’s going to do just that.
Star Trek Trailer a Big Hit
Star Treks’ trailer has me all excited. Though it has always had a very faithful following the movie series was not something I really liked. The funny thing is that I am so into the books but for some reason never got into the movies. I blame it on my hyper-active imagination which makes the movies pale in comparison. This time though it might be different.
Star Trek has always been cool but you just have to see the trailer to see why it’s gotten even cooler. I do hope the movie doesn’t disappoint. For now though the verdict is that Star Trek is making a huge comeback. Props to JJ Abrams for managing to revitalize the movie…or at least the trailer. Hopefully the trailer editors didn’t do too good a job making the trailer tons better than the actual movie.
The cast also helps with Chris Pine as James T Kirk, Zachary Quinto as the young Spock (That alone makes the movie worth watching! Sorry but I’m obviously a fan.), Leonard Nimoy as the old Spock, Zoe Saldana as Uhura, Eric Bana (another one for the ladies) as Nero, and Winona Ryder as Amanda Grayson.
The movie premieres May 8. Come May I will surely be dragging people with me to see the movie. My guess though is that the dragging part won’t be necessary once my friends see the trailer.
Watch the Star Trek trailer in HD at Apple.com