Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part I) (2010)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I (2010)
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Running Time: 146 minutes
Director: David Yates

Ahhhh, Harry Potter. Brings back memories of my nephew insisting upon replaying, just the first half and the first half ony (before getting distracted) of both Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone along with the Chamber of Secrets. A child's love for mystery and magic and also that, quite simply, they are watching a story about a child - something in an of itself, relatable! Ogers, ghouls, wizards, wands, all wrapped up in an edge-of-your-seat tale. We are now on the first half of a two-parter based off of the seventh novel in the series (whew!). Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part I) is quite dark. As I'm told though, it has stuck closely with what was first written, with minor alterations. (possibly done to prevent the likelihood of confusing things, leaving too many details open-ended or simply for time constraints). The author of the series, J. K. Rowling, intended to have Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) grow up with its readers. As many have, fans would now be a bit older and thus not dissuaded from the intense experiences older Harry Potter goes through - they are gloomy, dark and truly terrifying. At this point in time, Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) is gaining more and more control over all that muggles wizards have come to know. We are introduced to everyone amidst those who comprise the Order of the Phoenix (a society of those whose aim it is to prevent anything Voldemort) and cleverly plan a way to bring Harry to their designated safe spot. This group naturally contained Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint). The goal is, well to live, but to defeat Voldemort, whose minions have taken over The Ministry of Magic and are attempting to rid the world of muggles (those who have neither any magical abilities or born into the magical world). Their only hope is to obtain all of the Horcruxes - magical items used to gain immortality; this is the only way to defeat the immortal Lord Voldemort.

The relationship between the trio is quite real; a reflection of the history of highs and lows that friends experience and, especially when they all have some sort of chemistry - the drama. There are a couple characters too who don't make it very far and with this you feel that this really could be the end! (I have not read any of the novels and do not know yet what is to happen - I'm an outsider!) I would advise though for parents to be cautioned. While there have been deaths mostly either spoken about, implied, led up to and one somewhat shown in previous Potter movies, the one at the beginning of this film is hard to watch. While it does not resort to being gruesome, the knowledge that this individual was likely roughed up and is then shown as a trophy is a little disturbing. While there are most certainly scenes in the first six films that some could attach the same warning too, this was striking as it could've been taken out of the magical, youth world and plopped righted into another movie. Ok, possibly just a portion of it. My point is more the effect to the viewer! In addition, there is a scene with Ron being injured that, I believe, is not for all eyes.

Indeed though, the heights at which we become immersed in the well being of all those who are attempting to defeat evil. There are resounding themes; good over evil, the pain of discrimination, friendship, resilience; all well-balanced throughout. The graphics too are great, as expected.

The only detrimental factors in my opinion were, the length of down time in the woods (yes we have to understand that time that was spent looking for a Holcrux yet do we really have to see Hermione & Harry dancing?), the length of the movie (although it may be just me bothered by this, I'm old) and some of the dark scenes (simply as a warning to those taking children along; I personally wouldn't advise or younger than 11).

All in all, a solid film. Something about it was quite amazing and yet still something a bit forgettable. A good indicator is if whether or not I can or cannot stop thinking or talking about it. It was right there amidst the in between! It definitely does wins points for heart, love of the characters and detail!

I give this a three and a half out of four frames!



As IF you haven't seen the trailer ;)



Go see it & post your opinions on the forum!

Danae signing off!

sources: traileraddict.com; wikipedia.org

Coco has returned!

Conan
Channel: TBS (check your local listings)
Day/Time: Monday-Thursday at 11pm

CO-NAN! CO-NAN! CO-NAN! CO-NAN! CO-NAN! I guess you can tell I’m excited that Conan O’Brien is back on late night. Millions of people have been anxiously anticipating his return since his untimely demise from the Tonight Show over on NBC. You can now find Conan’s new show, aptly named “Conan,” on TBS. They have been hyping up his return for months now so you know they had to deliver. Deliver they did.

Conan pretty much had to come back just as good, if not ridiculously better than when he was on NBC. He had to make them regret the day that they royally screwed him and all of his staff. Personally, I think that his five minute introduction video of what happened “last season on Conan” did just that. I was laughing from beginning to end. Along with Conan we get his signature self-deprecating monologue. He certainly poked a lot of fun at himself and his prior situation. One of the best jokes was that he named his show “Conan” so that no one else could host it but him. He is now backed up by the Basic Cable Band, who isn’t let by the usual Max Weinberg, but is now being led by Jimmy Vivino. It’s basically the old band minus Max.

The show lined up a pretty decent troop of guests for the first week. The first show featured a performance of Conan and Jack White from the White Stripes. Amazing! The second show had Academy Award winning Tom Hanks showing off his vast knowledge of whales. And they soaked him! Hilarious! Third show brought us Jon Hamm of Mad Men fame. Genius! The fourth show gave us Michael Cera and the comedic styling of Jon Dore. And that’s only one example from each show.

I have to say that I LOVED the first week. If I had any complaints it would be that it isn’t five nights a week. You only get Conan Monday-Thursday. And as my boyfriend pointed out, how is he really supposed to compete with the other late night shows if he is only on four nights a week while everyone else is on five. But his numbers weren’t bad. The first show brought in about 4.2 million viewers. While his numbers did slip as the week progressed (averaging about 2.7 million a night) I don’t think that is any indication that in another nine months he will be on another network. All in all I think Conan on TBS is a success. I look forward to watching him night after night and laughing my butt off.

I give Conan’s new late night show 5 frames out of 5. I love him and I love the new show and I know it can only get better from here.



Here is the clip of what happened "last season on Conan."



For any and all info regarding Conan's new show head on over to www.teamcoco.com

Until next time kids, this has been Hava.

What Is To Come...

I haven't been to the theater in awhile *tear falls down cheek* and that's due to both the fizzunds ($) and that there have been only a few movies I feel are worth those limited funds. I do still hope to soon see SAW 3D - The Final Chapter (because naturally you need to see those graphics in 3D ;)), The Town, Let Me In and The Social Network. Other than those selections, I'm not feeling that excited. I then decided that it's just wrong for me not to be excited about something in the movie realm and upon my quest for that which I hope to enthrall me, the following were chosen:

Tron Legacy (2010)

Maybe I'm wrong by not having seen the original yet (hey, I'm young!) but I am nonetheless looking forward to this. The pure aesthetics look so clean, beautiful and truly like real life meets the computer world. I'm going to Netflix the original film prior to seeing this, to not do so I believe would be wrong! Most of you likely know the premise but in summary, Kevin Flynn, who got caught in a computer program in the original film (Tron - 1982), tries to contact Sam Flynn, his son (who is now an adult). Sam, of course, gets pulled into the same world and will try to escape, maybe even with the hopes of bringing back his father. The film is being released December 17, 2010.



Unknown (2010)

This is the first I heard of this but Liam Neeson rarely disappoints. The premise is that of a man who post-accident, finds that his identity and his life, have been replaced! Someone, or ones, want him out of the picture; he embarks on a search to try to get his life back with the hope that amidst this struggle, he not only can he get back his stolen identity, but that he doesn't lose his life all over again in this endeavor. Set to be released February 18, 2011.



Tangled (2010)

A twist on the story of The Brothers Grimm's fairy tale, Rapunzel. There's not much to say except to watch the trailer; very silly and I'm certain chalk full of life lessons for all ages. Set to be released during the Thanksgiving holiday.



That's all for now, holler at me if there are films I should be on the lookout for in the near future!

Danae signing off!

source:traileraddict.com