Harry Potter Challenge Day 22

Harry Potter or Twilight?

What?  What the hell kind of question is this?  Did anyone contemplate this question? 

I’ll admit, I’m a fan of Twilight.  I think the books are light and easy to read and I don’t have to think about story or plot or anything of significance.  Love triangles are classic book material.  But, the emotional depth of Harry Potter far outreaches Twilight.  Harry Potter addresses social issues through a child’s lens and is actually making people into better human beings.  I don’t mind a sexy vamp, but Harry Potter is and will always be the better story.  It’s one for the ages.

Movie Review Madness #26-31

While procrastination is something I enjoy immensely when it comes to uploading my blog, watching movies is something I try not to procrastinate about. Because c'mon, those movies aren't going to watch themselves! So while I have been watching films recently (or in the case of some going all the way back to this summer), I just haven't been writing about these movie experiences. Thus creating a lovely backlog on my blogging. So here's the most recent movie info I can share.

26: Wanderlust
Wanderlust is described as strong desire or impulse to travel somewhere new and exciting. In this case of this film, it is a husband and wife (Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston) who fall on hard economic times and have to give up their lush life in the city for a commune in the countryside, where free love is eagerly exercised. The movie follows the two as they adjust to this new life and try to maintain their marriage. I give the movie a 7.5. The cast was stand out for me including Alan Alda as the commune's leader, Justin Theroux as a sexual magnet on the women of the commune, and Ken Marino as Paul Rudd's annoying brother. While it brings to mind what a marriage can go through and must try and survive, the title seemed better suited for a different kind of film.

27: What to Expect When You're Expecting
Based on the book women have used for ages when preparing for pregnancy, the movie pulls tons of great actors together for the stories of various couples and their roads to being parents. The movie covers the topic of adoption, miscarriage, and most importantly what a woman goes through making life inside her. Featuring Elizabeth Banks, Dennis Quaid, Anna Kendrick, Chase Crawford, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, and Chris Rock to name some, the cast works well together and doesn't force the film. Star studded movies like Valentine's Day and the follow up New Year's Eve tanked, but What to Expect When You're Expecting was more like Love Actually in the way the stories flowed. I give it an 8 out of 10. The movie had me in stitches at times, and holding back tears at others. A great film for a night with the girls.

28: Safe House
Add together Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, and action? Seems like a concoction for a pretty sweet flick. The movie follows Ryan Reynolds as a CIA safe house operator that gets little (basically no) action. When suddenly Denzel is mixed in as a CIA turncoat who needs to be brought in for questioning. Things go horribly wrong, and Reynolds and Washington are on the run together. I give the movie a 5 out of 10. What could have been an amazing film, instead was lackluster and predictable. The action was acceptable and the only part that was redeeming was the cast. Side characters including Vera Farmiga, Brendan Gleeson, and Sam Shepherd. It is a bland version of Enemy of the State.

29: Breaking Dawn 2
The epically awaited end of the Twilight series finally arrived. Bella wakes up as a vampire and gets to live happily for a while, when suddenly mayhem ensues. Someone is mistaken and doesn't bother to check their facts before going to the vampire high counsel. The counsel then seeks out to deal with the issue and the Cullen family has to gather people to their side. As with every other Twilight film, the surrounding cast is what makes the film great. Not to mention, Kristen Stewart's infidelity with her Snow White and the Huntsman director left a tainted cloud around the final film. I give it a 7 out of 10. Mainly because now the series is finally done, so there is no more awkward acting between Rob and Kristen. The music was great and the supporting cast is what made the film. The director's twist on what is a dull finish in the book was a bit extreme in my opinion. It would have flowed better in my opinion if instead of a huge fight scene just having flashes. Because the entire theater was screaming obscenities during that part, and it basically made me wish the book had just ended that way. In my opinion, not the best film of the series but certainly not the worst.

30: The Hobbit
When I heard that the Hobbit was being made into a film, I was ecstatic. Being one of my favorite novels growing up (I have read it over a dozen times) I was intrigued on how Peter Jackson would do justice to the book the way he did with the Lord of the Rings. I was not disappointed. Martin Freeman stars as Bilbo, a hobbit living cozily and without any adventure in his life. Ian McKellen reprises as Gandalf and spurs the young hobbit off on the trip of his life in the company of several dwarves who are attempting to reclaim their home from the claws of Smaug the dragon. I give the movie an 8.5 out of 10. Jackson is intending on spreading the story into three films, and that to me is a bit excessive. Two movies would suffice to tell the story easily. But the action is great, specifically some dealings with a goblin king, and the dwarf cast is amazing (particularly Thorin, Fili, and Kili who are quite attractive). The back story of the white orc was not mentioned in the book, but constituted a decent portion of the film's story. Having not read all of Tolkein's work I don't know if it is featured elsewhere or entirely the creation of Jackson. It didn't detract from the story, but still seemed unnecessary. Overall, I enjoyed the film and cannot wait for the next installment, which I will of course see even if I disapprove.

31: Django Unchained
Since Quentin Tarantino is one of my favorite directors, I was quite thrilled that he had something coming out. The story is of a slave Django (Jamie Foxx) who is assisted by a bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz) in rescuing his wife (Kerry Washington) from the grips of a gruesome slave owner (Leo DiCaprio). I give the film an 8.5 out of 10. As with Tarantino's films, it was incredibly violent, and at times made me cover my eyes. The violence itself was not bad but in context with the story, it was a lot to handle. The cast was phenomenal. Stand out for me was Leo as the slave owner. He just keeps proving his talent again and again. I enjoyed Waltz, but have to say I prefer him as the bad guy (i.e. Inglorious Basterds). Overall, standard Taratino fare with a little extra uncomfortable on the side.

It might be a while before I can see another film, but may your popcorn always be buttery and your slushie unmelted!

Numbers 4, 5, 6, and 7 of Film Festival

In the continuance of my awesome movie project where I watch a ton of movies (also just got Netflix so that should help this along). Here it goes..

#4: Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1
While I do find parts of Twilight annoying and do not completely begrudge those who enjoy criticizing it, just remember that Stephanie Meyer is laughing all the way to bank. Anywho, this film takes the series in a new direction, prior to the lovey-dovey awkward love triangle of Bella (Kristen Stewert), Edward (Robert Pattinson), and Jacob (Taylor Lautner). Bella and Edward get hitched and thus have their honeymoon. Oops no condom, what she's knocked up?! And the fetus is killing her. *gasp* This movie improves on the last ones in two great aspects. Number 1: this movie is actually funny. Not awkward funny, like when Edward first smells Bella (bahahaha), but legitimately hilarious. Mostly in part to Kellan Lutz. As the burly, bearlike, adopted brother, he repeatedly has the funny lines in each film. So clearly, he needs to be in the next movie more. Not that it'll happen. Number two: this movie actually related to vampiric activity. Seeing the movie at midnight was hilarious because when they discover that Bella needs to drink blood to save her baby, everyone was whispering "Eeww, ohmigod this is gross." And meanwhile, I'm laughing hysterically. So yeah, blood and guts, actually what related to vamps, not teen angstness. For the funny and blood and guts, I'm giving it a 7 out of 10. Still not a high caliber film, but it's improving. Get rid of the main three characters and the next film might have a chance.

5: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
These books have a special place in my heart for helping me get through a really tough period of my life. The saga wraps up with the final battle and enough deaths to make any mortuary worker thrilled. Not gonna lie, totally balled my eyes out when they showed the bodies of all our beloved friends. I actually think I liked the first part of the final one better, I'm not sure why. My rating for the last film is 9 out of 10. These films are really well done, but like Matrix fans who always wonder why no sequels were ever made, I think it's great that Rowling never wrote a epilogue. OH WAIT. Denied. So that's my deducted point. The ending was already bleh, but then to film the epilogue and having them played by the actual actors who have barely any make up to age them. Yeah, fail on that one. I still love the film, but from now on, when the screen goes black I'm turning it off before that ridiculous spectacle.

6: The DaVinci Code
I received the book last Christmas as a gift and finally decided to pull it off my bookcase of unread novels and give it a whirl. The story is about the death of a prominent figure and the story descends into the obscure world of religious iconography and secrets. Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is a professor of religious iconography who gets called in to consult of the case. Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou) is a cryptologist who brings herself into the murder and the two team up when Langdon is considered the prime suspect for the murder. Eventually the two meet up with Sir Leigh Teabing (Ian McKellen) in an attempt to solve the puzzles. I am giving this movie a 6 out of 10. I enjoyed the book decently but the movie did so-so at following the book in my opinion. Not surprising, that's usually what happens with books and films. The other part of the movie that drove me nuts is the attempt at chemistry between Hanks and Tautou. There is ZERO chemistry there. Really. Nothing. And while he was certainly not looking his best, she was looking damn fine. Audrey Tautou is gorgeous. But the chemistry was far too contrived. It's a movie that is amusing to watch but also one you can talk through too.

7: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Swedish version)
I really enjoy this book series. Written by Steig Larsson, the twisted novels present an interesting view on a crime story. Journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) has just been convicted on a libel charge and currently has nothing to do while waiting to go to prison. A family patriarch calls him and asks him to investigate the murder of a family member from 40 years ago. Interwoven is the story of Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace), a gothic woman who leaves everyone guessing. The novel is extremely long and as such, transforming it into film means things will be left out. As is the case for this one. The majority of important aspects are covered in the film, but it still lacks. I give it a 8 out of 10. The movie is extremely beautiful cinematographally (if that even counts as a word). I really can't wait for the American version. Because while the guy playing Mikael is attractive, Daniel Craig is hot as hell. I'm interested in seeing Rooney Mara as Lisbeth, but from pictures I'm not sure. I think the even better combination would have been Noomi Rapace and Daniel Craig. But anyway, it comes out in a few days so I'll be able to offer my commentary on the American version.

My Inner Fangirl needs some air....

So usually my inner fangirl stays pretty well locked up, but since the Eclipse soundtrack was released today (also my friend's b-day, so shout out to being able to booze up), I decided that the fangirl needed to come out for a little bit and breathe.

Disclaimer: Yes, I am a fan of Twilight. I am however, not the kind of fangirl who makes tribute videos, imposes my image with members of the film franchise to seem like we're dating, or actually consider the writing good. I am a fan in the sense that I enjoy the books as a pleasure read and nothing more. I don't think Stephenie Meyer's books will become classics (on the contrary, I tend to critique her grammar constantly). So if your tendency to lump fangirl with the automatic notion of being crazy, leave this page. I have no tolerance for people who generalize and stereotype. If however you would like to hear an honest critique of the franchise and books, please, read on friends.

The soundtrack was released today and my expectations were high. The Twilight soundtrack was decent. The New Moon soundtrack left me wanting more, but the songs that I did like were very good. So what was to come from this one?

There was one song that I really just don't like and one song that I don't like part of, but the rest of the songs I am inclined to enjoy. The song I didn't like was the pre-released "Neutron Star Collision" by Muse. This severely disappointed me. I am a huge Muse fan, so the fact that their song was so bad really sucks. Their songs on the last two have always been favorites of mine. And now, so disappointed. The other song, the one I will say I'm on the fence about, is "The Line" by Battles. The intro was great, but midway into the song I just couldn't keep with it. But I am very glad to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the cd. I feel that the songs fit well with the tone of the movie. Standouts were "Atlas" by Fanfarlo and "Chop and Change" by the Black Keys. Now, onto the film.

I am very, very excited for this film. More so with any other because "Eclipse" is my favorite book of the series. That being said, my expectations are pretty high. More than that reason alone. David Slade is directing. I absolutely loved Hard Candy. Though it is a completely twisted and messed up story, it is an unbelievably well made film. His cinematography is outstanding. So I am intrigued as to how he will take this film. I couldn't stand what Hardwicke did with Twilight and I think Weitz got part of it right with New Moon (better than Hardwicke anyway). So Mr. Slade, what are you going to offer?


Side bar, I'm currently rereading "The Host" (the adult work of Meyer). I enjoy this story better because....I'm not sure. Part of it is that I think the human interaction and emotions are far more believable than in "Twilight" and the idea of intelligent life being out there seems far more plausible. I'm glad it is a fast read like her others because I've already counted a few sentences that end in a preposition. Come on, editors. Are you napping on the job? Seriously. Also, Stephenie. Learn some grammar would you?

So that's the end of my fangirl release. She's getting locked back up until the film comes out. Go and be free, friends. Be smart. Be awesome. But above all, be yourself (and that means letting the inner fan out every once in a while).