Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

"Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living and above all, those who live without love."

 

Directed by David Yates

2011

Viewed July 2011

This was a wonderful ending to such a great series. Its been awhile since I've read the book, and I think it basically follows most of the major points, but it does take some liberties as well. But keeping the book out of it, I still think that this was a really great movie. Harry, Ron and Hermione have battled Voldemort and his forces of evil for 8 movies, and here, in the 8th and final film, it all comes to a head and there is a final battle. Oh how these characters (and the actors who played them) have grown. We have watched them for the last 10 years and it's definitely sad to say goodbye. I got so into HP 7.2 and when the characters had triumphs I wanted to cheer for them. Neville had a big scene and I just wanted to jump up and clap for him because he's come so far from being that dopey, comical chubby kid and turned into a brave young man willing to stand up to The Dark Lord himself and fight for what he believes. This movie is not quite perfect, there were a few scenes that felt cheesy (mainly the "19 years later" part that was horrible in the book as well). Overall this movie was exciting, fun and it did not feel like I had been sitting there for 2 hours and 10 minutes! A-

Super 8

"Production value!"

Directed by J.J. Abrams

2011

Viewed July 2011

There is only one good way to describe this movie and that is: Steven Spielberg alien movie (like E.T. or Close Encounters) with a very J.J. Abrams twist (like Cloverfield or Star Trek)... Basically a group of hilarious kids are trying to film a zombie movie. They sneak out for a night shoot and witness a huge train wreck. Then weird things start happening around town and the kids try and figure out what is going on. It definitely has that nostalgia for the late 70s/early 80s, it was definitely a simpler time where you couldn't just look up a bunch of stuff on the internet and parents weren't afraid to let their kids play unsupervised. It's also very exciting and sometimes has a Goonies like feel within the group of kids. The kids are all so fun to watch and have some very hilarious and witty moments. I definitely love love LOVED this movie! A

P.S. Stay during the credits for a little treat!

Love Actually

"I love you even when you're sick and look disgusting"

Directed by Richard Curtis

2003

Viewed July 2011

What can I even say about this movie to sum it up? Oh yeah, it's incredibly adorable, completely entertaining, and dripping (yes dripping) with sappy, amazing, wonderful love love LOVE! I love it! It's one of those movies that just makes you want to be in love. It's adorable. If you haven't seen it yet, then see it. If you have seen it then watch it again! A

The Green Hornet

"You said I was boring. My gun has two barrels. That's not boring."

Directed by Michel Gondry

2011

Viewed June 2011

I didn't have high hopes for this film. The previews made it look so dumb. I was pleasantly surprised by it though. The buddyness of Seth Rogan and Jay Chou is just so fun and bromantic. The movie is about Britt Reid whose father dies of an allergic reaction to a bee sting and inherits his father's fortune as well as the newspaper he built. Britt's father is played wonderfully by Tom Wilkinson who definitely warmed me up to the movie despite having very little screen time. Britt ends up meeting the car/coffee making guy Kato and the two become fast friends who decide to become super heroes.... Except sort of not... They go and commit crimes to make people think they're bad, but really they help people and are trying to take down a drug ring.... I dunno, it didn't really make a whole lot of sense... They end up angering drug boss Chudnofsky who is played by the fantastic Christoph Waltz who pretty much makes the movie with all of his cheese and cheekiness. The actual plot is pretty dumb, but like I said, Seth Rogan and Jay Chou are fun together. C+

Country Strong

"Don't be afraid to fall in love. It's the only thing that matters in life"

Directed by Shane Feste

2010

Date Viewed: Saturday July 2, 2011

Let me start out by saying that Gwynth Paltrow has never really been my favorite actress. However, she is really good in this movie. Gwynth plays broken country singer Kelly Canter who is pulled out of rehab early by her manager/husband for a come back tour. Their marriage is toxic and ugly. Kelly had gotten drunk and fell off stage and killed their unborn child (which is how she ended up in rehab). Her husband can't forgive her, is controlling and both are unfaithful. Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester are worthy costars as Kelly's husband, lover and opening act (respectively). The music in Country Strong is pretty enjoyable, I'm not an expert on country music, but I enjoyed it. The movie has good moments, but as a whole got boring and a little cliched. C