The summer of 2011 is coming to a close so it seems like a good time to share my list of my favorite movies of the season (June-August):
10. Captain America: The First Avenger - In my opinion, this is a much more superior Marvel movie than Thor, even though Thor was still not horrible. Captain America was overall fun even though it began to feel a little bit rushed and cut. The visuals were great and the acting was very good. It was an added bonus that there was a trailer for The Avengers.
9. Bad Teacher - Cameron Diaz steps out of her usual zone for this raunchy, but hysterical school comedy. I can easily relate because she reminded me of teachers that I have and used to have. I only wish the ending wasn't so predictable, but it doesn't even matter by the end.
8. Horrible Bosses - This was the funniest movie of the summer. It was consistently funny with Charlie Day, Jamie Foxx, Colin Farrell, and Jennifer Aniston stealing the show. It was better than the overrated The Hangover, and this could find the same following it created.
7. Friends With Benefits - This movie takes a traditional romantic comedy formula - friends who have sex - and twists it. I could have guessed the ending, but it is done very nicely. Mila Kunis proves to be one of the funniest pretty ladies around. This provided the raunch that many rom-coms lack.
6. Rise of the Planet of the Apes - I knew this movie was going to be good when everybody else said otherwise. I found the trailer interesting, which this movie definitely was. The visual effects were amazing. It almost seemed like Caesar was actually acting with James Franco. The climax was one of the most exciting in recent memory. You almost ending up rooting for the apes because of how unlikeable the humans proved to be. This was perfect, cheesy fun.
P.S. Tom Felton does not pull off an American accent well.
5. Another Earth - I was lucky enough to be able to see this at the movies. The story was so unique and would have been good enough without the whole "Other Earth" thing, but that really added depth to the story. The ending was perfect because of how open it was, although I have my theories. The effects of the "Other Earth" were flawless.
4. X-Men: First Class - Nobody thought this would be good because of all the characters, but it was amazing. Each character was given enough development, and the story was nicely set up for sequels.
3. Super 8 - Nobody knew what this movie was about until shortly before it was released. It proved to be a great homage to Spielberg films. It reminded me so much of Cloverfield, one of my favorite films; the monsters even look the same. I became very enthralled in the story, and was mystified by the ending.
2. The Debt - This suspense/thriller was released the last day of August, just labeling it a summer movie. When I was watching it, it engrossed me completely. Jessica Chastain gave an amazing performance and Helen Mirren was great in her too short performance. It legitimately made me think and had many twists.
1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 - Not only the best movie of this summer, but my favorite movie of the year and tied for my favorite movie of all time. This is probably because of my Potter love/obsession, but I saw this four times, with a goal to see it five times. When I saw it at midnight, I cried like a baby at the perfect ending. The visuals, music, acting, dialogue, and story were all amazing.
Stay tuned for when this year is over and my overall "best of"of the year is released.
Feel free to comment with your favorite summer movie/s.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Best Harry Potter Kisses
The Harry Potter movie series may be over, but in an attempt to keep my Harry Potter obsession going as long as possible, I decided to make a list of all the major characters Harry Potter kisses and how good they are. here we go:
1. Hermione and Ron (Deathly Hallows Part 2) - This is the most awaited kiss in the whole series and I think they pulled it off perfectly. It had the emotional aspect covered and was in an iconic location.
(it was very hard to find a picture of this kiss)
2. Harry and Hermione (Deathly Hallows Part1) - Technically, the characters of Harry and Hermione didn't kiss, but the Horcurux's projection of them did, to make Ron jealous. This was definitely the longest and most graphic kiss in the series and it was very well done by showing just enough to get the just of what is going on.
3. Ron and Lavender (Half-Blood Prince) - This kiss was pretty spontaneous and glanced at fairly quickly with no real emotional strings, but it was still effective. This was debatably one of the first things that made Hermione realize she was jealous of Ron when he was around other girls. It is a very realistic kiss between teenager.
4. Harry and Ginny (Deathly Hallows Part 1/2) - Technically, they kiss twice between these two movies, but since they are rather short kisses and these are two parts to one movie, I will include them together. These are completely normal, average kisses, but that's why I liked it. Neither one of them planned it, it just happened. It is the only way the movies really showed that Harry and Ginny were still together, and it worked well. A huge improvement over their first kiss...
(DHp1) (DHp2)
5. Harry and Cho (Order of the Phoenix) - I really didn't care for this kiss. It was very hyped up, but nothing really happened; their lips were only together for a second. In the book, it was much more exciting and in depth. They just kind of threw in the kiss because they needed to please fans. They cut out the whole Harry/Cho date fiasco, so this is really out of nowhere. It wasn't horrible though, like the last kiss on the list.
6. Harry and Ginny (Half-Blood Prince) - Where to begin with this kiss. I hated this kiss. It was so poorly executed. The actual liplock lasted for about a quarter of a second, and it so hyped! It was the only way the film set up Harry and Ginny's romance, which I would have understood if they followed up the romance, which they didn't. It's really a shame how bad this kiss is because this is one of my favorite Harry Potter movies.
(That's basically the whole kiss...)
So there it is, my list of all the major Harry Potter kisses and my order of preference.
Agree with me? Disagree with me? Did I leave anything out?
Comment and let me know! Thanks!
1. Hermione and Ron (Deathly Hallows Part 2) - This is the most awaited kiss in the whole series and I think they pulled it off perfectly. It had the emotional aspect covered and was in an iconic location.
(it was very hard to find a picture of this kiss)2. Harry and Hermione (Deathly Hallows Part1) - Technically, the characters of Harry and Hermione didn't kiss, but the Horcurux's projection of them did, to make Ron jealous. This was definitely the longest and most graphic kiss in the series and it was very well done by showing just enough to get the just of what is going on.
3. Ron and Lavender (Half-Blood Prince) - This kiss was pretty spontaneous and glanced at fairly quickly with no real emotional strings, but it was still effective. This was debatably one of the first things that made Hermione realize she was jealous of Ron when he was around other girls. It is a very realistic kiss between teenager.
4. Harry and Ginny (Deathly Hallows Part 1/2) - Technically, they kiss twice between these two movies, but since they are rather short kisses and these are two parts to one movie, I will include them together. These are completely normal, average kisses, but that's why I liked it. Neither one of them planned it, it just happened. It is the only way the movies really showed that Harry and Ginny were still together, and it worked well. A huge improvement over their first kiss...
(DHp1) (DHp2)
5. Harry and Cho (Order of the Phoenix) - I really didn't care for this kiss. It was very hyped up, but nothing really happened; their lips were only together for a second. In the book, it was much more exciting and in depth. They just kind of threw in the kiss because they needed to please fans. They cut out the whole Harry/Cho date fiasco, so this is really out of nowhere. It wasn't horrible though, like the last kiss on the list.
6. Harry and Ginny (Half-Blood Prince) - Where to begin with this kiss. I hated this kiss. It was so poorly executed. The actual liplock lasted for about a quarter of a second, and it so hyped! It was the only way the film set up Harry and Ginny's romance, which I would have understood if they followed up the romance, which they didn't. It's really a shame how bad this kiss is because this is one of my favorite Harry Potter movies.
(That's basically the whole kiss...)So there it is, my list of all the major Harry Potter kisses and my order of preference.
Agree with me? Disagree with me? Did I leave anything out?
Comment and let me know! Thanks!
Friday, August 12, 2011
The Hunger Games (Book Review)
The Hunger Games is the new big thing in the teen world. After being published a few years ago, this book series has gained a vast following. In March there is going to be the first, of a series of four, film adaptations of this series on the big screen.
I became interested in this book because of the movie news, so here is my review of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins:
Set in a future North America, Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12. There were 13 districts, but the last one was destroyed. District 12 is the lowest class of all the districts, so when the Hunger Games come around each year, the nominees (aged 12-17/18) from District 12 is never expected to win. It has only happened once in the long history of the Games. When Katniss' sister Primrose is chosen as a nominee, Katniss steps in her place, alongside Peeta, the boy nominee. Here's why: the Hunger Game is a test where there are 2 nominees from each District who cfight to the death to survive. It gets worse, it's televised so everybody can see everything.
That is the setup of this series. When I started reading this book, I really could not put it down. I finished most of it in one day, and the rest the next. It had a perfect amount of action, suspense, romance, and survival. The story is told from the point of view of a teenage girl (Katniss), but that means nothing in the end; this is easily a book that can be enjoyed by both sexes of any age. This book series is now one of my favorite ever (behind Harry Potter of course). I cannot wait for the movie! Jennifer Lawrence is perfect for Katniss, and it could only be bad if they were to tone down the actual Games to an annoying level, which would get rid of the intensity of the situation.
March 23, 2012 cannot come any sooner!
I became interested in this book because of the movie news, so here is my review of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins:
Set in a future North America, Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12. There were 13 districts, but the last one was destroyed. District 12 is the lowest class of all the districts, so when the Hunger Games come around each year, the nominees (aged 12-17/18) from District 12 is never expected to win. It has only happened once in the long history of the Games. When Katniss' sister Primrose is chosen as a nominee, Katniss steps in her place, alongside Peeta, the boy nominee. Here's why: the Hunger Game is a test where there are 2 nominees from each District who cfight to the death to survive. It gets worse, it's televised so everybody can see everything.
That is the setup of this series. When I started reading this book, I really could not put it down. I finished most of it in one day, and the rest the next. It had a perfect amount of action, suspense, romance, and survival. The story is told from the point of view of a teenage girl (Katniss), but that means nothing in the end; this is easily a book that can be enjoyed by both sexes of any age. This book series is now one of my favorite ever (behind Harry Potter of course). I cannot wait for the movie! Jennifer Lawrence is perfect for Katniss, and it could only be bad if they were to tone down the actual Games to an annoying level, which would get rid of the intensity of the situation.
March 23, 2012 cannot come any sooner!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (Season 1)
One of the more underrates television shows in recent years is Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. When it was first on air, I only saw a couple episodes of this season, but I jut re-watched the whole season and it was amazing!
This series stars Lena Headley as Sarah Connor (previously played by Linda Hamilton in the original two films in the franchise), and she does an exceptional job taking on such a tough and complex character. Thomas Dekker plays John Connor (played by Christian Bale in Terminator: Salavation), Sarah's son. They have been on the run for a couple years after the end of Terminator 2: Judgement Day. Joining the cast is Summer Glau, playing the terminator Cameron, from the future. The overall plot of this season is the trio trying to prevent Skynet's creation of the terminators, which resulted in the destruction of the human race. John is the leader of the resistance in the future, so a lot of effort is put into saving him in the past, so the future him can still help fight.
The acting in this series is amazing, especially by Headley as Sarah. She has the same depth that Hamilton gave to the character, and possibly even goes deeper because more time is allowed for her character to become developed. Dekker shows that he has the chops to play a character that wants to deny his future. Glau makes her terminator seem very human as the series progresses. The plot moves forward at a great pace, and the dialogue feels natural, especially between Sarah and John during their mother and son talks.
Overall, it's a great, underrated show, and I can't wait to start watching season 2!!!
This series stars Lena Headley as Sarah Connor (previously played by Linda Hamilton in the original two films in the franchise), and she does an exceptional job taking on such a tough and complex character. Thomas Dekker plays John Connor (played by Christian Bale in Terminator: Salavation), Sarah's son. They have been on the run for a couple years after the end of Terminator 2: Judgement Day. Joining the cast is Summer Glau, playing the terminator Cameron, from the future. The overall plot of this season is the trio trying to prevent Skynet's creation of the terminators, which resulted in the destruction of the human race. John is the leader of the resistance in the future, so a lot of effort is put into saving him in the past, so the future him can still help fight.
The acting in this series is amazing, especially by Headley as Sarah. She has the same depth that Hamilton gave to the character, and possibly even goes deeper because more time is allowed for her character to become developed. Dekker shows that he has the chops to play a character that wants to deny his future. Glau makes her terminator seem very human as the series progresses. The plot moves forward at a great pace, and the dialogue feels natural, especially between Sarah and John during their mother and son talks.
Overall, it's a great, underrated show, and I can't wait to start watching season 2!!!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Harry Potter Legacy
I am about the biggest Harry Potter fan you can find. I am the definition of obsessed. So, when the last movie ever came out, I had no choice but to see it at midnight. I expected lot of sadness, but I was wreck at the end. Here's my [fan] review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2:
The last film in the Harry Potter saga picks up directly where the previous film left off. There is even a flashback to the last moments of the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Shortly after that, we get reminded of the death of a very reliable house-elf named Dobby. Within a few minutes of screen time, it is decided that Harry, Ron, and Hermione have to break into Gringotts bank to find a Horcurux hidden in Bellatrix Lestrange's vault there. Did any of that sentence make sense? If not, you've never seen a Harry Potter film and would most likely sit in the theater confused for most of the film's 2 hour and 10 minute run time.
When the trio breaks into Gringotts, the action starts. That's nothing compared to later in the film. Harry and Co. have to stop the evil Lord Voldemort, but first they still have some Horcuruxes to find. They are back to Hogwarts. Soon, an all out war is being fought between the good wizards and the Death Eaters.
Obviously a lot more happens, but it is too complicated to explain without going on for ages.
This is by far the best in the series. It has all of the action, acting, writing, and heroics that some of the other films in the series fell short of.
If Part 1 and Part 2 were combined into one long film, it would be even more amazing than this!
My list of favorite Harry Potter films in order:
1) HP and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
2) HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban
3) HP and the Half-Blood Prince
4) HP and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
5) HP and the Goblet of Fire
6) HP and the Sorcerer's Stone
7) HP and the Chamber of Secrets
8) HP and the Order of the Phoenix
I will always remember Harry Potter, and I couldn't be happier with the overall series. Even the worst movie is still far better than any Transformers movie. I'm just glad that they did these films right.
The last film in the Harry Potter saga picks up directly where the previous film left off. There is even a flashback to the last moments of the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Shortly after that, we get reminded of the death of a very reliable house-elf named Dobby. Within a few minutes of screen time, it is decided that Harry, Ron, and Hermione have to break into Gringotts bank to find a Horcurux hidden in Bellatrix Lestrange's vault there. Did any of that sentence make sense? If not, you've never seen a Harry Potter film and would most likely sit in the theater confused for most of the film's 2 hour and 10 minute run time.
When the trio breaks into Gringotts, the action starts. That's nothing compared to later in the film. Harry and Co. have to stop the evil Lord Voldemort, but first they still have some Horcuruxes to find. They are back to Hogwarts. Soon, an all out war is being fought between the good wizards and the Death Eaters.
Obviously a lot more happens, but it is too complicated to explain without going on for ages.
This is by far the best in the series. It has all of the action, acting, writing, and heroics that some of the other films in the series fell short of.
If Part 1 and Part 2 were combined into one long film, it would be even more amazing than this!
My list of favorite Harry Potter films in order:
1) HP and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
2) HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban
3) HP and the Half-Blood Prince
4) HP and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
5) HP and the Goblet of Fire
6) HP and the Sorcerer's Stone
7) HP and the Chamber of Secrets
8) HP and the Order of the Phoenix
I will always remember Harry Potter, and I couldn't be happier with the overall series. Even the worst movie is still far better than any Transformers movie. I'm just glad that they did these films right.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Oscar Nominations!
Every movie buff in the world (or at least America) looks forward to the Oscars. The Oscar nominations are the big time of the year for movies. There are always surprises and snubs, and this year was no exception. Overall, these are great nominations:
My Predications:
Best Visuals- Inception will most likely win, but Alice in Wonderland could take the win
Best Editing- Black Swan is my pick, but the Social Network can win
Best Costume Design- Almost a hands down win for Alice in Wonderland
Best Makeup- The Wolfman has a 99% chance, but The Way Back did have great makeup
Best Cinematography- Black Swan was filmed perfectly so it should win
Best Art Direction- Alice in Wonderland was so wonderfully art-directed and it has a lot of colors
Best Sound Mixing/Editing- These are two different categories, but Inception will win both.
Best Song- "If I Rise" from 127 Hours is the best of the bunch
Best Original Score- The Social Network has the most memorable.
Animated Short - Day and Night because I saw it in front of Toy Story 3
Live Action Short- The Crush for no reason
Best Short-Subject Documentary - Killing in the Name has the most interesting premise
Best Documnetary- Exit Through the Gift Shop is the most well-known
Best Foreign Language FIlm- Biutiful has the Best Actor nomination so it is known and respected.
Best Animated Film- Toy Story 3... hands down
Best Adapted Screenplay- The Social Network had perfect dialogue and was overall perfectly scripted
Best Original Screenplay- Inception was so original and thought-provoking that only the King's Speech might beat it.
Best Supporting Actress- Hailee Steinfeld gave the best performance in the category even though Melissa Leo is getting the most awards for her slightly overrated performance.
Best Supporting Actor- The category with the most surprises (2) will be won by Christian Bale because he gave one of the best performances of the year and deserves a win
Best Actress- All amazing performances but Natalie Portman gave the best performance of the year and beyond, possibly decade.
Best Actor- The toughest category with no clear winner. Colin Firth will probably win based on his great performance.
Best Director- Darren Aronofsky directed Black Swan perfectly.
Best Picture- Black Swan really really stuck with me and it became my favorite movie of the year and one of my favorites of all time. A true masterpiece.
My Predications:
Best Visuals- Inception will most likely win, but Alice in Wonderland could take the win
Best Editing- Black Swan is my pick, but the Social Network can win
Best Costume Design- Almost a hands down win for Alice in Wonderland
Best Makeup- The Wolfman has a 99% chance, but The Way Back did have great makeup
Best Cinematography- Black Swan was filmed perfectly so it should win
Best Art Direction- Alice in Wonderland was so wonderfully art-directed and it has a lot of colors
Best Sound Mixing/Editing- These are two different categories, but Inception will win both.
Best Song- "If I Rise" from 127 Hours is the best of the bunch
Best Original Score- The Social Network has the most memorable.
Animated Short - Day and Night because I saw it in front of Toy Story 3
Live Action Short- The Crush for no reason
Best Short-Subject Documentary - Killing in the Name has the most interesting premise
Best Documnetary- Exit Through the Gift Shop is the most well-known
Best Foreign Language FIlm- Biutiful has the Best Actor nomination so it is known and respected.
Best Animated Film- Toy Story 3... hands down
Best Adapted Screenplay- The Social Network had perfect dialogue and was overall perfectly scripted
Best Original Screenplay- Inception was so original and thought-provoking that only the King's Speech might beat it.
Best Supporting Actress- Hailee Steinfeld gave the best performance in the category even though Melissa Leo is getting the most awards for her slightly overrated performance.
Best Supporting Actor- The category with the most surprises (2) will be won by Christian Bale because he gave one of the best performances of the year and deserves a win
Best Actress- All amazing performances but Natalie Portman gave the best performance of the year and beyond, possibly decade.
Best Actor- The toughest category with no clear winner. Colin Firth will probably win based on his great performance.
Best Director- Darren Aronofsky directed Black Swan perfectly.
Best Picture- Black Swan really really stuck with me and it became my favorite movie of the year and one of my favorites of all time. A true masterpiece.
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