Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 - Review

The end is finally upon us. It's been ten years since the beginning and now the final instalment is upon us. People queued and camped for days on end for the world premiere in London, every third advert on television brings us fresh reminders. Most people know what to expect but that doesn't make the wait any less intense and the fans any less eager. We've watched the three heroes grow from the fresh faced child actors; making their debuts on the big screen, to the young adults who have grown so happily familiar to us all and have really brought justice to the franchise. When the series started we were shown a family friendly, happy and magical world which brought wonder and whimsy, but of course as the series progressed, the actors and their characters grew up, the directors changed bringing their own unique touches to the franchise, the dangers grew, the story became more complex, and the word 'darker' became ever more present which each new film. Bringing us to the finale.

The film starts off with a dark setting; Hogwarts is shown as the polar opposite of everything we have grown to love it for. It looms large and foreboding, devoid of colour and character and filled with an ever watchful dark presence. From here the tone of the film is nicely set, bringing a nice contrast to the feeling we as an audience received upon first seeing the school of magic. What follows the opening of the film is the action which the first part of the Deathly Hallows nicely set up. Yes this film is where events really start to unfold, scares and dangers emerge from around every corner, and emotions are heightened to the extreme. This film is determined to go out with a bang, and that is exactly what it does. The first half was a brilliant coming of age road movie, plenty of drama between the main characters and heaps of tension thrown into the mix, as if something could go tremendously wrong at any moment…and that’s where that film ended. Part two has less of the journey and instead goes more for full-on action. We see Harry, Ron and Hermione thrown head first into near impossible escapes, battle scenes and running for their lives as their world literally crumbles around them, and it’s all very exciting!

Dan, Rupert and Emma truly are stars now. Their performances in this last instalment are without doubt the best they could have given. Dan brings the heart as Harry, Rupert the soul as Ron and Emma the brains as Hermione. All three have really blossomed and grown magnificently into their parts, we laugh with them, we cry with them and we shout “at last!” when two of them finally succumb to their emotional feelings for each other, in other words Ron and Hermione finally kiss! and they play it out brilliantly. Many other characters from the past films return, though most literally just make a couple of lineless appearances here and there; Percy Weasley for example only seems to be in one scene for about five seconds then disappears, but it is nice to see that the filmmakers are at least including these characters in some way, and for fans it is like having a who’s who brush up on past Potter characters. 

Three other characters really stood out, and they were Neville, Voldemort and Snape. It is pleasing to see that Neville, as well as playing his usual comic relief role, also gets his moment to shine and finally makes a stand. Voldemort shows his vulnerable side, as he realises what our heroes are up to we see him panicked and scared, as well as dealing out brutish violence himself. However the main stand out, who probably should have had a little more screen time, was Professor Snape. It was a relief to see that Snape’s back story was included in the film and it was executed beautifully, a well shot, lump-in-the-throat story, which really makes you gasp and reach for those tissues. Probably the best scene in the film, it really packs emotional punch as well as acting as a slap-in-the-face catalyst for the main story.

As for the negatives there are only a few minor points in which to bring up. For one I thought there could have been more emotion brought to Harry and Ginny’s relationship. Harry had disappeared for several danger filled months, Ginny was locked away in a school filled with Deatheaters, yet when they finally see each other again…they stand at opposite ends of the room and look at each other…? It would have been nice to have seen the same passion that was brilliantly shown between Ron and Hermione, rather than the polite and conserved approach that they seemed to give each other. Also the whole of Dumbledore’s mysterious past was almost lost, it was built up in the beginning of the first part, when Harry is made to question how well he knew the Professor and we suddenly learnt that Dumbledore’s father killed three muggles. Then in the second part when we meet a long lost member of Dumbledore’s family, a different back story is quickly dished out with little or no mention of the father, and not a lot of explanation at all as to the subject they are talking about, Dumbledore’s sister. These points may only matter so much as I have read the books but it is hard to be objective when being a fan of the books. The final scene of the film may be seen as a bit disappointing, it is Dan, Rupert and Emma made up to be older than they are, about mid to late thirties, and some look better than others (Ginny looks the same but wearing a “mumsy” outfit with a bad wig). It would have been nice to have had the final shot of the film to be the characters as we know them but at least, compared to the books, after the battle of Hogwarts, there is an immediate aftermath which shows us the what happened next? that many fans were left wanting from the books.

David Yates is a genius. It is easy to see why he has stayed on as director since the fifth film, he brings the perfect tone to each film, the perfect level of comedy and tragedy and the films are shot beautifully. The battle of Hogwarts was always going to be a huge challenge, but thanks to the visionary in the director’s chair those scenes were brought to the screen with a blow which will shock and enthrall fans. Seeing the massive force-field surrounding the school set ablaze, stone statues, suits of armour, teachers and characters we all know fighting to defend the school as giants, massive spiders and Deatheaters storm towards the grounds, it truly is a spectacle to behold, brilliantly executed. They say to save the best for last and in the case of the Potter film franchise that has definitely been the case. Since seeing the film I have witnessed many people leaving screens crying clutching tissues, smiling and with an excited buzz and even witnessed a full screen of people clapping as the credits rolled. Deathly Hallows Part 2 truly is the finale all fans have been waiting for. It really shows that everyone involved, cast and crew, have put their all into this last instalment, only a few minor flaws are contained within this masterpiece. From start to finish the action and drama is non-stop, there are plenty of scenes to get the heart racing as well as the middle section of the film which will bring tears to many eyes. 

The final and best film is something that must be witnessed on the big screen to get the most impact. Even non-Potter fans could enjoy this one. It pushes the boundaries of violence and gore just enough but it’s still suitable for family viewing. So everyone grab your wands and cloaks and let’s enjoy the magic one last time.

Bad Teacher - Review

I rememebr school well, I'm not ashamed to admit I was a teacher's pet, a swot. I always got on well with the teachers and was never in detention. Though not the top of the class I always put in a decent effort, took pride in handing in my work early and happy when my work was used as an example of good work for the rest of the class. Now I never made the teacher cakes or anything, I wouldn't go that far. I used to be put off people who talked in class and blatantly did not pay attention or care, then seeing that same trait portrayed in films it sudddnely became funny, though I never adopted it myself. Now it seems the roles have changed and it's the teacher's who have their own lives outside the classroom and may just not give much of a shit.

I like Cameron Diaz, she doesn't really stand out for me though compared to other female comedy actresses, particularly SNL alumni Tina Fey and Kristen Wiig, but I have nothing against her. It's been a while though since I've seen her do a decent comedy film, I haven't seen What Happens in Vegas ( I don't really want to), and don't get me started on the Charlie's Angels films or The Sweetest Thing. Arguably the Farrelly brothers film There's Something About Mary is a good point of call but even in that film she mainly plays a straight lace, innocent-like girl of Ben Stiller's dreams, so for what I'd seen in the trailer for Bad Teacher there's was expectations that Ms Diaz would really be able to exercise her comedic abilities, and she does...to an extent. There are moments in the film where her character creates these cringe worthy situations all in the pursuit to attract the attention of the new rich guy played by real life ex Justin Timberlake, sometimes these moments are so awkwardly funny, they're biting your lip and looking over at your friends face funny, sometimes they just make you cringe. Diaz's acting in this is good and, moments of great humour, but sometimes it seems just to go that tad bit too far, not so much that its too insulting (though that may be the case for some) but too far that it seems a bit too far fetched, unless that is what the director is aiming for, it's unclear. Also there is never really any explanation as to why the main character is such a bitch, now I'm not saying there needed to be  a heartfelt speech two thirds of the way through the film in which Diaz breaks down and says her father left her and her mother preferred her younger sister or whatever but it actually bothered me a bit that there was no reason at all put forward as to why she chose her lifestyle, or what got her to where she is now. Just curious!

The rest of the cast are great, always nice to see john Micheal Higgins, Justin Timberlake is quite funny, particularly in the dry humping scene, the film's funniest moment, Jason Segel is slightly underused but brilliant as the interested in Diaz gym teacher, and gets the film's funniest line (in my opinion), the fact that Diaz is pursuing the good guy when actually the film wants her to go for the guy who smokes pot and has a very casual attitude to everything is interesting. Some nicely suprising comedy faces pop up in the film, such as Molly (in it for about a minute but hilarious) Shannon, Thomas Lennon and Phyllis Smith of The Office: An American Workplace. But the show stealer of this film has to be Lucy Punch as rival teacher Ms Squirrel who's so squeaky clean and over the top she "out funnys" all the scenes she shares with Cameron.

If easily offended and looking for something with reasoning behind it, avoid this film. It is unashamedly rude and awkward but for what it is it works. This won't be an all out smash but it has potential, it's just missing some depth. The fact the film doesn't want Ms Diaz's teacher to change her ways may or may not be a bad thing, but the film does seem to be telling us a few harsh truths, people will judge you on your looks, if you're a geek/nerd you may well get bullied. This film won't really leave a lasting impression but it's a comedy to watch with mates and if you like the kind of boundary pushing humour, however it ain't no Bad Santa.

X-Men: First Class - Review

I'm a bit of geek. I'm not ashamed to admit that. Sometimes the best way to chill out and relax is to play some XBox and kill some things and/or complete some quests. I get excited when I discover a new graphic novel to read and love it when great sci-fi/fantasy comes to the screen. This geekism was fuelled in part by my first viewing of X-Men in 2000 (yes 11 years ago!!), apart from Star Wars, it was my first proper encounter with the comic book sci-fi genre, and I loved it. I loved the feeling it gave that at some point, in some way the prospect of human evolution reaching a new point seemed somewhat plausible if quite fantastical. And best of all Hugh Jackman... Not just a good looking speciman but also a great actor and playing Wolverine has done massive favours for him, though his mutant role is still his best and most enjoyable. The second film X2 two years later was a great sequel, which expanded nicely on the first and left the end on an awesome cliffhanger. The third film...well all the cast returned again (a few exceptions...Nightcrawler?!). And now we have what inevitably comes to all movie franchises...a prequel. Here is my review.
 

Now this film didn't get off to the best start possible what with the eye offending, shoddy posters that looked hastily mocked up, which were released as the films' first official imagery. Even the director slagged them off, but I tried not to let this affect the perception of the film.

I was quite keen to see X-Men prequel as soon as possible, because I had been interested since the first film eleven years ago, to know the backstory of Professor X and Magneto, brilliantly played in the originals by Pactrick Stewart and Ian McKellan, these characters often hinted or remarked back to their pasts but we saw and knew very little. Now I have to say the first twenty to thirty minutes of First Class were good and established the main charcters well but it seemed very rushed, jumping through their childhoods very quickly in order to get to the main story segment. There were also several what I like to call "convenient" moments within the film. For example there is a scene when the junior mutants are showing off their powers to one another, which is enjoyable, but then they suddenly decide to have codenames and all very quickly come up with the names we are very familiar with as well as telling McAvoy and Fassbender's character's that they have come up with the names Professor X and Magneto for them....it's too chessy and quick and nothing works like that, even in film, it's all too convenient! Also there are moments in the film which seem straight out of a drama, which is great, it gives the whole mutant sci-fi thing a bit more depth, set amongst the Cuban Missile Crisis of the sixties, it gives deeper meaning. Then there are moments of great chessy-ness (if that is a word) and action sequences typical to a summer blockbuster film, which are good, but my problem is that the two sides of this film never really seem to quite mesh well enough together, the first half of the film is more dramatic but this starts to slowly slide away as the film progresses and turns towards the popcorn movie side. The scenes where telepathic messages and visions are seen by us, the audience, I'm still not sure whether or not they really worked, and it may have better to have had them on the cutting room floor rather than in the film, there's odd moments here and there which just mess up the original tone of the film before it leaves it behind completely.

Having said all that I did enjoy the film, though didn't leave with that big of a smile on my face. The two leads played by James McAvoy and Micheal Fassbender are great, they aren't trying too hard to fill in the roles which are known so well, which is a good move, though McAvoy's hand to the forehead seemed a bit too cheesy a gimmick and there were slight Irish accent fluctuations in Fassbender's German character. Both charcaters were well acted and you did root for them against Kevin Bacon's villain Sebastian Shaw, who gives a good charming-but-an-asshole performance. Their friendship itself was a bit lacking in the film, there wasn't too much shown of the two bonding, however the scene where Xavier helps Erik (magneto) with his power is well shot and memorable. Jennifer Lawrence as Raven/ Mystique and Nicholas Hoult as Hank McCoy/Beast were very intriguing and well cast, Rose Byrne as the human CIA agent was very unused and not very essential to the story apart from two scenes out of the whole film.

I really enjoyed the childhood scenes, they packed a good sense of tension and emotion into the film but as mentioned earlier, seemed to be rushed so as to move the story on. For me Fassbender was the star of the film, though there was a lot of him in the first half the focus on him became lost at the halfway point in the film, where it seemed to shift to Mcavoy, but Fassbender, for me at least, had the stronger charcter and performance.

Mixed reviews have been given for this film but I have not heard anything to say that this film was a masterpiece, and considering that the director was Kick Ass's Matthew Vaughn I was expecting more of this film. There are genuinely good moments in this film, the effects are good, costumes and settings are just right, not too over the top, and there are some well acted and emotional scenes which set up the two mains really well. It is a very long film, being over two hours long, and with the film struggling to be a drama and a blockbuster and not quite succeeding at either it could be that this film may lose a few dedicated fans.

Cap'n Jack's back.... but are we happy to see him? Pirates 4 review

I've been to Disneyland Paris once before and I did go on the ride itself and it was enjoyable. Then a few short years later they go and make a movie based on this ride, only thing was the film was a lot better than the ride I remember, no cheesy Disney songs and one heck of a bigger thrill. It brought forward the likes of Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom (I'll leave it up to you whether this is a good or a bad thing) and it put Johnny Depp firmly on the mainstream A list of stars. Made in 2003 it catapaulted pirates to instant infamy, the film was a big hit, and its main attraction was Captain Jack Sparrow whom Disney initially wanted to recast after seeing some of Depp's work on the film, they hated him! Oh how the tides have turned (pun!). Now in 2011 we have been given a fourth film in the franchise and this time 3D and without Orlando and Keira.





Rob Marshall has replaced Gore Verbinski for directorial duties, though the film starts off in a similar fashion to the three that preceded this one. A gloomy, haunting introduction that informs the audience that trouble is brewing, followed, after the opening titles, with a humorous escapade from Mr, sorry I mean Captain Jack Sparrow. This formula still works well for setting the scene and immersing the audience into the action. There's even an interesting, if maybe slightly pointless, cameo for Dame Judy Dench. However after this good opening, the film seems to slow down and there is quite of lot of scenes which seem to just introduce a flurry of new characters one after the other for quite a while, during which time not a lot else happens and Sparrow fumbles and manipulates his way about. Now there are a few giggles to be had here and Blackbeard's entrance is quite something, his character is quite good but never quite seems quite as intimidating as expected, especially as he is supposed to be the pirate all other pirates fear, at times I found myself almost rooting for him, unless that's what the studio wanted? Penelope Cruz has the same situation, she is very feisty and has great potential with her character, but she doesn't really do a lot in this film, other than the odd bit of bantering and shouting, which is a shame.

One of the film's biggest faults is that the whole production seems to rely too much on Depp's shoulders. Geoffrey Rush returns in this film and is funny and brilliantly plays his ambitious Captain Barbossa, he has some good lines as well, but it's all too obvious that Sparrow is the main focus and maybe there's just a tad too much. Now don't get me wrong, Depp is excellent as Sparrow and there is a reason he is so popular, but as this film is 137 minutes long and most of that time is spent in Jack's company it is putting this character in danger of starting to become a bit tiresome, the film does have the been-there-done-that about it.

The film has great production value; the locations, costumes and sets they make the film look and feel amazing, the action scenes are brilliant and there are the odd moments of good humour, however the film never really seems to properly take off. The stuttering flow of the film, and the over familiarity of the film's set-ups and characters mean that this film doesn't quite have the wow factor. The 3D is also mostly pointless as there are just a few moments when you really notice it (in the air landscape shots and thrusting swords).

I don't know if I just wanted the film to be as good as the first one, but it doesn't quite live up to those high standards. You can tell the director is different as there is a touch of showmanship to this film, and spectacle seems a priority over the characters and plot. Though I would tell you that if you are a fan and enjoy these films then definitely go and see it. This film is by no means terrible it just is something we've seen before, however I am sure it will do very well with the public and I am glad I have seen it.

Oh and well done Sam!