Movie review for ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2’ (2015) and London Has Fallen (2016)

Despite having a number of assignments started rolling in for my study, I still managed to find some time to do one of my favourite activities; watching movies. I’m still trying to get myself as relaxed as possible in the time when I’m still preventing homesickness of going over me. Hence, movies are the best solution while my study remains my priority. So, after I have done writing the movie review for the two movies that I had recently watched here, I will return to my study (well, after a sleep first…haha).

Finally, I had watched the last film in ‘The Hunger Games’ film franchise; ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2’. It was released last year to end the franchise of four films all together which is based on three young adult novels. In this final film, Katniss and the rebellion group led by President Coin had finally reached the Capitol and are determined to destroy President Snow and his allies. She realized in the end that Coin is behind this rebellion with evil intention as well. I remembered that the ‘Part 1’ film of the final chapter was mostly boring and draggy without much actions. Fortunately, this ‘Part 2’ delivered.

The story is engaging and fast-paced. There are also numerous intense scenes going on (flood of black ooze, mutants’ attack, ending chaos, etc) to keep me at the edge of my seat. Having these is already enough to put it way above the Part 1 movie that is mostly dull with nothing exciting happening. Jennifer Lawrence was taking on this role for the final time, and this Academy Award winner nailed it as usual. The supporting cast also did immense great job. The visual effects are good and we are all glad to see the happy ending of Katniss with Peeta. This concluding film also came with multiple emotional scenes especially from death of many characters in this part. Overall, this ‘Part 2’ film gave a satisfying conclusion to the franchise. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2’ a total of 7.8.

Next up is my brief thought on ‘London Has Fallen’. It is a sequel to the film ‘Olympus Has Fallen’ which is about an officer named Mike doing his very best on protecting the President of the United States from terrorist attack in the White House. Of course, he is successful and the President survived. If not, we wouldn’t have this sequel, right? In this sequel, the President has to fly to London to attend the funeral of UK Prime Minister alongside many other world leaders. Mike followed and has to take all the risks and dangers when the President is under attack again in the city. Similar plot, but the context now is much broader as attacks are all over the city.

Bigger scale car chase, shootings, and explosions. There are plenty of intense action scenes going on that makes it a thrilling movie to enjoy. However, I do observed that the visual effects in this movie are still not at its best (some parts still look unrealistic and they shouldn’t be in this big-budget production). Besides that, the plot is a bit illogical and cheesy at some points with insufficient and shallow story development. Anyway, if I don’t mind about that and just focused on its action (yes I am), then it is a good movie. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘London Has Fallen’ a total of 7.5.

(Images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)

Movie review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)

After over a month of the film release, finally I get to watch ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1’, on the first day of the year 2015. The reduced urge to watch the movie early isn’t a sign of me giving up on this film franchise which is based on ‘The Hunger Games’ books in trilogy by Suzanne Collins. On this third film of the franchise, the one before the finale (Part 2) set to be released end of this year, Katniss went to District 13 after 12 is destroyed and met President Coin whom convinced her to be the mockingjay, the symbol of rebellion to the Capitol, while at the same time, trying to save Peeta.

When this Part 1 of Mockingjay film commenced, I have actually quite forgotten on what had happened in the last scene of the previous movie ‘Catching Fire’. I couldn’t catch up for a moment but I’ll just let it be. While I agreed that there is way too little action offered in this Part 1, but I do enjoy how the story here strongly builds up to make way for an exciting conclusion in the Part 2. Of course, as similar to the others, I’m hoping for more battles or action scenes even from this Part 1 already, but we were all left slightly disappointed in this category. However, that doesn’t mean the plot is boring. The story development is very good albeit a bit slow and I’m glad that this Part 1 only took less than 2 hours. That’s enough. If it’s over that run time without more things to offer, then we will start check our watch.

Despite the less actions, the movie still delivered with some impacting moments. It manages to still provide climax and moving scenes. Perhaps it may be due to the exceptional performance by the main lead, Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss. Well , her Oscars win in Best Actress from her other role in the past is already an indication of how good she is in acting despite she is now still very young. Other main casts also did great in their respective roles. Julianne Moore as President Coin here (new character) is pretty outstanding. Looking forward to see more of her in Part 2. Josh’s role as Peeta is very much confined and limited on TV screen here in Part 1, but he is doing great. The main casts brought up the emotions very well.

Besides that, the visual and sound effects are both doing great to enhance the movie too. On the other hand, I am also particularly impressed by the way the film portrays the act of rebellion; the revolution sparked from Katniss against the Capitol and its system. It sounds political but it is actually reflecting what we in our current situation may be facing. The movie implies a strong and meaningful message in that matter. Overall, the movie is okay. Nothing outstanding but I think they will reserve it all for an epic conclusion in Part 2 coming this November. Wow..that’s a long wait. This Part 1 still does well and keeps the momentum going with everything builds up to make way for expected-to-be-memorable ending. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1’ a total of 7.3.

(Images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)

Movie review: The Hobbit – The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

Here we comes, to the last part of the trilogy of ‘The Hobbit’ which sets as the prequel to the famous ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy in early 2000s. After joining a group of dwarves on a never-before adventure to reclaim the Lonely Mountain as a burglar role and eventually awakens the powerful dragon Smaug, in this final chapter, Bilbo Baggins (the hobbit) found himself in middle of the battle of the five armies (hence the movie’s title), each with aim to claim the mountain full of treasures and value after Smaug is killed. Directed by Peter Jackson, the film starred Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly, Luke Evans, etc.

From the plot revealed in my previous paragraph, ‘The Battle of the Five Armies’ has a very interesting storyline. I’m happy that Peter Jackson didn’t decide to make two films from this last chapter which is the current trending fashion for most other trilogy fantasy films (Harry Potter, Hunger Games). He sticks to one film to conclude the story and it is done brilliantly well. If its divided into two parts, I already imagined that things would be draggy and not productive. Now, things went fast-paced and excitingly thrilling with good story development in this slightly over two hours long film. Even my friend who didn’t watch its first two films enjoyed this.

Watching this one reminds  me of ‘The Lord of the Rings’. Well it should be. The characters, the setting and atmosphere, and the wars. In this one, the final war of the five armies (Goblins and the Wargs against Men of Dale, Elves, Dwarves, Eagles and a Shape-shifter) is just as epic as the final war in ‘The Return of the King’ from ‘The Lord of the Rings’. Is it only me or is anyone out there realize that Bilbo Baggins (the main character) has quite a little role or contribution in this final movie besides than the Arkenstone part. He is almost like useless in the battle, knocked down later, and then woke up knowing the war has ended and seeing the last moment of Thorin before he died.

I also actually wish to see more of Smaug in this final chapter too. He is immediately killed off by Bard, the dragon slayer in the first few minutes of this movie. I think he is too easily defeated despite his powerful force, ability and strength. Well, it is supposed to die early so that everyone can go take over the Lonely Mountain. But just not enough. We were shown many heavy CGI scenes in the beginning to conclude the life of Smaug. Mentioning on CGIs, I think the movie delivered wonderful visual effects (eventhough not the greatest yet I have seen). Some of the CGIs do look fake as I recalled. The sound effects are also good.

Everyone in the casts did fairly well in their respective role too. On the other hand, I’m also glad that despite all the intense and seriousness of the story, there were also some humors (hilarious scenes) added in to light or ease things up particularly from the scene where Thorin sank Azog beneath an ice block and from the Alfrid, a coward character whom acts nothing like a true man and hide away from the war. The movie also delivered in emotional moments and moral values. Generally, I’m quite impressed by this film that brings an amazing and memorable conclusion to ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ a total of 7.7.

(Images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)

Let us be part of the Earth Hour 2014 tonight.

Today is the last Saturday of the month of March. And that means the time of the year comes again for us to switch off non-essential lights tonight from 8.30pm to 9.30pm (for an hour) in support of Earth Hour. If you still didn’t know, Earth Hour is a global movement organized by World Wide Fund of Nature (WWF) first started as only a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia back in 2007. Since then it has grown to engage more than 7000 cities and towns worldwide, and the one-hour event continues to remain the key driver of the now larger movement.

The movement now entered its 8th year with increasing cooperation, unity and efforts worldwide in showing commitment to our beloved planet Earth. As usual, many famous landmarks across the globe will turn off lights tonight including Sydney Opera House, Taipei 101, Burj Khalifa, Eiffel Tower, Statue of Christ the Redeemer, Empire State Building, St. Peter’s Basilica, Niagara Falls, Hagia Sophia, Beijing National Stadium, etc. While in my country, Malaysia, Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, City Hall Building, Sultan Abdul Samad Building and along with many other places will be in the dark tonight too. But I still find the efforts here in Malaysia are still not enough.

From 8.30 to 9.30pm tonight, I would be having my dinner outside. There would be no one in the house and all the lights would be off. Hence, I consider I have done my part in support of this wonderful programme. What’s extra that I could do now is to spread the message out and invite others to join me on this movement (have did it now by writing this post). Turning off lights for an hour remains a symbol, which shall lead to us being more aware of the need to love and protect our planet. Hence, we have to act beyond that particular one hour.

This is the first year that Earth Hour has a superhero as its ambassador. Spiderman is the one, and Andrew Garfield together with the other casts of ‘The Amazing Spider-man 2’ movie (scheduled to be released soon this year) will be at Singapore to take part in an event to switch off the lights of Marina Bay Sands tonight. Will there be another superhero turning up as the movement’s ambassador next year and who would it be? Superman? Batman? Iron Man? So, superhero is on board, and it tells us to use our own power too in support of Earth Hour.

Let us be part of this Earth Hour 2014 movement. Remember, 8.30pm to 9.30pm tonight (local time) on 29th March 2014.

(Images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)

Movie review: Hostel – Part 3 (2011)

Have you heard of the franchise entitled ‘Hostel’ before? This franchise together with the ‘Saw’ franchise had the similar theme of human killing by gruesome ways, but the latter is much more famous. Anyway, I did not left out ‘Hostel’ franchise too and I find that it is quite interesting and exciting to watch, especially this latest third instalment which is released directly to DVD. It freaked me out over those murder scenes that show everything it has to show (especially the part where the skin is peeling off over the face…omg!)

The story similar to the first two movies of the franchise follows a group of yougsters get kidnapped and killed in gruesome ways while being witnessed by Elite Hunting Club members who paid for all that. The franchise usually used the idea of sexy girls to attract the boys, and put them into the death situation, but it is somehow a bit different in this third instalment. The plot is twisted, with surprising agendas added, which makes this film much more outstanding than the first two. The ending gives me a shock. (No spoiler here, you have to watch yourself to find it out)

The plot gets very much exciting and interesting this time, with more scenes of the members enjoying over the killing in a room facing a bar-like area where they are seated. That part is important for the strength of the story. The murders this time in the film are much more gruesome, and I have the disgusting expressions all over my face watching those scenes where many ugly visual is revealed. Now I know why this is not released to cinema and only limited to DVD release. The violence is there, the gory is there, and it’s very exciting to watch for fans of these type of horror films like me. The like is not over the blood spilling or whatsoever; it is on the creative killing and the response from the victims, and the way it is observed and enjoyed by the crazy people opposite watching all that and of course the way it deals with psychology of the audiences (me watching it). Of course, I’m not insane or what, but this type of horror film actually gets more attention and appraisal. It’s not just about killing….

However, this third film performed badly in the ratings compared to the first two, but I thought the other way round. I find this second sequel is far better than the original and the first sequel released back years ago. It is far better in many aspects, even including the performance by the casts which is very well-done in this third instalment. What’s important is the plot, and the story goes very well and clear with some unexpected and shocking moments which are what a great horror film needs. The only bad thing is the very fake CGI effect of the roaches in one killing scene, but for the others, all the visual effects and make-up effects are very good. But one more thing, there are quite a number of boring scenes in the middle between those intense moments. So, after all, my rating to this film wouldn’t be bad also, as I gave it 6.5.

Would Harry Potter 7 Part 2 beats Titanic? (in grossing)

After a month from its release, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 which is the ending of the 10-years franchise had climbed to the No.3 spot in the list of world highest grossing film. Currently, the film which is still raking in money from worldwide cinemas had already grossed over $ 1.2 billion dollar, becoming the highest grossing film of the year. It had also surpassed The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King ($ 1.11 billion), Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest ($ 1.06 billion), Toy Story 3 ($ 1.06 billion), Alice in Wonderland ($ 1.02 billion), The Dark Knight ($ 1 billion) and the two other films released this year (and still playing in cinemas); Transformers: Dark of the Moon ($ 1.08 billion) and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides ($ 1.03 billion). Wow…box offices are doing great this year; 3 films of the year in top 10 list!

Too many numbers, right? Those values are each exceeding 1 billion dollar mark, and currently, there are only 10 films that have grossed over that level which is very impressive and are considered as movies of mega box office success. The only two films above Harry Potter’s final film are both directed by James Cameron; Avatar and Titanic. Avatar topped the list with grossing of over $ 2.7 billion while Titanic came in second after over a decade heading the list with grossing of over $ 1.8 billion. So, by calculating the difference, the gap between Titanic and the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is around $ 600 million. That sum is huge. Do you think that Harry Potter’s final film could overtake Titanic?

Weeks ago, many are speculating that this is impossible. Even at the week of its release, many also claimed that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 would not exceeds 1 billion in grossing. However, the film broken many records (biggest opening and even fastest to reach 1 billion which is in 19 days, tied with Avatar). Currently, the film is already over a month old in worldwide cinemas except in China where it had just been released. Other films have claimed the top box office like the Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Cowboys and Aliens, and The Smurfs. So, HP7 (Part 2)’s usual speed in grossing would definitely falls but the momentum is still there. I guess that the film would gross an addition of few hundred millions a month later, before the film is finally out in all cinemas. By that time, there is a high possibility that it could sinks Titanic.

I don’t think that record of getting into No.2 spot would last long too, probably only in few months. Why? On April 2012, James Cameron is going to release the 3D version of the 1997’s Titanic to worldwide cinemas in commemoration to 100th anniversary of Paramount Pictures and the sailing of the biggest and grandest ship of the time. By that time, Titanic’s grossing value is predicted to increase significantly with minimum of another 1 billion. If that is true, then by next year, Titanic would not only regains its No.2 spot, but also would be taking over back the title of highest grossing film from 2009’s Avatar. Anyway, James Cameron must be very excited as after many years, his two epic films are still at the top in the ranking.

By now, $ 600 million more for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is needed for No.2 and it is definitely not going to climb over Avatar as for that to be successful, an addition of $ 1.5 billion to grossing is required which is quite impossible. The producers, director and the casts should already be glad with their current achievement of the film which is also among the best reviewed film of the year, and is the best film of the franchise that is considered as the motion pictures of the worldwide phenomenon. I love this film, as well as Titanic, and I would definitely going to watch the latter on the big screen next year as I did not go for it 14 years ago as I was too young that time. All I have to say is that no matter how the ranking changes, these Top 3 highest grossing films; Avatar, Titanic and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 are all my favourites and are truly epic masterpieces in motion pictures.

Details and accomplishments from Harry Potter’s final film.

I seldom go for cinema twice for a same movie. ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’ is the exception. Of course, a movie is far nicer, better, and exciting if watched for only one time. However, for the epic finale of Harry Potter, I’m still interested in watching it again, no matter how many times. And so, I had the chance for it the second time on last Sunday’s night. That time is even better as I got a better seat, and giving me chance to look on the details from the film even further, and even analyzing it and compares with the previous films.

What are the details? Of course the spells usually cast by the characters. Remember ‘Piertotum Locomoto‘? It’s the spell used by Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith) in awakening giant terracotta armies to protect Hogwarts at the moment where she took the lead of the school, as well as took the hearts of the audiences watching that very emotional scene. She is finally up for a bigger role in this final film, but still incomparable to Professor Snape by Alan Rickman, whom the revelation of his memories after his death is proven to be very touching and sad. I find he speaks very slow in the film, but that is what building up the emotion and his character. The most deadly spell is of course the Killing Curse, ‘Avada Kedavra‘, usually used by the Death Eaters and Voldemort himself which is very sinful indeed. And also not to forget ‘Expelliarmus‘, ‘Expecto Patronum‘, and a simple one ‘Lumos‘ which provides lighting.

Of course all the spells are useless in the real world where we, muggles are staying. These are only applicable in wizard world originating from J.K.Rowling’s imagination on her 7 books of Harry Potter. All these are remembered not because we can use it anyway, it’s because we have memories from Harry Potter. Even we get to learn new terms from the books and of course the films, like ‘muggles’ which refer to non-wizards (ordinary human beings), horcruxes, and some others I have forgotten at the moment. The appearance of Hogwarts, giants, goblins, dragons, trolls, strange creatures are all fake in real world, but these remind us on Harry Potter.

Back to the details from the film. There are several unforgettable quotes from the film itself that leaves a deep impression to the audiences. Remember these quotes below? And guess who is the one saying the lines out?

‘Hogwarts is threatened. Man, the boundaries protect us. Do your duties to our school. I always wanted to use that spell.’

‘We have kept him alive so that he can die at the proper moment?’

‘You have allowed your friends to die for you rather than face me yourself.’

‘Harry Potter. The boy who lived…come to die.’

‘Join me and confront your faith’.

‘How dare you stand where he stood. Tell them how it happened that night. How you looked him in the eyes, a man who trusted you, and killed him.’

Even if you can’t remember those lines above. I’m sure these lines are the ones that strongly affecting the mood of the audiences at the time of screening.

Another details I would like to stress on is the soundtracks of the film. Out of so many soundtracks played at the background throughout the film, I found three to be the most interesting and emotionally-evoking. The first one is the Lily’s Theme played at the beginning of the film as the title appears together with the dark clouds. The second one actually originating from Half Blood Prince which is called ‘Dumbledore’s Farewell’, but reused again during the final revelation of memories of Snape in this film which is very much suitable too. The last one is called ‘Courtyard Apocalypse’ that occured at the time McGonagall using spell to wake the giant armies to protect Hogwarts, which is very emotional and is an impressive piece. You can listen to these soundtracks from YouTube.

Only yesterday that I began to look for the official website of the film at this link: http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthedeathlyhallows/mainsite/index.html

The website is extremely impressive, with high-definition visuals and animations. You can even download some great pictures, screensaver and posters from the site. I am also being introduced to the video game of the film from the website that now I started to gain interest on playing it (demo version available free). Downloading it would take forever as my internet connection at my home is very bad. So, I give up on it. Downloading only the pictures is fine with my internet’s credibility.

I also noticed that this film garnered generally positive reviews from people whom had watched it all around the world. The film of course is hard and impossible in satisfying all the audiences, due to the film still lacks something (varied from different people’s opinions or views) and not reaching the level of perfection, but it is still a great finale for many of us. For me, it lacks the emotional build up, it lacks ‘flashback’ that is essential for the ending, it lacks further emphasis on certain plots or characters. In other aspects, the film scored well, and even amazingly good. For my own review of the film, go to this link (https://vincentloy.wordpress.com/2011/07/16/movie-review-harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-2-2011/) or scroll down a bit to find it. My review is also available on IMDB.

The final film had only been released to the cinemas worldwide few days ago, and the gross garnered had already reached over US $ 500 million estimated. It reached half a billion mark in such a quick period of time. The film had also broke many other records like highest grossing midnight opening at all regions, highest in opening day with $91 million, and opening weekend (only three days) with $169.2 million. As a result, the film has experienced the most successful opening of the entire franchise. The film is also the best reviewed film for the year so far. There would be many more records for the film to break, and I’m sure that the film would gross over $ 1 billion and becoming the world’s top ten or even five highest grossing films of all time (alongside with Avatar, Titanic, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, etc). It definitely would beat the highest grossing film of its franchise, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (the first film) which obtained $974 million. Some said the first film is better than the final one, but I think the opposite.

The film did well on reviews, at the box office around the world, and even on the film itself. Warner Bros is sure going to gain a lot from this final film, and they would be then certain that their plan in splitting the final book of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows into two films is rather a good choice. I even wished for it to be split into three parts, for more to be shown. Anyway, don’t hope for so much if you are now even getting something real good already; from this final film that put the end of Harry Potter to an epic conclusion. ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’ certainly deserves SOME recognition on next year’s Oscars, probably in categories like best visual effects, best original score, best supporting actor for Alan Rickman, best film editing (remember, without those powerful editing, the whole film would not succeed and appears very fake), best picture and even best director (for David Yates contribution to previous Harry Potter films he directed too). All seems to be going well for the ending film of Harry Potter.

Movie review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)

‘It all ends’. The magical adventure of a young famous wizard known as Harry Potter on the big screen for over a decade has come to a conclusion which I have had watching it a moment ago, with the final film entitled ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2)’. As we all knew, all the eight films are adapted based on the 7 novels of the same title written by J.K. Rowling. I did not read the books and so I would comment on this last film of the franchise based on what I see, and not on what I read, as a usual audience with no knowledge on the ending revealed much earlier from the release of the final book. This would be then a fair judgement to the film, produced by David Heyman, David Barron and even J.K. Rowling herself, and directed by David Yates.

I knew that it is very hard or almost impossible to adapt the whole story of the final book into a single film, which is usually taking between two to three hours only. Hence, splitting the final book into two films is a very good idea, and the producers would gain more profit too. The first part of the ‘Deathly Hallows’ had been released last year, and I find that the film concentrated more on character’s development and getting us to warm up before the exciting final battle from this Part 2. Harry Potter and his two best friends continued to find and destroy the remaining horcruxes before finally dealing with Lord Voldemort. In Part 1, Voldemort had found the Elder Wand while Harry had only found one horcrux, and in this Part 2, there is so much things for Harry to do, and all is stuffed into this final film. Here below is a trailer of the film of Part 2 which looks very promising:

There are many available trailers for the film and one of them shown a scene where Voldemort grabbed Harry’s face and asked him ‘Why do you live?‘ and Harry replied ‘Because I have something worth living for’. This part is missing in the film! Probably it would be in extended DVD version of the film, to be released soon.  The main issue on this final film that I felt disappointed is on the flow of the story. As the story in Part 1 flows in a steady manner with ample of time for Harry Potter to find the horcruxes and deal with his friends, everything gets too rushed in Part 2. Everything is squeezed into the final film which is taking only two hours. I think the best duration of time for this final film should be around 2 hours and 30 minutes long with additional depth given to certain parts of the story as stressed from the book as far as I knew from the book readers. I find myself confused for a moment where the true story behind the character of Professor Severus Snape is revealed after he died. That part is explained too fast, and it is hard for people like us to get to understand it. Luckily, I had a look at the synopsis of the final book before going for the film.

Professor Severus Snape is my most favourite character in Harry Potter’s films, and I think same goes to many others too. He is actually a very complicated character with not much to reveal on him, not until after so many chapters, and finally everything is revealed. He is indeed a good character as I have predicted from even the first film itself. In many ways, he is actually helping Harry Potter on the other side, unseen by others. Alan Rickman, portraying as the character of Snape did a fantastic job all over the eight films. More time should be given in justice for Snape whom is one of the main characters especially at the moment everything of his complicated history is shown after he died.

The battle at Hogwarts had taken almost half of the film and I’m glad for that. This is the main portion of the film that gets people excited and even emotional. The staffs, the members of the Order of the Phoenix and even some students are finally shown to be using their powers in defending their school, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I like the part where Professor McGonagall is taking control back of the school from Snape with her magical abilities and acting as head in defense of the school. She is given very minor role in all the other films, except the first one and this final one. I strongly agree it is definitely her time to be the headmistress of the school, and not to forget the previous two headmasters too, Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape.

Yes, the film succeeded in bringing the audiences into an exciting fast-paced ride through Gringotts with the goblins and the dragon, through Hogwarts with all the battle with Death Eaters, and through final battle between Harry and Voldemort. And I have to say again, too fast! Whenever a scene comes and goes, I am then saying ‘What? That part is gone? A bit wasted, isn’t it. That particular scene can be described even more, isn’t it, for a better film with great story flow?’. And so, I find this film still lacks something, some important details which should be shown. (I don’t mean the very much details from the book). Probably I had a very high expectation on this film. Anyway, I still think this is considerably fine.

The acting performances by the casts, especially the main ones are getting improving after so many years dealing with their imagination in wizard world, especially Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter himself. His acting gone matured in the final film, and well very satisfying in his solid performance, especially at the moment when he stood out and talking with Severus Snape in anger. And finally, the pair, Hermione and Ron started their love relationship and shared their first kiss in a tough time, while Ginny is still in love with Harry…and it is very satisfying that their relationships are not much focused in the film, but just shown in a quick manner which is sufficient enough. Okay…sorry for some of the spoilers here if you haven’t watch it….it is unavoidable for me not to mention part of the plot here.

I had some comments for the epilogue of the film which is also based from the book itself. Turning the time to 19 years later may be necessary for many stories including this one of Harry Potter, but this epilogue is created in a way too simple and ordinary in ending the film. It would be very emotional and great if a moment where the turning-old Harry is flashing back on his childhood memories full of great obstacles and eased by his friends while looking at his children boarding the train to Hogwarts at the 9 3/4 platform of King’s Cross Station, which is invisible to muggles like us. As you might not know, ‘muggles‘ is a term used in ‘Harry Potter’ that describes people with no magical abilities, which is normal people like all of us. A scene showing the rebuilt Hogwarts back to its glory and fame should also be shown in the epilogue for a captivating ending not only to the movie, but also to the whole thing of ‘Harry Potter’.

I also find that the last words from the book which is very significant to be placed into the end of the film too. The last words are ‘”The scar had not pained Harry for nineteen years. All was well.” Significant, isn’t it? I have to mention also that the soundtrack for the film is indeed crafted beautifully and suited well in the final film, with additional intensity or emotion added at proper moments, eventhough the film delivered the emotional approach not at its best. The visual and sound effects are impressive too, especially at the parts where ‘Hogwarts is threatened‘ – a quote from Professor McGonagall. The computer generated images (CGI) effects shown in the film are just great, like the part where Snape flee away from McGonagall, Voldemort breaking the protecting barrier of Hogwarts, and Death Eaters casting their destructive spells to the school, and many others. These are  heart-stopping moments.

Wao…this is another big review of a film from me, and I’m still not willing to let ‘Harry Potter’ go. The whole franchise, the whole story, the magical world of Harry Potter would be kept forever in our hearts even all the books and movies for it ended. This final film can be considered well satisfying, beautifully created, well worth watching, and in some way, is a truly epic conclusion with happy ending as predicted. It is the first day of release in US and second day in Malaysia, and so I’m quite early in watching it. I am now planning for watching it again soon. It’s the end of Harry Potter, and it’s the end of my review too, with my rating for the film, 8.0 out of 10. 

World largest premiere at London – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2)

The premiere yesterday at Trafalgar’s Square, London of the final film of Harry Potter is no doubt the world largest premiere with crowd of approximately 20 000 people, massive scale red carpet and set-up, wide coverage of media and press, huge number of celebrities and casts attending, in a historic iconic spot of the city, and broadcasted live throughout the world.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2) had its first premiere screening yesterday, at London with only the very lucky ones able to watch it first, together with their favourite stars of the film, like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, and even the creator of Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling. The movie would ends the 10 years magical journey of a young wizard, Harry Potter in dealing with the Dark Lord, whom shall not be named (Voldermort).

Yesterday, the red carpet began around 4pm at London, but it is around 11pm night here in Malaysia. The red carpet ended around 7pm, and so I watched the live show online till 2am midnight, where at the last arrivals are the two most iconic stars, Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter and J.K.Rowling, the writer, creator and producer of Harry Potter. That is the time that the crowd erupted into full excitement and joy, as they finally got to see their idols.  Some of the people even camped at the area three days before the premiere just to get a good spot and closer distance to the stars so that they can have the opportunity to obtain autographs and pictures of the arriving stars.

Some of the people even came oversea just to be at Trafalgar’s Square to be a part of the red carpet to the premiere screening of the film. They are really the hardcore fans of Harry Potter. The arriving stars took their time on waving to the crowd, signing autographs, taking pictures, and even get interviewed on stage. That is a very overwhelming image of such a huge crowd and scale of the premiere that impressed everyone.

It is also a bit emotional and sad that it would be the last premiere of the movie franchise that consists of 8 films in total. When J.K. Rowling gets interviewed, she mentioned ‘”It’s my baby and if I want to take it out and play with it again I will.” Rowling leaves open the possibility of more Potter … Her books had sold over 450 million copies around the world, and ‘Harry Potter’ has become a world wide recognizable name (even my father knows it). The film that would be released to the cinema on 15th July 2011 would be the epic finale of the story. Eventhough the book readers have had known the ending, but the visualization of the ending to the big screen would be unlike any others. The end part of the red carpet with J.K.Rowling, Daniel, Emma and Rupert:

Daniel Radcliffe whom himself had personally watched the final film, mentioned that this is the best film out of the eight in total, and there would be no other possible better version than this one. Some whom had the opportunity to watch it earlier even had a good review for the movie. It is said to be emotional, exciting and surprising despite the duration of the movie is only around 2 hours which would be seen as insufficient to Harry Potter fans. I am definitely going to watch the film, which concluded the earlier 7 films that I have all watched too. I am waiting for the epic conclusion of the story that even said to be of worldwide phenomenon and representing our generation, as I do not know about it since I did not read the books. Anyway, impressive masterpieces by J.K. Rowling that have made it up to this big!

Images from:

http://movies.yahoo.com/photos/red-carpet/gallery/3490/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows–part-2-uk-premiere#photo36

http://celebrity-gossip.net/harry-potter-and-deathly-hallows-part-2/harry-potter-deathly-hallows-part-2-uk-premiere-521868

It’s July, the holiday month for movies!

I can’t believe half of the year is gone. It’s now July 2011, in which for the whole month, I will be enjoying my break before the next semester of my study begins which would be the last as well. The theme for the month would be on movies, because there are many interesting films released recently or coming soon in this month which I wanted to watch.

One of the movies that have been released on June that I still haven’t go for is ‘Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon‘ released in end of June which I knew that I would not able to catch it in premiere or in first few days of release due to its extreme popularity and craziness by transformers-fans. Anyway, I would be watching it tomorrow in 3D and stay tuned for my review for it. The other movie is ‘Attack the Block‘ which is not so famous but received very high rating worldwide on its alien invasion theme. There is also one Hong Kong movie I’m anticipating which is ‘Treasure Inn‘ starred by Cheung Ka Fai and Nicholas Tse and is commented by many people to be very funny and entertaining. If I have watched all these, then I would go for ‘The Green Lantern‘ too.

For this month of July, everyone knows what is the biggest movie of all to be released! It’s the final chapter of the franchise ‘Harry Potter’ based on the novel of same name by J.K. Rowling. ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2)’ would be released on 14th this month and it would marks the end of the movie franchise after ten years of production of eight films under the franchise. The movie would eventually leaves a deep impact to audiences whom had watched the franchise from the beginning till the end with the release of the final movie of Harry Potter. For me, the effect is imposing into my childhood memory when I began watching it as a kid till now, as a young adult, and so I grow up as the franchise progresses, along with the stars in the movie like Daniel Radcliffe. I did not read the novels, and I guess the effect of saying goodbye to the franchise would be much greater for those whom watched all the eight films and read the whole 7 books.

And so, the theme for the header of the month would be based on the release of the final movie of the Harry Potter. What do you think of this new header representing the movie of the month? Even the font used, Lumos is the same font used by the title of the films which I got it by searching through the internet. This is the month of the epic conclusion, the ending of the long magical story between Harry Potter and his friends with the main villain, Voldermort and his allies. The trailer of the film is very interesting, exciting and looks very promising with more action-packed scenes and all the things finally shown off and revealed to its best for the finale. I am definitely going for it, and after that, there would be no more film to be based on Harry Potter unless someone wanted to make a prequel. J.K. Rowling even established a new website at http://www.pottermore.com with something coming soon….what would that be? After this movie, then another one that caught my attention is ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ which is a superhero movie by Marvel that looks interesting even from its trailer already. And…after that, it’s August, another month from now, which would be no longer a relaxing month for me.

Before I end this, do you know that July 2011 is the month with 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays? This occurrence would only happen once in few years (not 823 years as rumored and spread through social networking sites). Anyway, that would means that we have more weekends to enjoy for the month! That is good.