Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Let me start off by saying that at 12:01am today I was right there waiting for the too-long trailers to end (except the Where the Wild Things Are trailer... that movie is going to be AMAZING and the trailer is perfection... see here: http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/wherethewildthingsare/)
Then suddenly, I was no longer at the theater, I was in England.
Phenomal, fantastic, and the true definition of magic I say. Not just "movie magic," either. I always have adored Rowling's books and early this morning got to see what I believe is the best film so far in the series. (My rank from best to worst is #6, 3, 1, 4, 5, then 2) The cinematography, some of the new shots (visual angles like on the stairs at the Burrow, or through windows on the train and at Hogwarts), the acting (far better than any other film in the series), and the balance of dark and light. By that I mean the scenes of humor and laughter and light-heartedness were perfectly balanced with the dark, depressing, and foreboding scenes. There were moments of horror, suspense, and deep sadness, and then moments that made you feel warm and fuzzy all over. It was remarkable.
I only have 3 complaints: #1: There was not enough of some of the smaller characters, Neville, Professor Lupin, and Tonks especially. I felt that they were jipped a little in lack of screen time and script. #2: There wasn't enough explaination of WHY the Half-Blood Prince is called so. Fans of the boks already know, but many of the folks who saw the film with me just haven't read the books and had no clue when it was kind of tossed in at the end with no elaboration. #3: The living dead were REALLY CG-obvious and I felt could have been done better)
But all in all, even if you dont like the Potterverse (which if you don't I don't know why you're even reading this blog) this is one sight to behold. Everything I imagined when reading the book (especially the cave/ocean scenes, and the Ron/Quidditch sequences) came to life in the purest way possible. I cannot stress enough how good this film is. GO SEE IT!!! It is definitely worth $10.00 to watch on the big screen, and I am sorely tempted to catch it in IMAX soon.

Blurabbit's take: Why Cloud insisted on taking her Professor Snape doll to the movies I will never know, but the girl is a "Fan" through and through. From a *cough* unbiased *cough* perspective, the film is well-blanced with timing, action, and adventure, but I still don't know who those bad wizards kidnapped...
Cloud interjects: "It was Ollivander, the wand maker! It will make sense when the next movie comes out!"
Blurabbit: As I was saying, from the point of view of someone who hasn't read the books, I dozed off a bit when the mushy loe scenes happened but the brilliantly developed CG of flying and stuff was great and a don't-miss! So I'm pulling all sorts of movie magic out of the hat.... *sparkles and faery dust* and now I have my very own magic wand! OK, it's LED light, but still it's fun to poke at people!

Earth, Air, Fire, Water

The only reason I own Bram Stoker's Dracula is because of Gary Oldman. Ever since I can remember, this actor has fascinated me with his ability to completely transform into someone else. I dare anyone to watch his performance as Dracula and then immediately after check him out in The Fifth Element... one of my favorite films, just because. It's one of the ones that has no rhyme or reason to why it is likable and watchable. I suppose because there really isn't anything else quite like it. It makes the future look like what it might actually be... gritty, grimy, real, and yet shiny, metallic and cold. I also have a soft spot for Egypt (I will talk all about The Mummy series later) where both the beginning and the end take place. I could have lived without the ace bandage costume, but it's a small price to pay to see something creative and funny and entertaining yet clever and thoughtful at the same time. Did I mention that Milla Jovovich is a hidden gem?
"I don't know love..." the scene where she must convince a hardened former-military-turned-taxi-driver to admit he's fallen for her, is so sweet and is just one of those "moments." Chris Tucker just about steals the show as DJ Ruby Rhod- excellently naughty and the future of "metro" - a straight man who screams like a girl and wears head-to-toe leopard print. As the marvel of the imaginative (albeit scandalous) costuming continues, we see the evil and power-hungry Emmanuel Zorg. Yes, that is Dracula, with a limp, wearing what looks like an empty salad bowl on his head. Gary's accent, his facial tic, every mannerism and demeanor, is completely transformed from the suave and monstrous to the comical and monstrous.
Your next mission is to see him in Batman Begins...

Blurabbit's Take:
Eh, I can skip Dracula. Really bad acting, especially on Winona Ryder's part- and it was before she got her teeth fixed. Liked her in some other stuff though. And Keanu Reeve's British accent? Tell me you are kidding. But really, I have to agree with Cloud on this one, The Fifth Element is one of those movies you just have to see for yourself. Take a mental vacation and watch it; be transported, and you will not regret it. Out of the hat this time is a nice little rocket ship so we can all go to Fhloston Paradise to see Plava Laguna. Have a safe trip!

Who is Blurabbit?

Meet Blurabbit. He's always been behind the scenes, making the magic, making sure there's always something in the hat. And now he's here to share his opinion on film. Blurabbit will be pulling whatever out of the hat he deems fit for the film being discussed, and I'm sure he has a few surprises in store! Hope you like him!

Blurabbit's Take: Hello people! Cloud has been in a serious writing slump as of late and I am here to help! She'll do the reviewing, and then I'll come along and tell you what's what for real. Just kidding, I'll just add my two cents to what I'm sure has been a sparkling review. Look forward to hearing your comments!!!

Explosions, Crashes, and Stunts, Oh My!

*Hugh Jackman Naked*
Now that I have your full attention, I will say that the above statement is one of the very few good things about X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Sad to say, I left the theatre overwhelmed with disappointment. (Aside from the fact that I have a personal dislike for the female lead in the film, due to the fact that she was Wendy in 13 Going on 30 and in real life is married to the awesomely smoldering Stephen Strait.)
I went in with the love and complete adoration of the X-Men trilogy on my mind.
I saw the first X-Men film with little to no knowledge of the comic, so forgive me in advance: my reviews of these films are based solely on the films themselves, not the stories they are based on. You are swept away immediately by the startling and heart-wrenching introduction of a small boy being separated from his family in a concentration camp, and then flying directly into the heartache of Rogue's truth: she, now hitting teenagerhood, can no longer touch another human being without harming or even killing them. And then suddenly you are transported into their world: separated by differences and by fear, the viewer is just another outcast mutant along for the ride with some extremely personal and memorable characters; "Aurora" Storm, Scott "Cyclops", Xavier, Jean Grey, and of course, Logan "Wolverine."
The second film, X2, did not disappoint as I went in with extremely high expectations. In fact, X2 is my favorite of the trilogy. I love how the story between Rogue and Bobby "Iceman" evolves and sides are joined and divided and joined again. It is dark and sinister and enemies unite over common enemies only to backstab each other yet again: fantastic.
The third, X-Men III, jolted me. Jean Grey, now "Phoenix," takes the central role and knocks out one of my favorite characters early on. I was rendered speechless at the shocking turn of events. Though it featured my very favorite character of all the series, "Angel," it is my least favorite of the trilogy just because so much is lost and so much tragedy is experienced. I just feel like some of the things weren't necessary for a good movie to happen. There were other things that could have been done to make it a worthwhile film. I do adore Wolverine's self-sacrifing (and clothing-sacrificing) attempt to save the Phoenix from total destruction, as it is an incredible scene, both visually and musically- the score knocked my socks off. But I was still left feeling like it wasn't as good as X2.
So it was with high hopes, expectations of tie-ins from the other films, explanations that maybe weren't featured in X2 (where I thought Wolverine already had everything finally figured out- guess not) about where Logan came from, I had fingers crossed for a decent plot and some great action.
Nay to the first and yay to the second- though way over the top to the point where I just had to roll my eyes.
Let me explain: I just couldn't figure how Liev "me alone" Schrieber was the same Sabertooth from X-Men (the first). Where's the continuity people??? Where's the long blond hair and shaggy fur-draped ensemble? Where's the real animalistic appearance, not just the "homeless guy" look that Liev has got going on? The brother thing was so far from all the other storylines that the writers had going on before. (My only thought was that maybe Sabertooth and Wolverine were brothers in the comic but I was told by several avid reader that this was not the case.)
Secondly, "Jimmy" aka Logan, (really racking up on the akas here) fell in love and got married, lalala. How LONG exactly does it take for a couple to meet, date, and marry, and be living in the mountains? Because A went straight to C and bypassed B, leaving the audience not giving a crap when whaaa whaaa death. Boo. Hoo. I did not feel that amazing intense passion that once was (or will be as this is a prequel) between Jean Grey and Logan. There was just no chemistry- just a slutty looking chick straddling Logan and then biting it a scene later. Not impressed with the love storyline. Too short lived and underdeveloped to care. In fact, one person I was watching this with FELL ASLEEP.
Now the CG? Phenomenal. Stunts? Well played. Ryan Reynolds's character has the best ninja sword moves I've seen in some time. Yet, to seconds later, HE's gone! What gives? The only great thing lasts one scene.
Another dumb thing? The dude with the guns, Agent Zero. So he can aim real good, big whoop.
Well, there's always the drive-a-motorcycle-out-of-an-explosion-jump-off-the-top-of-a-crashing-helicopter-then-walk-nonchalantly-away-from-another-explosion scene.
Don't even get me started on the final fight sequence. Really. It's that nuts.
One huge redeeming factor (besides two hours of staring at Hugh Jackman- who really is amazingly talented and deserved a WAY better movie than this so much that it's sickening) is Gambit. Love him! The actor, the accent, the card tricks, the sonic walking stick, the climbing up the wall bit, the "I won her in a card game" plane... he stole the whole show for me.

Blurabbit's take: I'm pulling a... really big blank out of the hat. Where was the movie? It was all the good pieces of the other movies ripped up, thrown about, picked up and reassembled into not so greatness. Sad thing is, this one's got a spinoff coming out of it. Picture this: A spinoff of a prequel of a trilogy. At least it's about Deadpool and not Zero. Who did that guy think he was? If I have to pull out something, I guess it's a Joker card. Because although Gambit was cool, I'd rather be watching Batman.

Hide Your Children!!!

First off let me just say this: I loved Stardust. Classic, clever, witty, occasionally scandalous, and heartwarming. The story lacks originality here and there, but what doesn't these days? I actually read the Neil Gaiman book before seeing the film and was disappointed in neither. So imagine my dismay when I read Coraline. Then imagine my horror when I saw it. Recklessly marketed toward a very young crowd, I, an adult, was terrified. The book is innocent enough: girl caught in an Alice-Thru-the-Looking Glass nightmare, must find way out, monster follows. I especially thought the part in the book featuring the clever well-top tea party was unique and interesting (And of course, this, one of the only things I actually liked about the book, was omitted from the film). But altogether, as creative as this modernization of Alice is, THIS IS NOT FOR CHILDREN. Here I am, at a theater surrounded by little kids, watching a mostly naked, extremely topheavy woman, clad only in three small seashells, bounce around in all her stop-motion-animation glory. Then she unzips herself. Evil vampire dogbats, a mute child with his face SEWN into an evil sneer, the constant threat that the main character's eyes will be removed and buttons sewn in their place, not to mention the aforementioned nastiness, are some of the countless reasons this should have been a horror film for adults, not something marketed as a harmless childrens' movie. A perfect example of this is a scene that was actually stolen from the horror movie The Ring/Ringu- I'm telling you, it is the exact same shot of the view from the bottom of the well being covered over. Even I got a little jumpy, during a particular scene where the 'Other Mother' is transformed into her true monstrous self, when a small child ran past my car in the parking lot (I saw this film at a drive-in.) Definitely not my cup of tea. Disturbing. Pan's Labyrinth dude-gets-his-face-cut-open disturbing.
Meanwhile, Stardust is still wonderful, mainly because its adult themes glide harmlessly over childrens' heads as they enjoy action, adventure, and high-seas/airship romance. Coraline leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination, though at the best times we wish it would! No gory detail, including ghosts, death, mutilation, and every kid's worst nightmare- abandonment- is left out of this thing. The rabbit has pulled some scary needle and thread out of the hat on this one. It's sharp and I have but one point- it was irresponsible of the filmmakers to give what I'm sure has been hundreds of kids nightmares. I don't even have children and I wouldn't let my kids near this thing. I don't understand how Gaiman is responsible for these two very different stories- though I will give him credit, as the book Coraline is on the YOUNG ADULTS shelf at the library, where it belongs.

I'm Still Here

So I recently faced a lot of people's worst fear: my computer crashed. I lost a lot of my photos and most of my writing. So, in despair, I broke out a bottle of wine and toasted with my roommate over a Star Wars original trilogy marathon. (On VHS, baby!!!)
You think... why Star Wars? It was the first thing in my head, to comfort me, not only because it is a classic story with traditional hero/journey themes, but also for its everlasting quality. Star Wars is going to live forever, unlike my laptop, heck- even unlike me.
So it is a reminder to leave my stories here while I can so that they may live on, though technology is ever-changing and fashion trends are born and die; stories, the tale and myth of overcoming peril and woe, are eternal.
Plus, Harrison Ford was really hot. I'm just saying.
And so to honor the occasion of starting over, I am going to do something a little different with my blog soon. I'm not saying yet, but it will be fabulous.
And so for all of those folks who haven't seen Star Wars episodes 4, 5, and 6... go watch them! Lots of people have their favorites; mine is probably "Return of the Jedi" because it is the completion, the return of balance, and the fulfilling of an ancient prophecy. It is also fun to look back on the little mistakes that the newer trilogy made. For example, Leia recounts that she clearly remembers her mother, that she was "very beautiful, but very sad." It is made clear in Episode III that Leia never saw her mother. Stuff like that.
The spinoff series of Ewok films are also quite cute, but I couldn't find the tapes I'd owned long ago.
If movies are like food, Star Wars is comfort food. Spaghetti and meatballs, mashed potatoes, and a glass of milk for the soul.
Next up I think I'll look for some dessert!
Other recommended "comfort food" movies:
The Wedding Date, Labyrinth, The Goonies, The Princess Bride, Amelie, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, The Neverending Story (which they are threatening to remake: GRRRR!), etc. Let me know some of your faves!

Just After Twilight...

As I might have mentioned earlier, I love Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight. It is possibly my favorite book. I have many reasons for this, but notably, it is one book that any sane person, once they have started reading, simply cannot put down. And I have tested this theory. Even the most steadfast “I won’t read it” friends of mine always give in, and always finish the book and demand New Moon. So needless to say, I was one of the die-hards who could hardly wait to experience the film adaptation of this book.
Book to film transitions are always rocky and never whole. Considering the audiobook of Twilight is 12 hours long and entirely in first person, I accepted the fact that the more omniscient point of view of the film medium, along with a time limitation (though I for one would have been fine with a 3 hour movie as opposed to a 2-hour movie. Harry Potter did this, and survived just fine) I expected some things to be cut and left out, and new things to be added.
The addition of Emmett’s humorous lines, and Charlie’s gun-cocking protective-father-ness was welcomed with laughter and a great respect for the screenwriter, who, I will admit, besides the reckless and stupid addition to flying through the treetops (vampires CANNOT fly!!!!!!) and the half-hearted attempt to give the nomadic vamps a pointlessly added storyline, kept as true to the book as “humanly” possible.
As I have not seen the 12 plus deleted scenes that we’ve already been told will be on the DVD, I am not sure to blame what was carelessly left out on the screenwriter, or the editors who cut them out. There were many important elements that were left out, that folks who have not read the books (sad but true, I went to the film with a girl who had not read any of them) will be left confused about. I’m not sure if the following is a spoiler, but just in case, I will warn you, watch the movie first! My non-twilighter movie companion had these questions: Who are all those people and why do they live together? And what was with the venom thing? My question is why did the film not include at least a little of Edward’s explanation to Bella about why these vampires have come together as a family? At least Edward and Esme are explained, but Jasper and Alice’s extraordinary circumstances are left out. In fact, the entire storyline of James’s hunt for the human Alice, resulting in her being changed into a vampire for her safety and protection from him, was left out. I think it’s important because it is what drives James most: his need for revenge on the Cullen family. As he says in the book, he is driven by his desire to make things even. Alice was taken from him, and so he will take from Alice and her beloved family. For the second concern, the film skipped over Alice's explanation that the venom in the bite of a vampire, meant to painfully disarm a victim, is also what changes a human into a vampire. When Bella is screaming "it burns!" and Edward must suck out the venom, no one who hadn't read the book had a clue why. It is mentioned at prom later, but it fell on deaf ears by then.
The other things that everyone I watched the film with noticed are: it is never explained that Bella’s Lullaby is just that. It is noted on the soundtrack, yes, but it would have taken 2 whole lines to have Edward explain that the song hes playing on the piano was written for her. The scenes in the beginning are choppy and rushed, and it is hard for me to believe that Edward and Bella love each other at one point. He is so angry (much more than in the book) and she is so stoic (where is the swooning? Where is the being dazzled look? She looked like an absolute rigid statue in the forest when she announces she knows what he is!!! Where’s the love, Kristen Stewart?) that this very important, pivotal scene (which should have been in a meadow, fyi) is just not right.
So now that I’ve torn it to pieces, I will let you know, about 5 seconds after I left the theater I was DYING to see it again. It was extraordinary, beautiful, and mesmerizing to watch Robert Pattinson transform himself into the outrageously deep, thoughtful, and mysterious Edward Cullen. His portrayal is uncanny. Also, Ashley Greene’s Alice is pitch-perfect (no pun intended, as even her balletic baseball movements were perfectly executed). My only complaint casting-wise is Jessica. In the book, she is not a ho. In the movie, she is a ho. Nuff said.
Otherwise the casting is perfect (well, except Rosalie, but with Nikki Reed’s close relationship with director Catherine Hardwicke, what did you expect?) The dialogue was wonderful (only one or two of my favorite lines from the book were left out), the cars and the town of Forks were represented with uncanny precision, and though the Cullen’s house was not what I imagined, it was great just the same.
One last note on additions that were unexpected but much loved was Bella's imagining of Edward feeding on her. With the lipstick? And the awesome sofa? Gorgeous.
I know that in someone else’s hands, this movie could have been a disaster. But I heartily congratulate everyone who made it possible to be as true to the written work as it could. Those folks made us Twilighters right happy. I laughed, I gasped, I sighed, I teared up, I jumped and stifled a few screams, and altogether was thrilled by this film. I’d say a cute little Twilighter bunny has come out of this hat, complete with a t-shirt that says “Stupid Lamb.”