Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 ***1/2

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows hit theaters on November 19th 2010 grossing 61.2 million dollars opening day in the United States alone. I went to see the movie the day after with my little sister and a few family friends, and i must say that i was pleasantly surprised. I have seen the other 6 movies and this one by far was the best. First and foremost, this movie was a lot darker than the others with a definite sense of desperation in the air. This proves that the movie has reached a wider audience and not just little kids or nerds like myself. I know many of you haven't seen the movie yet so i won't give too much away.

The premise of the film is as old as time itself and has to deal with the battle of good vs evil. Yes, we've heard that story before but that didn't stop the film from making 205 million dollars in its first weekend. But lets get on with the film.

It's cloudy in the wizard world and it looks like rain. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was in fact one book written by J.K. Rowling, however it is made into two films. The first part deals mainly with both the side of good and evil preparing for war. Each side is making the necessary preparations in order to readily equip themselves for an inevitable battle. The three main characters from the good side are Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermoine Granger. Each of them have their own strengths and each of them are on a quest to destroy objects known as Horcruxes. The Horcruxes were created by the leader of the bad side who's name is Lord Voldemort. Essentially these Horcruxes allow the creator to split their soul in an attempt to remain invincible or cheat death. When a horcrux becomes destroyed, it allows the creator to become closer to death. The evil side is preparing for the war by trying to find something known as the Deathly Hallows, when one holds the Deathly Hallows they become a master of death. That is the basic plot of the movie, each side is trying to obtain or destroy things that will enable them to win the war.

I thought the movie was the best of the other movies in the series and one thing i liked about it is that you don't really need to see the films or know the back story to enjoy it. I recommend you go watch it, this film earned a 3 1/2 out of 4 stars.

Watch the trailer: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 1 trailer

See the box office charts for this week: This Weeks Box Office

Back to the Future 25th Anniversery! ****

Back to the Future, now considered a classic, celebrated its 25th anniversary recently. I know that we usually blog about new movies, but i felt as if this would be an interesting tangent. In honor of its release, the movie was aired one time in one theater at the Puente Hills Mall. Interestingly enough, part of the movie was shot at the same mall. The scene features Marty McFly first discovering the flux capacitor's ability to time travel was indeed shot at the Puente Hills Mall, known in the film as Twin Pines Mall.

Many nerds, including myself, young and old gathered to watch the movie in theater. Most of us reciting the lines as they were said. Before the movie began, Claudia Wells, the actress who plays Jennifer Parker in the first Back To The Future actually graced us with  her presence and answered a few questions from the fans. After all the questions were answered the movie began and at the end of the movie each member of the audience got specialty posters as well as fliers that stated "Save the Clock Tower". It was interesting watching the movie in theaters considering i wasn't alive when it came out. But even though the film was made in 1985 it could have been written last month and still be considered progressive.

This movie has indeed stood the test of time, ironically. When it came out in 1985, it catered to a rapidly changing generation. As Marty Mcfly did in the film, no one could really put themselves in the shoes of their parents generations. Perhaps that's why so many people could connect with the characters in the film. Teenagers saw themselves in Marty and parents relived what they remember from their high school days in George and Lorraine's characters. 25 years later, our new generation has connected with the film just as the previous ones have.

This film was a critical and box office success when it was released 25 years ago and today it still has a special place in audiences hearts. This film will always have a solid 4 out of 4 rating in the past, present, and future.

Watch the trailer: Back to the Future 25th Anniversary trailer

Paranormal Activity 2 **1/2

We all remember the phenomenon that Paranormal Activity became when it was released in 2009. The word-of-mouth buzz spread like wildfire and before you knew it Paranormal Activity was an instant box office mega success bringing in over 190 million dollars under a 15 thousand dollar budget. The film would go on to become one of the most talked about horror films of the last decade, whether you loved it or hated it, and the names Oren Peli, Katie Featherston, and Micah Sloat would be added to list of horror film names to remember.

Now in 2010, the Paranormal Activities legacy continues in its sequel Paranormal Activity 2, not directed by Oren Peli of the original by Tod Williams. The film starts off one year before the first film with the birth of Hunter, the newest addition to Dan and Krsiti's family. We jump forward and now Hunter is about a year old and the whole family is living a happy life. We have the husband Dan, Kristi, their daughter Ali from Dan's first marriage (he's widowed not divorced), newly born Hunter, Martine the family housekeeper, and the German Shepherd Abby. Kristi is actually the sister of Katie Featherston, who reprises her character in this film along with her boyfriend Micah.

All seems well until what looks like a burglary takes place while the family is out, strangely nothing has been stolen. This prompts Dan into installing six security cameras throughout the interior and exterior of the house. For the first few days the cameras don't pick up any strange activity until one night when Martine is left alone babysitting Hunter. A series of loud noises terrifies the superstitious Martine to the point of burning sage throughout the house, trying to cleanse the house of the demon. Dan and Kristi return home to see a terrified Martine trying to exorcise the house, Dan is forced to fire Martine claiming he doesn't want any of her superstitious behavior around baby Hunter.

Things only get worse as the days progress. Ali gets locked out of the house after stepping outside and front door slams shut behind her. Ali tries to convince her father the house is haunted, even after showing him the footage of the door shutting on her, but Dan brushes it off as wind. We also learn that Kristi and her sister Katie have had similar experiences as a child but both refuse to talk about them fearing their discussion will only make the hauntings worse. Now, in addition to the security cameras Ali begins to document the occurrences and starts researching hauntings. Ali learns, similar to Micah and Katie in the first film, that they have a demon haunting the house not a ghost. The difference being a ghost is the spirit of a dead human and a demon is not human. What Ali comes to learn is that if a deal is made with a demon for wealth then the family must offer their first born male to the demon, Hunter is the first born male in Kristi's family since their great great grandfather. Eventually Kristi experiences the worst of the hauntings and as a result everyone seems to be a believer and the safety of Hunter is at stake.

While I was watching this movie I will admit I jumped on more than one occasion. Even so, I found it difficult to decide where I stood with this film. The scares and tactics used were virtually identical to those in the first film, the stomping, the slamming doors, etc., the only difference being that the events were amplified significantly. This film, without a doubt had a more engaging story and plot structure than the first one, in fact the flaws of the first one were corrected for the sequel. However, what made the first one terrifying and have its lasting effect was lost in this one. This film's scares were great for the moment but they didn't last longer than the scare itself. I remember, after seeing the first film, anytime I look down the stairs of my house at night a chill when down my spine. While the film was better structured and amplified compared to the first film, the lack simplicity and progression of the tension building scares brought my score of the film down. I'm not saying at all that it is a bad movie, absolutely not, I'm saying that if you are going in expecting to have the same long lasting fear effect of the first then you will be disappointed. But if you are looking for a good horror movie to freak out your date for the night then this is definitely a good film to use. I gave this film of the week 2 and a half stars.

Watch the trailer: Paranormal Activity 2 trailer

See this weeks box office chart: This Weeks Box Office

Jackass 3-D ***

When good ole boys and crazy stunts come together what do you get? Jackass 3-D, of course. The guys from the hit MTV television show are back for their 3rd attempt at crass humor. The group includes: Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Bam Margera, Wee Man, Preston Lacy, Spike Jonez and many more.

The plot is really simple, there is none. This group tries their best to come up with the wildest and craziest stunts imaginable and they somehow manage to jam it together into a 94 minute film of laughs, squeals and stomach turning events.

Because the technology has gotten so popular, the crew over at MTV Films and Dickhouse Productions decided to shoot the entire film in 3-D. The effect manages to not be completely over the top at certain times, to the point of forgetting it's even there. Other times they use it to showcase their incredible explosions. If you are a fan of the television show then you know what to expect going in and for the uneducated viewer, prepare to go on a wild ride.

There are cameos from BMX Biker Mat Hoffman, Minnesota Vikings Defensive Lineman Jared Allen and a few others.

Jackass 3-D isn't going to be getting any major awards for their outlandish stunts but it still manages to make you laugh. If you go in expecting a ridiculous movie, then that is exactly what you are going to get. This film of the week earned a surprising 3 out of 4 stars.

Watch the trailer: Jackass 3-D trailer

See this weeks box office chart: This Weeks Box Office

Space Jam***

The movie Space Jam is a classic family movie, starring the ex pro basketball player Michael Jordan. This 1996 film, by director Joe Pytka,  includes stars Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing and many more basketball players, and some of the Looney Tunes favorites such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Tweety.

This family video released nearly 14 years ago brings back fond memories of when Looney Tunes animation use to be the cutting-edge in animation. Space Jam blends live-action comedy with animation as it takes you through a wild adventure with the Looney Tunes. The Tune Squad takes on a team of aliens who will decide wether the Tunes will stay on earth or go back to their home planet as prisoners. The aliens steal the skills of the NBA athletes and literally become basketball monsters.

Michael Jordan, then playing baseball, is asked to help Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes and save them from those evil aliens. But does Michael Joradan still have what it takes to beat the monstrous all-star team of aliens? Find out and watch this great family movie.

With almost every cartoon being computer generated now it is refreshing to see that kids can still enjoy the classic animations of the past. This movie is fun for kids and adults, and is a great movie-night choice.  Space Jam earned three stars***.


Watch the trailer: Space Jam trailer

The Social Network ****

A film that speaks out to the people of our generation, The Social Network tells us the story of how one young Harvard student changed social interactions on the internet forever. The film an adaptation of a non-fiction book, The Accidental Billionaires, by Ben Mezrich.  Jesse Eisenberg portrays Mark Zuckerberg, the brainchild behind the Facebook phenomenon. While it is up for debate how accurate Eisenberg's portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg as a withdrawn jerk really is, there is no questioning the Eisenberg delivers exactly what we need to know about the character, that is, the quiet, socially awkward genius who had an idea that would make him the worlds youngest billionaire.

The film is directed by David Fincher, who has created some of the most memorable films of our time, such as, Seven, Fight Club, Panic Room, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. While Fincher has built his career around stylistic thrillers, over the past few years he has made his mark in the drama genre. Taking Aaron Sorkin's adapted screenplay and turning it into an in depth examination of changes in social networking in the Internet age.  Fincher is able to produce a film that is as smart as the titular character and still has the audiences full attention throughout the story. The film itself is presented through a non-linear timeline, that is, the full story is told through a series of flashbacks told through the testimonies the other characters during depositions against Zuckerberg.

The entire cast has been carefully chosen to represent those involved in the creation of Facebook and the events following its release. Eisenberg is probably one of the only young actors in Hollywood that, not only looks like Mark Zuckerberg, but has the guts to tackle such a role. While throughout the film Zuckerberg is portrayed as a rude social outcast, there is the other side to his personality that only wants to distinguish himself from those he feels intellectual relation to. There are a series of characters whom you many never have known were involved in Facebook, such as, Dustin Moskovitz (Joseph Mozzello) and Chris Hughes (Patrick Mapel). The others, who argue that Zuckerberg stole the Facebook idea from them are Divya Narendra (Max Minghella) and twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss who are actually played by the same actor (Arnie Hammer).

The one person who has surprised audiences and is already generating early Oscar buzz is none other than Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker, the co-founder of Napster. Timberlake gives a performance that nearly steals the spotlight from the others. What really stood out, in my opinion, was how much Sean Parker's involvement in the story of Facebook resembles a deal with the devil story. Parker seems to want to help Zuckerberg build the next billion dollar idea, but as the film progresses we see that Parker is simple out for himself to cash out on the next big idea of the decade. Timberlake clearly did his homework on the role and it more than paid off. He was has shown tremendous range as an actor and commands the screen every second he is on.

Whether or not you have a Facebook page, it is impossible to argue that Mark Zuckerberg has not changed the Internet forever. Having generated a population of over 500 million, almost double the population of the United States, Facebook is the new communication medium that will only escalate. The Social Network is a film will remind our generation and future generations of that change. This is definetly a film we will be hearing about during Oscar season in the spring. This film of the week has earned a solid 4 out of 4 stars.

Watch the trailer: The Social Network trailer

See this weeks box office: This Weeks Box Office

The Town ***

Ben Affleck's adaptation of Chuck Hogan's novel "The Prince of Thieves" takes you down the rough streets of Charlestown, Massachusetts. In an opening text, it is revealed that the town is known for its high population of skilled bank robbers. We get ride along with the first heist of the film, lead by Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck), James "Jem" Coughlin (Jeremy Renner), Albert "Gloansy" Magloan (Slaine), and Desmond "Dez" Elden (Owen Burke). Dressing in skull masks, the team overtake a large bank and quickly subdue all the employees and customers. The bank manager, Claire Keessey (Rebecca Hall) is forced to unlock the safe or risk a coworkers life. While it almost seems that Clair is too stressed to complete her task, one of the masked men tries to calm her down and assist her in unlocking the safe. Eventually the groups makes it out with the money and Claire as a hostage while they try to evade the police. In an unexpected turn Claire is released unharmed and unaware of who any of the men who abducted her were. When it becomes apparent that Doug is having feelings for Claire, the other members of the team, especially Jem, begin to see that as a large liability. 


As the film progresses we get introduced to FBI agent Adam Frawley (John Hamm), who is in charge investigating a series of professional level bank heists, many lead by Doug's team. Doug reintroduces himself to an emotionally scarred Clair and begins a to have romantic relationship her. Doug is trying to find balance between his new relationship with Clair and trying to maintain his loyalty to his crew. Jem's drug addicted sister, Krista (Blake Lively), whom Doug was previously involved with, is trying to convince Doug to continue to be a part of her and her infant daughter, Shyne's, life. Everything seems to be going well until  Doug is offered another large scale heist. He at first rejects the job until Fergie (Pete Postlethwaite), the town crime boss, threatens Claire's life if Doug refuses. 


Ben Affleck does an excellent job directing a ensemble cast through the streets of Charlestown. In addition the town itself feels like its a character along with the others that breaths a sense of its own life into the film. In addition to the directing, Ben Affleck's own performance is one of his best in years. Jeremy Renner, who is still fresh of the his success from "The Hurt Locker" brings us another incredible performance. While his character Jem is much more sinister and violent, he still brings the same raw intensity that makes him so believable. John Hamm of "Mad Men" ditches the cigarettes and scotch for an FBI badge and the stern determination to catch this group of bank robbers at any cost. But one performance in particular stood out to me the most, Blake Lively as the drug addicted single mother Krista. Having only seen her in projects like "Gossip Girl" or other teen films, she really showed another side to herself as an actress who can clearly play any character ranging from teen socialite to and troubled single mom trying to make the best out of a bad situation for her young daughter. In addition to the performances, the intense heists and high speed car chases through out the town elevates the film to another level. Ben finds the perfect balance of emotional performances and enough action to keep the story and pace going. While I found one or two scenes to drag on a little, they still found a way to serve as integral parts of the overall story. 

With Ben Affleck's direction and the combined talent of the cast, The Town is emotionally driven action packed heist film that paints a portrait of the life in the rough streets of Charlestown. I award this film of the week a solid 3 out of 4 stars. 

Watch the trailer: The Town trailer

See this weeks box office: This Weeks Box Office