The Batman

If anyone has seen this blog, they may remember my family is very big into superheroes; none bigger than the Caped Crusader himself. There was no way we could miss a chance to see the latest Dark Knight adventure. We knew going into the film it was probably going to be dark, but what actually happened completely blew my families mind. Possible spoilers ahead. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Despite fighting crime for two years Batman/Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson), has the criminals and citizens of Gotham terrified. The only people Bruce trusts are Alfred (Andy Serkis), although they have a strained relationship and Lieutenant James Gordan (Jeffrey Wright), the only police officer Batman sees as incorruptible. On Halloween night the mayor of Gotham is gruesomely murdered by a man calling himself The Riddler (Paul Dano), and he leaves a message for Batman indicating more to come. Batman’s search soon takes him to the Iceberg Lounge run by Oswald Cobblepot/Penguin (Colin Farrell), the right hand of mob boss Carmine Falcone (John Turturro). He also becomes enamored with Selina Kyle/Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz) a waitress at the club, and cat burglar. Batman brings Selina on the case after her roommate disappears, but she seems to know more than she is letting on. As Riddler continues killing more political figures and sending messages to Batman, Bruce must figure out Riddler’s endgame; but it may destroy him in the process.

I know many have been calling this the best Batman movie since The Dark Knight; I cannot say for certain if I would put it that high, but it was pretty darn close. I was very pleasantly surprised by Pattinson’s performance as both Bruce and Batman. Many may still think of him as Edward from Twilight, but for me he has easily grown out of that role. Pattinson not only nailed Bruce’s reclusiveness but the darkness fans know and love about Batman. There was also a refreshing touch of inexperience from Batman; we have to remember this Batman hasn’t been doing it for as long as some of the other on-screen Batmen. Kravitz was stunning as the cat who captures money and hearts. She captures the sexiness and sassiness fans enjoy about Catwoman, but also shows Selina’s vulnerability. I know a report came out on how Kravitz wanted to audition for the same role for The Dark Knight Rises and believes she was turned down because of her skin. I do not agree anyone should loose a role for something such as race, but I believe fate stepped in to say “not yet.” Kravitz and Pattinson’s chemistry was great, but I felt there was a dynamic missing compared to other showings of Batman and Catwoman; however should both return for sequels it may change my opinion.

Wright has been an actor I’ve admired for some time, and my admiration continued as he played Gordon to perfection. Serkis’s portrayal as Alfred was different than previous film adaptations; more grittier with life wearing down on him, but still trying to protect Bruce. Anyone who said they recognized Colin Farrell immediately as Penguin was probably lying, but that only added more to his performance. However for me the standout for The Batman was Paul Dano as the Riddler. I have seen Dano act in other films as a creepy person, but this was perhaps his most scariest role yet. Riddler has been one of those comic book villains people don’t take seriously, but can be one of the most dangerous. I wouldn’t have called film adaptations of Riddler psychotic, with Corey Michael Smith’s television portrayal on Gotham being an exception, but Dano made Riddler one of the most scariest villains I’ve seen in a live action Batman film; can I also say any bad guy who has an affinity for opera makes them even more creepier.

Besides the cast the atmosphere of The Batman felt very dark; its Gotham I didn’t expect anything less. The cinematography was brilliant and the score added perfect elements to the scenes. Of course I cannot forget about the Batmobile. I really enjoyed how much it looked like a DeLorean, and the car chase scenes had me on the edge of my seat. It has been reported sequels are on the way as well as a couple television series. Time will tell if the sequels will live up to how great this film is. The Batman is perhaps one of the best Batman films (animated included) I’ve seen in the past decade, and I would strongly recommend it for anyone. Enjoy your trip on a very dark journey.

Happy Birthday Colin Firth!

There are actors or actresses I tend to look for in movies and TV; if I see them I usually know whether it is going to be good or bad. One such actor I have admired for years, whose birthday is today, is Colin Firth. Whether he is wooing hearts, being dramatic or making audiences laugh Firth has always been an actor audiences have loved for many years. Today on his 58th birthday we are going to take a look at some of Firth’s film and TV career and what is worth watching.

Pride and Prejudice miniseries. Firth had been acting in films and television prior for some time, but his career skyrocketed after this 1995 miniseries about the beloved Jane Austin novel. Despite his objections at first Firth was cast as the male lead character Mr. Darcy, a man who becomes the main love interest and annoyance of Elizabeth Bennet. Critics and audiences loved him, particularly the famous scene at the lake, and Firth’s career has never been the same since. In a twist of fate if it wasn’t for this miniseries author Helen Fielding may never have written her famous Bridget Jones books and we wouldn’t have had some of the more memorable performances of Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant and of course Firth.

Shakespeare in Love. It might be odd to see Firth in a villainous like role, but that is exactly what he was in this 1998 romantic drama film. Firth portrays Lord Wessex, an aristocrat who intends to keep his betrothed Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow) close by. However he might be thwarted because Viola, who disguises as a man to participate in a play, has fallen in love with William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes). Firth hasn’t played many villains in his career so it was interesting to see him in this role. I kinda hope he plays more villains in the future.

Bridget Jones Diary franchise. A more modern take on Jane Austin’s Pride & Prejudice, with Firth playing a very similar role. Here he is Mark Darcy (the last name speaks for itself), an old family friend of Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger). In the first film, released in 2001, they at first do not get along, but anyone familiar with the story knows how it goes. Throughout the first film and the two sequels, released in 2004 and in 2016 respectively, Mark and Bridget’s relationship has ups and downs (and other men), but at the end of the day they were meant to be. Firth is spectacular as Mark and had excellent chemistry with Zellweger.

Love Actually. One of the go-to romantic comedies, as well as Christmas movies. This 2003 British film has so many stars and love stories, but Firth still manages to stand out. He stars as Jamie, a writer whose heart is broken when he discovers his girlfriend is sleeping with his brother. Retreating to his French cottage Jamie meets the new housekeeper Aurélia (Lúcia Moniz). Despite not speaking the same language Jamie and Aurélia fall in love. Firth is one of my favorite actors/characters in this movie and watching him overcome heartbreak and fall in love again is just so sweet to watch. Firth would reprise his role for the Red Nose Day special.

What a Girl Wants. If younger generations were not familiar with Firth they may have been after watching this 2004 teen movie. Firth plays Henry Dashwood, a wealthy lord running for the House of Commons with the promise of becoming Prime Minister. However his past comes back when his long lost daughter Daphne Reynolds (Amanda Bynes) arrives in England to finally meet him. Henry must come to terms with what he really wants, and Daphne might just the key to figuring it all out. Firth is downright hysterical in this movie (there is a scene with him in leather pants, enough said there.) He also comes off as a great father figure to Amanda Bynes’s character. This is a great movie for a girl’s night in.

Nanny McPhee. Like in the previous film Firth plays a father trying to do what is right for his children, but this time he gets a little help. This 2005 film stars Firth as Cedric Brown a widowed undertaker with seven nasty and unruly children during Victorian England. Desperate he hires Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson) to help take care of his children; which she does with a little magic. Cedric is told by his late wife’s wealthy aunt if he doesn’t marry soon she will take away the children and their home. Firth is pretty funny in this role as he somehow manages to keep the kids under control (some of the time.) Definitely a great family movie to keep an eye on.

Mamma Mia! Firth isn’t much of a singer, but that did not stop him from being cast in this 2008 guilty pleasure musical. Here Firth is Harry Bright, a banker and one of Sophie’s (Amanda Seyfried) possible dads. He seems to want to do the right thing if Sophie is his, and is probably the funnier of the other dads. Despite not having the greatest singing voice (which most of the cast doesn’t) Firth is still an absolute joy to watch. He would reprise his role in the 2018 sequel, and was still just as entertaining.

A Single Man. This 2009 drama based on the best-selling novel might not be as well-known as some of the other films on this list, but it was a major hit for Firth’s career. Nominated for his first Oscar for his part Firth portrays George Falconer a gay professor in 1962 who is struggling with depression after the death of his lover. The film was mostly well received, but the critics agreed that Firth’s performance stood out.

The King’s Speech. If there is one film with Colin Firth that will probably be viewed for many years it will without a doubt be this 2010 historical drama. Based on a true story Firth brilliantly performs as Prince Albert Duke of York, later named King George VI. With the help of his wife, the queen consort Elisabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), King George sees Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) a speech therapist. Seeing Firth’s character struggle with his stutter and the relationship he builds with Lionel is breathtaking, hence why Firth won the Oscar for Best Actor. Many years from now I believe we will look back on this performance as Firth’s best.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. There have been many versions of the famous 1974 novel by John le Carré, but this 2011 film is regarded as one of the better ones. Firth stars as Bill Haydon, the “Tailor” as he along with a team of spies trade secrets during the Cold War. Firth’s character is charming, but like most of the characters in here has a dark side. As stated in another film Firth doesn’t usually portray guys in bad lights, but he still stands out among a star filled cast including Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Mark Strong and Benedict Cumberbatch.

The Kingsman franchise. When most think action movie star Colin Firth might not be the first or even fifth to come to mind. Yet in the Kingsman films he is not only funny but can kick butt or kill just as good as some of the best action stars (OK I admit it’s over the top but it is expected.) Firth plays Harry Hart aka Galahad, an agent of the Kingsman, an undercover intelligence service. In the 2014 film he recruits the son of a former student, Eggsy (Taron Egerton) to become a Kingsman. He appears to have been killed, but in the sequel, released in 2017, he makes a surprising comeback. While I don’t think Firth is doing action movies anytime soon, this showed he could not only do it, but do it well. Some of the best scenes are him with a straight face responding to a quip with one of his own (makes the scene that much better.)

Colin Firth is without question one of the best actors today and with films coming including Mary Poppins Returns and The Secret Garden his career is not slowing down anytime soon. Happy birthday Colin Firth!

Is there a Colin Firth performance not on this list but should be? What is your favorite film or TV appearance by Firth? Comment below please.

Photo is courtesy of IMDB. No copyright infringement is intended.

Best Movie Musicals Since 2002

The American Film Institute (AFI) released an article in 2006 listing the greatest musicals of all-time. While the films on there are fantastic, some I would even call must watches, the most recent films on there are Moulin Rouge (2001) and Chicago (2002). Surely there have been some good musicals since then right? Here are some musicals released since 2002 that the AFI should consider adding to their greatest musicals list (their IMDB links will also be included). In addition to explaining why the movie is great I will also include which song is the must watch performance of the entire film, along with a link to a YouTube video showcasing the performance.

Dreamgirls. Based on the Broadway musical, this 2006 film was a huge success upon its release. Staring Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy, Anika Noni Rose and the acting debut of Jennifer Hudson Dreamgirls follows a girl group as they try to making it big during the 60’s to 70’s. There is a lot of drama, romance and show-stopping performances to satisfy any musical fan. Hudson would win multiple awards, including an Oscar, for her part while Dreamgirls was nominated for others, including three for Best Original Song. Performance to watch: Jennifer Hudson steals the show with the show stopping climatic number “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going”. Many often say that was the moment Hudson earned her Oscar win.

School of Rock. While this 2003 Jack Black film may be considered more of comedy than musical it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be considered; it was the highest grossing musical comedy for nearly 12 years. Nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance Black stars as Dewey Finn a wannabe rock star who takes up a substitute teacher at a prep school. Upon discovering his students are musically gifted Finn decides to turn them into a rock group for the upcoming Battle of the Band contest. Black gives one of the best performances of his career whilst also showcasing the incredible young talent of the students. The film was also turned into a Nickelodeon TV series and a Broadway musical. Performance to watch: “The School of Rock” by Black and the kids during the contest. After everything the bad went thru to get to that point it was a rocking number, pun intended.

Once. One of the best reviewed musicals on this list this 2007 film proved that sometimes the unexpected can lead to something wonderful. Staring Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová as people only addressed as Guy and Girl the two of them make beautiful music together. It is obvious how drawn they are to each other, but sadly they cannot be together. The film won the Oscar for Best Original Song whilst inspiring a Tony award winning musical. Performance to watch: the Oscar winning duet “Falling Slowly” often described as “moving” “touching” and “romantic.”

Rent. Most musically adapted films very rarely cast Broadway, but this 2005 adaption of one of the most beloved shows on Broadway proved that Hollywood should take a second look. With Broadway veterans Jesse L. Martin, Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp and Taye Diggs reprising their roles from the original movie as well as Rosario Dawson the film follows a group of New Yorkers as they live their Bohemian lifestyle: including paying their rent, sexuality and AIDS as they celebrate a new decade. Critics were mixed on the film, but fans of the musical loved it. Performance to watch: with so many incredible performances it is hard to decide, but the opening number “Seasons of Love” featuring the entire cast leaves audiences with goosebumps wanting more.

The Greatest Showman. If there is a soundtrack on here that can leave audiences inspired it might be this 2017 musical. Hugh Jackman stars as P.T Barnum a family man who starts a museum and later brings in people considered to be “freaks” to make it more alive; calling it a circus. Also featuring wonderful performances by Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Zendaya, Keala Settle and Rebecca Ferguson (who doesn’t do her own singing) the movie leaves audiences with warmth in their hearts and songs that will be stuck in their heads for weeks. Performance to watch: while the romantic duet between Efron and Zendaya is beautifully choreographed the must listen too song has to go to “This is Me.” Settle’s voice is not only mesmerizing but the message of being true to oneself is inspiring.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Inspired by the 1979 Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler Broadway show this 2007 Tim Burton film was one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year, and showed that musicals have a dark side. Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and Alan Rickman the film follows Depp’s Sweeney Todd as he takes swears revenge on the man who took him from his family; killing anyone who stands in his way with the help of a widowed pie-maker enamored with him. Audiences thought Depp was perfect as the insane Todd and his singing voice surprised many. The film won an Oscar for its Art Direction and was nominated for two Oscars including one for Depp as Best Actor; it did win two Golden Globes for Depp as Actor in a Comedy/Musical and for Best Comedy/Musical. Performance to watch: “Not While I’m Around” is easily the most famous number in the show and the performance by Carter and the young Edward Sanders can give anyone chills.

La La Land. With so many adaptions out there it seemed that original ideas for musicals had died out, until this 2016 film. Staring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in their musical debuts and a soundtrack mostly written by Pasek and Paul the movie focuses on a jazz singer and actress trying to make it big in Hollywood and fall in love. Those who have watched golden age of Hollywood musicals may see similarities in the dancing, singing and love story, but it doesn’t mean the film isn’t original in its own way. Critics and audiences loved it, with many saying the film brought musicals into a light that hadn’t been seen in many years. It cleaned up at the Oscars, even with the Best Picture screw-up, winning for Best Actress for Stone, Cinematography, Director, Production Design, Score and Song. Performance to watch: Ryan Gosling might not be the best singer in the movie, but the duet he has with Stone “City of Stars” is so beautiful it can easily be forgiven.

Les Misérables. After years in developmental hell the long awaited adaption of the 1980 musical of Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel was released in 2012. The film follows a prisoner Jean Valjean as he breaks parole and goes on the run whilst taking care of the young Cosette. To say it was a huge hit would be an understatement with incomparable performances (acting and singing) by Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway (who won an Oscar for her role), Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne and more. While some singing wasn’t fantastic (Russell Crowe) the fact that the vocal were recorded on set really sets the film apart from other musicals. The story keeps audiences on the edge of their seat and tears in their eyes. Performance to watch: considering the whole movie is the cast singing it would have been difficult to pick one song, but an absolute must watch has got to be Hathaway as Fantine singing “I Dreamed a Dream”; if one doesn’t cry or feel sadness when Hathaway sings this melancholy number they may want to check their pulse.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast live action adaption. The original AFI list had the 1991 animated film so why shouldn’t a possible expanded list have the 2017 live action version as well? With veteran Broadway/musical actors such as Ewan McGregor, Josh Gad and Audra McDonald performing, as well as surprising singing from Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Emma Thompson Luke Evans and Ian McKellen the adaption of one of Disney’s most beloved movies was embraced by audiences and critics; it currently holds the position of highest grossing musical of all time (animated and live-action). Performance to watch: with many favorites from the original movie returning it is hard to decide what the best song is. However the number audiences might remember the most is Emma Thompson’s take of “Beauty and the Beast”; it is not as well delivered as the Angela Lansbury one we know and love but it is closer to the original than the version sung on the soundtrack by Ariana Grande and John Legend.

The Pitch Perfect franchise. This film series which began in 2012 and has two sequels in 2015 and 2017 respectively gave a whole new perspective to a Capella singing. Each film follows a group called The Barden Bellas as they struggle for redemption and their friendships are tested. With spectacular performances (comedic and singing) by Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Ester Dean, Skylar Astin, Ben Platt, Adam DeVine in the original film and Hailee Steinfeld joining in the sequels the franchise has left a huge mark in the comedy/musical genre; the second film is currently the highest grossing music comedy of all-time, surpassing School of Rock. Performance to watch: regardless if it is the first, second or third one the most entertaining number is usually “The Riff-Off” when the Bellas, their main opposition and other groups singing songs that have to do with a randomly picked category.

Is there a musical missing from this list? Could a yet to be released musical this year (Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s version of A Star is Born) or in the future (the planned adaptions of Wicked and remake of West Side Story) might be included in a revived list? Please comment below, and get your singing voices ready.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.

Films Perfect for Back to School

It is almost time to hear the bells ring, pack up backpacks and hit the books. School will be starting up again soon for many students: elementary, high school and even college. Many films have been made depicting school life: students, teachers, and even parents, as either paradise or an absolute nightmare depending on the parties involved. Here are some films, which can be explored more on their IMDB pages, involving school in a way: student life, extracurricular activities, gifted students, caring teachers and even parents getting involved in their kid’s lives that are fantastic to watch; some films might not be appropriate for all ages. The picture is courtesy of Pixabay

Dead Poets Society. This 1989 film is perfect for those who love English and reading. Robin Williams (in one of his most memorable roles) stars as Mr. Keating an English teacher at an all-boys prep school.  He teaches his students about living their lives to the fullest; telling them to carpe diem Latin for “seize the day.” Some of the boys even restart the unauthorized Dead Poets Society: reading poems and verses. However the new rebellious natures of the boys might cost them everything. The film also stars Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard and Josh Charles as some of the students influenced by Keating.

Regarded as one of the best school movies or all time, Dead Poets Society shows how one teacher can change a school and open some student’s eyes to not obey rules but to enjoy their life. On a side note if one of the required readings for English is J.D Sallinger’s Catcher in the Rye this is a good match to understand what the students are going through.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Not encouraging students to do exactly what this classic film character did, but sometimes we all need a day off. Starring Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jennifer Grey and Jeffrey Jones, this 1986 John Hughes film has a high school student faking being sick to spend the day in the city with his friends. Meanwhile his high school principal and sister don’t buy it and try and expose Ferris for the fraud he is. It might not be the most in school nor the most modern film on here, but it is still a classic high school film no matter how old it gets.

Mean Girls. High school can be scary for many entering for the first time; some may even worry about fitting in with the many cliques there. This 2004 cult classic comedy shows that despite the facade of being perfect most cliques are not what they appear to be. Lindsay Lohan is Cady a former home school student entering high school for the first time and gets caught up in the top group of the school: The Plastics. Cady soon clashes with queen bee Regina George (Rachel McAdams) and decides the best way to fight is to become friends. While high school can be described in so many horrible ways just remember this: it will soon be a distant memory.

Old School. Definitely more for college rather than high school students. Released in 2003, Will Ferrell, Luke Wilson and Vince Vaughn star as 30 something men that create a fraternity just so they can continue their partying ways. However when it looks like they may lose the house unless they pass several academic and athletic tests the guys are gonna have to grow up fast. Many critics and viewers have said this film has never done the college party scene better, but through the comedy, alcohol and so much profanity there is heart.

Lean On Me. The first film to be based on a true story on this list. Released in 1989 Lean On Me stars Morgan Freeman as Joe Clark, aka “Crazy Joe” who takes over a New Jersey high school raided with drugs and gangs. Joe makes it his mission to turn the school around for the students, but the teachers and parents have trouble with Joe’s radical measures. Morgan Freeman as always delivers a spectacular performance as “Crazy” Joe; he may not be the most conventional person to run a school, but the students grow to love their principal.

Bad Moms. While this 2015 movie doesn’t take place in school many parents (not just moms) with kids can completely relate to Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn’s characters. The trio are portrayed overworked moms finally fed up with trying to lead perfect lives for their kids. Deciding to be “bad” the ladies let loose and have fun with their kids; at the same time they must handle the wrath of the school PTA president Gwendolyn (Christina Applegate). The reason why the film was a success is not just because the women are hysterical but every single person with school age children have felt exactly like the main characters did at least once. While parents probably shouldn’t go as extreme as the moms in here, it does show how much work happens before and after school for everyone involved.

The Perks of Being A Wallflower. One of the most recent coming of age movies. This 2012 film stars Logan Lerman as Charlie a young man recently released from a mental hospital after suffering from depression. Enrolled into a new school Charlie has trouble making friends until he meets Sam (Emma Watson) and her step brother Patrick (Ezra Miler) who invite him into their own little circle. Charlie soon struggles with his growing feelings for Sam as well as coming into the young man he is meant to be. Two of the three leads were well known for other films prior to this one (Lerman as Percy Jackson and Watson as Hermione Granger) but this film helped launch them in addition to Miler into more adult roles in their career. It also shows that while there may be darkness in the past and school may stink, with the right people there will always be a bright future.

Stand and Deliver. Math; you are either good at it or you are not, but in this 1988 film it isn’t just calculus the students are struggling with. Based on a true story Edward James Olmos stars as Jamie Escalante, a new math teacher at an East Los Angeles high school begins teaching students from working class Hispanic families with multiple problems (academic and social). Realizing the school has given up on them Escalante sets out to prove his students are not only smart but can pass the toughest AP Calculus tests. It is rare on film to see a teacher that cares so much for their students; seeing the dedication Olmos’s character has towards his job and his fight for the kids is something to admire.

Easy A. In what has been called Emma Stone’s breakout role, this 2010 movie shows how a little white lie in high school can go a very long way. Told over a webcam Stone’s character Olive Penderghast helps out a gay friend by claiming she slept with him. When word spreads out about it other guys who could never get a girlfriend ask for Olive’s help in increasing their reputation. Olive becomes labeled as the school tramp and several students, led by the queen Christian bee Marianne (Amanda Bynes), want Olive gone. It will probably be remembered as one of the best high school comedies of the 2010’s and the beginning of Emma Stone’s young successful career

Animal House. Be honest when someone says college movies this is the first one to pop into mind. Starring the hilarious John Belushi, Kevin Bacon, Tim Matheson and John Vernon among so many other funny stars this 1978 movie is all about a fraternity all about partying must go up against the school dean who wants them all gone. While most college parties at fraternities are probably not as insane it is still an absolutely side splitting hysterical movie.

Sixteen Candles. John Hughes sure knows how to write and direct movies about high school. In this 1984 coming of age tale staring the likes of Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling, Anthony Michael Hall and Paul Dooley the film follows newly sixteen Sam Baker as she gets through her birthday which her family has forgotten due to her sister’s wedding the next day. To make matters worse her crush Jake Ryan finds out about her feelings for him and school geek Ted will not leave her alone. While other films had come out about teens acting out, nothing like Sixteen Candles had teens portrayed as those who love to party and drink (among other things).

Pitch Perfect. Not many modern musicals really captured high school and college students quite like this 2012 musical comedy, and its two sequels. With an all-star young cast including Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Britney Snow, Anna Camp, Adam DeVine, Skylar Astin, Ben Platt and Elizabeth Banks, Pitch Perfect made being involved in a capella cool once again. It may not have focused on actual classes, but it doesn’t mean the girls didn’t learn a lesson or two about life.

The Breakfast Club. This is the last John Hughes movie on here I promise. Taking place on a Saturday detention this 1985 comedy/drama focuses on five high school students: bad boy John Bender (Judd Nelson), princess like Claire Standish (Molly Ringwald), jock Andrew Clarke (Emilio Estevez), nerd Brian Johnson (Anthony Michael Hall) and oddball Allison Reynolds (Ally Sheedy). On the outside they have nothing in common, but as the film progresses the teens soon begin discussing their lives at home; growing closer along the way. This is one of the few films showing how students of different lifestyles and high school cliques are not as different as they originally thought. This is a must watch for students in high school.

21 Jump Street. There have been many adaptations about adults being undercover in high school, including the television series this 2012 film is based on, and its sequel involving college. No one quite expected Channing Tatum or Jonah Hill to be mistaken as high school students; yet that is what happened as the two bumbling police officers are on the hunt for a drug dealer selling to kids at a local high school. There are many who do not even want to think about going back to high school, nor could probably get away with it, but it will always play a major part of our lives. Just don’t let be the only good thing looking back.

Clueless. Sometimes being pretty and popular can get you far in high school, but it won’t always work. This 1999 high school comedy focuses on Cher (Alicia Silverstone) who is the queen bee of her school. Discovering how much she likes helping people she takes new girl Tai Fraiser (Britney Murphy) to be groomed to be just as popular as her. However when her project works too well Cher realizes being popular doesn’t mean much if there aren’t people who you love standing beside you. It does poke fun at the supposed lifestyle of Beverly Hills, but it also shows behind all the money and glamour they are people too.

The Edge of Seventeen. In the most recent coming of age film on this list this 2016 film takes a real good look at growing up in high school. Staring Hailee Steinfeld, Woody Harrelson, Kyra Sedgwick and Blake Jenner we take a look at the life of Steinfeld’s character Nadine as her life begins to change: from her best friend dating her brother, her feelings towards an older student, the friend completely in love with her and overall struggling to open herself back up to friends and family after the death of her father. Hailee gives one of the best performances of her young career and shows that high school as insane as it is can be the place to find who you are meant to be.

Legally Blonde. If you looked up “never judge a book by its cover” in films you might see a picture of Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods. In this 2001 comedy Elle decides to follow her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School despite being seen as a ditsy blonde. Determined to prove him and others wrong about how serious she is Elle works hard to earn her place as a lawyer. Audiences adored the film with many praising Witherspoon’s performance as the perky Woods; they also loved the message about how not to let people’ opinions about how one looks stop you from reaching your goals.

Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion. The story may have not taken place in school, but it doesn’t mean it’s not relevant. Released in 1997 the film stars Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow as Romy and Michele traveling to their high school reunion. Wanting to stand out for their former classmates, including their enemy Christie Masters, the women claim they are successful business women; in fact they are anything but. The overall lesson for the film: while high school will be an important part of our lives, don’t live life like you’re still in it. Just because someone was a queen bee or nerd in school doesn’t mean they stayed that way for the rest of their lives.

Is there a school movie missing from this list? Please comment below your favorite high school or college movie. Do it before the bell rings!

TV Show Review: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

It is often for television shows to start with a mix of the actual story, but then the writers focus more on the characters personal problems rather than the bigger picture. The only genre this doesn’t seem to affect too much are crime dramas; well most of them. One of the shows this seems to ring true is the original CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, perhaps better known to outside fans as CSI: Las Vegas. It was one of the longest running crime dramas and television shows of all time; airing for 15 seasons from 2000 until 2015 including three mildly to pretty successful spin offs (one I’ve already reviewed) and television movie serving as the series finale. I had heard of CSI for years but never really got into the franchise until high school when I took a forensic class and we would watch an episode of the show every few weeks; took me a few years to catch up on the whole series, but it was definitely an interesting ride seeing how the crime lab of Las Vegas solved some of the strangest, disgusting and borderline psychotic cases to hit the Vegas strip. I will give just a little glimpse into what happened season by season and why this TV show became one of the most successful franchises of all time.

Season 1. Right from the start we meet several characters audiences will come to know and love. CSI 3 Supervisor Gil Grissom (William Peterson) who often has an odd fact at the ready, knows about every species of bug out there and believes in letting the evidence speak for itself (kinda like Sherlock Holmes if I were to compare him with anyone). His team consists of the grave shift of the Las Vegas Crime Lab: assistant CSI Level 3 supervisor Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) a former showgirl and single mother who got her degree to better her life, Nick Stokes (George Eads) a recent CSI Level 3 from Texas who often builds a trust with victims of the crime despite other CSI’s keeping their distance (it has often proven to be useful), Warrick Brown (Gary Dourdan), another CSI Level 3 who throughout the series seems to have one problem after another (gambling and drugs mostly), Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox), an old friend of Grissom he met at a work study he calls in when the team is short before deciding to stick around, Greg Sanders (Eric Szmanda) a lab tech specializing in DNA but desires to be in the field, Dr. Al Robbins (Robert David Hall), the coroner who lost his legs when he was a kid and has seen just about everything on his slab, Dr. David Phillips aka Super Dave (David Berman), another medical examiner and Captain Jim Brass (Paul Guilfoyle) a detective who trusts Grissom’s team and if often the legal muscle of the team. We do have other characters audiences will see throughout the series begin on the first season; mostly Conrad Ecklie (Marc Vann) a day shift supervisor before moving up in the police department; he comes off a strict, spiteful and a pain to Grissom’s team before eventually growing up a little, several detectives and lab techs. The first season has the team coming together after the death of one of their own and solving unusual crimes. Grissom also comes across a serial killer (which only happens a handful of times on the show) staging suicides, and when by the time he realizes he has met the killer it is too late.

Season 2. Once again the team solves some of the most bizarre crimes such as how a woman drowned in a desert, a scuba driver in a tree to the murder of the son of one of Vegas’s crime bosses, who Catherine has a past with (more on that later). Nick also has a stalker at one point, Grissom comes face to face with a past enemy and the first of three spin-offs takes place as Catherine and Warrick travel to Miami to find a missing girl and meet the head of the Miami crime lab Horatio Crane (David Caruso). We are also introduced to Lady Heather (Melinda Clarke) a dominatrix later sex therapist Grissom becomes fascinated with. The two would have a rather interesting relationship throughout the series and Ellie Brass (Nicki Aycox) Jim’s estranged daughter, later revealed to not be biologically his but he still cares about her (and she is MESSED UP.)

Season 3. With Szmanda and Hall becoming regulars the team has more interesting cases: bodies with fire-ants, a cheerleader left destroyed to a body appear dead before waking up in autopsy (that’s terrifying). Meanwhile Grissom fears his hearing is going away much like his deaf mother’s, Catherine might lose custody of her daughter, Greg is injured in a lab explosion and one of the detectives that works with the team is killed during a bank heist. We are introduced to David Hodges (Wallace Langham) a lab tech who tries too hard to impress Grissom. We also discover Catherine’s true connection to the crime boss from the previous season. We are also introduced to another serial killer known as The Blue Paint Killer as they paint the railings of the houses of their victims.

Season 4. Some of the series more disgusting and more memorable cases show up in this season including a murder involving the furry lifestyle, a victim Grissom thinks looks like Sara (it is obvious the two’s relationship is becoming more) and a woman who accuses a man of rape but DNA evidence seems to exclude him despite her objections.

Season 5. Greg begins the process of lab tech to being in the field as the team once again dives into some weird cases, but thanks to Ecklie the team becomes separated in different shifts for a few episodes. We are also introduced to Sofia Curtis (Louise Lombard) who would be a CSI then detective. The Blue Paint Killer returns and, in arguably the series most popular episode, Nick is captured by a psychopath and is buried alive. We are also introduced to Henry Andrews (Jon Wellner) who starts off in toxicology before moving to other fields. He and Hodges start off as rivals before having a somewhat friendship.

Season 6. With the team reunited cases begin to pile up, and things turn ugly. A police shoot out in a Latino community leaves many dead, including a police officer with the bullet saying one of their own killed him, a TV crew follows the team on a case, a little girl says she killed one of her brother’s classmates when he is on trial for the same murder (Sara becomes personally involved in the case) and Brass nearly dies after getting shot in the finale. We are also introduced to Wendy Simms (Liz Vassey) who has a bit of a rivalry with Hodges (although later episodes show the two are attracted to each other.)

Season 7. Grissom and Sara’s relationship is now romantic, but they have to keep it hidden. One of the show’s most prolific serial killers makes their debut: The Miniature Killer who kills, cleans up with bleach and leaves behind a minature replica of the crime scene; the case soon turns personal for Grissom when the killer is revealed to be Natalie Davis who blames Grissom for the death of her father figure (killed himself taking credit for her crimes) and she has kidnaps Sara. Catherine’s father dies and Greg is attacked at a crime scene saving a man’s life but kills one of the people responsible. Liev Schreiber also temporarily joins the cast as Michael Keppler when Grissom goes on sabbatical, a man with an interesting past.

Season 8. With limited episodes due to the writers’ strike of 2008 stories had to get wrapped up. Sara must make some tough decisions regarding her career as she becomes burned out. Many celebs make cameos in the show and Warrick is accused of murder.

Season 9. With one of their own dead and Grissom leaving, the team changes up a little. Ray Langston (Laurence Fishburne) joins the team after helping Grissom with a serial killer case and is quick to get caught up in cases; including one where he and a colleague are held hostage. Taylor Swift also guest stars at one point, Hodges and Wendy grow closer and so much more.

Season 10. Catherine’s skills as a leader are questioned after a team member leaves but Sara returns. Rascal Flatts make a cameo while Langston makes appearances on the Miami and New York spin-offs to find a missing girl. Finally (among the weird cases) another serial killer identified as Dr. Jekyll makes the team’s life hell as he leaves bodies with odd medical questions. We also get a visit from a killer from the previous season that Ray has a history with.

Season 11. With Ray almost dying at the hands of serial killer Nate Haskell more bizarre cases come to the Vegas, including when Haskell escapes to try and torture Ray; going after Ray’s ex-wife and others sending Ray over the edge. Justin Bieber also appears in the season as a teenaged bomber and we get the debut of Morgan Brody (Elisabeth Harnois) Ecklie’s daughter who helps the team when Haskell arrives in L.A.

Season 12. After the debacle involving Ray and Haskell ends with Ray leaving, and Catherine’s demotion, new team leader D.B. Russell (Ted Danson) ties to keep the team’s emotions in check. However when a case from the past comes back to haunt the team emotions reach an all-time high. Catherine also leaves to join the FBI after a case gets personal and is replaced by an old friend of D.B’s Julie Finlay (Elisabeth Shue) who is a blood expert.

Season 13. The issues in the previous finale come to a head and the nature of Sara and Grissom’s marriage comes to light. In addition to their cases a killer using Dante’s inferno puts members of the team in danger.

Season 14. Tracking down the people responsible for the Dante inferno killings (in a big shocking twist) the team regroups, but no rest for the wicked as they deal with hostage situations, cases from the past, one of their own may leave the force and the final spin-off CSI: Cyber makes its debut.

Season 15. In the shows final season a serial killer from Russel and Finn’s past comes back for revenge; as if their current cases weren’t complicated enough. Nick must also decide where his career is going when he gets a great opportunity.

In the finale movie titled Immortality a bombing brings back many fan favorite characters, Catherine’s daughter joins the team and the love triangle between Sara, Grissom and Lady Heather comes to fruition.

Obviously some episodes are not that hard to figure out, some even feel like repeats but what I truly loved about the show was that besides focusing on the personal lives of the characters they actually put a lot into the crime itself. Every episode I saw left me fascinated with how the team figures out everything: who, what, where and why. It probably inspired many to become criminologists, and other television show with the same M.O, counting the spin-offs. The characters were wonderful, each adding something unique to the show: Grissom’s weird facts, Nick’s optimism, Sara and Warrick’s problems to Russel’s oddball ways; it is hard to imagine the show without many of the characters. I would highly recommend checking out the original CSI as soon as possible.

In 2021 the original series returned called CSI: Vegas. William Peterson, Jorja Fox, Wallace Langham and Paul Guilfoyle reprising their roles along with new characters. It was renewed for a second season with Peterson and Fox exiting, but Marg Helgenberger returning.

Movie Review: The King and I

Rodgers and Hammerstein have written fantastic musicals, I know a big understatement on my part. Many incorporated dramatic history into the story, perhaps none more so than this one. First debuting on Broadway in 1951 and based on Margaret Landon’s 1944 novel Anna and the King of Siam which was a mix of fiction and true story, it would become a film in 1956. The film version of The King and I would become one of the most successful musicals of all time. I saw a recent Broadway production of the story and it along with the film, definitely leaves you with tears in your eyes and your heart feeling a little heavier. Spoilers as always.

Anna Leonowens (Deborah Kerr with Marni Nixon doing the singing) a widow school teacher travels with her son Louis (Rex Thompson) to Bangkok, Siam (now Thailand) to become the teacher of the children of the King of Siam, King Mongkut (Yul Brynner who won an Oscar for his part). The two meet the prime minister and the King’s closest friend Kralahome (Martin Benson) who has been told to escort them to the palace where they are going to live; Anna is upset because her contract stated she and her son would get their own home. King Mongkut says he doesn’t remember promising Anna a home and introduces Anna to his wives (no, that is not a misprint) and 15 of his 67 children (once again no mistake there) that Anna will teach, including his eldest son Prince Chulalongkorn (Patrick Adiarte). Despite being upset that the King violated her contract Anna agrees to teach the children, although she does drop hints during her lessons to annoy the King. Anna becomes close with the children as well as the wives, including the head wife Lady Thiang (Terry Saunders) and the latest wife Tuptim (Rita Moreno with Leona Gordon singing); Tuptim however is not happy with her forced marriage as she is in love with one of the men who brought her Lun Tha (Carlos Rivas with Rueben Fuentes singing) and he with her forcing the pair to sneak around at night. The children soon come to care for Anna and Louis, although they do get into arguments when Anna introduces things they have never seen before like snow. The King and Anna also clash, not just over the contract but their cultures as the two have different outlooks over pretty much everything. Anna almost leaves because of it, but Lady Thiang explains that the King is upset because British papers are calling him a barbarian and threatened to take Siam away from him. Knowing the King is many things, but not what the British clam, Anna agrees to help the King prove that they can be European and the two’s walls slowly start to come down. Unfortunately the King’s stubborn ways may cost him greatly. About as far as I should go without giving away the rest of the movie.

If any film has a big clash of cultures it is this one. The King and Anna’s relationship develops as king/servant in his mind to mutual respect; many say love but I’m not completely certain. Deborah Kerr is just stunning to watch as Anna, the strong willed teacher who has to show not just the children and wives but the King that their world is not as big as they think and they have to change. Yul Brynner, who portrayed the King on multiple Broadway productions before and after the film is memorizing as King Mongkut, a man who is stuck in the past and doesn’t understand why the world isn’t like his country; absolutely deserved his Oscar. The rest of the cast is impeccable; Moreno, Saunders, Rivas and Benson sticking out the most in my opinion as do the children, although I admit by today’s standards some roles are considered to be whitewashing so beware. The film doesn’t use every word or every song from the Broadway show which may have done some harm from the critics but otherwise the film was well received. The soundtrack has some of the show’s most famous songs such as “Getting to Know You”, “Shall We Dance”, “It’s a Puzzlement” and “I Whistle a Happy Tune” among others.

The film won five Oscars: Best Actor for Brynner, music, art direction, costume design and sound recording while it was nominated for four others: Best director, cinematography, actress for Kerr and Best Picture. The film has also been listed on three American Film Institute 100 lists: #11 on Best Musicals, #54 on Best Songs “Shall We Dance” and 100 Passions Films #31 for Anna and the King. While the film might take place during the Civil War some of its issues still hit strong points today and I would definitely say this is a must watch for not just musical fans but of movie fans in general.

Movie Review: Furious 7

This 2015 addition might arguably be the best known Fast and Furious film for those who are not familiar with the franchise, and it was for a very sad reason. On November 30, 2013, Paul Walker died in a single car accident while the film was halfway through production. The cast and fans were devastated by his loss and the production was put on an indefinite hold. With the studio and the cast behind it the seventh film proceeded on in Walker’s memory. In my opinion it has definitely been the most heartfelt Fast film to date, and I do not believe it will be topped. As always spoilers will be ahead. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) has been trying to help his long-time love Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez) regain her memories after the events of the previous film, but it has been difficult for her. While helping out his once again pregnant sister Mia (Jordana Brewster), friend Brian (Walker with stand-ins including brothers Caleb and Cody Walker after Paul’s death) and nephew Jack, Dom receives a phone-call from a man threatening his family before a bomb sent from Tokyo destroys the Toretto house. Discovering Han (Sung Kang) is dead and DSS agent Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) is in the hospital after a severe beating Dom gets the crew back together: Brian, Letty, Roman (Tyrese Gibson) and Tej (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) to go after the man revealed to be Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) brother of Owen Shaw (Luke Evans) who has sworn revenge for putting him in a coma. Dom and his crew are ready to fight off Shaw, but they need to do something first for a special ops unit. Headed by Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell) Dom and his crew agree to help the government obtain a computer program called God’s Eye (basically Big Brother) as well as the person behind it, a hacker named Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel). However the mercenary that has her, Mose Jakanda (Djimon Hounsou) is not going to let her or God’s Eye go without a fight. With Deckard following close behind Dom and his crew are on their most dangerous adventure yet, which also includes an amazing fight between Letty and an Abu Dhabi security guard named Kara (Ronda Rousey). I cannot go more without spoiling the rest of the movie, but I promise this: there will not be a dry eye in the house the last few moments of the movies it pays tributes to Paul Walker.

I think the film was anticipated by many Fast and non-Fast fans because of how they were going to retire Walker’s character, and I thought how it happened was absolutely perfect; I can promise looking around the the theater people were crying from little tears to full blow sobbing. The movie itself could not have been better: the writing, action and characters were at their highest peak. The stunts done by either the cast or the cars were just mind boggling; in other words probably more than any other Fast film throw logic out the window (a car drives thru three buildings for crying out loud!) Jason Statham was perfect as Deckard Shaw; easily topping his brother in the previous film as the best bad guy in the Fast franchise until recently but that is for another day. I think this might be my favorite of the Fast franchise so far if anything for what the filmmakers and cast did for Paul Walker’s character and the actor himself. I might even call this film the must-see movie of the entire Fast franchise. While obviously you should watch at least five and six before this one Furious 7 will leave any action fan happy and anyone with a heart swelling with a smidgen of happy and sad. One last thing, do not forget to watch I Am Paul Walker on the Paramount Network airing tonight.

Why I Love Harry Potter Plus Quick Reviews of the Films

Isn’t it amazing as you grow older how much stays from your childhood with you; unlike trading in that favorite toy for a cell phone or tablet. However in my case one thing from my childhood has been a part of me for a very long time, and has not gone away: Harry Potter. In honor of the eight movies making their debut on the USA and SyFy network I will be explaining my love for the magical franchise, give a quick recap of the films plot and finally what I thought about the film itself; I will give more details in full reviews of the films at a later time, but I wanted to do a little bit of an appetizer in honor of the premieres tonight. If you have not read any of the books or seen the films, here is a massive spoiler alert. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Let me start off by saying I actually did not get into Harry Potter for the longest time. My mom had read the first I believe four books and for years kept pushing for me to read them; like many young kids I thought “If my mom likes this how cool can it be?” However in 2001 the trailer for the first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s Stone dropped. The very second I expressed an interest in the film my mother shoved the first book into my hands. Giving in I sat down and read; it took me a couple of years before I finished the first four books by the inspiring and amazing J.K Rowling. From then on I was completely into Harry Potter. My parents would get the latest book and I would watch the films as soon as I (and whomever I could find) possibly could if not immediately. My friends still loved the books and films even as new franchises began to become obsessions in high school. As I got older my love for the franchise never died, and it still has not. I have met people who have never even read the books and I often encourage them to give it a shot before watching the films. I’ll elaborate on that a little later. In the meantime let’s go over the eight films based on the seven Harry Potter books.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s Stone. The very first one to start off an incredible adventure. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) has lived with his verbally abusive guardians, the Dursleys: Uncle Vernon (Richard Griffiths), Aunt Petunia (Fiona Shaw) and cousin Dudley (Harry Melling), for as long as he can remember, that was until owl keep dropping off letters to his home addressed to him. Despite the best efforts from his guardians, Harry discovers the truth; he is a wizard like his dead parents (James and Lily) and is famous for somehow surviving as an infant against the darkest wizard of all time: Lord Voldemort (otherwise addressed as You Know Who or He who Must Not Be Named) who seems to have died after trying to kill Harry; leaving the boy with a lightning shaped scar on his forehead. Harry is accepted and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (a gorgeous castle) where, after convincing the responsible party, is sorted into the Gryffindor house instead of Slytherin. Harry soon makes true friends in Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), a red head multi generation wizard, and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) a brilliant witch with non-magic (otherwise called Muggles) parents among a few others including Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) a clumsy and forgetful student; he also discovers a natural talent for the wizarding game Quidditch and earns the position as Seeker. Harry as well begins bonds with some of the teachers and staff at the school, including Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) the groundskeeper, Professor Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith) the head of his house and one of the teachers and Professor Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris) the headmaster of the school. Harry also makes enemies in fellow student Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), a very spoiled and jealous child, and one of his professors Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) who seems to have a grudge against Harry. Harry, along with Ron and Hermione soon discover a secret hidden in the school, an object known as the Philosopher’s, or Sorcerer’s, stone which has the ability to grant the user immortality. Harry believes Snape wants to use the stone to bring Voldemort back to life and he, along with Ron and Hermione, decide to stop him. Other characters introduced are members of Ron’s family: doting yet strict mother Molly (Julia Waters) and three of his elder brothers Percy (Chris Rankin) and twins Fred and George (James and Oliver Phelps). The film was very exciting to watch, bringing the characters I had come to love to life. While I knew everything wasn’t going to be exactly like the book the changes did not bother me as much as I thought it was going to do. I enjoyed the performances of the cast, especially Daniel’s, Rupert’s and Emma’s despite it being their first films.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Harry and his friends return to Hogwarts and discover their school is in danger. Students are being petrified (literally) by an unknown creature and the only clue is the bloody message “The Chamber of Secrets is Open, Enemies of the Heir Beware.” Believing it to mean the heir of the house of Slytherin and Hogwarts may shut down Harry Ron and Hermione set out to find the responsible party before it is too late. Harry soon discovers he has the ability to talk to snakes, which has (almost) everyone believing he is the heir, until someone close to him gets attacked. Harry also finds an enchanted diary belonging to a student named Tom Riddle over 50 years ago when the Chamber was first opened and a student was killed. The audience is also properly introduced to important characters: Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright), Ron’s young sister who has a crush on Harry, Arthur Weasley (Mark Williams) Ron’s father who loves learning about Muggles, Dobby (Toby Jones) a house elf determined to protect Harry and Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs) Draco’s father who was once a follower of Voldemort. I really enjoyed figuring out the mystery in the book and seeing it on-screen was nothing less than great.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Harry, Ron and Hermione return for their third year, but this time have to be cautious. Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), an alleged follower of Voldemort, has escaped the inescapable prison Azkaban and seems to be going after Harry. The castle is being guarded by creatures known as Dementors searching for Black against Dumbledore’s (now portrayed by Michael Gambon after Harris’s death) wishes. The trio’s friendship (specifically Ron and Hermione’s) is tested multiple times, but soon make-up after Hagrid, now the Care of Magical Creatures teacher, is nearly sacked after one of his creatures, a Hippogrif called Buckbeak, attacks Malfoy (he provoked it). Instead Buckbeak is sentenced to death. Harry soon learns the truth about Sirius thanks in part to one of his teachers, Remus Lupin (David Thewlis). Other characters introduced are Sybill Trelawney (Emma Thompson) an eccentric teacher and Peter Pettigrew (Timothy Spall) someone with a connection to Harry’s parents. For the longest time this seemed to be everyone’s favorite Potter book, but I thought the film adaption was a little odd. New parts of the castle changed and more casual clothing was worn by the students when not in class, which I had not really pictured when reading. Nonetheless I thought everyone did a fabulous job.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. After attending the Quidditch World Cup our trio returns with exciting news at Hogwarts. The Triwizard Tournament featuring the wizarding schools Hogwarts, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons has returned. Three students, over the age of 17, from each school will be picked by the Goblet of Fire and participate in three deadly tasks. From Durmstrang is Viktor Krum (Stanislav Ianvski) a famous Quidditch player who also develops a crush on Hermione (much to Ron’s displeasure). From Beauxbatons is Fleur Delacour (Clémence Poésy) a beautiful girl Ron has a crush on (much to Hermione’s displeasure). From Hogwarts it is Hufflepuff seventh year student Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson) a handsome young man whose girlfriend, Ravenclaw student Cho Chang (Katie Leung), Harry has a crush on. However the Goblet pulls out another name: Harry Potter. Despite being underage Harry has no choice but to participate; it also temporarily damages his friendship with Ron. During the final task Harry is forced to witness to the return of his greatest enemy: Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). The film also introduces Alastor “Mad-Eyed” Moody (Brendan Gleeson) a wizard with a big reputation and Rita Skeeter (Miranda Richardson) a nosy reporter for the wizarding paper, The Daily Prophet, who exploits “secrets” even if they are not true. It also introduces a magical item known as the Pensive which has the ability to go into a person’s memories. This was the most exciting Harry Potter film I had seen until the final one as the Triwizard tournament was portrayed as exciting as it appeared in the book, not to mention the first battle between Harry and Voldemort. Ralph Fiennes was perfect as the Dark Lord; an excellent start to an iconic villain.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Harry is treated as an outcast by many at Hogwarts; the Ministry of Magic has convinced the entire wizarding world that Voldemort is not back and Harry is mad. Very few people actually believe Harry; Dumbledore, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, Cho (who now has feelings for Harry), Ravenclaw oddball student Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch) and members of the group known as the Order of the Phoenix; a group which has reformed due to Voldemort’s return. New Defense against the Dark Arts teacher Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) is placed at Hogwarts by the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge (Robert Hardy) to see if Dumbledore is planning anything against the Ministry and uses her power to basically take over the school. Harry and his friends form a secret group to help those who actually believe in him, called Dumbledore’s Army, teaching them defensive spells to prepare for battle. When someone close to Harry is threatened by Voldemort he, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny and Luna travel to Ministry to stop Voldemort. Other characters introduced are Nymphadora Tonks (Natalia Tena) the colorful member of the Order of the Phoenix, Kingsley Shackleboat (George Harris) another member of the Order and Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter), one of Voldemort’s most loyal (and insane) followers (they are called Deatheaters) whom Harry and Neville hold a deep hatred to. The book as well as the film changed the game for Harry and his friends as they realize they are at war with not just Voldemort but the government. I thought for the longest time it was Daniel Radcliffe’s best performance as Harry, until the last film.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Now that the world knows Voldemort is back his grip on the wizarding and Muggle world gets tighter every passing day. Harry begins to suspect Voldemort has recruited Draco into the Deatheaters and has a mission for him at Hogwarts. Harry gets a new potions book which includes hints to help him do much better; the author is called the Half Blood Prince. Harry goes with Dumbledore as they explore Voldemort’s past to find a way to destroy him; which is in the form of Horcruxes: magical items Voldemort has placed pieces of his soul in so he can never die. Meanwhile Ron (despite being clearly in love with Hermione) begins to date fellow student Lavender Brown (Jessie Cave) much to the anger and sadness of Hermione (who is in love with him) while Harry realizes he is in love with Ginny. It ends with someone close to Harry making a big sacrifice and a possible traitor exposed. If I’m being honest this is the weakest of the Potter books and films, but it was nonetheless enjoyable.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2. The last book was split into two films as it would have been impossible to cover all the material in one film. Harry, Ron and Hermione set out to find the remaining Horcruxes and destroy them; in turn destroying Voldemort. The trio nearly has a major rift in the first part before coming to terms with the greater good. Harry also discovers the secrets Dumbledore kept from him and just how deep the connection between himself and Voldemort is. We also get the most epic battle at Hogwarts between the students and staff against the Deatheaters. An epic conclusion to an epic franchise.

I will go into more details of each film at a later date, but I wanted to give just a taste of my thoughts on the most successful franchises in book and film history. Of course there has been a spin-off film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them as well as the play on Broadway Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but those are for another day. Before I conclude there is one thing I must say: before you watch the film READ THE BOOKS; I cannot stress that enough! The books go into details that are barely covered in film; for those who do not read it might be confusing how the gang goes from point a to point b quickly. Do not forget all eight films will premiere tonight and into the weekend on the USA and SyFy networks. These are some of my favorite books and films and I hope they will be yours as well.

Movie Review: To Kill A Mockingbird

On this day 58 years ago a novel came out that changed American literature forever; even winning a Pulitzer Prize for the author Harper Lee. Two years later the film adaption of To Kill a Mockingbird came out on Christmas Day, and much like the novel was a huge success. This is actually my mother’s favorite book and for a very long time did her best to convince me to watch the film. I eventually did, and I absolutely loved it. If you haven’t read the book or seen the film here is the spoiler alert. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Over the course of three years during the 1930’s Jean Louise Finch, better known as Scout (Mary Badham, nominated for an Oscar for her part) and her brother Jeremy Atticus Finch aka “Jem” (Phillip Alford) discover their (fictional) town of Maycomb, AL is not as good as it appears to be. They spend their days playing outside with their friend Dill (John Megna) and spying on their neighbor Arthur Radley aka “Boo” (Robert Duvall) who has not stepped out of his house in years; the town has multiple horrible stories on why that is. Scout and Jem live with their widowed father (whom they call by his first name by his request) Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck who won an Oscar for his part), the town lawyer who believes people should be treated fairly regardless of their background. Atticus defends many people in town and if they have little money takes in produce instead. Atticus is assigned a case where he defends Tom Robinson (Brock Peters) a black man accused of raping and beating Mayella Ewell (Collin Wilcox) a white woman. Atticus does what he can to protect Tom; including sleeping outside his cell to stop a mob from lynching him which Scout inadvertently stops when she recognizes one of the men Atticus takes produce from. However Scout and Jem face problems in school because of their father’s actions. When the trial (which Scout and Jem watch from the rafters) begins Atticus sets out to prove Tom couldn’t have committed the rape; among the evidence is Tom’s left arm is crippled, but Mayella claimed he used his left hand to chock her out. Atticus points out that Mayella’s father Bob (James Anderson) is left handed and she never went to a doctor to confirm her story of rape. Unfortunately, despite Atticus’s best efforts (including an incredible closing argument Peck shot in one take) the verdict seemed to be in before the trail began. This is about as far as I should go without spoiling the rest of the movie.

To call this an absolute classic would be an understatement. Everything from the acting, writing (which the movie follows close if not exactly like the book), cinematography and even shooting the film in black and white was nothing less than phenomenal. Peck was, and is still considered to be, one of the finest actors to ever grace the big screen and this is arguably his best known role. Atticus is often listed as one of the best fictional characters ever created, and it would be very hard to argue otherwise. Mary Badham’s performance as Scout is remarkable as she grows up; at first not understanding what is happening (often escalating to fighting or talking to Atticus), but eventually comes to terms with it. Phillip Alford is fantastic as big brother Jem as he explains what is happening to Scout as well as protecting her. Brock Peters is great as Tom Robinson and the rest of the cast is wonderful; interesting fact this was Robert Duvall’s first credited film role. The film won three Oscars: Best Actor for Gregory Peck, Best Art Direction and Best Adapted Screenplay, while it was nominated for Best Director, Cinematography, Actress in a Supporting Role, Score and Picture. It has also been on multiple American Film Institute 100 lists: Atticus Finch as the #1 hero, #17 of film scores, #2 on 100 Cheers, top 10 Courtroom Drama films at #1 #34 on the 100 movies list and finally moving up to #25 on the 10th Anniversary 100 Movies list.

I would call To Kill a Mockingbird a must watch especially if you are reading the book for school; although do not use it for a book report your teacher will know. Even if you are not, or have not, read the book the film is still an amazing work and a big recommendation from me.

Classic Movie Review: The Wizard of Oz

Today I am writing my 200th blog. For those that have been around since the beginning I thank you. For those who are just starting, I thank you as well.

For my 200th blog I wanted to make it special; a movie or show I believe everyone has or should see (if you have not, it must be put on the top spot on the must watch list immediately.) While glossing over the list of movies I’ve watch one stuck out and I knew I struck gold. It was one of the first non-animated movies I remember watching as a kid, the movie that made me fall in love with musicals and arguably the most watched movie of all time (not just in my house): The Wizard of Oz. Based on the beloved 1900 children’s book by L. Frank Baum, this 1939 classic musical is considered to be one of the greatest musicals and films of all time; and I’d love to find someone who would say otherwise. If for some reason you have not seen The Wizard of Oz here is the biggest spoiler alert I could possible give. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Beginning in sepia tone Dorothy Gale (Jud Garland) and her dog Toto (Terry) lives with her Aunt Em (Clara Blandick) and Uncle Henry (Charley Grapewin) on their farm in Kansas. Toto gets in trouble when he bites the mean neighbor Miss Almira Gultch (Margaret Hamilton). Dorothy tries to explain what happened to her aunt and uncle, but they and the farm hands Huck (Ray Bolger), Hickory (Jack Haley) and Zeke (Bert Lahr) are too busy working to listen to her. Gultch arrives with the sheriff’s permission to take Toto away and put him down, much to Dorothy’s sadness, but the dog escapes. Dorothy and Toto run away, but after meeting and sort of tricked by the strange but kind hearted Professor Marvel (Frank Morgan who pulls off five roles in the movie) into turning around. A tornado has formed as Dorothy races home, but is too late to get in the storm cellar. She tries to seek shelter in her room, but gets knocked out.

Waking up she sees very odd things outside her window (her home was picked up by the tornado) before landing in the colorful Land of Oz; Dorothy famously saying “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” Dorothy meets the beautiful Glinda the Good Witch (Billie Burke) and the munchkins of Munckinland in the Land of Oz. They thank her for killing the Wicked Witch of the East; much to Dorothy’s horror her home crushed the witch to death leaving only her feet visible. However trouble soon arrives when the Wicked Witch of the West (Hamilton) arrives; Glinda says she’s worse than her sister. The Wicked Witch wants her sister’s magic ruby slippers, but Glinda has already given them to Dorothy; the witch promising “I’ll get you my pretty and your little dog too.” Dorothy wants to go home, but Glinda’s magic is not powerful enough to make it possible. Glinda says to Dorothy only The Wizard of Oz (Morgan) can help her; she must take the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard. Dorothy takes the path and soon meets three others who need help. The Scarecrow (Bolger) who desires a brain, the Tin Woodsman (Haley) who wants a heart and the Cowardly Lion (Lahr) who needs courage; Dorothy invites them all to accompany her to Oz. The four get stopped multiple times by the Wicked Witch, including a poppy field to make them sleep, but they make it to the Emerald City and eventually see the Wizard. He will only grant their requests if they bring him the Wicked Witch’s broomstick, but they will have to kill her to make that possible. About as far as I should go without spoiling the rest of the movie for those that haven’t read the book or watched it.

The Wizard of Oz is constantly listed as a movie many should watch before the age of 14, and if you have not that is absolutely fine. I remember watching the movie when I was a kid and just being completely enamored with it. The music, the characters, the story; even how it started off tan before going color. I still watch the movie today, maybe not with as much enthusiasm as when I was five but I still enjoy it.

The characters are just incredible to watch. Judy Garland shines as Dorothy Gale, considered to be the most iconic role in her career; she even won an honorary juvenile Oscar for this role along with her role in Babes in America. Bolger is so fun to watch as Scarecrow (try and find his deleted dance sequence for the “If I Only Had a Brain” number; it is great to watch.) Haley, while amazing as the Tin-man, was not the first actor cast for the part; actor Buddy Ebsen was supposed to be the Tin-man but fell ill after putting on the make-up (it was coated in aluminum powder and it got into his lungs, but thankfully lived.) Lahr is hilarious as the Lion; he might be my favorite of the Oz trio. Morgan is absolutely amazing in his five roles in the movie (Marvel, the doorman, the cabbie, the guard and the Wizard) a feet not often used in films back then or even now. Burke is lovely as Glinda. Of course I cannot forget the performance of Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch; one of the most iconic villains on-screen. I know she struggled after the film with children being frightened of her well after the movie; there is a very famous episode of Mister Roger’s Neighborhood where he showed that she was a person underneath the robe and green make-up. The writing, cinematography and background music are some of the best I’ve seen in film, I would appreciate this more as I got into movies.

I cannot forget the wonderful soundtrack that goes along with the movie. Scarecrow, Tin-man and the Lion each have their own songs explaining what they would do if they had their respective gifts; the Lion has an additional number saying what he’d do “If I Were the King of the Forrest”. The munchkins have a number of songs, the two most famous being “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” and “Follow The Yellow Brick Road/You’re Off to See the Wizard”; Dorothy and her friends reprise the latter half song three more times with “We’re” instead of “You’re” The residents of Emerald City welcome Dorothy and her friend with a number called “The Merry Old Land of Oz” However the most famous song of all is “Over the Rainbow”. Dorothy sings this while in Kansas saying how she wished there was a place where she couldn’t get into trouble; honestly I still get goosebumps when I listen to it.

The Wizard of Oz would win two Oscars, including Best Original Song for “Over the Rainbow” as well as Best Score; the film was also nominated for Best Special Effects, art direction, cinematography in color and Best Picture. It has also been listed on multiple American Film Institute 100 best lists. Three quotes on 100 Quotes: # 4 “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”, #99 “I’ll get you my pretty and your little dog too” and # 23 “There’s no place like home” Two songs on the 100 songs: # 1″Over the Rainbow” and #82 “Ding Dong The Witch is Dead”, #43 on 100 Thrills, #4 villain on 100 Heroes and Villains, top 10 Fantasy film at #1, #26 on 100 Cheers, #3 on Movie Musicals, and #6 on the 100 Movie, it would slip to #10 on the 10th Anniversary list. The film inspired multiple adaptions of the book, including the Broadway production, film and TV special “The Wiz.” Allegedly five pairs of Dorothy’s ruby slippers were made; one can be seen at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C while another pair was stolen years ago and has not been seen since.

If you have not experience The Wizard of Oz, what are you waiting for? Grab your ruby slippers and get ready to travel from Kansas (or wherever you live) to the Land of Oz, but always remember “There’s no place like home.”