What Happened to Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince?

Before going into my review of this film, let me first say that I am arguably one of the biggest Harry Potter fans ever. I even named my dog, Hermione, after on of the main characters in the series. I love the books and I love the movies and usually I am able to look at each of them as two separate entities so I am not hard on the movies like most of the readers are; however, this film is the rate exception to my rule.

Let’s focus on the things that were good in the film before we get into my critiques.

First of all, the chemistry between Rupert Grint and Emma Watson was amazing. The film did a great job of showing the budding romance between Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. The jealously, the tension, the confusion, the longing was all very well played. These two actors did their jobs perfectly!

Secondly, this is the first time that I actually enjoyed Michael Gambon’s performance as Professor Albus Dumbledore. Until this film, in my opinion, he never compared to the original Dumbledore, Richard Harris, but this time he did the character justice.

Finally, the special effects just keep getting better and better with each film that comes out.

Now onto the parts that make you wonder, did the director, screenwriter, and/or producer actually read the book before writing the script?

Okay, the film is titled Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, right? If not, then they have a whole lot of merchandising mistakes they need to fix. But who is the Half Blood Prince? Well if you watch the movie you wouldn’t even know he was that important of a character because he is barely seen, much less mentioned. And why is he so important? Who would know? The movie sure doesn’t explain that so, you are going to be lost unless of course you actually read the books.

On top of that you were supposed to see Dumbledore and Harry reliving memories from certain events that involved “He Who Must Not Be Named,” otherwise known as Lord Voldemort or by his muggle name Tom Riddle. There were only two instances in the film where Harry and the headmaster actually take a dive in the pensive (where Dumbledore places his memories so he can revisit them) and stroll around to see what they can learn about their evil nemesis and there is only one of those instances that actually pushes the plot forward! There should have been several of these scenes because some extremely crucial things were left out that will be in the next two films. In other words, by cutting these scenes the next two films will not make sense not to mention that it aided in confusing the heck out of the audience in this film. It was as if the director only put those two memory walks in the film just to say “Hey, look at the cool special effects we can do at Industrial Light and Magic!”

There was also a scene in the film that was not in the book that made absolutely no sense and it will also cause more problems for the next two films. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind when extra things are added to the films if they advance the plot or make things more fun. A good example of that would be in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. They added a scene where Professor McGonagall teaches the Hogwarts students to ballroom dance. Not only was it funny to see Ron have to dance with McGonagall, but you also get to see a side of Neville Longbottom that you have never seen before. The added scene in this movie was so not needed nor was it entertaining.

The biggest problem with the film though, was the ending. This is where I was so glad that I had read the book before I had seen the film because the movie was so anticlimactic. The only way I can explain how badly they ended this movie is to compare it to another film, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. The fight scene between Yoda and Count Dooku in that film made the movie. People cheered, got out of their seats and clapped and everyone left the theater feeling fulfilled and totally pumped after seeing Yoda kick some major butt.

This is how you should have felt at the end of the Half Blood Prince. Not! Who needs and ending like that? I mean if people are that pumped when they leave a theater it could cause mass hysteria. Some could have heart attacks, aneurisms, or possibly seizures. I mean the makers of this film were thinking of the public’s well being when they chose to cut the amazing battle between the Death Eaters and the Order of the Phoenix. Not to mention cutting the pivotal battle between Harry and Professor Snape. I mean who needs to see something as cool as that? Umm, ME! I would even go so far as to say EVERYONE AT THE MIDNIGHT SHOWING OF THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE WANTED TO SEE THAT! We need the Yoda fight! We need to see McGonagall kicking some major Death Eater butt! Yet, Harry Potter fans everywhere were left wanting.

Finally and hopefully without ruining the movie for you, or at least more than it already is, there is one more detail that was left out that should have been included. Harry, Hermione, and Ron all inherit something from someone’s will at the end of the book, alas, it is not in the film so one can only hope that they will begin the next film with the three of them receiving their inheritance.

So my advice to everyone who has seen or is planning to see this movie is, read the book before, during, or after seeing this movie because this is truly the worst film out of the six Harry Potter movies. It does not even come close to doing the book justice.

- Chelsea Delz

Film Ratings:

• Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince 2 out of 5 stars
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 6 out of 5 stars
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 5 out of 5 stars
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 4 out of 5 stars
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone 5 out of 5 stars

Away We Go

What a sweet, feel-good movie. Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski make a really cute couple. She's a little sad, but a dreamer, and he's extremely laid back and loving and made all the ladies in the audience sigh. They meet some crazy, funny, and tragic characters along their journey to choose a new town for their expanding family.

An expanding family that's out of wedlock.

Call me old fashioned, but why couldn't they have just been a married couple? There's a loose plot line surrounding the reason she refuses to marry the man she plans to spend the rest of her life with, but it's completely unnecessary to the story.

I've just been trying lately to see the shows and movies I'm watching with a more naive eye, because the more I see stories of people who are going against my values, the more I see my values loosening. And people who tell you that they don't let exposure to the world cloud their consciences are putting themselves in a dangerous position.

All that aside, this movie made me laugh out loud, cry a little, and be thankful that I have my own version of the goofy, doting, and perfect partner in life. (But mine's better.)

Hangover: Rauncheriffic

It pains me to admit that The Hangover was really funny. The humor and the characters were fairly unique, which I liked. It was strangely suspenseful and not at all dark, which I somehow expected. This movie also managed to have a lot of physical comedy without it being slapstick or cheesy.

Premise
Four very different guys leave for a bachelor weekend in Las Vegas. Someone slipped them drugs and they can't remember anything from the night before. They wake up with a missing groom, a missing tooth, a baby and a tiger. The movie takes you along a mystery tour trying to figure out what the heck happened.

This movie was really raunchy. I leaned over and covered my husband's eyes at least three times, and he gets much less offended than I do. There's one brief moment of female nudity in the context of breastfeeding, and one full-frontal of a Chinese gangster.

THEN comes the finale. Once the loose ends have been tied up, the guys go through their digital camera to look through all the photos. That's when the real adventure becomes clear, and the REAL offensive stuff comes out. I'm talking jaw-dropping horrible photos. If you can walk out during the credits and skip this part, go for it. But I'm a realist and I get that people who go to see that movie know what they're in for and would laugh at my suggestion to leave.

Night at the Museum: Battle at the Smithsonian

This latest Night at the Museum was just what I expected: entertaining, cute, and with great visual effects. And it was about a battle at the Smithsonian.

What I loved:
I thought Amy Adams was so great as Amelia Earhart! Just shows that you can have really great acting in a kids' movie. If I were a member of the Academy, I'd fight for her nod. But I doubt this movie is on their radar.

I loved the other dimensions that came to life in the Smithsonian. In the Museum of Natural History (movie #1), T-Rex bones, miniature action figures and stuffed monkeys came to life at night. In this one, the paintings, movies and even bobble heads come to life! And it's all done in a really entertaining and, if I may, logical way.

I loved the story. It managed to make complete sense as a sequel to the original. It had a great moral but didn't get preachy.

For those of you who like The Office, there were three actors from that show who make cameos. I don't know if you can call it a cameo when they're not really famous... but anyway, they make appearances.

Now, parents please don't take my word for it, but I didn't notice stuff that would be inappropriate for kids. I really do try to pay attention to language and innuendos in kid movies like this. I do remember some questionable things in the original, but really didn't catch anything here.


What I didn't love:
As with the original Night at the Museum, I wanted to fast-forward through the climax of the movie, but the theater has no FF button. I don't know, I guess I feel the same way about any action-y movies.

I have mixed feelings about Hank Azaria as a power-hungry pharaoh with feminine tendencies. On one hand, he's a hilarious actor, but on the other hand, WHY do most foreign characters have to have British accents?! Napoleon had a french accent, Ivan the Terrible had a Russian accent, but Egyptian dude was annoyingly British. Whatever! He did make me laugh out loud, though.

Is it Cool to Like Star Wars?

I am not a Trekkie. In fact, I've never seen a Star Trek movie or episode of the numerous Trek TV shows. The mere thought of Star Trek shows makes me roll my eyes.

I was shocked to see positive reviews for the new flick. So shocked, I was willing to give it a try.

As much as I hate to admit it....I liked it! Granted, I wasn't sure what was happening half the time. But, it was pretty darn good!

The story of how the Star Trek enterprise crew came together was very well written. I enjoyed seeing the characters evolve throughout the film. I thought they did an excellent job introducing each character and making you "feel" for each one.

All the young actors did a great job -- particularly the new Spock, Zachary Quinto. Though I'm not an old school Trek fan, it was nice seeing Leonard Nimoy in the movie. However, I still don't understand how the old Spock and new Spock seemed to coexist. If anyone has some insight, please share.

I'd give this a 3...maybe 4 out of 5 stars. It's not a movie that will change your life....but it sure won't loose your attention!

Rourke Shines as "The Wrestler"

The Wrestler is the sad, uninspiring tale of a professional wrestling superstar from the 80s who can't seem to escape the headlock the industry has placed on him.

At one point, Randy "The Ram" Robinson (played by Mickey Rourke) was ontop of the world as heavyweight champion. He lived the high life often sacrificing his personal life and health to entertain enormous crowds packed into America's largest arenas. 20 years later, he's washed up.

Robinson's no longer in "the big show." Instead, he's performing in armories and rec centers on the weekends for a measly payout. During the week, he works at a grocery store to make ends meet.

The movie follows "The Ram" Robinson as he searches for his real self, Robin Ramzinski, following a heart attack. He enlists the help of a good-hearted stripper (played by Marrisa Tomei) and his estranged daughter. Can "The Ram" shed his charismatic in-ring persona and live a normal life? or will he always be "The Ram"?...even when everyone else in his life wants Robin.

Rourke does an amazing job. Unquestionably, it's an oscar-worthy performance. I can't say the same for Tomei. She was nominated for Best Supporting Actress and I'm not really sure why. She's far from memorable.

I'm not sure that I'd recommend the film to someone who isn't at least familiar with professional wrestling. Like many sports-theme movies, it's not really about a sport. But, it certainly helps to understand it.

Sadly, this tale could be about many once-superstars who once headline pay-per-views and now simply hope to land a spot in the next independent show coming through Abilene...for a $50 paycheck. Though it's not based on a true story, it easily could be one. For anyone who's followed professional wrestling, they'll understand the true tragedy of this film.

It's the story of so many promising people who've gone before their time. It's the story of people who confused fans for family...and ended up all alone. 3 of 5 stars

Bride Wars & More

Bride Wars was terrible!

I know, I'm late on this one. I recently went to see the movie with my Monster-In-Law, Marian (who lets me call her that because she is so cool). It dragged and dragged and dragged. I've never been an Anne Hathaway fan, but I do like Kate Hudson. They just weren't believable as friends and there was too much horseplay and not enough plot. I didn't laugh out loud very much and I was relieved when it was over... and not just because I had to pee.


Here are some DVDs I recently watched:

27 Dresses - B
This actually had a lot more plot than I expected and the characters were really well thought-out. My husband even ejoyed this one! And by "enjoyed" I mean didn't leave the room.

Rescue Dawn - D
Awful, awful, awful. For some reason I thought I was going to watch a Saving Private Ryan-type film, but it was more like a Disney movie. It was so cheesy and so bad. It's the story of a Navy man who goes to Vietnam, gets kidnapped, and tries to escape the crude prison. I hate that it was based on a true story, because the real people involved are probably super disappointed.

Night at the Museum - A-
Again, super late on this one, but I'd always wanted to see it, and when I saw a preview for the sequel, I figured it was about time! Ben Stiller did a great job and I LOVED that Dick Van Dyke was a villain. I also loved watching him dance during the closing credits. I was a little annoyed during the movie because I thought there would be NO way that the ending would make sense, but it did. Can't wait to see the next one!