Category: Movie Reviews

REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part Two (2011)

Poster - Warner Bros.
Poster – Warner Bros.

The following is a spoiler-filled review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part Two.

In 2004, The Lord of the Rings film series was recognized at the Academy Awards in a big way. The Return of the King was nominated for eleven Oscars, and it, somehow, managed to win every single award it was nominated for. That was a big deal. It was a big moment for the Oscars, the Tolkien films, and all genre films.

In 2011, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part Two was released. The Academy, however, chose not to recognize the Harry Potter film series in the same way. That is a shame. Because the Harry Potter film series actually ended on such a high note that it deserved a similar treatment. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part Two is fantastic. Continue reading “REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part Two (2011)” →

RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part One (2010)

Poster - Warner Bros.
Poster – Warner Bros.

The following is a spoiler-filled retro review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part One.

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part One, Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (played by Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (played by Emma Watson) are unable to return to Hogwarts and, instead, go on the hunt for Horcruxes and ways to destroy them.
Continue reading “RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part One (2010)” →

RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

Poster - Warner Bros.
Poster – Warner Bros.

The following is a spoiler-filled retro review of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Severus Snape (played by Alan Rickman) makes an unbreakable vow with Narcissa Malfoy (played by Helen McCrory) to protect Draco (played by Tom Felton), and fulfill his mission if Draco is unsuccessful. At Hogwarts, Harry (played by Daniel Radcliffe) finds a mysterious textbook with helpful notes that used to belong to someone known as the Half-Blood Prince. Continue reading “RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)” →

RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

Poster - Warner Bros.
Poster – Warner Bros.

The following is a spoiler-filled retro review of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

With the end of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Warner Bros. and Mike Newell made sure that we were ready to lose people. Cedric Diggory’s death was very sad, but it didn’t come close to being as devastating as what happened in David Yates’ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Continue reading “RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)” →

RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

Poster - Warner Bros.
Poster – Warner Bros.

The following is a spoiler-filled retro review of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

After Cuarón’s excellent Prisoner of Azkaban, the Mexican film director left the franchise. The next man up, so to speak, was film director Mike Newell – known for Donnie Brasco & Four Weddings and a Funeral. Newell made a surprisingly fun film, considering Goblet of Fire was the first Harry Potter film to be rated PG-13. Continue reading “RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)” →

RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Poster - Warner Bros.
Poster – Warner Bros.

The following is a spoiler-filled retro review of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe) finds out that Sirius Black (played by Gary Oldman) – a man who supposedly supports Lord Voldemort – has escaped Azkaban prison and is on his way to kill our protagonist.  Continue reading “RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)” →

RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

Theatrical Release Poster - Warner Bros.
Theatrical Release Poster – Warner Bros.

The following is a spoiler-filled retro review of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Dobby (voiced by Toby Jones) – a house elf – is trying to stop Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe) from reaching Hogwarts. At Hogwarts, a message has been written in blood: “Chamber of Secrets has been opened, Enemies of the Heir beware.”
Continue reading “RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)” →

RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)

Release Poster - Warner Bros.
Release Poster – Warner Bros.

The following is a retro review of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – directed by Chris Columbus

The Harry Potter franchise is huge. The books are incredibly important to a lot of people, and the films are too. I really loved the Harry Potter films, and I would always look forward to them – at least until someone spoiled future events for me. Philosopher’s Stone was the first chapter in the story of Harry Potter, and it introduced you to the wonderful world of magic. Continue reading “RETRO REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)” →

RETRO REVIEW: Westworld (1973)

Theatrical Release Poster - Neal Adams - MGM
Theatrical Release Poster – Neal Adams – MGM

The following is a quick retro review of Michael Crichton’s Westworld.

At the time of writing, I am completely obsessed with HBO’s Westworld series. It is a perfect mixture of western and science fiction elements, for me. Now, I have to admit that I had never heard of the film before I heard of the show. But now, after having seen the first two episodes of the series, I decided to finally watch the original Michael Crichton film.  Continue reading “RETRO REVIEW: Westworld (1973)” →

REVIEW: The Angry Birds Movie (2016)

Release Poster - Columbia Pictures
Release Poster – Columbia Pictures

The following is a quick review of Columbia Pictures’ The Angry Birds Movie.

In The Angry Birds Movie, Red (voiced by Jason Sudeikis) – a red angry bird – is sentenced to anger management after his temper ruins a birthday party. At anger management class, Red meets Chuck (voiced by Josh Gad) – a yellow fast angry bird – and Bomb (voiced by Danny McBride) – a black angry bird that can blow itself up.

When a group of pigs suddenly arrive on Bird Island, Red, Chuck, and Bomb board the pig ship only to discover that the pigs plan to colonize the island. Now, their anger is all that can save the inhabitants of Bird Island from the deceitful newcomers.

Continue reading “REVIEW: The Angry Birds Movie (2016)” →