Review: "Deathly Hallows - Part 2" is a Dark, Epic Harry Potter Finale

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 61 (of 2011) by Leroy Douresseaux

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
Running time: 130 minutes (2 hours, 10 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images
DIRECTOR: David Yates
WRITER: Steve Kloves (based upon the novel by J.K. Rowling)
PRODUCERS: David Barron and David Heyman and J.K. Rowling
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Eduardo Serra
EDITOR: Mark Day
COMPOSER: Alexandre Desplat

FANTASY/DRAMA/ACTION

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters, George Harris, and Bonnie Wright

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was the seventh (and final) novel in the Harry Potter book series. Warner Bros. Pictures is releasing the film adaptation of the book as two films. The first film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, arrived in theatres in November 2010. Now, the final film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, has hit theatres with a bang. It’s an excellent film, fun as usual, but sad because this is an ending.

Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and his closest friends, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), embarked on a quest to find and destroy the Horcruxes, which hold the secret of the immortality of Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). They’re down to the last few Horcruxes, and one of them is hidden at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The trio must return to Hogwarts, where they are no longer welcomed and will need the help of friends to enter. Meanwhile, Voldemort and his army of followers march on the school, and a pitched battle between the defenders of the school and Voldemort’s forces ensues. Now, the Dark Lord and boy wizard prepare for their final showdown.

By turning Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows the novel into two movies, Warner Bros. Pictures is able to make a more faithful adaptation of the book or, at least, an adaptation that has more of the book in it. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Part 2 can be viewed as one larger movie, but with each movie having its own distinctive tone and style. Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is contemplative, tense, and suspenseful like an espionage or psychological thriller. Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is darker in tone, but has the look and scope of a grand epic.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is an action movie, one filled with gritty conflict, soaring flights, hair-raising missions, and desperate bids for escape. Occasionally, the film does stumble; the pace becomes awkward, it’s rhythm out of step. At those times, Deathly Hallows: Part 2 seems more about tying up loose ends than about being the grand finale it should be, but those moments don’t dominate the film.

Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is as thrilling and as visually dazzling as the previous films, but this one has a dragon flight that, for me at least, surpasses any other scene of magically-powered flight in this film franchise. This scene looks natural, more plausible, seeming to capture how a dragon, if such a thing existed, would move. It’s a sequence that should earn Deathly Hallows: Part 2 a best visual effects Oscar nomination, at least.

The final Harry Potter film may also surpass the others in the actors’ performances because Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is powerfully acted. As the series went along, the characters’ became more complex, moving from familiar archetypes to complicated people with shifting motivations and personalities and also becoming darker. In Deathly Hallows: Part 2, the characters, from Harry and Voldemort on down, are either made vulnerable or become more vulnerable than they ever were. Ralph Fiennes’s turn as Voldemort is layered and textured; suddenly, the Dark Lord is made tragic… even sympathetic. Fiennes will make you love as well as love-to-hate this great villain.

In the end, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, our beloved star trio, don’t disappoint. Their ability to perform together and their screen chemistry affirm that this story was never just about Harry Potter alone. I don’t need to spend too many more words on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. That last scene of Harry, Ron, and Hermione together embodies the magic that this series offered and why we are sad that the story is ending, for now…

8 of 10
A

Thursday, July 21, 2011

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Captain Planet Now in the Hands of Transformers Movie Producer

Cartoon Network Signs with Angry Filmworks to Develop CAPTAIN PLANET Live-Action Feature Film

Producer of Transformers Film Trilogy Tapped to Create Movie Based on World’s First Eco-Hero

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cartoon Network has signed a development agreement with action-adventure producer Don Murphy and partner Susan Montford and their company Angry Filmworks to develop a live-action motion picture based on the groundbreaking, environment-saving animated hero, Captain Planet and the Planeteers, it was announced today by Stuart Snyder, president and COO of Turner Broadcasting System Inc.’s Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media division (AYAKM). The agreement gives Murphy and his company the exclusive rights to develop and package the property and advance it towards production.

Murphy and Angry Filmworks are most notably credited for the highly successful action-adventure franchise, Transformers (2007), Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) and Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011). Murphy and Montford together produced the upcoming Hugh Jackman blockbuster Real Steel with Executive Producer Steven Spielberg. The company also is responsible for such action-oriented films as Shoot ‘Em Up (2007), The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003), Apt Pupil (1998) and Natural Born Killers (1994). Angry Filmworks formed in 1998.

“The messages of Captain Planet are even more relevant today,” said Snyder. “We feel this team can bring the world’s first eco-hero to life in a powerful motion picture that is not only pertinent but entertaining.”

“We are extremely excited about bringing the good Captain back to life,” said Murphy. “His adventures are known worldwide and he is recognized across generations. We expect to make a spectacular series of films with the amazing team at Cartoon Network.”

“With the earthquakes, tornadoes, melting icebergs and all the other problems threatening the world right now, Earth really needs her greatest defender,” said Montford.

In an effort to inform younger viewers about serious environmental issues, legendary cable entrepreneur Ted Turner partnered with DIC Enterprises in 1990 to create the world’s first animated environmental series, Captain Planet and the Planeteers. The series was about a group of young people who combine their special powers (The Planeteers) to summon Captain Planet, an environmental superhero, to battle the world’s worst eco-villains.

Captain Planet and the Planeteers premiered in fall 1990, airing domestically and internationally in syndication and on cable networks TBS and TNT. Six full seasons of the series were produced in the original run of the series, featuring the voice talents of multiple guest celebrities, including Whoopi Goldberg (Gaia), Meg Ryan (Dr. Blight), Martin Sheen (Sly Sludge), Edward Asner (Hoggish Greedly), James Coburn (Looten Plunder), Dean Stockwell (Duke Nukem) and Sting (Zarm). Winning multiple Environmental Media Awards across its production, Captain Planet and the Planeteers also scored several Daytime Emmy nominations.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 99 million U.S. homes and 166 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for youth and families. Nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animated and live-action comedy programming for young adults 18-34.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

The Dark Knight Rises: Conspiracies and Tidbits

Over at the Comic Book Bin, the website where I also post goodies, writer Dan Horn is digging into The Dark Knight Rises, Chris Nolan's third Batman flick, which is due next year.  Horn is hunting conspiracies and mysteries and here are the links:

Teaser poster: http://www.comicbookbin.com/The_Dark_Knight_Rises_Teaser_Poster_is_Here_095.html

Trailer: http://www.comicbookbin.com/Official_The_Dark_Knight_Rises_Trailer_Released_001.html

The Trailer: https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2054374751994

Trailer conspiracy: http://www.comicbookbin.com/The_Dark_Knight_Rises_Trailer_Conspiracy_001.html

Plot thickens: http://www.comicbookbin.com/The_Dark_Knight_Rises_Trailer_The_Plot_Thickens_001.html

First Lady Michelle Obama Screens "Deathly Hallows - Part 2" U.S. Navy Families

Warner Bros. Pictures “Joining Forces” With First Lady Michelle Obama for a Special Screening of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2”

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In appreciation of their service, members of the United States Navy and their families will be treated to a special exclusive screening of Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” the finale of the blockbuster film franchise, which opened nationwide on July 15, 2011.

As part of the Joining Forces initiative, First Lady Michelle Obama will be in attendance to thank the members of the military and their families. While there, she will also introduce the film.

Location: Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, VA
Date: Thursday, July 21, 2011
Time: 12:00 p.m. Screening

The screening is only open to members of the military and their families. Media representatives will have the opportunity to interview, photograph and film those attending the film.


About Joining Forces:
Joining Forces is a national initiative that mobilizes all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden have met with military families, learned about their successes and challenges, and made it their priority to support them. Joining Forces provides ways for all Americans to step up and show their gratitude to our service members and their families. Through this effort, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden ask Americans to do more for those who have done so much for us. They are highlighting outstanding American citizens, communities, and businesses that are supporting our troops and making commitments to serve our nation’s military families. They are asking Americans to get involved in any way they can.

About the Film:
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, reprising their roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The film’s ensemble cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright.

The film was directed by David Yates, who also helmed the blockbusters “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.” David Heyman, the producer of all of the Harry Potter films, produced the final film, together with David Barron and J.K. Rowling. Screenwriter Steve Kloves adapted the screenplay, based on the book by J.K. Rowling. Lionel Wigram is the executive producer.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Heyday Films Production, a David Yates Film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” which marks the last installment in the most successful film franchise of all time. The film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. It has been rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images. http://www.harrypotter.com/

Review: Takashi Miike Does Epic in "13 Assassins"

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 60 (of 2011) by Leroy Douresseaux

13 Assassins (2010)
Jûsan-nin no shikaku (original title)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Japan
Running time: 125 minutes (2 hours, 5 minutes)
MPAA – R for sequences of bloody violence, some disturbing images and brief nudity
DIRECTOR: Takashi Miike
WRITER: Daisuke Tengan (based upon a screenplay by Kaneo Ikegami)
PRODUCER: Minami Ichikawa, Tôichirô Shiraishi, and Michihiko Yanagisawa
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Nobuyasu Kita (D.o.P.)
EDITOR: Kenji Yamashita
COMPOSER: Kôji Endô

DRAMA/HISTORICAL/MARTIAL ARTS/ACTION

Starring: Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yûsuke Iseya, Gorô Inagaki, Masachika Ichimura, Mikijiro Hira, Hiroki Matsukata, Ikki Sawamura, Arata Furuta, Tsuyoshi Ihara, Masataka Kubota, Sôsuke Takaoka, Seiji Rokkaku, Yûma Ishigaki, Kôen Kondô, and Ikki Namioka

13 Assassins (Jûsan-nin no shikaku) is a 2010 Japanese period drama (a jidaigeki) from prolific director, Takashi Miike. This samurai epic is based on a true story and is also a remake of the 1963 Japanese film, Jûsan-nin no shikaku. The story is about a band of samurai warriors out to kill a tyrannical young lord. 13 Assassins is also one of the best films of 2010.

The film is set in the last decades of Feudal Japan, when the era of the samurai is waning. The sadistic young Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu (Gorô Inagaki) rapes and kills at will. He is seemingly untouchable because he is the former Shogun’s son and the current Shogun’s younger brother. After Naritsugu’s actions lead to the destruction of a prominent family, a senior political figure, Sir Doi (Mikijiro Hira), decides that Naritsugu must be killed. Doi hires Shinzaemon Shimada (Kôji Yakusho), an older samurai whom he can trust, to assassinate Naritsugu.

Shinzaemon, who was once a Shogun’s samurai, gathers 11 other samurai, including his nephew, Shinroukuro (Takayuki Yamada), and the 12 plan the assassination. Lord Naritsugu is traveling to his family’s territory, so Shinzaemon plots to steer him to the small village of Ochiai, in the province of Mino, where they will ambush him. Along the way, Shinzaemon adds a thirteenth member to his group, a mysterious woodsman who says his name is Koyata Kiga (Yûsuke Iseya). Meanwhile, the assassins learn that Naritsugu’s security detail is much larger than it was supposed to be.

13 Assassins is the first Takashi Miike film I’ve seen. Before this movie, I’d heard of him via the controversy around his work, such as Ichi the Killer (2001) and his episode, “Imprint,” of the “Masters of Horror” television anthology series. In 13 Assassins, Miike certainly doesn’t spare the audience of blood, dismemberment, and assorted wanton murder. Lord Naritsugu is one of the vilest characters I’ve ever seen depicted on screen, and he is the instigator of some of the most vicious murders portrayed in the 13 Assassins. Kudos to Gorô Inagaki for his brilliant performance as Naritsugu.

However, the depictions of violent death both in battle and in character drama shouldn’t be the only thing people take away from 13 Assassins. What audiences should recognize is Miike’s supreme skills as a helmsman, particularly as a director of this grand, historical epic. In 13 Assassins’ climatic battle, there are a little more than 200 combatants, but you might think there were 10 times more.

Miike and his collaborators and crew, in particularly director of photography, Nobuyasu Kita, and film editor, Kenji Yamashita, stage a fight that makes battles in films like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Michael Bay’s Pearl Harbor, Cold Mountain, etc. look small. Such films use computers and digital technology to make their battles look super-sized, while Miike goes intimate – up close and personal – with the mayhem, desperation, and frantic pace of battle. That makes this battle look grand and glorious, but also sad, wasteful, and pathetic.

I find that with only a few exceptions, notably Shinzaemon Shimada and his nephew Shinroukuro, Miike misses the chance to really delve into the many wonderful characters fashioned by screenwriter Daisuke Tengan. That’s a shame because some of them have gripping back stories and engaging personalities. Still, that really isn’t much of a blemish, if it’s a blemish at all, on this superb film. 13 Assassins is one of the best samurai dramas I’ve ever seen, and it is one of the best historical films of the new century. Film lovers should not miss 13 Assassins.

9 of 10
A+

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

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"Captain America: The First Avenger" to Open Thursday at Comic-Con International

BEFORE IT OPENS ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD, MARVEL’S “CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER” TO OPEN FIRST IN COMIC-CON

Exclusive Comic-Con Keepsakes to be Given Away Throughout the Day

HOLLYWOOD, CA (July 18, 2011) – Before it opens anywhere else in the world, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER will open first in Comic-Con. Convention goers in San Diego will be the first audience to see one of the summer’s hottest super heroes beginning at noon PST on Thursday, July 21st, 1-day ahead of its US opening. The movie will play exclusively at the UA Horton Plaza with Captain America-themed festivities happening throughout the day. To help kick-off the day, Paramount and Marvel will host an exclusive free fan screening at 10 A.M. with the movie’s star Chris Evans on-hand to introduce the screening.

In addition to being among the first to see the movie, all CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER ticketholders will receive RealD® 3D Collector's Custom red, white and blue Captain America: The First Avenger glasses and a limited edition poster designed exclusively for the fans. A grand prize package of CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER merchandise and other Marvel items will be given away to a select audience member at each screening. USO-costumed women will be standing at the American Flag Pole in the Horton Plaza passing out free tickets every hour beginning at 11:00 A.M. to the first 10 people who come dressed as Captain America.

Show times for Captain America: The First Avenger are 12:00 P.M., 12:45 P.M., 2:45 P.M., 3:30 P.M., 5:30 P.M., 6:15 P.M., 8:15 P.M., 9:00 P.M., 11:00 P.M. and 11:45 P.M. Tickets for Thursday’s shows are available for purchase at www.fandango.com/uahortonplaza14_aabfx/theaterpage.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, directed by Joe Johnston, from a screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, will focus on the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America. As Captain America, Rogers joins forces with Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) to wage war on the evil HYDRA organization, led by the villainous Red Skull (Hugo Weaving). One of a continuing slate of films being produced by Marvel Studios based on the Marvel characters, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER joins Thor which was released on May 6, 2011 and Marvel’s The Avengers which is coming to theaters on May 4, 2012.” Paramount Pictures will distribute CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER nationwide on July 22, 2011.


About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group and Paramount Television & Digital Distribution.

About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com. Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.

Deathly Hallows Part 2 Box Office: Can't Stop, Won't Stop

The Global Box Office is Spellbound by the Opening of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2”

The finale of the most successful film series of all time rewrites the record books with the biggest worldwide debut ever

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With an astounding estimated worldwide box office total of more than $476 million, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” shattered multiple domestic and international box office records in a history-making opening weekend. The announcement was made today by Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution, Dan Fellman, and President of International Distribution, Veronika Kwan-Rubinek.

The finale of the globally beloved film series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” earned a stunning $168.5 million at the domestic box office, which not only is the biggest Harry Potter opening weekend but also obliterated the industry’s opening weekend record, including holiday weekends. Among the other records broken were single-day box office (Friday at $92.1 million), Friday box office, and opening day box office.

With the film opening day-and-date in 59 territories, the international box office take was a staggering $307 million, making it the biggest international weekend of all time. Led by record-breaking grosses in the UK ($36.6 million) and Australia ($26.7 million), all markets have performed exceedingly well, including Germany ($25.7 million), France ($23.9 million) and Japan ($21.5 million).

Globally, it also broke the IMAX opening weekend record with a worldwide gross of $23.5 million, which includes setting a new record in North America with $15.5 million.

The film began breaking records even before its opening, as unprecedented advance ticket sales gave the first indication of just how huge the box office bow would be. Midnight opening screenings not only met but exceeded those expectations, with $43.5 million at the domestic box office alone.

Dan Fellman stated, “These numbers are amazing, but they are only part of the story. It is impossible to quantify how thrilled and grateful we all are that both critics and audiences—especially loyal Harry Potter fans—continue to support the film. This is the culmination of an extraordinary decade, and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of many, many people on both sides of the camera, beginning with the brilliant J.K. Rowling, as well as producer David Heyman. We applaud them all.”

Veronika Kwan-Rubinek remarked, “Harry Potter is truly a cultural phenomenon the world over. Whether in German, French, Japanese, Russian, or any language, international audiences have embraced the Harry Potter films over the years, with the powerful finale punctuating just how special the property is. We congratulate everyone associated with the films on this monumental achievement.”

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson reprise their roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The film’s ensemble cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright.

The film was directed by David Yates, and produced by David Heyman, David Barron and J.K. Rowling. Steve Kloves adapted the screenplay, based on the novel by J.K. Rowling. Lionel Wigram is the executive producer.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the first Harry Potter film to be released in both 3D and 2D. Concurrently with its nationwide theatrical distribution, the film is being released in select IMAX® theatres. The film has been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® through proprietary IMAX DMR® technology.

Opened nationwide on July 15, the film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. It has been rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images.

http://www.harrypotter.com/