Horrible Bosses

http://horriblebossesmovie.warnerbros.com

The second movie of my birthday movie double bill was Horrible Bosses. This was mostly due to the lack of anything else being out. Some of my friends are not into Harry Potter (shocking I know) and most have already seen Transformers 3. So aside from Cars 2, which I'd already seen earlier in the day, that left Horrible Bosses.

As well as having a horrible title, Horrible Bosses also has, as you might have guessed, three horrible bosses, one for each of the main characters. Nick (Jason Bateman) has to put up with Dave (Kevin Spacey) and his constant attempts to make Nick look bad. Dave basically undermines Nick at every available opportunity, as well as robbing him of a promotion he's been working tirelessly for. Dale (Charlie Day) has a female boss, Julia (Jennifer Aniston), who is sexually harassing him. And finally Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) has a boss he loves, Jack (Donald Sutherland), who dies and leaves his coke addicted son Bobby (Colin Farrell) in charge. They seek advice on how to pull off the perfect murders of their bosses. But will everything go to plan?

I think it was a massive coup that this film managed to get Kevin Spacey on board, it gives the movie some much needed credibility and is especially impressive given that Mr Spacey tends to be more of a behind the scenes and theatre man at the moment. The downside to having Kevin Spacey is that he seems to have only agreed to make the movie because it allowed him to re-play his character from Swimming With Sharks. Which is a great movie by the way, if you haven't seen it. But not so good for Horrible Bosses.

The other not-so-good thing about Horrible Bosses is the timing of it's release. I can't help but think that it has been released at a horrible time. It's summer, where if you're not a blockbuster, you're only options are to be an interesting indie pic/film based on true events or a comedy that happens to be a huge sleeper hit. Well with names like Spacey, Farrell and Aniston, you're not an indie. And let's face it, Bridesmaids has been the comedy hit of the summer and I don't think this is going to knock the tiara off it's head.

So I feel bad, because Horrible Bosses is not that bad a film (especially given that it's a Jennifer Aniston movie). If it was released at any other time I feel it would have a decent chance as it's quite funny, it's got good actors in it and it's got a nice not-too-complicated plot. But this isn't any other time, so Horrible Bosses is probably going to get a horrible opening weekend. Plus it's gone up against Pixar, Harry Potter and Transformers. Massive fail.

However, if you've not got kids or have seen the other three then give Horrible Bosses a go. It won't dazzle you but it might give you the occasional giggle. 6.5 out of 10.

Viewing Date - 26th July 2011

UK Release Date - 22nd July 2011

Cast Overview:

Jason Bateman ~ Nick Hendricks

Jason Sudeikis ~ Kurt Buckman

Charlie Day ~ Dale Arbus

Kevin Spacey ~ Dave Harken

Jennifer Aniston ~ Dr Julia Harris D.D.S.

Colin Farrell ~ Bobby Pelitt

Donald Sutherland ~ Jack Pelitt

Jamie Foxx ~ Dean 'MF' Jones

Lindsay Sloane ~ Stacy

Director ~ Seth Gordon

Writer(s) ~ Michael Markowitz (Screenplay and Story), John Francis Daley (Screenplay) and Jonathan Goldstein (Screenplay)

Cars 2

http://www.disney.co.uk/cars

For the first of my two birthday movies I chose Cars 2. I have been a huge Pixar fan for years and really liked the first Cars movie, which followed the adventures of race car Lightning McQueen and his tow truck friend Mater. 

This sequel sees the addition of new characters special agent Finn McMissile, special agent Holley Shiftwell and oil tycoon turned eco fuel fighter Sir Miles Axelrod. Sir Axelrod finds his allegiances switched to natural fuel sources when he gets lost in the jungle. To advertise his new green fuel, Sir Axelrod devises the first ever World Grand Prix, in which Lightening McQueen finds himself called into the line-up by the Italian sports car Francesco Bernoulli. Mater comes along for the ride and soon finds that he is at the center of international espionage.

Cars 2 definitely picks up the pace on Cars, there's a lot more action, more characters, more plot and a whole lot more excitement. The characters feel like they get a much more equal shot of screen time rather than this being all about Lightning McQueen. Mater and the British spies have an entire plot of their own which works perfectly interspersed with the racing track scenes, which on their own would probably get boring after a while.

Kudos really goes to the background artists at Pixar who have done an amazing job of the backdrops of Tokyo, Italy and London. Each with their recognisable landmarks and lovely little touches which make these movies enjoyable for adults as well as kids. 

My favourite of the new characters has to be McMissile, with his 'tache shaped grille and kindly british accent he comes across as a sweet grandfatherly figure, but then he whips out his custom special agent weaponry and gadgets James Bond would be jealous of and you know you have a worthy hero on your hands. 

Pixar really are the masters of their craft with unmatched attention to detail, perfect voice casting time after time and ultimately, a sumptuous end film which will become a beloved classic for generations to come.

It's not the best Pixar movie to date but let's face it, they've never made a bad film. 7 out of 10.

Viewing Date - 26th July 2011

UK Release Date - 22nd July 2011

Cast Overview:

(If you don't like knowing who the voices are DONT SCROLL DOWN! ;0)

Owen Wilson ~ Lightning McQueen

Larry the Cable Guy ~ Mater

Michael Caine ~ Finn McMissile

Emily Mortimer ~ Holley Shiftwell

Eddie Izzard ~ Sir Miles Axelrod

John Turturro ~ Francesco Bernoulli 

Director(s) ~ John Lasseter and Brad Lewis

Writer(s) ~ Ben Queen (Screenplay), John Lasseter (Story), Brad Lewis (Story) and Dan Fogelman (Story)

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2

http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/

Two things bode well for this, the final film of the Harry Potter series. The first stroke of luck was that the bus I caught to go the cinema was named after famous Brightonian Sir Harry Preston. Harry being a good omen for obvious reasons and Preston being a good omen for me as I come from Preston. 

The second fortuitous discovery is that this is my 50th review. So it seems a celebration is in order for me and Mr Potter.

Shall I get on with it then? Very well. The final Harry Potter, The Deathly Hallows Part 2, opens very sadly with the burial of the character who died at the end of  Deathly Hallows Part 1. So get your tissues ready from the off! From there Harry, Hermione and Ron break into Bellatrix Lestrange's vault at Gringotts Bank to find out if that is the location of another of Voldemort's horcruxes. In the mean time, Voldemort himself is gathering his troops and planning an attack on Hogwarts. Which as fate would have it, is exactly where Harry and co must now return.

There isn't an awful lot I can say about this, the final chapter, for fear of spoiling it for those who haven't read the books. What I will say is that this is a fitting end to an incredible series which has become so dear to both adults and children. I felt very lucky to see it with an appreciative audience who clapped at the opening credits, cheered at several points during the film, sniffled their way through the sad parts and ultimately did not want to see our involvement in the lives of these characters come to an end.

When I first saw Deathly Hallows Part 1 I was convinced that I would not be sad when the end came as I wasn't that attached to these films or characters. But what a week it has been, I've seen them grow up, fall in love, battle the most hideous evil and become the dearest friends anyone could ask for. I'm not ashamed to say that I shed more than a few tears watching Part 2.

I will end this review in the words of Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe, at the recent World Premier of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2: "Each and every person, not only in this square but also watching around the world, who will see this film and who have followed these films over the last 10 years, will carry this story with them through the rest of their lives and it will effect what they do."

Couldn't have put it better myself. 8.5 out of 10.

Viewing Date - 15th July 2011 

UK Release Date - 15th July 2011

Cast Overview:

Daniel Radcliffe ~ Harry Potter

Rupert Grint ~ Ron Weasley

Emma Watson ~ Hermione Granger

Matthew Lewis ~ Neville Longbottom

Evanna Lynch ~ Luna Lovegood

Tom Felton ~ Draco Malfoy

Devon Murray ~ Seamus Finnigan

Freddie Stroma ~ Cormac McLaggen

Jessie Cave ~ Lavender Brown

Katie Leung ~ Cho Chang

Chris Rankin ~ Percy Weasley

James Phelps ~ Fred Weasley

Oliver Phelps ~ George Weasley

Domhnall Gleeson ~ Bill Weasley

Clemence Poesy ~ Fleur Delacour

Bonnie Wright ~ Ginny Weasley

Julie Walters ~ Molly Weasley

Mark Williams ~ Arthur Weasley

Kelly MacDonald ~ Helena Ravenclaw

Helena Bonham Carter ~ Bellatrix Lestrange

Ralph Fiennes ~ Lord Voldemort

Jason Isaacs ~ Lucius Malfoy

Helen McCrory ~ Narcissa Malfoy

Ciaran Hinds ~ Aberforth Dumbledore

Michael Gambon ~ Professor Albus Dumbledore

Maggie Smith ~ Professor Minerva McGonagall

Jim Broadbent ~ Professor Horace Slughorn

Alan Rickman ~ Professor Severus Snape

Warwick Davis ~ Professor Filius Flitwick / Griphook

Miriam Margolyes ~ Professor Pomona Sprout

Emma Thompson ~ Professor Sybil Trelawney

Gemma Jones ~ Madam Pomfrey

George Harris ~ Kingsley Shacklebolt

Gary Oldman ~ Sirius Black

David Thewlis ~ Remus Lupin

Natalia Tena ~ Nymphadora Tonks

Robbie Coltrane ~ Rubeus Hagrid

John Hurt ~ Mr Ollivander

David Bradley ~ Argus Filch

Director ~ David Yates

Writer(s) ~ J.K. Rowling (Novel) and Steve Kloves (Screenplay)

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1

http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/

Well my dear readers, we've reached the penultimate Harry Potter, The Deathly Hallows Part 1. The week of Potter watching and reviewing is drawing to a close.

And what a way to bow out, with the final book split into two films, we begin the end with an attempt to conceal Harry from the dark lord. This is done by turning several of his friends into versions of himself while the real Harry is transported away from Privet Drive to the safety of the Weasley house, The Burrows. Some are injured during this dangerous task, others don't make it back alive. Feeling guilty about those he cares about putting their neck on the line for him, Harry leaves, in search of the Horcrux's in which Voldemort has concealed pieces of his soul. With Ron and Hermione along for the ride, Harry discovers the location of one of the Horcrux's. But the hard part is finding out how to destroy it. As if that wasn't hard enough, Harry and co must find a way to keep the Horcrux safe whilst also keeping themselves at a distance from the dark magic it possesses.

The Deathly Hallows Part 1 is (or rather was until this week) the only Harry Potter film I have seen at the cinema more than once. And if I'm honest I don't really know why. Before the backlash starts I will clarify. It's not that I don't like Deathly Hallows Part 1, it's just that I don't see anything that particularly sets it apart from the other Potter's. It's not my favourite, and probably not my second favourite. And yet I saw it twice at the cinema.

But unlike some other Potter's, and like last night's Half-Blood Prince, I haven't seen this film since I saw it at the cinema. But as I did see it twice, and more recently than Half-Blood Prince, there were no surprises. 

Though I did forget (until about half way through) about the animated scene which tells the story of the deathly hallows. For those who haven't seen the film, I have included a link to it below. It won't spoil anything so feel free to watch. It's a lovely little animated scene and one which I thoroughly enjoy whenever I see it.

Funnily, the main thing I tend to remember about The Deathly Hallows Part 1 is the fact that they spend a lot of time camping, with Ron in a grump. I forget the early scenes with a Weasley wedding and breaking into the Ministry of Magic. Or the end scenes with Dobby at the Malfoy residence. But I think I block those out because they're so very very sad. 

Not the cheeriest Potter but a thumping good way to set up Part 2 all the same. 8 out of 10.

Viewing Date - 14th July 2011 

UK Release Date - 19th November 2010

Cast Overview:

Daniel Radcliffe ~ Harry Potter

Rupert Grint ~ Ron Weasley

Emma Watson ~ Hermione Granger

Matthew Lewis ~ Neville Longbottom

Evanna Lynch ~ Luna Lovegood

Tom Felton ~ Draco Malfoy

Devon Murray ~ Seamus Finnigan

Freddie Stroma ~ Cormac McLaggen

James Phelps ~ Fred Weasley

Oliver Phelps ~ George Weasley

Domhnall Gleeson ~ Bill Weasley

Clemence Poesy ~ Fleur Delacour

Bonnie Wright ~ Ginny Weasley

Julie Walters ~ Molly Weasley

Mark Williams ~ Arthur Weasley

Rhys Ifans ~ Xenophilius Lovegood

Helena Bonham Carter ~ Bellatrix Lestrange

Ralph Fiennes ~ Lord Voldemort

Jason Isaacs ~ Lucius Malfoy

Helen McCrory ~ Narcissa Malfoy

Timothy Spall ~ Wormtail

Fiona Shaw ~ Aunt Petunia Dursley

Richard Griffiths ~ Uncle Vernon Dursley

Harry Melling ~ Dudley Dursley

Michael Gambon ~ Professor Albus Dumbledore

Alan Rickman ~ Professor Severus Snape

Bill Nighy ~ Minister Rufus Scrimgeour

George Harris ~ Kingsley Shacklebolt

Imelda Staunton ~ Dolores Umbridge

Brendan Gleeson ~ Professor Alastor 'Mad Eye' Moody

David Thewlis ~ Professor Remus Lupin

Natalia Tena ~ Nymphadora Tonks

Robbie Coltrane ~ Rubeus Hagrid

John Hurt ~ Mr Ollivander

David Bradley ~ Argus Filch

Director ~ David Yates

Writer(s) ~ J.K. Rowling (Novel) and Steve Kloves (Screenplay)

Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince

http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/

Well they say time flies when you're having fun. It seems it whizzes by even quicker when you have a full time job and spend all your free time watching or reviewing Harry Potter films. Which is exactly what I have been doing all week.

Tonight was the turn of the sixth film in the series, Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince. **Note that the below synopsis contains spoilers of the previous film!**

Following the murder of Sirius Black, the Ministry of Magic is forced to accept that the dark lord is indeed back. Harry and his friends return to Hogwarts but find it a much changed and graver place than when they left. Harry accompanies Dumbledore as he re-recruits an old Hogwarts teacher, Professor Slughorn (Jim Broadbent), and soon finds that Dumbledore has a mission in store for him. He wants Harry to find out what Professor Slughorn remembers about the time he taught Tom Riddle. Ron gets onto the Quidditch team and bags himself a girlfriend, which forces Hermione to confront her feelings for him. And Harry and Ginny finally share their first kiss. So it's all going to end happily this year, right? Wrong! But I shall say no more in case one of the five people in the world who haven't seen Harry Potter or read the books happens to be reading this.

I hadn't seen this Harry Potter film since I saw it at the cinema two years ago (terrible behaviour really as I do own the DVD). But if anything, the lack of time spent with this film only made it more enjoyable to watch it again, as some parts I couldn't remember at all. Meaning it was almost like seeing a new film. One with lots of surprises. 

And one of the things that surprised me most was how much I really like Half-Blood Prince. I didn't remember liking it as much last time around. Not that I disliked it of course, I just couldn't remember having as much of a connection to it as I did tonight. Without spoiling, all I will say is that I was very teary at the end. Something I definitely wasn't when I saw this two years ago. Maybe it's how close I feel I've grown to these characters in the last few days. Watching them every night for a week I do now feel that I know them all very intimately.

The other thing that struck me was how much comedy there is in this one despite how dark it's all becoming. Don't get me wrong, there are moments in this film that are so very sad and even moments that show true evil, but in spite of this, there are still moments of joy and laughter. And without those moments - Luna dressed as a Lion and (practically) a Christmas tree in the same film, Ron's disaster with a love potion, Hermione's incredulity over Harry being better at a class than she is - this would be a film which is full of nothing but darkness and despair. And no-one wants to sit through 3 hours of that.

To an outsider this is a series of books and films about a boy wizard and his nemesis. Yet to those who've read the books and seen the films, it's a story of friendships forged and fierce loyalties. The enduring love and support the characters provide each other is what truly shines through. This is what makes this one of the most cherished literary works of our time.

Possibly my second favourite Potter. Up to now anyway. 9 out of 10.

Viewing Date - 13th July 2011 

UK Release Date - 15th July 2009

Cast Overview:

Daniel Radcliffe ~ Harry Potter

Rupert Grint ~ Ron Weasley

Emma Watson ~ Hermione Granger

Matthew Lewis ~ Neville Longbottom

Evanna Lynch ~ Luna Lovegood

Tom Felton ~ Draco Malfoy

Devon Murray ~ Seamus Finnigan

Freddie Stroma ~ Cormac McLaggen

Jessie Cave ~ Lavender Brown

James Phelps ~ Fred Weasley

Oliver Phelps ~ George Weasley

Bonnie Wright ~ Ginny Weasley

Julie Walters ~ Molly Weasley

Mark Williams ~ Arthur Weasley

Helena Bonham Carter ~ Bellatrix Lestrange

Helen McCrory ~ Narcissa Malfoy

Timothy Spall ~ Wormtail

Michael Gambon ~ Professor Albus Dumbledore

Maggie Smith ~ Professor Minerva McGonagall

Alan Rickman ~ Professor Severus Snape

Jim Broadbent ~ Professor Horace Slughorn

Warwick Davis ~ Professor Filius Flitwick

David Thewlis ~ Professor Remus Lupin

Natalia Tena ~ Nymphadora Tonks

Robbie Coltrane ~ Rubeus Hagrid

David Bradley ~ Argus Filch

Director ~ David Yates

Writer(s) ~ J.K. Rowling (Novel) and Steve Kloves (Screenplay)

Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix

http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/

I can scarecly believe how quickly this week of watching and reviewing every Harry Potter film is passing. We have already made it to film #5, The Order Of The Phoenix. Only two more to go before the grand finale on Friday.

The fifth film in the continuing saga of the boy wizard, opens with Harry's expulsion from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reason for his expulsion is his use of magic in front of his cousin Dudley, a muggle. The Ministry of Magic refuse to take into account the fact that he did this to save both their lives, when they suddenly found themselves attacked by Dementors in broad daylight. The Ministry also refunse to believe that 'you know who' is back and was responsible for the death of Cedric Diggory. They instead believe that Dumbledore is building a secret army at Hogwarts. And they send in senior undersecretary at the Ministry, Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton), to discover the truth.

The Order Of The Phoenix was the film I was least looking forward to as it's my least favourite of all the Harry Potter films. A strange reversal of yesterdays film as this is a fan favourite, but not a book favourite. My cinema buddy once described his experience of reading the book as "spending time with your best friend and them being really depressed the entire time". Not exactly the cheeriest way to spend your days. 

As I haven't read the book I can't really comment but I will say this; The Order Of The Phoenix has the misfortune of introducing one of the most annoying characters of the series - Dolores Umbridge. Every time she is on screen I want to punch her. All credit goes to Imelda Staunton who plays her perfectly, for it's not the actress I loathe but the character. But that does unfortunately make this film my least favourite to watch because I hate her so much.

All I ever remember about the film is her. Dolores stupid Umbridge and her stupid pink outfits and her stupid little giggle. It makes me forget how much I love the training scenes, and the scenes at Sirius's house, and the end fight, and to some extent it even makes me forget how much I love this film for introducing one of my all time favourite characters, Luna Lovegood. All because one character is so annoying.

It's a pity too as there are a lot of really good qualities about this film. All of the things I mentioned above. But I think the stand out thing for me is how good the performances are. As well as Imelda Staunton creating the most annoying character, we see old favourites Gary Oldman, Emma Thompson, David Thewlis and Brendan Gleeson all return for this movie and they're all outstanding. Even though some of them only have tiny roles to play in this installment.

And the direction is stunning. From the sweeping landscapes of Hogwarts to the dark, cold corridors of the Ministry, it all looks so good. My final nod to both the acting and direction must go to Harry's first kiss. Unlike Hollywood's interpretation of a perfect first kiss, this one appears awkward, both to watch and for the participants. With both sides not seeming like they knew what they were doing. Which is as it should be. And the description of it afterwards is spot on, "Wet".

While it may be my least favourite Potter, even bad Potter is still good. 7 out of 10.

Viewing Date - 12th July 2011 

UK Release Date - 12th July 2007

(I saw it exactly 4 years - to the day - since the day it was released! 

Spooky eh?)

Cast Overview:

Daniel Radcliffe ~ Harry Potter

Rupert Grint ~ Ron Weasley

Emma Watson ~ Hermione Granger

Matthew Lewis ~ Neville Longbottom

Evanna Lynch ~ Luna Lovegood

Tom Felton ~ Draco Malfoy

Devon Murray ~ Seamus Finnigan

Robert Pattinson ~ Cedric Diggory

Katie Leung ~ Cho Chang

James Phelps ~ Fred Weasley

Oliver Phelps ~ George Weasley

Chris Rankin ~ Percy Weasley

Bonnie Wright ~ Ginny Weasley

Julie Walters ~ Molly Weasley

Mark Williams ~ Arthur Weasley

Jason Isaacs ~ Lucius Malfoy

Gary Oldman ~ Sirius Black

Helena Bonham Carter ~ Bellatrix Lestrange

Ralph Fiennes ~ Lord Voldemort

Michael Gambon ~ Professor Albus Dumbledore

Imelda Staunton ~ Dolores Umbridge

Maggie Smith ~ Professor Minerva McGonagall

Alan Rickman ~ Professor Severus Snape

Brendan Gleeson ~ Professor Alastor 'Mad Eye' Moody

David Thewlis ~ Professor Remus Lupin

Natalia Tena ~ Nymphadora Tonks

George Harris ~ Kingsley Shacklebolt

Emma Thompson ~ Professor Sybil Trelawney

Robbie Coltrane ~ Rubeus Hagrid

Fiona Shaw ~ Aunt Petunia Dursley

Richard Griffiths ~ Uncle Vernon Dursley

Harry Melling ~ Dudley Dursley

David Bradley ~ Argus Filch

Director ~ David Yates

Writer(s) ~ J.K. Rowling (Novel) and Michael Goldenberg (Screenplay)