Movie Review - Little Women

Director: Greta Gerwig
Genre: Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 135 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper, James Norton, Louis Garrel

Description: Jo March (Saoirse Ronan) reflects back and forth on her life, telling the beloved story of the March sisters: four young women, each determined to live life on her own terms.

Review: Louisa May Alcott’s novel “Little Women” has stimulated filmmaker’s fantasies for over a hundred years. The story, which revolves around four sister who tried to develop their artistic talent during the American Civil War, has been adapted for film several times. But never as good as now. After the highly praised “Lady Bird”, director Great Gerwig once again delivers a feminist tour de force, bubbling with life. “Little Women” is an anything but stiff and old-fashioned costume drama. See for example the smooth dialogue Gerwig has written for her female protagonists. The ladies don’t wait their turn before they are allowed to speak, but tumble verbally constantly. This gives the film a lot of dynamic.
Louisa May Alcott’s novel is divided into two separate periods, in which the youth and adulthood of the sisters Jo, Amy, Beth and Meg March are the focus. Gerwig remains faithful to the content of this story, but fortunately does not opt for the same, predictable structure of the book. She cuts up the two timelines and mixes them up, creating a story structure that is actually much more exciting. Because only gradually does it become clear how the past exactly influenced the present.
Although the story takes place in the nineteenth century, “Little Women” often feels surprisingly contemporary. This is mainly because the traditional division of roles between men and women is changing. Whereas the women with their fiery ambitions are the driving force behind this story, the men are merely on the sidelines as spectators or desperate love interests. And yet it is inevitable that even the sisters come up against certain limits set by sexism as they travel their ambitious life path.
Jo in particular is sick and tired of doing what is expected by society. She has no interest whatsoever in marrying a rich man, but above all she wants to be independent and publish her own novel. Even if this means ending up lonely and poor. Sister Amy, on the other hand, is much more willing to give up her dreams in exchange for security and prosperity. It is there kinds od contradictions from which the subtle drama in “Little Women” derives its power. Gradually, the bond between the sisters dissolves in the flow of time, after which each one chooses her own path and different destinies become visible.
Finally, it should be mentioned that Greta Gerwig has brought together a star cast for “Little Women”. Afterwards the performances by Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh, both nominated for an Oscar, will remain in the memory. But the real star is Greta Gerwig herself, who, with her skillfully crafted costume drama, once again resounds a strong feminist sound in Hollywood. Sadly the Academy didn’t acknowledged her great direction for an award.
I can’t fault “Little Women”, it’s a movie I could watch over and over again.

Rating: 5 / 5

10s Movie Review - Regression

Director: Alejandro Amenábar
Genre: Thriller
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Emma Watson, David Thewlis, Aaron Ashmore, Dale Dickey

Description: A detective (Ethan Hawke) and a psychoanalyst (David Thewlis) uncover evidence of a satanic cult while investigating a young woman’s (Emma Watson) terrifying past.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2020 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 2: A THRILLER MOVIE

Review: Detective Bruce kenner investigates a vice case involving young Angela. When they decide to use a psychoanalyst to take her back to the moment of the deed, a lot of extra information is released.
“Regression” opens with this case, no introduction, no explanation. Along the way everything becomes clear. The film revolves around regression therapy, trying to retrieve repressed memories. This way Bruce comes closer to the solution. This case is also about satanic rituals.
The film has its moments and it has a creepy atmosphere. And the acting is solid. But the rather disappointing revelation at the end drags the film down. An ending that makes you forget about the rest of the film.
“Regression” is an okay thriller, but it’s super forgettable.

Rating: 2,5 / 5

10s Movie Review - This is the End

Director: Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen
Genre: Action/ Comedy
Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, Jason Segel, Danny McBride, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Craig Robinson, Paul Rudd, Mindy Kaling, Aziz Ansari, Kevin Hart, Rihanna, David Krumholtz, Emma Watson

Description: While attending a party at James Franco's house, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel and many other celebrities are faced with the apocalypse.

Review: Relaxing with his friend Seth Rogen, smoke some weed, play video games and eat junk food. That’s the weekend Jay Baruchel had in mind in “This is the End”. Sadly for him, that chill weekend ends up in the apocalypse.
Against his will Jay joins Seth for a house warming party at James Franco’s house. The new mansion is filled with Hollywood’s finest. When Jay and Seth quickly go to a store, they witness a weird happening where people are sucked into the sky. It’s followed by a giant sink hole in front of Franco’s house.
“This is the End” is a comedy that can go two ways: you either love it or you hate it. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg have proved themselves before, with the comedy “Superbad”. And again they manage to make us laugh. It’s the end of days, packed with simple, tasteless jokes and pretty enjoyable (sorry to say) death scenes of famous movie stars. By mocking themselves and Hollywood, “This is the End” never has a dull moment.
“This is the End” is a film that is self-aware and not to be taken too seriously. The actors exaggerate their own character, and that’s why it’s a fun movie that I love. A guarantee for laughs.

Rating: 4/ 5

10s Movie Review - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Director: David Yates
Genre: Adventure/ Fantasy/ Family
Runtime: 146 minutes
Year: 2010
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Bill Nighy, Bonnie Wright, Tom Felton, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Jason Isaacs, John Hurt, Miranda Richardson, Evanna Lynch, Rhys Ifans, David Thewlis, Robbie Coltrane, Brendan Gleeson, Timothy Spall, Clémence Poésy, Warwick Davis, Helen McCrory, Julie Walters, Toby Jones, Imelda Staunton, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, Fiona Shaw, Richard Griffiths, Matthew Lewis, Chris Rankin, Mark Williams

Description: As Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) races against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes, he uncovers the existence of three most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows.
Review: The last book in the Harry Potter series was split into two films. Although the film is very long, there is more room for development. This is in fact only half a film. It’s foremost a buildup to the second part and the climax.
The length is something that you feel here. Although it’s only half the book, it takes two and a half hour. And many scenes are repetitive, where Harry, Hermione and Ron are searching for the Horcuxes.
The three main actors have become better over the years, but only Emma Watson can easily keep up with the once that have more experience, like Alan Rickman and Maggie Smith. It’s visible that Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint still have a lot to learn.
I don’t think it was the best decision to split the final book in two films, because this is probably my least favorite of all the films. However, together with the second half of this film, it is better.

Rating: 3/ 5

00s Movie Review - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Director: David Yates
Genre: Adventure/ Family/ Fantasy/ Drama
Runtime: 138 minutes
Year: 2007
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Helene Bonham-Carter, Brendan Gleeson, Imelda Staunton, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Tom Felton, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Emma Thompson, David Thewlis, Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, Warwick Davis, Bonnie Wright, Julie Walters, Mark Williams, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Chris Rankin, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch

Description: With their warning about Lord Voldemort's return scoffed at, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) are targeted by the Wizard authorities as an authoritarian bureaucrat slowly seizes power at Hogwarts.

Review: The fifth movie in the series is a bit more grim then the previous films. The innocent face of the then 12 year old Daniel Radcliffe is now a full grown teenager.
In the opening scene we see Harry sitting on a swing. After his cousin Dudley is teasing him again, Harry breaks. He gets his wand out and threatens Dudley. It shows that Harry isn’t someone to mess with anymore. Voldemort is after Harry and sends dementors his way. When a dementor wants to attack Dudley, Harry uses a Patronus spell on him. This gets him in trouble.
Harry is traumatized since he saw Cedric die in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”. For the first time we feel Harry’s burden. Although Hermione and Ron support him, Harry feels alone. But he has no choice, he has to get ready to face Voldemort.
There are some new characters introduced. Evanna Lynch plays Luna Lovegood. A quirky witch who makes sure there are also some lighter moments in the film. She teaches Harry to cope with the trauma. Then there is Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge, who is probably the most annoying character in the entire franchise. She steals the show.
What I liked most about “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is how the students are forming their own alliance and try to get ready for the big battle, without any help of the teachers. Characters like Neville Longbottom and Ginny Weasly get a more important role in the story.
It wasn’t one of my favorite books, because it was so long. But director David Yates has done a fantastic job in turning it into a movie. It is one of my favorite Harry Potter movies.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

00s Movie Review - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Director: Mike Newell
Genre: Adventure/ Family/ Fantasy
Runtime: 157 minutes
Year: 2005
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Brendan Gleeson, Timothy Spall, Ralph Fiennes, Miranda Richardson, Robert Pattinson, Stanislav Ianevski, Clémence Poésy, Mark Williams, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis, Warwick Davis, David Tennant

Description: Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) finds himself mysteriously selected as an under-aged competitor in a dangerous tournament between three schools of magic.

Review: Harry Potter has been challenged before, but the challenges he has to face in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” are from an entire different caliber.
The fourth installment in the series is a big spectacle. We start at the Quidditch World Cup, but quickly go back to Hogwarts. There Dumbledore tells the student about the Triwizard Tournament. Three different schools, including Hogwarts, will have to face three challenges. Three champions are chosen, but the goblet of fire spits out one more name: Harry Potter. No one knows how his name got in the cup, because he isn’t allowed to participate. Harry has to compete.
Although the movie is a visual spectacle and there is a lot of action, the emotional development is minimal. This was an important film in the series, because of a certain character reveal. But “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” isn’t the most memorable of the bunch. And the movie is very long with its two and a half hours.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

00s Movie Review - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Genre: Adventure/ Fantasy/ Family
Runtime: 142 minutes
Year: 2004
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Gary Oldman, David Thewlis, Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, Chris Rankin, Bonnie Wright, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Matthew Lewis, Tom Felton, Timothy Spall, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Warwick Davis, Mark Williams, Pam Ferris, Julie Christie

Description: It's Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe) third year at Hogwarts; not only does he have a new "Defense Against the Dark Arts" teacher, but there is also trouble brewing. Convicted murderer Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped the Wizards' Prison and is coming after Harry.

Review: “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” is the third movie in the series and a darker film then the previous two. The film is a lot more intense and can be scary for younger viewers. The film is very different from the book, director Alfonso Cuarón focused more on the action then the exact story in the book.
After an unfortunate accident with aunt Marge, 13 year old Harry Potter flees the Dursley house. The way to Hogwarts is already very eventful, but the real problems start when he arrives. A dangerous wizard, Sirius Black, has escaped the prison of Azkaban and he is looking for Harry. The Dementors, the scary guards of Azkaban, also guard Hogwarts but they also seem to be focused on Harry. The new professor, Remus Lupin, teaches him to defend himself against them.
Lots of introductions in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. The monster book, the magical Hippogriff and the Grim. Two new teachers: Sibyll Trelawney and Professor Lupin. And again exciting adventures where Harry is joined by his friends Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Hagrid.
Harry Potter is growing up. And I don’t mean just the character, the film too. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are four years older than the first film. And the film doesn’t feel like a kids movie anymore.
Director Chris Columbus has been replaced by Alfonso Cuarón. The books by J.K. Rowling get more intense and heavy and you can see that in the film. The movie lost his light touch and there aren’t as many funny moments like there were in the first two films. Rowling asked Cuarón not to copy the book to film literally, but capture the essence and spirit of the Potter universe. And that’s exactly what he did. Some essential elements where left out and the ‘die hard’ Harry Potter fans might not like it.
The movie is a visual spectacle with great décor and beautiful special effects. The acting is also good. Special mentions are newcomers Gary Oldman and David Thewlis, as Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. Michael Gambon replaced Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore, after he passed away. Good choice, but I still miss Harris a little bit.
The film is meant for the family, but it can be a bit scary for the younger ones. Although the books is my favorite of the series, the movie isn’t. Yet it’s another great film in the Harry Potter franchise.

Rating: 4/ 5

00s Movie Review - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Director: Chris Columbus
Genre: Adventure/ Fantasy/ Family
Runtime: 154 minutes
Year: 2002
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, Toby Jones, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Tom Felton, Jason Isaacs, Robbie Coltrane, Kenneth Branagh, Matthew Lewis, Alan Rickman, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, John Cleese, Warwick Davis, Mark Williams, Chris Rankin

Description: Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) ignores warnings not to return to Hogwarts, only to find the school plagued by a series of mysterious attacks and a strange voice haunting him.

Review: “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” is again a guarantee for a fun family night. And I love nothing more than to step into a magical place like Hogwarts.
This time we learn about a secret chamber in Hogwarts, build by one of the founders of the school: the rather unsympathetic Zalazar Slytherin. Slytherin didn’t like that the kids of ‘normal’ people could join the school. The secret chamber has a monster in it, that is out to kill children, or at least petrify them. The secret chamber can only be opened by a direct heir of Slytherin. When the first student of Hogwarts is found petrified, it’s clear that the evil heir has returned.
“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” goes into a variety of situations but never loses the main storyline. The character get enough time and space. The young cast is again strong, led by Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.
Richard Harris convinces again as Dumbledore. This was the last Harry Potter film for him after his death in 2002. Alan Rickman is perfect in his role as Snape and Maggie Smith is fantastic too as McGonagall. Kenneth Branagh is one to mention. He plays the self-loving douche Gilderoy Lockheart, who isn’t as heroic as you might think.
The setting are again beautiful. “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” is again a great Harry Potter film, fun for fans of the books as well as non-book lovers.

Rating: 4/ 5

00s Movie Review - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Director: Chris Columbus
Genre: Adventure/ Fantasy/ Family
Runtime: 152 minutes
Year: 2001
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton, Saunders Triplet, Fiona Shaw, Harry Melling, Richard Griffiths, Derek Deadman, John Cleese, Sean Biggerstaff, Warwick Davis, Zoë Wanamaker, John Hurt, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Chris Rankin, Matthew Lewis, Mark Williams, Julie Walter

Description: Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, young Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Review: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” is the first movie in the Harry Potter series. Based on the books by J.K. Rowling. She wanted to be involved with the making of the movies, so that they stayed true to the source material.
Harry is introduced to us, we learn about his past. Director Chris Columbus takes his time for that, because people who haven’t read the books should understand.
The actual magic starts when Harry visits Diagon Alley and platform 9 ¾. Daniel Radcliffe is a good Harry Potter. Off course he doesn’t have a lot of acting experience, but that doesn’t matter. His friend Ron Weasley, played by Rupert Grint, is a pleasant surprise, but Emma Watson as Hermione Granger is probably the biggest discovery. Tom Felton, who plays Draco Malfoy, probably has the most experience. He is perfect for the mean role of Draco.
Then the adults. Robbie Coltrane is exactly the Rubeus Hagrid J.K. Rowling described. His raw appearance and voice fit the character perfectly. Richard Harris has the friendly, warm and sophisticated charm for Dumbledore. Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall and Alan Rickman as Professor Snape, both also excellent cast. Especially Rickman is very convincing.
It’s obviously a well-cast film and Rowling can be proud of the first film. I really love this first Harry Potter adventure.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - The Circle

Director: James Ponsoldt
Genre: Thriller/ Drama
Runtime: 110 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Karen Gillan, John Boyega, Patton Oswalt, Glenne Headly

Description: Mae Holland (Emma Watson) lands a dream job at a powerful tech company called the Circle, only to uncover an agenda that will affect the lives of all of humanity.

Review: In 2013, author Dave Eggers finished “The Circle”, a dystopian novel that was compared to George Orwell’s “1984”. It was a popular book and it’s a surprise it took four years to be turned into a film. But does a praised book always need a movie adaptation? Well, for “The Circle” it’s a no.
Mae Holland’s life is about to change, when she is invited for a job interview at ‘the Circle’. You see the big difference between the dusty and old school call center Mae works at, to the ultra-modern and complex 'the Circle'. For Mae, ‘the Circle’ is the place to be. She ends up at the ‘customer experience’ department. We also meet CEO Eamon Bailey, who presents an advanced camera system. It’s clear that ‘the Circle’ is a company that sees the invasion of privacy as a device to reach political goals.
Everyone listening to Bailey believes in ‘the Circle’, Mae is one of them. And it doesn’t take her very long to become one if the icons of the company. Emma Watson is a fantastic actress, but her talent is underused. And it feels like Tom Hanks, my all-time favorite, is out of place. Both do a solid job, but if you have these fantastic performers, give them something to work with.
Bailey and his neurotic followers can’t be taken seriously. And when they present a program called SoulSearch, that’s the ultimate low. And the creators of this system, never see that it’s a dangerous tool? Not very credible.
The story criticizes society and there it’s crucial to be believable. And it never feels like that. It’s rushed and it loses the actual focus of Eggers’ novel: the danger of digital independence.
The story and concept of “The Circle” are really good, the book was great. I think it would have been better as a mini-series.

Rating: 2 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 53: Beauty and the Beast

Director: Bill Condon
Genre: Romance/ Musical/ Fantasy
Runtime: 129 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor, Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen, Stanley Tucci

Description: An adaptation of the fairy tale about a monstrous-looking prince (Dan Stevens) and a young woman (Emma Watson) who fall in love.

Review: As a little kid, I was never a girly girl. Wasn’t into princess stuff. But the animation “Beauty and the Beast” was an obsession. I love how intelligent, well read and kind Belle was. She saw past the looks, wanted to see more of the world and didn’t settle for mediocre. So I was super excited to see “Beauty and the Beast” being turned into a live-action film.
The film isn’t an exact copy of the animation, but it kept the essentials. But director Bill Condon also added some new characters, songs and scenes. And normally, for nostalgia sake, it would bother the hell out of me. But is surprisingly didn’t. The magic is still present, the main characters feel familiar and the songs are beautiful.
The casting is perfect. Emma Watson is a wonderful Belle and Dan Stevens does a very good job as Beast. Luke Evans is a very convincing Gaston and I really enjoyed Josh Gad as Le Fou. Kevin Kline as Maurice is also a very good choice and all the voice actors (like Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Emma Thompson and Ian McKellen) were chosen perfectly.
While watching this adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast”, I had a smile on my face from beginning ‘till end. I love it!

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 22: Colonia

Director: Florian Gallenberger
Genre: Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl, Michael Nyqvist

Description: A young woman's (Emma Watson) desperate search for her abducted boyfriend (Daniel Brühl) that draws her into the infamous Colonia Dignidad, a sect nobody has ever escaped from.

Review: “Colonia” is based on a true story. We follow the lives of a young couple, Lena and Daniël. They are in Chile and Daniël is taken by a secret army of Pinochet. Lena wants to finds him and finds out that he has been brought to Colonia Dignidad. This colony is known as an institution lead by Paul Schäfer. But it’s actually a closed community and torture camp where nobody ever escapes from. Lena decides to join the colony, find Daniël and escape.
The story of the couple is fictive, but Colonia Dignidad and Paul Schäfer were real. And this is a scary thought.
Emma Watson has reached the point where I no longer see Hermione Granger, the role she played in the Harry Potter franchise. She has grown and she is a magnificent actress. And she can easily carry a film, like she is doing here. Her performance in “Colonia” is heartfelt and timid, so convincing and touching. Daniël Brühl, whom I’ve liked for a while, is also very strong. Together they work perfectly. Michal Nyqvist plays the infamous Paul Schäfer. Schäfer is a repulsive character, played very convincingly.
“Colonia” came out a while ago, but nobody talked about this film when it was released. And I seriously don’t understand why. Because “Colonia” is a fantastic film. Besides the strong performances, the story is interesting and really scary. It’s a film more people should see, because it’s a hidden gem.

Rating: 5/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Harry Potter Characters

I did this before, I ranked my favorite Harry Potter characters. But I’m a little older now and I reread and rewatched all the books and movies. My opinion has changed and I have adjusted my top 5. Here are my favorite characters from the Harry Potter series.

5. Minerva McGonagall

As the head of Gryffindor house and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall can be strict and disciplinary. But she can also be kind, the one who sometimes lets you get away with a bit of mischief. And that’s why Minerva McGonagall is so endearing and loving.

 

 

4. Neville Longbottom

Neville Longbottom is the quintessential dimwit-turned-hero. When we first meet him at Hogwarts, Neville is shy, introvert and simply not that good at magic. He is loveable. While he begins to show loyalty and signs of bravery early on, it isn’t until Neville’s fifth year and his participation in Dumbledore’s Army, that we see him truly come into his own.

 

 

3. Remus Lupin

Hogwarts has had many teachers for the Defense Against the Dark Arts, but Remus Lupin was very different from Quirrel and Lockhart. Lupin is a kind and caring presence in Harry’s life. While Dumbledore was already looking out for Harry, Remus Lupin was a much more available source of comfort. The fact that Lupin is also a werewolf gives his character an extra dimension, when we see this thoughtful, warm man works to control the monster he turns into.

 

 

2. Hermione Granger

Hermione Granger is Harry and Ron’s best girl-pal. She is so much more than just a token throw-in for female readers/ viewers to identify with. Hermione is very logical, upright and good. And while she is first painted as a brainy do-gooder who always plays by the rules, it’s fun to watch Hermione develop into so much over the course of the series. She remains the voice of reason, but she’ll break the law without hesitation if it’s for the greater good.

 

 

1. Sirius Black

Sirius Black had been sentenced to the prison of Azkaban for murdering twelve Muggles, but Black is in fact an innocent man. Sirius was a close friend to James and Lily Potter, so much they named him as Harry’s godfather. While he maintains a sort of edgy, rebellious appeal, it’s the father/ son relationship that begins to develop between Sirius and Harry that endears the character to me.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Ron Weasly, Dobby the House Elf, Rubeus Hagrid, Mad Eye Moody, Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, Luna Lovegood, Ginny Weasly, Fred & George Weasly

Movie Moments: This is the End

This movie could go in two different directions: it was either going to really bad or brilliantly funny. Thank God it was the last, because some of my favorites are in here. James Franco and Seth Rogen are amazing, I really enjoyed this movie. So here are my favorite moments from “This is the End”.

 

Moment # 1: Cleanse

Seth just picked up Jay from the airport. Jay wants to get hamburgers, but Seth tells him he’s on a cleanse. He’s not supposed to be eating glutens. Jay thinks it’s a load of crap and the two start a discussion about it.

Moment # 2: The end begins

Jay and Seth go out to buy cigarettes, then all of a sudden blue beams come from the sky and start sucking people up in the sky.

Moment # 3: Michael Cera dies

L.A. is on fire and Michael Cera starts worrying about his phone. Someone took it. But that’s the least of his worries, because he gets skewered by a telephone pole.

Moment # 4: Milky Way

The guys list their food supplies and start fighting over a Milky Way.

Moment # 5: Emma Watson

Emma Watson shows up at the house and just wants to get some sleep. She overhears a conversation between the guys, but mishears it. She decides to get the hell out of there and take some provision with her.

Moment # 6: Magazine

James gets angry when he finds out someone masturbated onto his porno magazine. It appears it was Danny who did that, so the two start a heated discussion about masturbation.

Moment # 7: Closet

Jonah has been possessed and is now chasing James and Seth. They hide in a closet, but Seth’s a very heavy breather so they soon will be found.

Moment # 8: The exorcism of Jonah Hill

The guys decide to perform an exorcism on Jonah Hill. Jay knows how to, because he saw the movie “The Exorcist”.

Moment # 9: The Backstreet Boys

Jay and Seth made it to heaven and they can make any wish they want. Seth wishes for a Segway and Jay for the Backstreet Boys.

 

 

 

Favorite Moment: Moment # 7 : The Closet

Pic Spam: Academy Awards 2014

I saw the Academy Awards last night and I Always love to watch this glitter & glamour evening. This is the only night that I allow myself to feel a bit of hedonism. It's been a while since I've done a pic spam (december!) and I decided to do something new. So I'm going to share some pictures from last night's Academy Awards. My favorite stars, moments, shots, you name it.

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 33: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Director: Stephen Chbosky

Genre: Drama/ Romance

Runtime: 103 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Kate Walsh, Dylan McDermott, Paul Rudd, Joan Cusack, Nina Dobrev, Melanie Lynskey

Description: The 15-year-old Charlie (Logan Lerman) is an endearing and naive outsider, coping with first love, the suicide of his best friend, and his own mental illness while struggling to find a group of people with whom he belongs. The introvert freshman is taken under the wings of two seniors, Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller), who welcome him to the real world.

Review: Charlie had a rough year and doesn’t have any hope for it to get better this year. He even starts counting down the days he has left going to school.

The American Stephen Chbosky wrote the book with the same title, made it into a script and decided to direct the movie himself. Because who else then the author knows the book the best? And it’s visible, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a fantastic film that makes you remember the John Hughes films from the 80’s. He can’t avoid the typical high school clichés, but because the film has an authentic feel to it, that never bothers you. With that the plot is much more original then other movies in the genre.

It’s hard not to see Hermione Granger when you watch Emma Watson, but she managed to make you forget about her Harry Potter past. It’s obvious that Watson is a good actress. Leading actor Logan Lerman is very convincing as the vulnerable and fragile Charlie and Ezra Miller’s performance is very impressive as the flamboyant Patrick. The three also have great chemistry. All the actors touch you and you can sympathize with all of the characters.

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is made with a lot of love, which sometimes gave me goose bumps. That scene in the tunnel especially. A perfect mix of drama, humor and romance with a pleasant nostalgic feel to it.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Moments: "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

I already shared my favorite moments with you from the first Harry Potter movie. This time it's "Harry Potter and the Chambr of Secrets". Also filled with memorable moments. Here they are.

Moment # 1: Harry meets Dobby
When his aunt and uncle have a guest, Harry has been sent up to his room. He meets Dobby, a house elf. He says he has to protect and warn Harry and he has to prevent him from going back to Hogwarts. Dobby is the reason why he never got letters from Ron and Hermione, because that could be a reason for Harry not to return to Hogwarts. Harry has to promise Dobby not to go back, or else he drops a cake on the head of his aunt and uncle’s guest. And that’s exactly what Dobby does.

Moment # 2: The flying car
Harry now has bars in front of his windows. Ron, George and Fred rescue Harry…. In a flying car. Later when Harry and Ron miss the train to Hogwarts, they take the car again and fly to school. They land in a tree.

Moment # 3: Ron receives a howler
Ron’s owl brings him a letter. It’s a howler, a letter that screams at you. It’s from his mother who found out about the flying car.

Moment # 4: Gryffindor vs. Slytherin
Harry and his quidditch team are up against Slytherin. Draco now joined the team. Harry is pursued by a bludger, that’s obviously tampered with. Harry does catch the snitch and wins the game for his team.

Moment # 5: Snape and Lockhart duel
Gilderoy Lockhart starts a dueling club. He introduces his “assistent” Severus Snape, who he duels first. Snape off course overpowers him. They challenge Harry and Draco to duel each other, but only to disarm each other. When a snake appears, Harry terrifies his fellow students by speaking in Parseltongue. A language only a few speak and means that you can talk to snakes.

Moment # 6: Dumbledore’s office
Professor McGonagal brings Harry to Dumbledore’s room. He sees the sorting hat and asks him if Gryffindor was the right house for him. The hat tells Harry that he was very difficult to place. He also meets Fawkes, Dumbledore’s Phoenix. A bird that burns and is being reborn from its ashes.

Moment # 7: Polyjuice potion
Harry, Ron and Hermione made Polyjuice potion. With this potion they can change into someone else. So they can find out about Draco’s secrets and if he’s the heir of Slytherin. Ron and Harry turn into to Crabbe and Goyle, but Hermione turns into a cat by accident because she did something wrong with the potion.

Moment # 8: Tom Riddle
Harry finds a book with nothing in it. When Harry writes something in it, the book answers him. It’s someone called Tom Riddle. Harry asks him about the chamber of secrets and finds out that it was Hagrid who opened the chamber all those years ago.

Moment # 9: Aragog
Ron and Harry follow the little spiders like Hagrid told them to. They meet Aragog, the big leader of the spiders. Aragog tells them it wasn’t Hagrid that opened the chamber of secrets and that he is not the monster that has petrified all the muggles.

Moment # 10: The chamber of secrets
Harry and Ron discover the chamber and enter it. They get separated, so Harry is on his own and tries to find Ginny. When he does, he meets Tom Riddle. He tells him Ginny opened the chamber, because that’s what he told her to do. Tom calls the basilisk and sends him after Harry. Fawkes, the phoenix, blinds him and that’s how Harry manages to overpower him and save Ginny.

Moment # 11: Dobby is free
Harry finds out that Dobby is the Malfoy’s house elf, therefore a slave. When Harry gives him a sock, making it look like it came from Lucius Malfoy, Dobby is finally free. Dobby protects Harry from Lucius and tells him “You shall not harm Harry Potter”.

Moment # 12: Hagrid returns
Because Hagrid was the first suspect of opening the chamber, he has been send to Azkaban. Now he’s back and get’s a grand of applause.

Favorite Moment: Moment # 11: Dobby is free

Movie Moments: "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"

I love the Harry Potter series and I think this is my favorite movie of the series. And it's filled with so many great moments. Here are my favorites.

Moment # 1: Snake
When Harry and the Dursley’s visit the zoo, they see a python. Dudley thinks he’s boring, but when then glass disappears Dudley falls in its habitat. The snake escapes and the glas reappears again. Dursley is now locked behind the glass.

Moment # 2: Letters
Harry gets a letter, but his uncle rips it up. Every letter adressed to Harry gets destroyed by uncle Vernon. But on Sunday, the day where you usually never get mail, the Dursley house if flooded with letters to Harry.

Moment # 3: Harry meets Hagrid
When the Dursleys and Harry have escaped their home, a very big, hairy man comes busting through the door. It’s Rubeus Hagrid, coming to get Harry and bring him to Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Moment # 4: Gringotts Bank
While being at Diagon Alley to buy school supplies, Harry doesn’t know how to pay for it all. Hagrid takes him to Gringotts Bank, where Goblins work. When they arrive at the vault, Harry sees it’s filled with money his parents left him.

Moment # 5: The wand
Harry goes to Olivander to buy a wand. He tries several wands that don’t work for him. Then, when he found a wand suited for him, Olivander tells Harry there was only one other person to have this wand. The person who gave him his scar and shall not be named.

Moment # 6: Platform 9 ¾
Harry has to take a train to Hogwarts, but his ticket says platform 9 ¾. When he can’t find it, he asks Molly Weasly. Harry has to run through a wall between platforms 9 and 10.

Moment # 7: Meeting Ron and Hermione
On the train Harry meets Ron, who’s also going into his first year at Hogwarts. Just when Ron is trying to show Harry a magic spell, Hermione enters and tells them how well she can do magic.

Moment # 8: The sorting hat
All the new students have to be sorted in to the different houses. They have to put on the sorting hat and it tells you which house you belong in. Hermione and Ron both get into Gryffindor. When it’s Harry’s turn, he hopes he doesn’t get into Slytherin, so the hat tells him it’s going to be Gryffindor.

Moment # 9: Troll
Hermione is in the bathroom when a troll enters the room. Harry and Ron are trying to rescue her. Ron finally gets the levitation spell and makes sure the troll loses his bat. Harry is the one to save them from the troll.

Moment # 10: Quidditch
Harry is playing his first official Quidditch match and it’s against Slytherin. They are a very mean team, but Gryffindor manages to win thanks to Harry.

Moment # 11: Invisibility cloak
It’s Christmas at Hogwarts and for the first time Harry got presents. He gets a cloak, but when he puts it on he sees it’s an invisibility cloak. He doesn’t know who he got the present from.

Moment # 12: The mirror of erised
While trying to hide from Snape, Harry finds a mirror. In that mirror he sees himself and his parents. Professor Dumbledore warns him for the mirror and tells him not to go searching for it ever again.

Moment # 13: Norbert
When Harry, Ron and Hermione visit Hagrid, they find out about his secret. He has a dragon’s egg, which is starting to hatch. It’s a Norwegian Ridgeback and Hagrid calls him Norbert.

Moment # 14: The forbidden forest
Harry, Ron, Hermione and Draco are punished and have to join Hagrid into the forbidden forest. When they split up, Harry and Draco see a dark shade drinking a dead unicorns blood. Draco gets scared and runs away while the hooded shade is moving towards Harry. Firenze manages to scare it off and saves Harry. They think the shade could be Lord Voldemort, the man who shall not be named.

Moment # 15: Entering the room
Someone is trying to steal the philosopher’s stone. Harry, Ron and Hermione decided to stop him. First they have to pass Fluffy, the three-headed dog. Second is the flying keys, which aren’t easy to catch. Third the three kids have to play wizard chess, something Ron is very good at. Finally Harry has to face the man who’s after the stone and sees who he’s working for.

Moment # 16: Gryffindor wins
It seems that Slytherin won this years housecup, but not all point have been devided yet. Hermione, Ron and Harry were all granted points for their bravery. It is Neville who wins the points that deliver Gryffindor the housecup.

Favorite Moment: Moment # 8: The sorting hat