Hello! My name is Chie. I am likely to be the girl you'll see whose eyes would bulge out of their sockets at the sight of a book store and be seized by waves of epileptic shock whenever there is a book bargain. I'll probably be the one pushing you out of my way to get through the book bargain bins and tediously combing through the pile. (I forget my manners when it comes to books). I am tone deaf and have two left feet. But I would endure the embarrassment of a performance in exchange for books (terms and conditions apply). I have created this blog in order to find kindred souls. Those who would gladly share the same passion for books and reading because although reading is solitary task most of the time, it's no fun having no one to ramble to after..
Upcoming Film: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Cast: Eddie Redmayne (Newt Scamander), Katherine Waterston (Porpentina "Tina" Goldstein), Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski), Samantha Morton (Mary Lou), Ezra Miller (Credence), Collin Farrell (Percival Graves), Faith Wood-Balgrove (Modesty), Carmen Ejogo (Seraphina), Jon Bought (Henry Shaw), Ron Perlman (Gnarlack) Directed by: David Yates Date Premiered: November 18, 2016 Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures Based on: Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them (Newt Scamander -J.K. Rowling) Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Family
Synopsis: The story revolves around Newt Scamander's arrival at the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA), for a meeting with an important official. Central to the story and this meeting is a magically expanded briefcase which houses a number of dangerous creatures and their habitats. When the creatures escape from the briefcase, it sends the American Wizarding after Newt, and it threatens even further strain the state of magical and non-magical relations, which is already in a dangerous place, due to the threatening presence of fanatical New Salem Philanthropic Society, an extremist organisation dedicated to the eradication of wizard-kind. The story tells of what effect this devastating mistake has on the state of wizard/No-Maj (the American term for a non-magical person) relations in New York City's community of wizards and witches in 1926, the effort to correct the mistakes, and the horrors of the resultant increase in violence, fear, and tension felt between magical and non-magical people.
Thoughts: I thought I would be done with this. I thought I had cried my final tears four years ago when the last Harry Potter film ended. Never would I have thought that I would be writing related to Harry Potter in my adult life, especially something that is relevant to our present day. But as Warner Bros. have decided to adapt J.K. Rowling's novel Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them to the big screen. I am obviously going to take any chance that I can get to write about it. Within the past couple of months, the public have been given a handful of information about the film here and there, which have been spread sporadically through our social media platforms. However, I am going to try and lay out all the information I could gather about the film for you all in one post. And I hope that my inner childhood Harry Potter fan girl doesn't take over.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is originally a 2001 novel written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym of Newt Scamander, a fictional magizoologist (the study of magical creatures). In the book, Scamander lists the 85 magical creatures that reside around the world, which he found through observations from his travel around 5 different continents. Within the Harry Potter Universe, Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them is uses as a Hogwarts textbook that is compulsory for first year students (even though the class Care of Magical Creatures is not introduced until third year). However, the book is a helpful encyclopedia to identify dark creatures for the class Defense Against the Dark Arts, and according to Dumbledore, is a wonderful addition for a wizarding household.
Newt Scamander
As the current synopsis goes, the film will follow the adventures of Newt Scamander and his quest to find magical beasts. J.K. Rowling herself has stated that it does not serve as prequel or a sequel to the Harry Potter world, but will act as an addition to the Wizarding Universe. It will take place in 1920's New York, which is seven decades before Harry Potter and his gang go to Hogwarts.
Because the film is set in America, we definitely get to see US witches and wizards right? Absolutely! If your are religiously following Rowling on Twitter, you would know that she has already teased the idea of the American School of Wizadry. Even though it is uncertain that we will be introduced to this school, we do get to meet some of its ex-students and may even explore the inner workings of American magic, which apparently is influenced by Native American culture.
It's reunion time for the Harry Potter crew, as all have worked on most/all of the movies within the franchise. Producer David Hey man and Executive Producer Lionel Wigram are making their comeback alongside David Yates who directed the last four Harry Potter films. J.K. Rowling has written the script herself with the involvement from Steve Kloves, who has scripted all but one of the Harry Potter films.
Unlike the crew, we won't be seeing any of the original cast return for the film.
Like The Hobbit, this one singular novel will be turned into three films. Kevin Tsujihara has already confirmed that it will become "three mega movies" and J.K. Rowlkng has nearly finished the material for the first film and is already working on the two additional chapters. Release dates have already been chosen, with the first movie set to come out on November 18, 2016 and the two preceding on November 16, 2018 and November 20, 2020.
Thank you, Warner Bros. Thank you for keeping the Harry Potter and all its magic alive. From what I have read, the public, young and old, are genuinely excited to see this novel adapted into a live-action. Hopefully the success of this film will manifest into others within The Hogwarts Library like Quidditch Through The Ages and The Tales of Beedle The Bard
Personal Thoughts: This was originally posted on my Facebook Account last July 31, 2011.
I was nearly late to the ending of my childhood. Just seen Harry Potter the other day.
I'd only gotten home at two in the morning, and the end was to begin at 9:30 in the morning. And because the world is conspiring against me on that morning in particular, my bus with the petrol fumes spilling out the back into the crisp morning air, pulled up around ten minutes late.
Still, I made it there on time -- well, only a minute or two late -- for the end. Even if I did have to run down, and take a short cut through the stations beneath the city streets, it was all worth it to get there on time.
Later, my friend told me that if I'd come the first day of showing, I'd have experienced the best part. The way the boys and girls, eighteen, nineteen, twenty and dressed in preppy school uniforms with a crest featuring a familiar badger, snake, eagle, and lion all surrounding a large letter H, greeted each other by saying "Hello, fellow wizards".
Me, I think this kind of nerdiness is awesome. I think in my childhood, I would have found it more awesome. I am sad I missed it, but at least I was there, stumbling up the cinema steps into the hushed, darkened theatre before the movie began.
I want to say that I loved the movie. That I loved every last minute of my childhood's ending, but the truth is that sometimes my friend was distracted by my melodramatic laughter, or tears, the way I accidentally knocked an entire tub of popcorn into the aisle by jumping at one point. And my 2:00am bedtime the night before meant that sometimes my attention was divided between The Dark Lord vs Harry Potter vs my sleepiness, or the chill of the cinema.
Still it was amazing. I no longer want to experience a transformation like Cinderella. I want to experience a transformation like a female version of Neville Longbottom. Old Draco was a laugh. Albus Severus Potter sniffed every ten seconds and was adorable and Severus Snape made me tear up behind my 3D glasses.
I wished that it wouldn't end, but it did. My childhood slowly died. It only took a few hours and by the end of it, I felt grown up. More grown up than I did after my eighteenth birthday. More grown up, even, than when I go out and don't get asked for ID.
Afterwards, we hung around the cinema, staring at the posters of characters who'd become our childhood friends. We milled around in the shabby exhibition in the cinema had put together, marveling over bits and bobs of paper from the films of the set. The stupidest things, really, apart from this gorgeous dress of Luna Lovegood's, but there was a sense that you had to marvel. You had to be awed, because this was the end.
And then we left the scene of the crime, the place where our childhoods died, and we went and got a late lunch. At an almost respectable establishment that didn't serve hamburgers or french fries or pizza or anything like that. And then we went to a café and I ordered two long blacks, because God I was still tired from the night before. And the barista looked at me like I was crazy because how many people like me like their coffee that strong with no sugar?
But my childhood had just died. I wasn't in the mood to justify anything.
Much later that day, when I got home, I searched for my ticket. The one with Cinema 3, and that fantastic title, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, emblazoned upon it, I dumped the entire contents of my wallet and bag out onto my desk, turning over odd stuffs that I didn't know I had in the process, but it wasn't there. The ticket was gone. My childhood was gone.
Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz (Mia), Jamie Blackley (Adam), Mireille Enos (Kat), Liana Liberato (Kim), Joshua Leonard (Denny) Directed by: R.J. Cutler Release Date: August 22, 2014 Genre: Romance, Young Adult, Drama Based on: If I Stay (Gayle Foreman) Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures Ratings: 4.5/5
Synopsis: Mia Hall thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam. But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant, and now her own life hangs in the balance. Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not decide her future but her ultimate fate
Review: I try to go into book-into-movies adaptations with high expectations and most of the time (not always) I am somewhat disappointed. I know, I know, I should probably learn to lower my expectations, but I get caught up in the hype and before I know it, my expectations are soaring past the roof. If I Stay was no exception and I am relieved to say that we're definitely met.
If I stay is a beautiful story and the movie portrayed it so well. Plus, the movie was unbelievably true to the book. It was a surreal experience to see so many scenes from the book come to life so wonderfully and accurately. I could not contain the feels. Fans of the book will definitely be beyond content with the movie.
Mia and Adam
Oh, and the acting was just on point. Chloë Grace Moretz was an outstanding Mia. I know she wasn't actually playing the cello, but it sure looked like it. Her portrayal of Mia felt very real and I felt like she really became the character. Also, Jamie Blackley was a perfect Adam. He looks so much like Adam I pictured in my mind and seeing him on screen singing was incredible. And, their chemistry was hot. Mia + Adam feels were going crazy throughout the entire movie. Even those who haven't read the book (although I highly recommend reading it before) can fall in love with their sweet love story.
Family plays a huge part in If I Stay, and the movie managed to successfully portray Kat and Denny and Teddy. In the book, you, as a reader, want to be a part of Mia's family, and in the movie the exact same feeling is portrayed. It felt like watching a real life family on screen and it made viewers realise how hard Mia's choice was.
Although this movie is definitely one I would suggest bringing tissues to, it still managed ts to make one smile and laugh, It's a movie that will have you smiling uncontrollably, giggling behind your hands, and wiping tears away as inconspicuously as possible. You will feel the weight of Mia's decision and you will struggle, like Mia does between which choice you would choose in her position. You will fall in love with each character and emotions bubbling over and fall in love with the movie, You will definitely be wishing for Where She Went to go into production as soon as possible. Most of all, you will appreciate the tragic and beautiful story that is If I Stay.
Cast: Nicholas Hoult (R), Teresa Palmer (Julie), Dave Franco (Perry), Analeigh Tipton (Nora), John Malkovich (General Grigio), Rob Corddry (M) Directed by: Jonathan Levine Release Date: February 1, 2013 Genre: Comedy, Horror, Drama Based on: Warm Bodies (Isaac Marion) Distributed by: Summit Entertainment; Lionsgate Ratings: 4/5
Plot: With much of the world's population now, an undead horde, R is a young and oddly introspective zombie. Whilst fighting with and feeding on a human scavenger party, R meets Julie and feels an urge to protect her. What happens next is the beginning of a strangely warm relationship that allows R to begin regaining his humanity. As this change spreads through the local undead population like a virus, Julie and R eventually have to face a larger issue when the very nature of their friendship is challenged. Caught between the paranoid human forces and the ferocious "Bonies", zombies who are a mutual threat, R and Julie must find a way to bridge the differences of each side to fight for a better world no one thought possible.
Review: Warm Bodies is a zombie film uniquely different. It's not of those typical movies of terrifying zombies running around craving for flesh, which is something quite of a horror for audiences. Warm Bodies had a different approach; it focuses on the development of the relationship between Julie, a young woman, and R, a zombie, and how their eventual romance develops throughout which also leads to the group of zombies to change and return to human life form. Overall, this movie can be categorised as a paranormal romantic zombie comedy film, which is based on a novel of the same title.
This film certainly offers a sweet and interesting spin to a genre that all too often been really lifeless. The film is noted and positively received for displaying human characteristics in zombie characters, and also for being told from a zombie's perspective. This allows the audiences to get connected and engaged not only to the overall plot but also to R, the zombie. It is still grounded to zombie setting but overturned with a twist. The story went well paced and nicely directed with a bit of sense of humour added into this post apocalyptic love story that made it certainly enjoyable to watch. This film is not violent or bloody and hence quite relevant to children too.
I first get to know Nicholas Hoult from his performance in X-Men: First Class and he delivered an amazing performance on that one. For this zombie film, that requires a totally different acting approach, Nicholas done a great job too. As a zombie, he had to express himself tough through facial gestures and speak only one or two words out whilst maintaining his rigid crooked movement. His convincing performance here certainly cemented his position as one of the rising young talented stars. For female fans of him, he is dead sexy in this one. Teresa Palmer also pour in amazing performance, and the two of them had quite a spark or good chemistry in this film.
Teresa and R facing the "Bonies"
The movie also did offers heart-racing moments mostly on the encounter between the humans joining forces with the "cured" zombies up against the Bonies, heartless skeleton corpses. However, all that exciting part are mostly reserved til the end part of the film and the lack of details put to the protagonists; Bonies' creation (obviously computer-generated and looks too fake) made things not that impacting. However, the strong interesting love story of Julie and R saved the day. Out of 5 points, I rate Warm Bodies a total of 4. Like what Palmer said "The core of the story is that love breathes life back into people. That human connection saves us. People who have had those lights dimmed inside them, when they fall in-love they get brighter ". I certainly agreed with her statement. A good message from this film.
Cast: Elijah Woods (Frodo Baggins), Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), John Rhys-Davies (Gimli), Sean Bean (Boromir), Sean Astin (Sam), Billy Boyd (Pippin), Dominic Monaghan (Merry)
Directed by: Peter Jackson Release Date: December 19, 2001 Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Basedon: The Fellowship of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Distributed by: New Line Cinema Ratings: 4.5/5
Plot: This film sees Frodo Baggins begin a journey to destroy The One Ring, that he received from his Uncle Bilbo Baggins, and destroys it in the fires of Mount Doom, and destroy Sauron once and for all. He is joined by The Fellowship of the Ring, which consists of his Hobbit friends, Samwise Gamgee, Peregrin Took, and Meriadoc Brandybuck, as well as the Wizard Gandalf, who originally set him on this journey, Aragorn true King of Gondor, and Boromir, from the race of Men, the Elf Prince of Kirkwood, Legolas, and the Dwarf Gimli, son of Gloin (who featured in The Hobbit)
Review: I was inspired by a co-blogger to start a Books That Comes To Life feature on this blog. I was thinking to do this a month ago but sadly, I now barely go to the cinemas due to my busy schedule at the uni. And I also have to think and stick with the theme of this blog, book review. Because most of the films that I am watching weren't from a book. Moving on.. this was a brilliant film and I have alot to thank it for, as it was this film that got me into Tolkien's work, and all things related to The Lord of the Rings. I've always been a fan of things that are unusual, and have loved fantasy films, and books all my life, so this film was a natural choice for me. The way this film starts so light heartened, and how the characters become even more desperate, and distressed, just in the events of this film is enough to know that you're in for some brilliant story telling.
The cast in this film was brilliant, and think that it helped that most of the main cast were relatively unknown actors. I have more recently learnt that more well-known actors like Daniel Day-Lewis, Bruce Willis, Nicolas Cage, Russell Crowd, Vin Diesel, and Liam Neeson had all been asked to play the role in the film to succeed. The cast were all brilliant and suited their respective roles brilliantly, with Ian McKellen, and Viggo Mortensen being the ones that stood out the most to me.
The Fellowship
The Fellowship itself is one of the big things throughout all three films, although it has more effect in this one, and it's the only film where the entire Fellowship is together. When you have a character like a Hobbit, which is innocent and very vulnerable as the main character you need many people around them, and what better way than to have a group of nine people (including Frodo) that has all different ally races in it. This is in my opinion what really brought Tolkien's mythological world together, as you have all these different races that usually barely coexist, if at all working together. The way Legolas and Gimli's friendship grows over this film even is probably the most interesting out of all, as elves and dwarves usually hate each other. The characteristics in all characters was also shown very well, and the way they reacted to certain events throughout was brilliant and made the film more dramatic.
Sauron forging The One Ring
The main antagonist throughout this film series is Sauron. Although he's the main villain he doesn't have much of a physical presence throughout the film, and none during the main story. It's interesting that someone can live due to an object they created, and this kind of reminds me of Voldemort from the Harry Potter books/films, although Sauron did this first literature wise. I actually found the great eye of Sauron intimidating that his physical form in the flash backs as it gives a more sinister feel, as well as the knowledge that he will know where Frodo is if he wears the ring.
Saruman with an Uruk-hai
Although Sauron was the main antagonist, Saruman was the villain that did most of the work and was of valuable help to Sauron. The casting of Saruman couldn't be any better, as who else but Dracula himself Christopher Lee could do a better job. I've always enjoyed anything that Christopher Lee's been in and especially when he's a bad guy, and his presence always makes a film even better whether it's already a brilliant film like this was or something that wouldn't be as good without him. I also liked how Gandalf didn't see this coming, as it shows that no matter how wise someone is, they can't see all that lies ahead.
Frodo wears The One Ring
The One Ring itself is probably the most interesting thing, and although it doesn't get as much screen times as the battles it's still hanging over the story, showing that it's evil, and there is a lot at stake. Since watching the first part of The Hobbit adaptation, I feel that I can appreciate these films even more than I used to, as there are lots of things that happened in The Hobbit that are either re-told in this film, or have an impact on this film. I could appreciate The Ring itself more, as well as the Mithril armour, or Sting (Frodo's sword, originally Bilbo's)
Nazgûl
I also loved the Nazgûl in this film. As they embody everything evil about The One Ring, and how greed can corrupt people. We get back story about Sauron creating other Rings of Power, seven for dwarves, which Sauron couldn't control properly, three for elves, who never used them so couldn't they get controlled. And nine for men who are greedy. It's nice to see how this affected the world around, and how that affects this story. Although you don't see much of them unless Frodo's wearing The One Ring, they are still very menacing looking, and add more dread, and desperation to Frodo's quest, especially in the earlier part.
Strider (Aragorn) in the shadows
Aragorn's development throughout this film, and later films is probably the most interesting, or at least in my opinion, as he starts off as a simple ranger who is tasked by Gandalf to watch over Frodo (this is mentioned in the appendix of The Lord of the Rings novels) and how he is destined to become the King of Gondor. The lighting in the earlier scenes to feature Aragorn was very well done, as he was in the shadow alot of time, which adds mystery to the character. I also liked that Aragorn shows that he has a good heart, as even though he abruptly removes Frodo from the tavern, he still shows kindness.
This was a very good film, and a brilliant start to a tremendous film trilogy. It has given me a great joy over the years, it's a good adaptation, and fairly honest to the book . I would highly recommend this film, as you are bound to love it.
Disclaimer: The following film reviews are all based on the books -or even comic books- (occasionally, I'll do film reviews that weren't from the books) that - a) I've already read and watched the film or b) Already watched the film but haven't read the book YET - and that turned into a film or a TV show and even stage plays.
Upcoming Film: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Cast: Eddie Redmayne (Newt Scamander), Katherine Waterston (Porpentina "Tina" Goldstein), Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski), Samantha Morton (Mary Lou), Ezra Miller (Credence), Collin Farrell (Percival Graves), Faith Wood-Balgrove (Modesty), Carmen Ejogo (Seraphina), Jon Bought (Henry Shaw), Ron Perlman (Gnarlack) Directed by: David Yates Date Premiered: November 18, 2016 Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures Based on: Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them (Newt Scamander -J.K. Rowling) Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Family
Synopsis: The story revolves around Newt Scamander's arrival at the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA), for a meeting with an important official. Central to the story and this meeting is a magically expanded briefcase which houses a number of dangerous creatures and their habitats. When the creatures escape from the briefcase, it sends the American Wizarding after Newt, and it threatens even further strain the state of magical and non-magical relations, which is already in a dangerous place, due to the threatening presence of fanatical New Salem Philanthropic Society, an extremist organisation dedicated to the eradication of wizard-kind. The story tells of what effect this devastating mistake has on the state of wizard/No-Maj (the American term for a non-magical person) relations in New York City's community of wizards and witches in 1926, the effort to correct the mistakes, and the horrors of the resultant increase in violence, fear, and tension felt between magical and non-magical people.
Thoughts: I thought I would be done with this. I thought I had cried my final tears four years ago when the last Harry Potter film ended. Never would I have thought that I would be writing related to Harry Potter in my adult life, especially something that is relevant to our present day. But as Warner Bros. have decided to adapt J.K. Rowling's novel Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them to the big screen. I am obviously going to take any chance that I can get to write about it. Within the past couple of months, the public have been given a handful of information about the film here and there, which have been spread sporadically through our social media platforms. However, I am going to try and lay out all the information I could gather about the film for you all in one post. And I hope that my inner childhood Harry Potter fan girl doesn't take over.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is originally a 2001 novel written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym of Newt Scamander, a fictional magizoologist (the study of magical creatures). In the book, Scamander lists the 85 magical creatures that reside around the world, which he found through observations from his travel around 5 different continents. Within the Harry Potter Universe, Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them is uses as a Hogwarts textbook that is compulsory for first year students (even though the class Care of Magical Creatures is not introduced until third year). However, the book is a helpful encyclopedia to identify dark creatures for the class Defense Against the Dark Arts, and according to Dumbledore, is a wonderful addition for a wizarding household.
Newt Scamander
As the current synopsis goes, the film will follow the adventures of Newt Scamander and his quest to find magical beasts. J.K. Rowling herself has stated that it does not serve as prequel or a sequel to the Harry Potter world, but will act as an addition to the Wizarding Universe. It will take place in 1920's New York, which is seven decades before Harry Potter and his gang go to Hogwarts.
Because the film is set in America, we definitely get to see US witches and wizards right? Absolutely! If your are religiously following Rowling on Twitter, you would know that she has already teased the idea of the American School of Wizadry. Even though it is uncertain that we will be introduced to this school, we do get to meet some of its ex-students and may even explore the inner workings of American magic, which apparently is influenced by Native American culture.
It's reunion time for the Harry Potter crew, as all have worked on most/all of the movies within the franchise. Producer David Hey man and Executive Producer Lionel Wigram are making their comeback alongside David Yates who directed the last four Harry Potter films. J.K. Rowling has written the script herself with the involvement from Steve Kloves, who has scripted all but one of the Harry Potter films.
Unlike the crew, we won't be seeing any of the original cast return for the film.
Like The Hobbit, this one singular novel will be turned into three films. Kevin Tsujihara has already confirmed that it will become "three mega movies" and J.K. Rowlkng has nearly finished the material for the first film and is already working on the two additional chapters. Release dates have already been chosen, with the first movie set to come out on November 18, 2016 and the two preceding on November 16, 2018 and November 20, 2020.
Thank you, Warner Bros. Thank you for keeping the Harry Potter and all its magic alive. From what I have read, the public, young and old, are genuinely excited to see this novel adapted into a live-action. Hopefully the success of this film will manifest into others within The Hogwarts Library like Quidditch Through The Ages and The Tales of Beedle The Bard
Personal Thoughts: This was originally posted on my Facebook Account last July 31, 2011.
I was nearly late to the ending of my childhood. Just seen Harry Potter the other day.
I'd only gotten home at two in the morning, and the end was to begin at 9:30 in the morning. And because the world is conspiring against me on that morning in particular, my bus with the petrol fumes spilling out the back into the crisp morning air, pulled up around ten minutes late.
Still, I made it there on time -- well, only a minute or two late -- for the end. Even if I did have to run down, and take a short cut through the stations beneath the city streets, it was all worth it to get there on time.
Later, my friend told me that if I'd come the first day of showing, I'd have experienced the best part. The way the boys and girls, eighteen, nineteen, twenty and dressed in preppy school uniforms with a crest featuring a familiar badger, snake, eagle, and lion all surrounding a large letter H, greeted each other by saying "Hello, fellow wizards".
Me, I think this kind of nerdiness is awesome. I think in my childhood, I would have found it more awesome. I am sad I missed it, but at least I was there, stumbling up the cinema steps into the hushed, darkened theatre before the movie began.
I want to say that I loved the movie. That I loved every last minute of my childhood's ending, but the truth is that sometimes my friend was distracted by my melodramatic laughter, or tears, the way I accidentally knocked an entire tub of popcorn into the aisle by jumping at one point. And my 2:00am bedtime the night before meant that sometimes my attention was divided between The Dark Lord vs Harry Potter vs my sleepiness, or the chill of the cinema.
Still it was amazing. I no longer want to experience a transformation like Cinderella. I want to experience a transformation like a female version of Neville Longbottom. Old Draco was a laugh. Albus Severus Potter sniffed every ten seconds and was adorable and Severus Snape made me tear up behind my 3D glasses.
I wished that it wouldn't end, but it did. My childhood slowly died. It only took a few hours and by the end of it, I felt grown up. More grown up than I did after my eighteenth birthday. More grown up, even, than when I go out and don't get asked for ID.
Afterwards, we hung around the cinema, staring at the posters of characters who'd become our childhood friends. We milled around in the shabby exhibition in the cinema had put together, marveling over bits and bobs of paper from the films of the set. The stupidest things, really, apart from this gorgeous dress of Luna Lovegood's, but there was a sense that you had to marvel. You had to be awed, because this was the end.
And then we left the scene of the crime, the place where our childhoods died, and we went and got a late lunch. At an almost respectable establishment that didn't serve hamburgers or french fries or pizza or anything like that. And then we went to a café and I ordered two long blacks, because God I was still tired from the night before. And the barista looked at me like I was crazy because how many people like me like their coffee that strong with no sugar?
But my childhood had just died. I wasn't in the mood to justify anything.
Much later that day, when I got home, I searched for my ticket. The one with Cinema 3, and that fantastic title, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, emblazoned upon it, I dumped the entire contents of my wallet and bag out onto my desk, turning over odd stuffs that I didn't know I had in the process, but it wasn't there. The ticket was gone. My childhood was gone.
Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz (Mia), Jamie Blackley (Adam), Mireille Enos (Kat), Liana Liberato (Kim), Joshua Leonard (Denny) Directed by: R.J. Cutler Release Date: August 22, 2014 Genre: Romance, Young Adult, Drama Based on: If I Stay (Gayle Foreman) Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures Ratings: 4.5/5
Synopsis: Mia Hall thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam. But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant, and now her own life hangs in the balance. Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not decide her future but her ultimate fate
Review: I try to go into book-into-movies adaptations with high expectations and most of the time (not always) I am somewhat disappointed. I know, I know, I should probably learn to lower my expectations, but I get caught up in the hype and before I know it, my expectations are soaring past the roof. If I Stay was no exception and I am relieved to say that we're definitely met.
If I stay is a beautiful story and the movie portrayed it so well. Plus, the movie was unbelievably true to the book. It was a surreal experience to see so many scenes from the book come to life so wonderfully and accurately. I could not contain the feels. Fans of the book will definitely be beyond content with the movie.
Mia and Adam
Oh, and the acting was just on point. Chloë Grace Moretz was an outstanding Mia. I know she wasn't actually playing the cello, but it sure looked like it. Her portrayal of Mia felt very real and I felt like she really became the character. Also, Jamie Blackley was a perfect Adam. He looks so much like Adam I pictured in my mind and seeing him on screen singing was incredible. And, their chemistry was hot. Mia + Adam feels were going crazy throughout the entire movie. Even those who haven't read the book (although I highly recommend reading it before) can fall in love with their sweet love story.
Family plays a huge part in If I Stay, and the movie managed to successfully portray Kat and Denny and Teddy. In the book, you, as a reader, want to be a part of Mia's family, and in the movie the exact same feeling is portrayed. It felt like watching a real life family on screen and it made viewers realise how hard Mia's choice was.
Although this movie is definitely one I would suggest bringing tissues to, it still managed ts to make one smile and laugh, It's a movie that will have you smiling uncontrollably, giggling behind your hands, and wiping tears away as inconspicuously as possible. You will feel the weight of Mia's decision and you will struggle, like Mia does between which choice you would choose in her position. You will fall in love with each character and emotions bubbling over and fall in love with the movie, You will definitely be wishing for Where She Went to go into production as soon as possible. Most of all, you will appreciate the tragic and beautiful story that is If I Stay.
Cast: Nicholas Hoult (R), Teresa Palmer (Julie), Dave Franco (Perry), Analeigh Tipton (Nora), John Malkovich (General Grigio), Rob Corddry (M) Directed by: Jonathan Levine Release Date: February 1, 2013 Genre: Comedy, Horror, Drama Based on: Warm Bodies (Isaac Marion) Distributed by: Summit Entertainment; Lionsgate Ratings: 4/5
Plot: With much of the world's population now, an undead horde, R is a young and oddly introspective zombie. Whilst fighting with and feeding on a human scavenger party, R meets Julie and feels an urge to protect her. What happens next is the beginning of a strangely warm relationship that allows R to begin regaining his humanity. As this change spreads through the local undead population like a virus, Julie and R eventually have to face a larger issue when the very nature of their friendship is challenged. Caught between the paranoid human forces and the ferocious "Bonies", zombies who are a mutual threat, R and Julie must find a way to bridge the differences of each side to fight for a better world no one thought possible.
Review: Warm Bodies is a zombie film uniquely different. It's not of those typical movies of terrifying zombies running around craving for flesh, which is something quite of a horror for audiences. Warm Bodies had a different approach; it focuses on the development of the relationship between Julie, a young woman, and R, a zombie, and how their eventual romance develops throughout which also leads to the group of zombies to change and return to human life form. Overall, this movie can be categorised as a paranormal romantic zombie comedy film, which is based on a novel of the same title.
This film certainly offers a sweet and interesting spin to a genre that all too often been really lifeless. The film is noted and positively received for displaying human characteristics in zombie characters, and also for being told from a zombie's perspective. This allows the audiences to get connected and engaged not only to the overall plot but also to R, the zombie. It is still grounded to zombie setting but overturned with a twist. The story went well paced and nicely directed with a bit of sense of humour added into this post apocalyptic love story that made it certainly enjoyable to watch. This film is not violent or bloody and hence quite relevant to children too.
I first get to know Nicholas Hoult from his performance in X-Men: First Class and he delivered an amazing performance on that one. For this zombie film, that requires a totally different acting approach, Nicholas done a great job too. As a zombie, he had to express himself tough through facial gestures and speak only one or two words out whilst maintaining his rigid crooked movement. His convincing performance here certainly cemented his position as one of the rising young talented stars. For female fans of him, he is dead sexy in this one. Teresa Palmer also pour in amazing performance, and the two of them had quite a spark or good chemistry in this film.
Teresa and R facing the "Bonies"
The movie also did offers heart-racing moments mostly on the encounter between the humans joining forces with the "cured" zombies up against the Bonies, heartless skeleton corpses. However, all that exciting part are mostly reserved til the end part of the film and the lack of details put to the protagonists; Bonies' creation (obviously computer-generated and looks too fake) made things not that impacting. However, the strong interesting love story of Julie and R saved the day. Out of 5 points, I rate Warm Bodies a total of 4. Like what Palmer said "The core of the story is that love breathes life back into people. That human connection saves us. People who have had those lights dimmed inside them, when they fall in-love they get brighter ". I certainly agreed with her statement. A good message from this film.
Cast: Elijah Woods (Frodo Baggins), Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), John Rhys-Davies (Gimli), Sean Bean (Boromir), Sean Astin (Sam), Billy Boyd (Pippin), Dominic Monaghan (Merry)
Directed by: Peter Jackson Release Date: December 19, 2001 Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Basedon: The Fellowship of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Distributed by: New Line Cinema Ratings: 4.5/5
Plot: This film sees Frodo Baggins begin a journey to destroy The One Ring, that he received from his Uncle Bilbo Baggins, and destroys it in the fires of Mount Doom, and destroy Sauron once and for all. He is joined by The Fellowship of the Ring, which consists of his Hobbit friends, Samwise Gamgee, Peregrin Took, and Meriadoc Brandybuck, as well as the Wizard Gandalf, who originally set him on this journey, Aragorn true King of Gondor, and Boromir, from the race of Men, the Elf Prince of Kirkwood, Legolas, and the Dwarf Gimli, son of Gloin (who featured in The Hobbit)
Review: I was inspired by a co-blogger to start a Books That Comes To Life feature on this blog. I was thinking to do this a month ago but sadly, I now barely go to the cinemas due to my busy schedule at the uni. And I also have to think and stick with the theme of this blog, book review. Because most of the films that I am watching weren't from a book. Moving on.. this was a brilliant film and I have alot to thank it for, as it was this film that got me into Tolkien's work, and all things related to The Lord of the Rings. I've always been a fan of things that are unusual, and have loved fantasy films, and books all my life, so this film was a natural choice for me. The way this film starts so light heartened, and how the characters become even more desperate, and distressed, just in the events of this film is enough to know that you're in for some brilliant story telling.
The cast in this film was brilliant, and think that it helped that most of the main cast were relatively unknown actors. I have more recently learnt that more well-known actors like Daniel Day-Lewis, Bruce Willis, Nicolas Cage, Russell Crowd, Vin Diesel, and Liam Neeson had all been asked to play the role in the film to succeed. The cast were all brilliant and suited their respective roles brilliantly, with Ian McKellen, and Viggo Mortensen being the ones that stood out the most to me.
The Fellowship
The Fellowship itself is one of the big things throughout all three films, although it has more effect in this one, and it's the only film where the entire Fellowship is together. When you have a character like a Hobbit, which is innocent and very vulnerable as the main character you need many people around them, and what better way than to have a group of nine people (including Frodo) that has all different ally races in it. This is in my opinion what really brought Tolkien's mythological world together, as you have all these different races that usually barely coexist, if at all working together. The way Legolas and Gimli's friendship grows over this film even is probably the most interesting out of all, as elves and dwarves usually hate each other. The characteristics in all characters was also shown very well, and the way they reacted to certain events throughout was brilliant and made the film more dramatic.
Sauron forging The One Ring
The main antagonist throughout this film series is Sauron. Although he's the main villain he doesn't have much of a physical presence throughout the film, and none during the main story. It's interesting that someone can live due to an object they created, and this kind of reminds me of Voldemort from the Harry Potter books/films, although Sauron did this first literature wise. I actually found the great eye of Sauron intimidating that his physical form in the flash backs as it gives a more sinister feel, as well as the knowledge that he will know where Frodo is if he wears the ring.
Saruman with an Uruk-hai
Although Sauron was the main antagonist, Saruman was the villain that did most of the work and was of valuable help to Sauron. The casting of Saruman couldn't be any better, as who else but Dracula himself Christopher Lee could do a better job. I've always enjoyed anything that Christopher Lee's been in and especially when he's a bad guy, and his presence always makes a film even better whether it's already a brilliant film like this was or something that wouldn't be as good without him. I also liked how Gandalf didn't see this coming, as it shows that no matter how wise someone is, they can't see all that lies ahead.
Frodo wears The One Ring
The One Ring itself is probably the most interesting thing, and although it doesn't get as much screen times as the battles it's still hanging over the story, showing that it's evil, and there is a lot at stake. Since watching the first part of The Hobbit adaptation, I feel that I can appreciate these films even more than I used to, as there are lots of things that happened in The Hobbit that are either re-told in this film, or have an impact on this film. I could appreciate The Ring itself more, as well as the Mithril armour, or Sting (Frodo's sword, originally Bilbo's)
Nazgûl
I also loved the Nazgûl in this film. As they embody everything evil about The One Ring, and how greed can corrupt people. We get back story about Sauron creating other Rings of Power, seven for dwarves, which Sauron couldn't control properly, three for elves, who never used them so couldn't they get controlled. And nine for men who are greedy. It's nice to see how this affected the world around, and how that affects this story. Although you don't see much of them unless Frodo's wearing The One Ring, they are still very menacing looking, and add more dread, and desperation to Frodo's quest, especially in the earlier part.
Strider (Aragorn) in the shadows
Aragorn's development throughout this film, and later films is probably the most interesting, or at least in my opinion, as he starts off as a simple ranger who is tasked by Gandalf to watch over Frodo (this is mentioned in the appendix of The Lord of the Rings novels) and how he is destined to become the King of Gondor. The lighting in the earlier scenes to feature Aragorn was very well done, as he was in the shadow alot of time, which adds mystery to the character. I also liked that Aragorn shows that he has a good heart, as even though he abruptly removes Frodo from the tavern, he still shows kindness.
This was a very good film, and a brilliant start to a tremendous film trilogy. It has given me a great joy over the years, it's a good adaptation, and fairly honest to the book . I would highly recommend this film, as you are bound to love it.
Disclaimer: The following film reviews are all based on the books -or even comic books- (occasionally, I'll do film reviews that weren't from the books) that - a) I've already read and watched the film or b) Already watched the film but haven't read the book YET - and that turned into a film or a TV show and even stage plays.
