Have only started reading the book, did screen the movie as per previous plan of HP 1-5 marathon + HP6. I’m very much taken by how the story has gotten much, much darker – for something I’d (forgive me) hardly any interest when the books came about. Took me years to succumb to reading, but like most once I started I could hardly stop. But that’s a testament to some powerful writing. I take the movies as they are, and especially in this case. No spoilers: But know this, this latest Potter offering ends very sadly, and leaves a heavy feeling in your heart. With things going this badly one can only hope that good triumphs in the end and that the cost is not too great. And now to (re)start on the books, to see just how much they left out in the flicks.

Required viewing for Terminator fans – this latest offering is big on bang and killer ‘bots, if nothing else, compared to the tv series, which has more heart and a relatively better plot. Marcus Wright, from the movie reminds me of Uncle Reese, from the show. The movie’s John Connor felt wan, if that’s possible? Angry but wan? Maybe I’ve reached a Christian Bale saturation point – while the show’s JC delivers the right mix of anger, frustration, drama, fear.

Recommended order for Terminator marathon: T1, T2, the tv series, and then T4. Missing something? T3 was so forgettable (the movie came up empty and useless) that your hardcore fan friends can fill you in on what went down since T2.

The silver lining: James’s great summer adventure of doing shifts at a carny, making new friends, meeting cute girls, falling in love, smoke breaks, drives to somewhere, crazy things in and out of work and it’s everybody’s life at one point in time. Adventureland could be someone’s summer of love. I thought it was going to be a heck of a bad movie where I fall asleep face first into my extra-large tub of popcorn, but I’m glad it wasn’t. Pretty good coming of age, excellent pacing, a few laugh out loud moments and enough 80s tunes to bring Donnie Darko back from the wormhole. Go see this movie. Go for a drive afterwards. Go have fun, crazy times, and when summer’s over you’ll look back at this and see how good it all was.

Made me cry. All I’m saying.

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The duel in the graveyard disturbed and upset me. Harry facing off against a very (the most?) powerful opponent went against fairness, which seemed very wrong to me. Of course, one might argue – that evil doesn’t obey the rules, the fact that evil exists (or is allowed to exist) is opening a can of existential argument worms… but I digress. Seeing HP’s parents come back for a second and help their son escape made me wince, gasp, and finally feel incredibly relieved. I’ve been screening the HP films in order, getting ready for HP6, and the journey’s been emotional – I’m embarrassed to admit. But I will say this, The Goblet of Fire was something else. It’s an excellent adaptation, little do I remember of the book (it’s been a while), and it’s highly recommended viewing. Full marks. If you haven’t yet caught up on your Potter movies you should do so in time to catch the latest one in the theater this weekend.

A rare five stars out of five! HP1 is truly a magical movie, where our young hero escapes the drudgery of mundane existence and starts attending a wonderful, scary, exciting Uni to learn about his heritage and become his true self. Years after reading the book, I found myself amazed by the whole thing, at times wide-eyed, laughing in glee as Harry himself. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is an excellent introduction to the series, one that opens up a new world and invites the viewer to many fantastic adventures ahead!

Haven’t actually watched any of the films… did just complete snagging them via this magick gidjet called the internet. Marathon this weekend, of course, in preparation for the 6th on Tuesday. Yay, Harry Potter!

Franco does a great Dean – it some scenes it’s almost like the man’s back on screen, alive! and the car crash becomes a dim memory. Saw this on the small screen but oh, did it hold me captive. Yours truly didn’t fall asleep. Didn’t go for any bathroom breaks. Didn’t flinch. TNT (Stateside tele network that aired it) should schedule this one at least once a month, if they know what’s right.

Hokey, predictable Science vs Religion followup to Davinci Code makes me think my time at seminary could’ve been a lot more productive if I spent less time praying and hung out at the library instead. The chase, grand and ambitious as it was – failed to deliver and lacked thrill. Insert sadface here. The Vatican Archives weren’t as impressive as one would think, though the movie really shows a section, and just a glimpse as that. Movies shot on location in Rome (or those that pretend to be) tend towards a certain old world beauty, and that’s the one true thing here. The Hannibal flick, and the Hepburn one come to mind. But Angels and Demons isn’t a travelogue. A whodunit, religio-tainted thriller that barely delivers, one would be well-advised to (maybe) read the book instead.

Neo-noir, ok I’ll bite. I like noir a lot, its neo cousin? Not so much. Still, the disc will spin in my player, I’ll settle in with a snack and a drink and – with no expectations on quality – go and press play. This itty STV wannabe-neo isn’t even worth the usual fifteen minute trial screening. You know what that is: If the flick doesn’t pick up or move you in any way in the first 15, it probably won’t for the rest until the credits roll.

So I tried it a second time, sure. Same thing. The Perfect Sleep has ambition in spaced, but there’s little if any meat on the bones. Ok visuals, but the story needs to be told. And properly. Both screenings ended up being snoozes, so it goes.