019. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

019. (21 Jan) Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991, Kevin Reynolds) 7



Kevin Costner and Christian Slater are easy scapegoats because they are, after all, unbelievably wretched here. But Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves fails on most basic levels. Despite all the period sets and costumes, it looks and feels like something a Renaissance fair would put on. As an adventure film, it's boring and obnoxiously self-serious. Without any fun or excitement, this is overlong, tiresome and ultimately painful.

Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1988: Results

5. Tim Robbins in Bull Durham- Robbins gives an entertaining performance finding the endearing qualities within his rather unintelligent character.

4. Christopher Lloyd in Who Framed Roger Rabbit- Lloyd gives an effective villianous turn by putting so much conviction in his performance even when saying the most absurd things.

3. Philippe Noiret in Cinema Paradiso- Noiret gives a moving performance that nicely conveys the warmth and wisdom his character has.

2. Alan Rickman in Die Hard- Rickman creates a deliciously evil villain and is effectively amusing and imposing sometimes even in the same scene.

1. Michael Palin in A Fish Called Wanda- Good Prediction Lezlie. My favorite this whole year is Michael Palin, although it was close between his Oscar winning co-star and Alan Rickman. Despite loving all three though Palin's performance, which succeeds in making assassination and dog killing funny, is my favorite.

Overall Rank:

1. Michael Palin in A Fish Called Wanda
2. Kevin Kline A Fish Called Wanda
3. Alan Rickman in Die Hard
4. Alec Guinness in Little Dorrit
5. Philippe Noiret in Cinema Paradiso
6. Christopher Lloyd in Who Framed Roger Rabbit 
7. Jacques Perrin in Cinema Paradiso
8. Martin Landau in Tucker: The Man and his Dream
9. Salvatore Cascio in Cinema Paradiso
10. Tim Robbins in Bull Durham
11. Raul Julia in Moon Over Parador
12. Dean Stockwell in Tucker: The Man and His Dream
13. Reginald VelJohnson in Die Hard 
14. Michael Keaton in Beetle Juice 
15. Williem Dafoe in Mississippi Burning
16. Charles Fleischer in Who Framed Roger Rabbit
17. David Strathairn in Eight Men Out
18. John Forsythe in Scrooged
19. John Amos in Coming to America
20. Tom Georgeson in A Fish Called Wanda
21. John Cusack in Eight Men Out
22. Harrison Ford in Working Girl
23. John Mahoney in Eight Men Out
24. John Glover in Scrooged
25. Douglas Seale in Ernest Saves Christmas
26. Brad Dourif in Mississippi Burning
27. Dean Stockwell in Married to the Mob
28. Robert Mitchum in Scrooged
29. Judd Hirsch in Running on Empty
30. David Johansen in Scrooged
31. William Atherton in Die Hard 
32. Robert Loggia in Big
33. Stephen Tobolowsky in Mississippi Burning
34. Michael Rooker in Eight Men Out
35. John Ashton in Midnight Run
36. John Murray in Scrooged
37. Lloyd Bridges in Tucker: A Man and His Dram
38. Alexander Godunov in Die Hard
39. George Kennedy in The Naked Gun
40. Arsenio Hall in Coming to America 
41. Lou Diamond Phillips in Stand and Deliver
42. Jeffrey Jones in Beetle Juice
43. Bobcat Goldthwait in Scrooged
44. R L. Ermey in Mississippi Burning
45. Yaphet Kotto in Midnight Run
46. Elias Koteas in Tucker: A Man And His Dream
47. Marco Leonardi in Cinema Paradiso 
48. Val Kilmer in Willow 
49. Frederic Forrest in Tucker: A Man And His Dream
50. Alan Tilvern in Who Framed Roger Rabbit 
51. Keith David in They Live
52. Glenn Shadix in Beetle Juice
53. Bill Pullman The Accidental Tourist
54. Tray Wilson in Bull Durham
55. Christian Slater in Tucker: A Man And His Dream
56. Robert Wuhl in Bull Durham
57. Paul Gleason in Die Hard
58. Liam Neeson in The Dead Pool
59. John Heard in Big
60. Joe Pesci in Moonwalker
61. Jim Carrey in The Dead Pool
62. Keanu Reeves in Dangerous Liaisons

Next Year: 1973 Leading

Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1988: Alan Rickman in Die Hard

Alan Rickman did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Hans Gruber in Die Hard. 

Die hard is an extremely entertaining action film about a group of terrorists who take over a high rise building and are only opposed by one man an off duty cop John McClain (Bruce Willis).

Alan Rickman portrays the head "terrorist" Hans Gruber who invade the building and take hostages. Something I should note right away is that Rickman honestly tries very little to be an east German. He sort of does an accent at times but usually leaves as soon as it comes in his portrayal. Also in any of the times he appears to speaking German it is in fact Germanesque gibberish from him. All this really does not matter, and what might seem a flaw in a different performance only honestly adds to the fun of the performance. Rickman knows he is playing the villain, just as Christopher Lloyd did in Roger Rabbit, and play up that fact for all that it is worth.

I think the best word to describe Rickman's performance here is delicious actually. He takes such a delicious method with material, and plays the part of Hans as deliciously evil. There is not any doubt in Rickman's performance that Hans is just no good, and he has a lot of fun with playing up that fact. Rickman is brilliant here because he does not overact the role to the point of being unrealistic but instead he takes just the right amount of flamboyance with his portrayal. Rickman is entertaining as possible really as Gruber comes in and takes over he building with his unique style and precision. Rickman effectively makes Gruber both an imposing villain as well just an entertaining character.

As a more straight up villain Rickman actually infuses them equally with his scenes of gleeful fun as he makes that as really part of the danger of Hans as the violence comes from him so easily without any hesitations. Rickman is quite good because he really does not show any sadism within his performance or anything such as that instead he is quite chilling by being so matter of fact when he kills. Rickman shows Hans takes a very up front method to the proceedings. For example when he commits his murders in the film he makes Hans slightly bemused not really exactly getting joy out of the killings but rather getting the joy out of getting rid of someone he was frankly just tired of speaking to.

As Gruber Rickman is the proper threat against John McClain as Rickman makes Gruber a man of cold calculation who use all that he has to get through his plan. He makes him very believable in the way Gruber adapts to the new challenges presented by McClain and the cops who eventually appear on the outside. He is particularly great in the scene where he accidentally gets caught by McClain and is able to talk himself out of it by pretending to be a worker who happened to get lost. He could not be better in the scene as he goes from one second with his evil calculating stare, to the next with a believable yet phony fear along with a believable yet phony accent as he tricks McClain into thinking he is a hostage.

Rickman is terrific in the manner in which he makes Hans very much a cunning intelligent business like villain, and within this context is where Rickman is able to make what is so entertaining about him which is in the little thing. Rickman makes the little asides in his performance so very enjoyable. Whether it is the way he comments on the way he also has two of the suits the businessman he soon to murder has in such a casual manner, to the way he casually says he read about one of his supposed terrorist comrade groups in Time magazine, to his conversations about westerns with John McClain over the radio, he is terrifically entertaining in the way he gives Hans just the perfect style and wit. 

Rickman enlivens the whole film which frankly could have become excessively gruesome if it were not for his take on the part of the lead villain. Even when he is being awfully dark in certain scene in the menace he creates through the incisive fashion he works through every scene and every part of his plan he lightens all up with that clever little style that even when we are against him Rickman some how still let us enjoy parts of his plan through his unique humorous fashion he takes with the part. He is able to balance the elements of Hans perfectly with the part as he makes it an easy film to watch him try to get through his plan. He is a great adversary in the film, and just maybe the greatest in any action film ever. Hans Gruber could have been a throwaway baddie but Rickman makes him one of the most memorable through his brilliant use of a certain class and dignity in such an undignified character.

Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1988

And the Nominees Were Not:

Michael Palin in A Fish Called Wanda

Tim Robbins in Bull Durham

Philippe Noiret in Cinema Paradiso

Alan Rickman in Die Hard

Christopher Lloyd in Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1999: Results

6. Laurence Fishburne in The Matrix- Fishburne is mysterious in his first scene, and a fine mentor in the rest of the film.

5. Alan Rickman in Galaxy Quest- Rickman gives a very entertaining deadpan performance that absolutely delivers. 

4. John Malkovich in Being John Malkovich- Malkovich playing Malkovich is truly something enjoyable to watch as he portrays brilliantly every moment of Malkovich no matter who happens to be in his head.

3. Christopher Plummer in The Insider- Christopher Plummer gives a strong performance as Mike Wallace portraying the differences between the performer and the man in the case of a television journalist.

2. Philip Baker Hall in Magnolia- Hall gives a powerful performance as a dying regretful man that stands well among the greatness of his film. 

1. Sam Rockwell in Galaxy Quest-Well no one predicted Rockwell would win so no one wins! Just Kidding. Good Prediction koook160 (Robert MacFarlane). Sam Rockwell actually was easily chosen by me as I loved every moment and every facet of his performance. He makes the most as the former red shirt, who does not want to go as quickly as his character. He is absolutely hilarious in every scene, but even manages to be honestly believable in the fears of his character as well.

Overall Rank:

1. Sam Rockwell in Galaxy Quest
2. Tom Cruise Magnolia
3. Philip Baker Hall in Magnolia
4. Christopher Plummer in The Insider
5. John Malkovich in Being John Malkovich
6. Alan Rickman in Galaxy Quest
7. John C. Reilly in Magnolia 
8. Jude Law in The Talented Mr. Ripley
9. Philip Seymour Hoffman in Magnolia 
10. Michael Clarke Duncan in The Green Mile
11. William H. Macy in Magnolia
12. Gary Cole in Office Space
13. Michael Jeter in The Green Mile
14. Harry Dean Stanton in The Straight Story
15. Sam Rockwell in The Green Mile
16. Jason Robards in Magnolia 
17. Doug Hutchison in The Green Mile
18. Philip Seymour Hoffman in The Talented Mr. Ripley
19. Hugo Weaving in The Matrix
20. Jeremy Blackman in Magnolia
21. William Sadler in The Green Mile 
22. Tony Shalhoub in Galaxy Quest
23. Donnie Wahlberg in The Sixth Sense 
24. Chris Cooper in American Beauty
25. Stephen Root in Office Space
26. James Coburn in Payback 
27. Greg Kinnear in Mystery Men
28. Enrico Colantino in Galaxy Quest
29. Tom Waits in Mystery Men
30. Orson Bean in Being John Malkovich
31. James Cromwell in The Green Mile 
32. Geoffrey Rush in Mystery Men
33. Daryl Mitchell in Galaxy Quest
34. Wes Studi in Mystery Men 
35. Laurence Fishburne in The Matrix
36. Philip Baker Hall in The Talented Mr. Ripley 
37. Chris Cooper in October Sky
38. Paul Giamatti in Man on the Moon
39. Kris Kristofferson in Payback 
40. David Herman in Office Space
41. William Devane in Payback
42. Barry Pepper in The Green Mile
43. Michael Gambon in The Insider
44. Danny Devito in Man on the Moon
45. David Morse in The Green Mile
46. Philip Baker Hall in The Insider
47. Joe Pantoliano in The Matrix
48. Dan Hedaya in The Hurricane
49. Delroy Lindo in The Cider House Rules
50. Ajay Naidu in Office Space
51. Anthony Ray Parker in The Matrix
52. Michael Caine in The Cider House Rules
53. Wes Bentley in American Beauty

Next Year: 1974 Supporting

Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1999: Alan Rickman and Sam Rockwell in Galaxy Quest

Alan Rickman did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Alexander Dane in Galaxy Quest.

Galaxy Quest is quite enjoyable Star Trek parody about a group of has been actors who find themselves in a situation much like one they would have been in their old show.

Alan Rickman portrays Alexander Dane a former Shakespearean actor best known by his role of Dr. Lazarus on the Star Trek like show Galaxy Quest. Long after the end of the show he only finds work doing appearances as the character with the rest of the cast. Although none of them are especially happy, Rickman portrays Alexander Dane as particularly frustrated by his lot. Rickman's performance emphasizes just how much Alexander hates having to best known for his role that he hates, despite what he believes he was capable of.

Rickman is deliciously dead pan with his role as the actor who can barely hold back his disdain for his job of repeating his character's famous lines he despises, and as well for Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen) the actor whom he has no respect due to Nesmith's pompous self absorbed attitude. Rickman performance for quite awhile is filled with exasperated angry remarks, or reactions of the very same. Rickman technically speaking does not go for laughs with his part obviously, yet Rickman is hilarious with his performance utilizing excellent timing throughout the film.

As the situation becomes far worse for the actors Rickman actually stays firm in his portrayal for quite, awhile. Although he keeps up fairly the same manner, except with some moments where he must in genuine horror or concern for his own being, he still stays pretty dead pan. Rickman's act is so enjoyable though it never does get old. His performance manages to stay consistently funny through every situation, and he shows how a perfromance like this is done.

Fairly late in the film as the situation becomes very dire though, and for a key moment Rickman brilliantly breaks the dead pan completely to deliver the line Dane hates, but due to the extreme circumstance delivers it with all his heart. It is a masterful moment for Rickman because he manages to make the moment both still very funny, but oddly poignant as Dane becomes his role in that moment. This is a very enjoyable performance by Alan Rickman, who takes his approach and goes with it marvelously. I can't say after watching it again that this is the best performance in the film.

As Sam Rockwell also did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Guy Fleegman in Galaxy Quest.

Now this is simply a problem that can happen when watching a film in the first time, or in this case watching a film for the first time in quite a while. Watching the film again I saw that it would be quite the injustice not to review his performance as well, as if I watched the film before I listed the nominees I would have chosen Rockwell actually instead.

Sam Rockwell actually does not play one of the has been actors, although Guy was on the show but only as crewman number 6 killed in the first act of episode 81. He actually seems to be a wannabe has been star himself when he first approaches the crew. Rockwell is very enjoyable as he tries his best to attempt to act cool, and be part of the crew even though being part of the crew really is not something particularly to be part of. Rockwell combines an honest enthusiasm with just the right amount of a pathetic quality.

Rockwell really starts to shine though when his character gets far more focus when the crew, who he decides to join, go on the alien craft designed based on the old show. Rockwell proves from the first instant on the craft as four of the crew react in horror to meeting the aliens in their true form, how he will be the best part of the film. As his reaction is an intense but hilarious scream of horror that absolutely steals the scene, which certainly will not be the only scene that he steals.

In every scene that he is Rockwell is extremely enjoyable in each and every moment that he comes in. Just one great example of this is when they first take the ship off from a star base, and pilot is less than successful. Rockwell though to me acts as the funniest part of the entire scene in just his reaction of telling the pilot to move right. His little gesture is just perfect, and Rockwell consistently has great moments like that all through the entire film.

The basis of Rockwell's story in the film is that the aptly named Guy believes that since he was just a nameless crew member on the show who was quickly killed off that he will likely be killed as well. Rockwell is just fantastic in his portrayal of Guy's fears, that keep him on a manic edge through a great deal of the film. Although the fear is a prevailing factor Rockwell's performance never becomes repetitive or one dimensional but instead is always entertaining.

One reasons this is that Rockwell plays with all the facets of this fear so well. Whether it is his more depressed, and hopeless screaming scene asking the rest of the crew if they even know his last name, which could come across as annoying but Rockwell method is only ever comedic gold. His screams of pains although are entirely convincing as screams of pains also are done in just the right way by Rockwell to make me laugh every single time.

He just as efficiently more subtly portrays the fear as a internal dread within Guy as he goes on a ground mission with the crew. I particularly love the moment in which he looks at another alien species instantly recognizes what will eventually happen, with his great delivery of  "Did you guys ever watch the show?" to the rest of the crew due to his this time in a quietly intense and frightened manner that again still manages to be very funny.

Rockwell even manages to bring this fear into a rather strange heroism when the situation becomes quite dire. His speech about might as well go out a hero rather than a cowardly red shirt is superbly handled with strange by effectively degree of passion and fatalism. This is just a wonderful performance by Rockwell in every way though because he is able to be an entirely comedic performance while still managing to be entirely believable considering Guy's situation. I absolutely love this performance that is incredible in the scenes that focus on him, but as well by the way he seems to steal almost every other scene he is in through just the slightest reaction. He is the best part of the film, and I just had to review him.

Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1999

And the Nominees Were Not:

Alan Rickman in Galaxy Quest

John Malkovich in Being John Malkovich

Christopher Plummer in The Insider

Philip Baker Hall in Magnolia

Laurence Fishburne in The Matrix

222. Something the Lord Made

222. (25 Sep) Something the Lord Made (2004, Joseph Sargent) 55



Something the Lord Made makes the odd move to dramatize heart surgery as much as the institutional racism that complicates the partnership of Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas. That makes for rather unbalanced scripting since it's clear Blalock and Thomas's work proved successful. The film is minor, but moving. Alan Rickman's more impassioned performance stands out here while Mos Def is underplaying perhaps too much. They have a good dynamic opposite one another which makes their volatile friendship believable.

147. The Song of Lunch

147. (08 Aug) The Song of Lunch (2011, Niall MacCormick) 54



Christopher Reid's poem about former lovers who meet for an uncomfortable and revealing lunch translates awkwardly to the screen. Even at 50 minutes, MacCormick's adaptation is more pretentious than enlightening. Alan Rickman is unappealing as the male lead, making it difficult to fathom Emma Thompson ever having loved him. His lengthy voiceovers quickly become tiresome. Thompson, fortunately, is incandescent. She has few lines here, but demonstrates what genuine star power can do for an otherwise lackluster production.

Winner Breakdown: Makeup

Makeup:
 - Albert Nobbs
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
- The Iron Lady


I think this is a pretty solid category, to be honest. There's not really any clear winner, as all are extremely strong competitors. Albert Nobbs, while I haven't seen it, just seeing Glenn Close as a man shows how well the makeup was done. Close truly looked like a male, and she is very feminine looking in real life. Harry Potter, I'm shocked it hasn't been nominated for make-up before, especially for something like the first or second film. This film was have an array of make-up for battle wounds, for goblins, and for Voldemort. While many people think it's mostly CGI, it really isn't (see photo of Fiennes in makeup here: http://www.filmonair.com/img/video/harrypotter7_voldermortsmakeup_hd.jpg). And even Hagrid and Dumbledore. Both wonderful. And finally, we have The Irony Lady, who transformed Meryl Streep into an elderly lady. The make-up, here too, was quite flawless, and Meryl looked utterly convincing as an old woman, with thick wrists and ankles, and wrinkles and liver spots. Who will win? I'd say it's a big showdown between The Iron Lady and Harry Potter, but I'm really hoping Harry Potter can take it. The make-up was truly flawless there, and this win will make it Potter's first (and possibly only) win at the Oscars, ever. I wouldn't count The Iron Lady out though. Nor Albert Nobbs.


Will Win: Harry Potter
Could Win: The Iron Lady
Dark Horse: Albert Nobbs
Who I Want to Win: Harry Potter

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II, 2011
Directed by David Yates
Possible Oscar Nominations Include: Art Direction, Visual Effects, Makeup, Original Score, and Best Picture<!- google_ad_section_end ->

Synopsis: Leaving off part I with a just-barely escape from the Malfoy's house, Dobby dead, only 1 Horcrux down, and Voldemort acquiring the Elder Wand, we know there's a way to go. With their next location to search being Gringotts and Hogwarts, the movie escalates into a high-action and powerful film that doesn't stop until it ends. Will Harry find all the Horcruxes in time? Will he defeat He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named? Who will die? Who will survive? And what secrets will he unfold next?

Surprisingly, thus far of reviewing movies, I haven't mentioned that I'm a huge Potter fan. And I mean huuuuge. So anticipation levels were high when this movie was released in theaters in July. Sadly, I wasn't able to see it at midnight like I did for Part I (I was working at camp and didn't have access to a car, or permission to stay out all night), so I saw the film the day after it's release in 2D. The second time, in 3D, though I'll comment on that later.

Being a massive fan, I know this review will appear slightly biased with my undying love for the series, but I'll try to do my best.

The film opens up on Harry at Shell Cottage. We see him at Dobby's grave, and then see him question the Goblin, Griphook, about potentially breaking into Gringotts, the Wizarding Bank, and to Mr Ollivander, the wand-maker  about the Elder Wand. While we know Voldemort just recently acquired the wand, we realize what Harry's choice is... He's going to break into Bellatrix LeStrange's vault at Gringotts to search for a Horcrux. This involves stolen wands, polyjuice potion, more disguises of the non-polyjuice variety, and invisibility cloaks. To say this heist goes successfully is only half true. But you can watch the movie.

Next we land at Hogwarts, where the finale truly begins, 35 minutes into the film. It's ending.

Several things I must comment on now. Firstly, the visual effects were stunning in this film. I mean, seriously. And combined with the use of the 3D the film was a masterpiece for the eyes. I'm not, by any means, a fan of 3D (unless it were animated movies only, and were cheaper), but it's not really my thing. But I had the change to see the movie a 2nd time, and they chose to see it 3D, and I got in for free with my Scene Card. But seriously, I was a big fan of the 3D for this film. No, there wasn't anything jumping out at you, etc, but I felt like this film had infinite layers to it. I felt like I could stare really far into the distance and see so many different things. It felt very real, and like you're actually looking out a window onto all these scenes, not looking at a screen watching a movie. And the use of things flying away from you, in 3D, is also very cool, and has a much better effect. But enough about 3D. Overall, visually, this film was fantastic, and my favourite beside Part I and Prisoner of Azkaban.

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Also, the music in this film was perfectly used. 4-time Oscar Nominee, and my favourite composer by far, Alexandre Desplat, combines new themes, themes from Part I, and themes from past films, predominantly using Hedwig's Theme and Harry's Wondrous World for particularly nostalgic scenes. But Desplat's original work is just as emotionally moving and fantastical as William's work. This film switches between 2 different themes. We have the 'Lily's Theme' Theme, which is shown in the emotional moments, or all things concerning Snape and Harry. And we have the 'Statutes' theme, which is the battle theme used throughout the film. Both of which are beautiful themes. And just let me say, the final Harry vs Voldemort battle tracks are just so triumphant and stunning. I could never choose a favourite track from this score. I would be surprised if this doesn't get Oscar nominated, as it's already been Grammy Nominated.

In the end, this film was well-balanced, having Part I been all talk, and Part II, most definitely, being all action. Some complained that the film was non-stop and the story got lost, but I disagree. As Harry put's it in an early scene, "we plan, we get there, all hell breaks loose" and that's precisely what happens. There's not a solid plot (hence the vague synopsis earlier), but that's okay. Battle and war isn't solid, it's crazy and unplanned and chaotic. So many different things happen to Harry this day (if you were really paying attention you'll notice pretty much the whole of Part II, minus a few scenes, takes course over 24 years. Yep) that it just can't be mapped out of planned. It's a very strong film, with a very strong story. Love is the guiding light, and something we cannot live without.

Overall, I loved this film (maybe not as much as Part I, but I adore Part I). It was visually beautiful, well-acted (specifically from Alan Rickman, duh, and Helena Bonham Carter.. her imitation of Hermione is brilliant and spot-on), and was overall a fantastic film. I foresee many nominations for this film, and if we're lucky (fingers-crossed) a Best Picture Nomination could be on the way. Though we'll see about that one, it's for sure, and would be nothing less than robbery, should HP still not achieve winning the Little Gold Man, in any category.
<!- google_ad_section_start ->
Will Harry Potter finally receive a Best Picture Nod at this years Academy Awards? It could go either way, honestly. With the new voting system the academy instituted for this years nominations, this could either be a good thing for Harry, or a bad thing. Had it been last year, and 10 nominees were for certain, it would've definitely been nominated. This year, we'll have to see, and cross our fingers.<!- google_ad_section_end ->

Rating: 9/10
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479. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

479. (26 Nov) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011, David Yates) 55



Considering how lame the final installment of J.K. Rowling's book series was, it was inevitable the film would be troubled. By splitting it in two parts, it amplifies how unremarkable the plotting is. For the sake of the runtime, the story is rushed on the scale that derailed Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Consider the opening bank heist and the recovery of the Ravenclaw diadem. They're relatively unexciting and bizarrely episodic events considering the film only takes place over the course of a few days. It's not particularly thrilling when a conveniently placed dragon saves your ass or a minor character like Luna Lovegood solves a key mystery like the Ravenclaw horcrux.

Once the battle at Hogwart's begins, the film is crushingly brainless. The challenges that were overcome in Prisoner of Azkaban and Goblet of Fire were because of the cleverness and intellect of the characters. Now they're not even smart enough to think up a spell to stop the fire in the room of requirement or they lamely chase after a snake trying to stab it with a dragon tooth. At some point, the film is simply neither fun nor involving. It simply feels like work watching David Yates resolve a decade-long film series that had towering moments years ago.

The visual effects are still quite good, though the aging in the epilogue is a decided failure. I imagine they'll be the franchise's final Oscar nomination. An Art Direction nod would be inexplicable since there are practically no new sets throughout. Touting it for Best Picture or asking for a Rickman nomination is outlandish.

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART TWO

Written by Steve Kloves

Directed by David Yates

Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Alan Rickman

and Ralph Fiennes

Harry Potter: Is this all real or is it just happening in my head?

Professor Albus Dumbledore: Of course it's all in your head, Harry, but that doesn't mean it isn't real.

As you may or may not already know, I have only ever followed the literary icon, Harry Potter, on film. When the character made his first movie appearance, I watched simply because I was curious to see what everyone else was obsessing about. I even saw the next few films that followed for no other reason other than pure fascination with the incredible spell they cast over their fans. Fantasy has never been my favorite genre but I have always appreciated its grandness and imaginative nature. Despite this though, my interest in Harry Potter changed somewhere along the way (most likely when David Yates took over as director) and I went from mere observer to eager participant. And now that it’s over, I simply wish it weren’t.

As a stand-alone film, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART TWO is not the strongest of the series. In succession with the first part though, it is extremely satisfying. Honestly, how could it not be though? When Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Voldermort (Ralph Fiennes) face off for the last stand to end all subsequent stands of any kind, it is inevitably transfixing. This moment has been coming for years now and even though we all know how its going to play out, whether you’ve read the books or not, there is still a desperate need to see Harry rise to the ultimate occasion of his life. Structurally though, the final installment is somewhat shaky at the start, feeling more like an afterthought instead of the greatest conclusion of all time. It also lacks the whimsy that has always been present in past Potter pictures, no matter how bleak the scenario seems. There is arguably no room for it here but the heaviness can be sometimes too much to bear.

Once HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART TWO lays everything on the table though, it is relentless. In fact, Yates has no interest in holding any casual viewers’ hands for this last outing. It is an emotional journey that must sink deeper and deeper into despair before any hope of success can be found. The battles are epic and characters from the many years at Hogwart’s return to either perish or flourish within those battles. And then there is Harry himself, alongside his two closest allies, Ron and Hermione (Rupert Grint and Emma Watson). Their growth as both actors and characters has perhaps been the most consistent and compelling aspect of the entire series. Watching them come into their own and develop new understandings of their characters and of themselves has been the series’ secret weapon all along. As they leave the nest, they leave us with one of the most bittersweet farewells at the movies in as long as I can remember.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 trailer

Phew.  That was a mouthful.  Below.




Reactions?  I don't know if you can not be excited about this movie and have been born after 1985.  The book series was such a seminal part of our collective childhood, and the movies have been a fun ride.  David Yates has turned out to be the series's best director, and I'm glad he ended up finishing out the franchise.  Prepare for standout performances from Alan Rickman as the ever-mysterious Snape and Emma Watson as fiery Hermione (who, for the first time in the the first installment of Deathly Hallows, was the breakout performance of a film).  I'm on the edge of my seat to see how Yates and co. handle my favorite chapter in the entire book series: "The Prince's Tale."


Last year's great Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 was a good teaser for it's follow-up, which should prove not only to be the best of the series, but hopefully one 2011's best.  Try not to get teary-eyed while watching.  Just try.

Mentally, I've already prepared myself to scream when Mrs. Weasley has her brilliant moment during the Battle of Hogwarts.



.