The Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts Series (2001 – 2011 & 2016 – 2024)

Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

C – 152m (Theatrical Cut) / 159m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, Harry Potter
Novel: Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Exec. Pro. – Dir.: Chris Columbus
Exec. Pro.: Mark Radcliffe
Starring: Sir Richard Harris, Dame Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Daniel Radcliffe, Fiona Shaw, Harry Melling, Richard Griffiths, Ian Hart, Warwick Davis, Verne Troyer, Sir John Hurt, Richard Bremmer, Geraldine Somerville, Dame Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Chris Rankin, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Matthew Lewis, Tom Felton, Jamie Waylett, Josh Herdman, Alfred Enoch, Leslie Phillips, Sir John Cleese, Terence Bayler, Simon Fisher–Becker, Nina Young, David Bradley, Alan Rickman, Zoe Wanamaker, Elizabeth Spriggs, Derek Hough and Julianne Hough.

Music By: John Williams

Orphaned Harry Potter is rescued from negligent stepparents and is sent to Hogwarts for his first year of school. He makes new friends, makes the sports team, and faces some sinister goings on at the school. Masterful adaption of the first Potter novel soars with great acting, a John Hughes like charm, added by Chris Columbus (who directed the first two Hughes Home Alone films), and a wonderful set of CGI images.

Trivia: Alan Rickman was hand picked by J.K. Rowling for the role of Snape. She gave him the vital details of Snape’s backstory that were not revealed until the final novel. Sir Richard Harris had trouble remembering his lines. Daniel Radcliffe would ask him to help run lines so that Harris would have more practice. Robbie Coltrane was the first actor cast. J.K. Rowling vetoed at least one line in the script because it would contradict her then unpublished Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix. Rosie O’Donnell wanted to be in the movie as Molly Weasley and so did Robin Williams as Hagrid. They both asked to play the roles without pay but Rowling vetoed it saying she wanted a strictly English and Irish cast. 

Oscar® nominated for: Best Art Direction – Set Decoration, Best Costume Design and Best Original Score – John Williams.

Rated: [PG] – Some Scary Moments & Mild Language
Available in Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets (2002)

C – 161m (Theatrical Cut) / 174m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Chamber Of Secrets, Incident At 57th Street, Harry Potter 2
Novel: Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Exec. Pro. – Dir.: Chris Columbus
Exec. Pro.: Mark Radcliffe
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, Harry Melling, Toby Jones, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Dame Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Mark Williams, Chris Rankin, Tom Felton, Jason Isaacs, Robbie Coltrane, Sir Kenneth Branagh, Matthew Lewis, David Bradley, Alan Rickman, Sir Richard Harris, Dame Maggie Smith, Jamie Waylett, Josh Herdman, Miriam Margolyes, Sir John Cleese, Alfred Enoch, Warwick Davis, Shirley Henderson, Leslie Phillips, Christian Coulson, Robert Hardy and Julian Glover.
Music By: John Williams

Harry Potter and Ron Weasley have a hard time getting to Hogwarts and darker goings on make Harry suspect something is up. Unfortunately Harry is hearing a strange voice in his head. A mysterious journal holds secrets from Harry’s past and a nice but clumsy elf named Dobby wants to help Harry Potter. Great sequel starts the shift of the story to a darker tone. Almost everything works here. Over–length hampers it a bit.

Trivia: Rupert Grint has a terrible case of severe arachnophobia to the point that he didn’t have to act in the spider scene. To this day, he still hasn’t watched the entire sequence. Sir Richard Harris died a few weeks before the film’s release. Director Chris Columbus reported visiting him in the hospital shortly before he passed and having Harris yelling at him, “Don’t you dare recast the part! I’ll be fine for the next film!” Full–size models of the actors replaced them when their characters were supposed to be petrified. One of two Harry Potter films not to be nominated for Oscars®; the other was Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007). 

Rated: [PG] – Scary Moments, Some Creature Violence & Mild Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2004)

C – 142m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban: The Imax Experience, The Prisoner Of Azkaban, Harry Potter 3
Novel: Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Dir.: Alfonso Cuaron
Producers: Chris Columbus and Mark Radcliffe
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Richard Griffiths, Pam Ferris, Fiona Shaw, Harry Melling, Gary Oldman, Robert Hardy, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, Chris Rankin, Dame Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Mark Williams, David Thewlis, Warwick Davis, David Bradley, Sir Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Dame Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Matthew Lewis, Tom Felton, Josh Herman, Alfred Enoch, Emma Thompson, Jamie Waylett, Julie Christie and Timothy Spall.
Music By: John Williams

The third year at Hogwarts for Harry Potter and company finds the school with a new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher with a secret, dark happenings going on and a murderer named Serious Black on the loose, who is said to be out for Harry himself. Well done entry in the series is a step down from the first two but it is still well done. Be aware that this is the final outing in the: [PG] rated entries and at the time was a shock that it was not: [PG–13].

Trivia: In order to get to know the lead actors director Alfonso Cuaron had them writer character essays in the first person. Daniel Radcliffe wrote a one–page summary, Emma Watson wrote a 16–page essay – indicative of Hermione – and Rupert Grint never turned his in. A clause in the director’s contract forbade him from cursing in front of the kids. Sir Ian McKellen turned down the role of Dumbledore after playing Gandolf by saying two things. 1.) “I had enough trouble living up to one legend. Two would be two much to hope for.” (This reviewer would like to point out that Sir Ian McKellen played and elderly Sherlock Holmes masterfully in Mr. Holmes (2015), making it two legends anyway!) 2.) That he would be an ill fit to replace Sir Richard Harris because Richard Harris considered him, “a dreadful actor.”  

Nominated for Oscars® for: Best Special Effects and Best Original Score – John Williams.
Rated: [PG] – Frightening Moments, Creature Violence & Mild Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (2005)

C – 157m (Theatrical Cut) / 166m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire: The IMAX Experience, The Goblet Of Fire, Harry Potter 4
Novel: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Dir.: Mike Newell
Starring: Eric Sykes, Timothy Spall, David Tennant, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Mark Williams, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Jeff Rawle, Robert Pattinson, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Stanislav Yanevski, Robert Hardy, Katie Leung, Matthew Lewis, Robbie Coltrane, Sir Michael Gambon, David Bradley, Warwick Davis, Clemence Poesy, Dame Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Brendan Gleeson, Alfred Enoch, Jamie Waylett, Josh Herdman, Miranda Richardson, Gary Oldman and Sir Ralph Fiennes. 

Harry Potter finds himself in his 4th year at Hogwarts competing in a potentially dangerous game that is the wizard equivalent of the Olympics. The best of the Potter films and books boasts of splendid acting, great CGI and perfect pacing. Book purists will wriggle in pain over much of the book being cut away but for masterful story telling and striking the perfect balance between light and dark in the series, you can’t do better than this.

Trivia: In one of the first takes of Hermione’s “Cinderella moment”, Emma Watson tripped and fell down the stairs. Mike Newell didn’t realize Alan Rickman wore contacts for his role as Snape, so it took him by surprise when he was complimenting Rickman on his eye color and Rickman popped one of them out. Daniel Radcliffe alone logged 41 hours and 38 minutes underwater during the filming of the underwater scenes. Radcliffe also suffered two ear infections following said filming. 

Rated: [PG–13] – Sequences Of Fantasy Violence & Frightening Images
Oscar® nominated for: Best Art Direction – Set Decoration.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007)

C – 138m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix: The IMAX Experience, The Order Of The Phoenix, Harry Potter 5, Tip Top
Novel: Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Michael Goldberg
Dir.: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Melling, Fiona Shaw, Richard Griffiths, Robert Pattinson, Ralph Fiennes, Natalia Tena, Brendan Gleeson, George Harris, Peter Cartwright, Gary Oldman, Mark Williams, David Thewlis, Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Julie Walters, Timothy Bateson, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Robert Hardy, Jason Isaacs, Chris Rankin, Sir Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton, Tom Felton, Jamie Waylett, Josh Herdman, Katie Leung, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, David Bradley, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Alfred Enoch, Warwick Davis, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane and Timothy Spall.

With their warning of Lord Voldemort’s return, Harry Potter and Dumbledore are targeted by Wizarding authorities as they slowly take over Hogwarts. Meanwhile there is a prophecy waiting to be heard and fulfilled. The least of both the book and film series in this reviewer’s opinion. Though the film isn’t terrible it is a huge step down from the rest of the series and serves only as a bridge story, the plot points of which can be guessed from the very beginning. 

Trivia: The second of two films in the series not to be nominated for Oscars®; the other being Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets (2002). During filming Alan Rickman banned Matthew Lewis and Rupert Grint from being within five meters of his BMW because during the making of Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (2005) they had spilt a milkshake on his car. Evanna Lynch, the actress that plays Luna Lovegood, made her character’s radish earrings. Stephen King said that the character of Delores Umbridge was, “the greatest make believe villain to come along since Hannibal Lecter.”

Rated: [PG–13] – Sequences Of Fantasy Violence & Frightening Images
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Half–Blood Prince (2009)

C – 153m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Half–Blood Prince: The IMAX Experience, The Half–Blood Prince, HP And The HBP, Harry Potter 6
Novel: Harry Potter And The Half–Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Dir.: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Gambon, Jim Broadbent, Bonnie Wright, Dame Julie Walters, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Timothy Spall, Alan Rickman, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, Tom Felton, Alfred Enoch, Evanna Lynch, Jamie Waylett, Josh Herman, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, David Bradley, Matthew Lewis, Dame Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Natalia Tena, Mark Williams, Jason Isaacs and Robert Knox.

Harry Potter in his 6th year at Hogwarts finds a bookmark with the name “The Half–Blood Prince” on it. He also finds dark secrets from Voldemort’s past. The redemption film and book of the respective mediums’ series, in this reviewer’s opinion. The film is a step up from the pervious one and is haunting well past the first viewing though it is strictly routine. Great acting and CGI as always. 

Trivia: Robert Knox, who plays Marcus Belby, was stabbed to death on May 24, 2008, just a few days after filming wrapped. Dame Maggie Smith completed filming while undergoing radio–therapy as treatment for breast cancer. Daniel Radcliffe hated his own performance in the film and stated that it was, “hard to watch.” Warner Brothers reportedly received death threats for pushing the release of this film from 2008 to 2009. Emma Watson almost exited the series after the last one but stuck it out. Speculated reasons as to why may vary. Bill Nighy was hired to play Rufus Scrimgeour, the Minister Of Magic, but there was no place for him in this film so his role was switched to Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010).

Oscar® nominated for Best Cinematography.
Rated: [PG–13] – Scary Images, Some Violence & Mild Sensuality
[PG–13] – Some Disturbing, Bloody Violence Including Mature Thematic Material, Language, Sexuality, & Disturbing Elements / Images
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)

C – 146m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen – 3D & 2D
A.K.A.: The Deathly Hollows Part 1, The Deathly Hollows, Harry Potter 7
Novel: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Dir.: David Yates
Producer: J.K. Rowling
Starring: Bill Nighy, Emma Watson, Richard Griffiths, Harry Melling, Daniel Radcliffe, Dame Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Rupert Grint, Fiona Shaw, Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes, Helen Bonham Carter, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Timothy Spall, Sir Michael Gambon, Robbie Coltrane, Brendan Gleeson, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, George Harris, Domhnall Gleeson, Clemence Poesy, Natalia Tena, David Thewlis, John Hurt, Evanna Lynch, Rhys Ifans, Simon McBurney, Matthew Lewis, Josh Herdman, Katie Leung, Imelda Staunton, Toby Jones, Miranda Richardson and Warwick Davis.

Harry, Ron and Hermione travel around destroying Horcruxes and discover the three most powerful objects in the Wizarding world: The Deathly Hallows. The first Harry Potter entry to be called a “Road,” film at the time is more of an angry and melancholy adventure film. The dance in the tent was a nice touch, given that it was not planned to be shot. Once again this is a bridge story but when viewed in the bigger context of the whole novel, it is less annoying than Order Of The Phoenix.

Trivia: Jason Isaacs, Lucius Malfoy, almost didn’t return for this one, thinking his character would have little screen time since he was arrested in Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007). When he met with J.K. Rowling he begged to be let out of prison and she replied, “You’re out, chapter 1.” The filming of the “Seven Harrys” scene was so complex that Daniel Radcliffe counted over 90 takes just for one shot. Upon seeing the set for Hermione’s bedroom Emma Watson told the set decorators that there should be more books, which they happily accommodated. This was the first of the films to have J.K. Rowling as a producer. One of the posters in the scene where Harry, Ron and Hermione apparate into London is for the play Equus, which Daniel Radcliffe was in. A scene of Tonks telling Mrs. Weasley that she, Tonks, was pregnant was shot but was ultimately cut from the final film. David Holmes, 25, Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double sustained a serious back injury performing an aerial sequence where he had to fall to the ground after an explosion. The only film in the series not to feature Dame Maggie Smith.

Oscar® nominated for: Best Visual Effects and Best Art Direction.

This was planned–to–be released theatrically in 3D but the 3D rendering was not perfected in time for the theatrical release. It is available on Blu–ray in 3D though.  

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Sequences Of Intense Action Violence, Frightening Images & Brief Sensuality
Available in 3D and 2D on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy. 

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)

C – 130m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen – 3D & 2D
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 3D, Harry Potter 7 Part 2 3D, Harry Potter 7 Part 2, Harry Potter 7 – 2 3D, Harry Potter 7 – 2, Harry Potter 8
Novel: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Dir.: David Yates
Prod.: J.K. Rowling
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Sir Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Evanna Lynch, Domhnall Gleeson, Clemence Poesy, Warwick Davis, John Hurt, Helena Bonham Carter, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis, Alfred Enoch, Katie Leung, Bonnie Wright, Dame Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent Jash Herdman, George Harris, David Thewlis, Dame Julie Walters, Mark Williams, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Chris Rankin, David Bradley, Natalia Tena, Emma Thompson, Leslie Phillips, Timothy Spall, Robbie Coltrane, Gary Oldman and Ian Hart.

Harry Potter, Ron and Hermione search for the remainder of Voldemort’s Horcruxes as the final battle rages on at Hogwarts. A wonderful finish to a great series! Rickman stands out with his performance as Snape.

Trivia: Daniel Radcliffe reportedly broke around 80 wands during the franchise since he was using them as drumsticks. In the Gringotts scene near the beginning of the film where Hermione has taken Polyjuice Potion to look like Bellatrix, Helena Bonham Carter is doing an impression of Emma Watson since Watson did a demo for Bonham Carter of how Hermione would act if she were in the scene. Emma Watson and Rupert Grint both had bum casts made so that the seats on the brooms would be more comfortable to sit on.

Oscar® nominated for Best Makeup, Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction.

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Sequences Of Intense Action Violence & Frightening Images
Available in 3D and 2D on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Casper Trilogy

Casper (1995)

C. – 100m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen.
Starring: Bill Pullman, Christina Ricci, Cathy Moriarty, Malachi Pearson, Eric Idle, Ben Stein, Don Novello, Fred Rogers, Terry Murphy, Joe Nipote, Joe Alaskey, Brad Garrett, Dan Aykroyd, Rodney Dangerfield, Clint Eastwood, Mel Gibson and Devon Sawa.

A paranormal expert and his daughter stay at a mansion in Maine while they try to rid it of three mischievous ghosts and one nice one. But are they helping the wrong entity? 

Trivia: Turing the filming Christina Ricci, Bill, Pullman, etc. had to speak to tennis balls, as the ghosts were C.G.I.ed in later. A piece of fishing line filled in for Casper during the scene where Kat gets dragged out the window and taken to the lighthouse. And finally: This is the second movie where Christina Ricci’s love interest, in this case the human form of Casper, is played by Devon Sawa. The other was: Now And Then (1995). 

Rated: [PG] – Mild Language & Thematic Elements.
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc, but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Casper: A Spirited Beginning (1997)

C. – 90m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen.
A.K.A.: Casper II: Ghost Central Station, Casper: The Beginning
Starring: Steve Guttenberg, Lori Loughlin, Michael McKean, Sherman Hemsley, Brian Doyle–Murray, Casper Van Dien, James Earl Jones, Pauly Shore, Michael McDonald, Jeremy Foley, Bill Farmer, Jess Harnell, and Jim Ward.

Casper tells the story of how he became a friendly ghost. A little less spirited than the title would suggest but still an easy watch. Story takes a back seat in this one while cameos abound.

Trivia: Ben Stein and Rodney Dangerfield previously appeared in Casper (1995).

Rated: [PG] – Language, Crude Humor & Threatening Situations.
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on DVD & Digital Copy.

Casper Meets Wendy (1998)

C. – 90m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Widescreen.
Starring: Cathy Moriarty, Shelley Duvall, Teri Garr, George Hamilton, Hilary Duff, Vincent Schiavelli, Michael McDonald, Travis McKenna, Patrick Richwood, Alan Thicke, Casper Van Dien, Pauly Shore, Jeremy Foley, Jim Ward, Bill Farmer, Jess Harnell, Norm MacDonald, Joel Ross and Ben Stein.

Casper the friendly ghost teams up with Wendy the witch (Hilary Duff) against an evil warlock (George Hamilton). A very entertaining third entry in the series is a step up from its predecessor. A spunky cast make this a delight to watch. Note that George Hamilton’s flamboyant performance as the wicked warlock keeps this from getting too scary for young viewers.

Trivia: The voices of the ghosts from Casper: A Spirited Beginning (1997) are back along with Casper Van Dien and series runner Ben Stein. This was Hilary Duff’s television debut. And finally: Cathy Moriarty, who plays Wendy’s Aunt Geri here, played Carrigan in the first Casper (1995).

Rated: [PG] – Mildly Scary Scenes, Some Thematic Elements & Language.
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on DVD & Digital Copy.

Christina Ricci Teen Movie Summer 1995 Double Feature

Gold Diggers: The Secret Of Bear Mountain (1995)

C. – 94-m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Christina Ricci, Anna Chlumski, Polly Draper, Diana Scarwid, David Keith, Gillian Barber, Ashleigh Aston Moore, Jewel Staite, Andrew Wheeler and Jennifer Hale (as Carren Learning).

A city girl (Christina Ricci) moves with her mother to where her mother grew up and makes friends with a tomboy (Anna Chlumski). Together they solve the mystery of Bear Mountain, Molly Morgan, treasure and find out what friendship is all about. “Some friendships are worth a fortune,” isn’t just the tagline for this film in this reviewer’s opinion. A coming of age story that isn’t afraid to be somewhat dark and yet capture the happy abandonment of such things that teen friends can experience when they are together. The warmth of the film brings nostalgia to this viewer even many decades after first seeing it. 

Trivia: Christina Ricci revealed that she wished she had never starred in this film on Watch What Happens Live in a segment titled: “Never Should Have.” Christina Ricci and Ashleigh Aston Moore starred as friends in Now And Then (1995).  And finally this was the film debut of Jewel Staite.

Rated: [PG] – Mild Language & Thematic Elements, Including A Child’s Exposure To Domestic Abuse.
Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc but Available on DVD & Digital Copy. Should be on Blu–ray.

Now And Then (1995)

C. - 100m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Gaslight Addition, Dear Friends
Starring: Demi Moore, Gabby Hoffmann, Rosie O’Donnell, Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, Melanie Griffith, Ashleigh Aston Moore, Rita Wilson, Walter Sparrow, Cloris Leachman, Hank Azaria, Bonnie Hunt, Rumor Willis, Devon Sawa and Brendan Fraiser.

A group of teen girls growing up during the summer of 1970 have some summer fun and form a life-long bond. Years later, in 1991, they reunite for one of them being pregnant and giving birth to a baby. I am convinced that this should be considered part of the strongest teen coming-of-age stories from the 1980’s. The, “adult,” cast is perfectly fitted to the, “teen,” cast in appearances. While the story is simple the way the cast plays it makes one wish they were around when these teens were growing up, even if they are far removed from it. It has the feel of a John Hughes film without actually being that. The story of life long friendships may seldom play out in real life but it always makes for a feel good film. Another annual must-watch film; suggested for summer viewings!   

Trivia: Reportedly, in the scene where Chrissy punches Roberta in the face for pretending to drown, Christina Ricci forgot to turn her head and wound up actually getting punched in the face full force by the late Ashleigh Aston Moore. This shut down production for a few days due to Ricci being badly bruised. Incidentally, Ashleigh Aston Moore had to gain 20 pounds for this film. Also, this was one of two films she made with Christina Ricci in 1995, the other being: Gold Diggers: The Secret Of Bear Mountain (1995). Additionally, Christina Ricci’s love interest in this, Devon Sawa, was also her love interest in the same year’s Casper (1995). It is also reported that Christina Ricci and Gabby Hoffmann are best friends in real-life. And finally: Notice that every time the teen women play, “Truth Or Dare,” they always pick truth.  

Rated: [PG–13] - Adolescent Sex Discussions
Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc but Available on DVD & Digital Copy. Should be on Blu–ray.

Beauty and The Beast (1991 & 2017) Film Review by Nate Taves

Movie Artwork for Beauty and The Beast (1991)

Beauty And The Beast (1991)

C. – 84m. (Original Theatrical Cut) / 91m. (Special Edition)
Aspect Ratio: 2.70:1 – Widescreen – IMAX Special Edition Release
1.85:1 – Widescreen – Intended
1.78:1 – Widescreen – Blu–ray 3D & 2D
1.66:1 – Widescreen – Original Negative
1.50:1 – Widescreen – IMAX Release – Animated
A.K.A.: Beauty And The Beast: Special Edition and Beauty And The Beast: 3D

Starring: Robby Benson, Jesse Corti, Angela Lansbury, Jerry Orbach, Bradley Pierce, David Ogden Stiers, Brian Cummings and Frank Welker.

A beautiful young woman named Belle takes her father’s place as captive to a Prince who is under a spell that rendered him a beast. “A tale as old as time,” gets an animated facelift from the Disney Studio and it pays off wonderfully. The visuals are dazzling, particularly in 3D and the music will make one’s heart swell with emotion. A must watch children’s classic! Academy Award Winner: Best Original Score & Best Original Song: “Beauty And The Beast”.

Trivia: It took the Disney studio three tries before they were able to make a go of making this film. Many scenes were storyboarded but were not animated. Angela Lansbury, Mrs. Potts, thought another character should sing ”Beauty And The Best” but made a recording of the song ,“just in case,” as viewers know, the recording made it into the film. Julie Andrews was originally considered for the role of Mrs. Potts before it was offered to Angela Lansbury. The last part of the Cogsworth’s line, “Flowers, Chocolates, and promises you don’t intend to keep…” was adlibbed by David Ogden Stiers. And finally: Jackie Chan did the singing and voice work for Beast in the Chinese Mandarin dub of the film.

Rated: [G]

Out Of Print on VHS, but Available on 3D / 2D Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Beauty and The Beast (2017) Movie Poster

Beauty and The Beast (2017)

C. – 129m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen (Standard Release) / 1.90:1 – Widescreen (IMAX); 3D & 2D. – Live Action

Screenplay By: Stephen Chbosky.

Starring: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evens, Josh Gad, Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor, Sir Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson and Stanley Tucci.

Beauty, Belle (Emma Watson) takes her father’s (Kevin Kline) place as the prisoner of the Beast (Dan Stevens). Can true love form between the captor and his prisoner so the spell will be broken? If you have seen any other version of this story, particularly the original Disney animated film version, you know it can and does form. Like the aforementioned animated classic this is an equal in terms of hitting all the right notes. Unfortunately the songs being padded does drag the film down a notch from the animated classic’s rating. It is however still worth a watch and should please adults and children alike.

Trivia: Sir Ian McKellen was originally offered the part of Cogsworth in the original Disney Beauty And The Beast (1991), but turned it down. Ryan Gosling was offered the role of Beast but turned it down to be in La La Land (2016) with Emma Stone, who won an Academy Award for Best Actress for it. Emma Watson became friends with screenwriter Stephen Chbosky while making The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (2012) and brought him on to work the script after Guillermo Del Toro exited the project as writer and director. And finally: Emma Watson said she was bored during the filming of the, “Be Our Guest,” scene. According to her, the crew would tell her jokes to keep her entertained and elicit genuine giggles that could be used as reactions in the film.

Rated: [PG] – Some Action Violence, Peril & Frightening Images.

Released theatrically in 3D & 2D. Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy (in 2D only).