Jurassic Park Series (1993–Present)

Jurassic Park Series (1993–Present) 

Jurassic Park (1993)

C – 127m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen – 3D & 2D
A.K.A.: Jurassic Park 3D, JP
Novel: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
Screenplay By: Michael Crichton and David Koepp
Dir.: Sir Steven Spielberg
Starring: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Sir Richard Attenborough, Bob Peck, Martin Ferrero, Joseph Mazzello, Ariana Richards, Samuel L. Jackson, Wayne Knight, Richard Kiley (voice only).
Music By: John Williams

During a preview tour, a theme park suffers a major power breakdown that allows its cloned dinosaur exhibits to run amok. This is the film that started the hit franchise and is by far Steven Spielberg’s best film, though most of his other films are still impressive. The dinosaurs were a milestone in CGI and animatronics at the time, and even decades later, are still impressive and it is easy to see why. The sound (editing and at the time new technology) really makes it though. Dig that score by John Williams too! The editing of the film is tight, the film’s pacing is great, the visuals are wondrous, the acting is spot on and the script scores a bulls–eye. Not recommended for small children though. The preferred way to see this film is the 3D rendering it received a couple of decades later. Don’t miss this one!  

Trivia: The novel and this film generated so much interest in dinosaurs, that the study of paleontology had a record increase in students. The T–Rex occasionally malfunctioned, due to the rain. The Tyrannosaurus Rex’s roars were a combination of dog, penguin, tiger, alligator and elephant sounds. Steven Spielberg wanted the Velociraptors to be about ten feet tall, which was about the full height that they were known to be. During filming paleontologists uncovered a 10–foot–tall specimens of Raptors called Utahraptors. The glass of water sitting on the dashboard of the Ford Explorer was made to ripple by a guitar string that was attached to the underside of the dashboard beneath the glass. At the appropriate time the string would be plucked and the ripples would appear in the glass. When Hurricane Iniki hit, the cast and crew were all required to move to the ballroom of the hotel in which they were staying. Sir Richard Attenborough, however, stayed in his room and slept through the entire event. When asked how he could have done it, he replied, “My dear boy, I survived the blitz!” Incidentally, this was Sir Richard Attenborough’s first acting credit since: The Human Factor (1979). 

Steven Spielberg oversaw the post–production (editing, CGI, etc.) of this film via video link while in Poland filming: Schindler’s List (1993). John Williams did the music score for this film at the end of February 1993 and recorded it a month later. Harrison Ford was offered and turned down the role of Dr. Alan Grant. Director James Cameron said he wanted to make this film but that the film rights of the book were bought a few hours before he could bid. He admitted that Sir Steven Spielberg was the better choice to direct it since he, James Cameron, would have made it much more violent. He further said that he wanted to make the movie with Arnold Schwarzenegger as Grant, Bill Paxton as Malcolm and Charlton Heston as Hammond. Sam Neill injured his hand lighting the flare used to distract the T–Rex. According to him the Phosphorous from the flare dropped on him, got under his watch, and took a chunk out of his arm.

In the 3D version, Steven Spielberg said that adding leaves to the Jeep chase took the excitement from a seven to a nine. Sir Sean Connery was offered the role of John Hammond but turned it down. Jim Carrey was considered for the role of Ian Malcolm. This film wrapped 12 days ahead of schedule. The film was edited for weeks to make it look good without dinosaurs; then the dinosaurs were added. The tagline for this film: “An adventure 65 million years in the making,” was derived from a joke Sir Steven Spielberg made about the thousands of years the mosquito was trapped in the amber before being discovered. This was the first film to use DTS Digital Surround Sound.      

Oscar® winner for: Best Sound, Best Effects – Sound Effects Editing, and Best Effects – Visual Effects.

Followed by: The Lost World Jurassic Park (1997), Jurassic Park III (2001), Jurassic World (2015), and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018).

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Science Fiction Terror
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on 4K / 3D & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

C – 129m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Jurassic Park II: The Lost World, The Lost World: Jurassic Park II, Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World, The Lost World: Jurassic Park 2, Jurassic Park: The Lost World, The Lost World, Jurassic Park II, Jurassic Park 2
Novel: The Lost World by Michael Crichton
Screenplay by: David Koepp
Exec. Prod.: Kathleen Kennedy
Dir.: Sir Steven Spielberg
Starring: Jeff Goldblum, Julianne Moore, Arliss Howard, Sir Richard Attenborough, Vince Vaughn, Richard Schiff, Ariana Richards, Ian Abercrombie, David Sawyer, Eli Roth (uncredited) Theodore Carl Soderberg (uncredited) and Sir Steven Spielberg (uncredited).
Music By: John Williams

A research team is sent to the Jurassic Park Site B Island to study the dinosaurs there while another team approaches with another agenda. This was a major drop in quality from the first film. The CGI and acting are fine but the script is slip–shot and the pacing is a tad too slow. As bad this one was, it isn’t the worst in the series in this reviewer’s opinion. Perhaps this was due to Spielberg’s feelings towards this film. Regardless, this film can only be recommended by the slightest of a margin. 

Trivia: The Japanese tourists running from the T–Rex in the San Diego scene is an homage to the Godzilla films because they are yelling, “I left Japan to get away from this!” in Japanese. Julianne Moore said she did this film to pay–off a divorce settlement and to work with Sir Steven Spielberg. The two animatronic T–Rex each weighed 9 tons. Due to the weight, the crew constructed sets around them rather than bring them to a set. There is roughly 50% more dinosaur action in this film than in Jurassic Park (1993). This film finished on day 69 of its 74–day shooting schedule. The T–Rex scratching its head is a direct homage to the stop–motion–animation T–Rex scratching its head in: King Kong (1933), one of Sir Steven Spielberg’s favorite films. This was the longest Jurassic Park film. Sir Steven Spielberg admitted that during the production of this film he became disenchanted with the film.

Oscar® nominated for: Best Effects – Best Visual Effects.

Sequel to: Jurassic Park (1993). Followed by: Jurassic Park III (2001), Jurassic World (2015) and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018).

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sci–Fi Terror & Violence
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Jurassic Park III (2001)

C – 92m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Return To The Island: Jurassic Park III, Return To The Island: Jurassic Park 3, Jurassic Park III: The Extinction, Jurassic Park 3: The Extinction, The Extinction: Jurassic Park III, The Extinction: Jurassic Park 3, Jurassic Park III: Breakout, Breakout: Jurassic Park III, Breakout: Jurassic Park 3, Jurassic Park 3: Breakout, Breakout: Jurassic Park, Jurassic Park: Breakout, Jurassic Park 3, JP III, JP 3
Characters Created By: Michael Crichton
Screenplay By: Peter Buchman, Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor
Exec. Prod.: Sir Steven Spielberg
Prod.s: Larry Franco and Kathleen Kennedy
Dir.: Joe Johnston
Starring: Sam Neill, William H. Macy, Tea Leoni, Alessandro Nivola, Trevor Morgan, Michael Jeter, John Diehl and Laura Dern.
Music By: Don Davis

A decidedly odd couple with ulterior motives convince Dr. Grant to go to Isla Sorna Island, resulting in an unexpected landing, and unexpected new inhabitants on the island. A step up from the second film in the series, this one boasts of even better CGI, animatronics and a couple of the original cast members returning. The script is also a noted improvement and the pacing is splendid. While this is not the classic that the first film was, this is certainly the next best entry in the series. This is the perfect B – movie for the early 2000’s. See it.

Trivia: According to William H. Macy, in an interview, the animatronic Spinosaurus had a 1,000–horsepower motor, the creature could turn its head at twice the force of gravity, with the tip of its nose moving at a speed of more than 100 miles–per–hour. Incidentally, the Spinosaurus was the largest animatronic ever built, up to that point. It weighed 12 tons and was operated by hydraulics, which allowed it to operate while completely submerged in water. The effects crew used 250 gallons of oatmeal to simulate Spinosaurus poop. The establishing wide shot of the dig site was actual footage filmed in Summer 2001 of Jack Horner’s excavation, which contained several large Tyrannosaurus Rexes and some Hadrosaurs. A few of the action sequences were borrowed from leftover ideas from the first two films. Some of them made it to being storyboarded before being scrapped due to time and budgetary constraints. The scenes included the Pteranodon and Riverboat scenes.

Shooting for this film began before the final script was completed. Stellan Skarsgard, Steve Buscemi, and Tony Shalhoub were all considered for the role of Cooper. John Williams was contacted to write the music for this film but was tied up doing the music for Steven Spielberg’s A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (2001). Williams recommended Don Davis, the man who did the music for this film, for the job. Originally the fight between the Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Spinosaurus was supposed to be longer. Extended parts of the fight can be found in the bonus features on the Blu–ray and DVD copies of the film. Incidentally, the Spinosaurus’ and the Tyrannosaurus Rexes resided on different cotenants and in different areas. The first draft of the script involved a group of teenagers marooned on Isla Sorna Island. This was the last Jurassic Park film to be shot in the 1.85:1 – Widescreen Aspect Ratio.

Sequel to: Jurassic Park (1993) and The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997). Followed by: Jurassic World (2015) and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018).

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sci–Fi Terror & Violence
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Jurassic World (2015)

C – 124m
Aspect Ratio: 2.00:1 – Widescreen – 3D & 2D
A.K.A.: Jurassic World 3D, Jurassic Park IV, Jurassic Park 4, Ebb Tide
Based On Characters Created By: Michael Crichton
Story By: Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver
Screenplay By: Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly
Exec. Prod.: Sir Steven Spielberg
Prod.s: Patrick Crowley and Frank Marshall
Dir.: Colin Trevorrow
Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D’Onofrio, Jake Johnson, Omar Sy, Judy Greer, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Buffett (uncredited) and Brad Calhoun (uncredited).

A new theme park, built on the original site of Jurassic Park, creates a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur, which escapes containment and goes on a killing spree. For a Jurassic Park series entry, much less a film that received the hype that this film did, this film was a colossal screw up. The CGI and acting by most of the cast are about all this film has going for it. The action, (when there is any), is at best stagy and the script is at best corny; never mind the horrendously slow pace. Still, this film was a commercial success. Judge for yourself but it isn’t recommended.

Trivia: This was the first Jurassic Park film to be shot in 2.00:1 – Widescreen Aspect Ratio, the first three films were shot in 1.85:1 – Widescreen Aspect Ratio. Sir Richard Attenborough, John Hammond in Jurassic Park (1993), talked of making another appearance in the series but ultimately never did. When he died on August 24, 2014, it was written into the script, by implication that his character had died prior to the events of this film entry. This film was completed two days ahead of its 80–day filming schedule. 

Sequel to: Jurassic Park (1993), The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), and Jurassic Park III (2001). Followed by: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018).

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sequences Of Science–Fiction Violence & Peril
Available on 4K / 3D & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

C – 128m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen – 3D & 2D
A.K.A.: Jurassic World 2, Ancient Futures, Jurassic Park 5
Based On The Characters Created By: Michael Crichton
Screenplay By: Derek Connolly and Colin Trevorrow
Exec. Prod.s: Sir Steven Spielberg and Colin Trevorrow
Prod.: Patrick Crowley and Frank Marshall (P.G.A.)
Dir.: J.A. Bayona
Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, James Cromwell, Toby Jones, Jeff Goldblum, Geraldine Chaplin, Robert Emms and Peter Jason.

When the island’s dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen and Claire mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction level event. What could have been just another entry in the creature feature series turns out to be much more than that. This massively improved, from the last film entry, film boasts of almost perfect acting (except for actor), great scripting, a fantastic pace and stellar CGI. In addition of this film being a creature film, it has elements of a few classic films: 1.) The Boys From Brazil (1978) – Cloning someone and raising the clone from childhood forward & 2.) Jurassic Park (1993) & Alien (1979) – Reptile like creatures stalking humans in dark spaces. It is equal parts touching, nerve wracking, adrenaline inducing and amusing. Don’t miss this one!

For those keeping score with this reviewer’s opinions on these films: Numbers two and four are the least of the series while one, three and five are the best of the series. Odd!

Trivia: When Sam Neill was asked if he would return as Dr. Alan Grant, he indicated that he thought his time in that role had passed. This film was shot in Hawaii and the United Kingdom, some of it at Pinewood Studios. This film’s tagline was, “Life finds a way,” which is a quote from Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) in: Jurassic Park (1993). It was Goldblum’s favorite line by the way. The teaser trailer for this film premiered with: Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017). This was the first Jurassic Park film to be filmed in 2.39:1 – Widescreen Aspect Ratio. The first 3 Jurassic films were done in 1.85:1 – Widescreen Aspect Ratio and Jurassic World was done in 2.00:1 – Widescreen Aspect Ratio. At 128 minutes in length, this is the second longest Jurassic Park film. The longest was: The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997). Chris Pratt stated that this film required, “significantly more stunts than its predecessor.”

Sequel to: Jurassic Park (1993), The Lost World Jurassic Park (1997), Jurassic Park III (2001) and Jurassic World (2015).

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sequences Of Science–Fiction Violence & Peril
Available on 4K / 3D & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

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

Hitchcock (2012) & The Girl (2012)

Hitchcock (2012)

C – 98m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen (Original) / 2.40.1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray)
A.K.A.: Alfred Hitchcock And The Making Of ‘Psycho’
Hitchcock And The Making Of Psycho
Book: Alfred Hitchcock And The Making Of Psycho by Stephen Rebello
Screenplay By: John J. McLaughlin
Dir.: Sacha Gercasi
Starring: Sir Anthony Hopkins, Dame Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Danny Huston, Jessica Biel, James D’Arcy, Richard Portnow, Kurtwood Smith and Ralph Macchio.

Oscar® nominated for Best Makeup And Hair Styling. Golden Globe nominated for Best Actress – Motion Picture – Drama – Helen Mirren.

The story of love between Sir Alfred Hitchcock and his wife Alma during the making of the classic film: Psycho (1960).  The touching, funny and somewhat dramatic story of love between Sir Hitch and his wife while making Psycho (1960) came off well. Perfect casting for Mirren as Hitch’s wife. Hopkins is still recognizable under his makeup. This was done on purpose. This reviewer preferred the heavy makeup where Sir Anthony Hopkins was not recognizable as Sir Alfred Hitchcock but the effect of the existing makeup is satisfactory. The actors as usual do nothing but the best with the material.

Trivia: Sir Anthony Hopkins met Sir Alfred Hitchcock when he was young, in a restaurant, accompanied by his agent. The real–life murderer Ed Gein, who inspired the character of Norman Bates, also inspired James Gumb / “Buffalo Bill” in the Thomas Harris novel and subsequent film, The Silence Of The Lambs.  And: This film was shot in 36 days.

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Violent Images, Sexual Content & Thematic Material
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy  

The Girl (2012)

C – 91m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Alfred Hitchcock & Tippi Hedren
Book: Donald Spoto
Screenplay: Gwyneth Hughes
Dir.: Julian Jarrold
Starring: Sienna Miller and Toby Jones.

The story of the obsession that Alfred Hitchcock had with Tippi Hedren during their making of the films: The Birds (1963) and Marnie (1964). A disturbing but never less than interesting account of the making of two Alfred Hitchcock classics features superb acting and a lured tale that will keep the viewers watching. The only issue is pacing.

Available on DVD & Digital Copy

In Cold Blood (1967) / Capote (2005) / Infamous (2006)

In Cold Blood (1967)

B&W – 134m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood
Based On The Book By: Truman Capote
Writer – Dir.: Richard Brooks
Starring: Robert Blake, Scott Wilson, John Forsythe, Paul Stewart, John Gallaudet and James Flavin.

After a botched robbery results in a brutal murder, two drifters try to evade police only to come to grips with their mortality and the repercussions of their actions. A vivid and haunting rendition of the classic Truman Capote book should not be missed! Everything works here. There are a couple of slow spots but the wonderful cinematography, detail and acting help the annoyance of those slow spots to be nothing more than a passing notation. Robert Blake would, decades later do time for a real life murder. This reviewer adds this information as an aside coincidence that is part of Hollywood history, otherwise it has very little to do with the film in question. A piece of additional trivia though: This was the first American movie to use the explicative, “Bullshit,” in its dialogue. This film was remade a couple of times and the story of the writing of the book has been dramatized in the films Capote (2005) and Infamous (2006).

Rated: [R]
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy as part of The Criterion Collection and outside of it too.

Capote (2005)

C – 114m / 110m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Truman Capote
Dir.: Bennett Miller
Screenwriter: Dan Futterman
Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Chris Cooper, Bruce Greenwood and Amy Ryan.

New York City socialite Truman Capote travels to Kansas to interview two killers who are set for execution for the writing of his book that would become In Cold Blood.  This is a gut twisting biopic that also serves as another haunting rendition of In Cold Blood. Great performances and cinematography! Philip Seymour Hoffman won a Best Actor Oscar® for his portrayal of Truman Capote. It was additionally Oscar® nominated for: Best Picture, Best Director – Bennett Miller, Best Supporting Actress – Catherine Keener and Best Adapted Screenplay – Dan Futterman. Hoffman also won the Golden Globe for Best Actor In A Motion Picture – Drama. Interestingly enough, the same story was told in a film that was set to be released in 2005 but was changed to 2006 so that it wouldn’t be up against this one. That film is (if you will pardon the pun): Infamous (2006), with Toby Jones, Sandra Bullock, Daniel Craig and others.

Trivia: Philip Seymour Hoffman lost 40 pounds for the role of Truman Capote. The film was shot in 36 days. The film opened on September 30, 2005, the day that would have been Truman Capote’s 81st birthday. And: Sandra Bullock was considered for the role of Harper Lee, which she wound up playing in the aforementioned film, Infamous (2006).

Rated: [R] – Some Violent Images & Brief Strong Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Infamous (2006)

C – 110m / 118m (DVD)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Untitled Douglas McGrath Movie, Every Word Is True, Have You Heard?, Confidential
Screenwriter – Dir.: Douglas McGrath
Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Toby Jones, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sandra Bullock, Isabella Rossellini, Peter Bogdanovich, Jeff Daniels, Daniel Craig, Juliet Stevenson, Michael Panes and Hope Davis.

Truman Capote and Harper Lee travel to Kansas to interview the criminals behind the murders told about in Capote’s book, In Cold Blood. This same storied version of the writing of the book In Cold Blood, as Capote (2005), holds up remarkably well in comparison to Capote. Good acting and the interesting approach to the story being told docudrama style make this worth watching. Be aware that the homosexual escapades of Truman Capote are on display here versus being referred to in Capote. While this doesn’t matter much this reviewer includes it for those who care about the inclusion of that content.

Trivia: Woody Allen advised screenwriter – director Douglas McGarth on a few things while McGarth was writing the movie, as they were both longtime friends. And: The release of this film was delayed so that it wouldn’t be in competition with Capote (2005).

Rated: [R] – Language, Violence & Some Sexuality
Available on DVD & Digital Copy