Film Review: Harry Potter "The Chamber of Secrets"

**Spoilers** 
If you have not yet seen this movie, please go and do so before proceeding.

         So Harry comes to his second year at Hogwarts, the Dursleys are as awful as ever, and I think I've just fallen in love with the Weasleys a little bit more. I wasn't aware that was possible, but sure enough it happened.

          I absolutely love the friendship that Harry and Ron share. Harry and Hermione are great too, but as Hermione is petrified about halfway through this movie, it's really Harry and Ron who come to the forefront. Separated from their friend, they have to put all of the pieces of the puzzle together and figure out what the mysterious monster is.

         There's a lot of humor in this one, more so even than in Philosopher's Stone, I think. J.K. Rowling is really the mistress of the ironic snark and a lot of her hilarious, thought-provoking prose is carried through to the screen. 

       We are also introduced to the Weasley Clan Patriarch, played to utter perfection by Mark Williams. I think Harry will forever love Arthur because, when they met, he was the only person from the wizarding world to absently ask Harry who he was and then, upon learning his name, cheerfully quiz him about the function of a rubber duck and muggle culture rather than gawking at his scar and making cryptic statements. (YES, MR. MALFOY I'M LOOKING AT YOU!)

           The Weasleys may be the highlight of the movie, but to be honest it is hard to pick out which moment is best. One of the most exciting scenes would have to be the Quidditch match where Harry goes up against his rival, Draco Malfoy, in a Seeker battle that also includes a rogue bludger. This is definitely something that will have you on the edge of your seat, watching intently and fighting the urge to squeak every time that the bludger almost hits either of the boys.

          I absolutely adore the music, particular the epic, menacing score that plays whenever something to do with the Chamber of Secrets or the Heir of Slytherin. The score has a sound that is uniquely Harry Potter. John Williams is the composer (again) and he just contributes so much charm, enchantment, and emotion that I get chills every time I hear the themes start to play. They just set the tone so well. 

          The climax of the movie, with the reveal of Tom Riddle and the fight with the Basilisk, is just perfect. It's tense and full of action (though I always do feel sorry for Ron, trapped with Lockhart, worrying for Ginny and Harry) and has a satisfying end. Certainly the big hug that Hermione runs in and gives to her boys puts a big, stupid smile on my face every time. I also really love the message of this movie. Harry discovers that he is a Parselmouth. He has some of You-Know-Who's power inside of him because of what happened when he was a baby. But that doesn't mean he's doomed to go dark side to. It's the choices a person makes that defines what they are. Everybody has some dark in them. Some choose to fight against it, others do not. It's all about attitude and choice.

          There is so much more that I could say about this movie. Really I don't think there is a dull or wasted cog in any of the works. Everything melds together to create a (dare I say it) magical journey that whisks me off to another world and a wonderful story of friendship and loyalty every time I watch it. Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets is a 5/5.

What did you think? Do you agree with my rating? If not - what would you say differently?

Film Review: The Incredibles

**Spoilers**
If you have not yet seen this film, please go and do so before proceeding.

        Remember whenever Pixar actually was producing ground-breaking, unique movies? The Incredibles is the sixth film produced by the 3D animation studio responsible for stories such Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and UP and is one of my personal favorite movies of all time. This was a huge leap forward for the studio and it is a very ambitious story because, not only are people the main focus, but there are also fight scenes and sci-fi elements and explosions (lots and lots of explosions) to animate.

       Nobody can ever tell me that this was intended to be a kid's film. Just...just no. Did we even watch the same film? Much like The Hunchback of Notre Dame, this story touches on some very adult themes. More so even than it touches on anything for kids. Sure Dash struggles with being different from everyone else and Violet wants to work up the courage to talk to the cute boy at school, but that is not the focus of the story. Really, when you look at things, this story is about Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl (or Bob and Helen Parr) and their relationship both as superheroes and as parents. People always gush and squee over the couple of Carl and Ellie from the beginning of UP, but I really think that those famous two had their roots in this movie. Why? Well...let's talk about the story.




         In a world not so different from ours, there are a group of people called Supers. Much like the X-Men, these are children who are born with extraordinary and superhuman powers only, unlike in X-Men, the Supers are not feared or ostracized from society. Rather they form a community all of their own and work as a team to keep the world safe from the evils of the dregs of society. They are lauded by the government and supported by the police. Life is good. The movie opens with two famous Supers (Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl) getting married under their secret identities (Bob and Helen). They're young and in love and, hey, they're Supers...what's the worst thing that could happen?!

       Well we find out in a frankly hilarious news montage where Mr. Incredible is sued by a suicidal man for saving him from jumping to his doom. This event, of course, opens the floodgates for dozens of other lawsuits and finally things get so bad that the government initiates something called the Superhero Relocation Program where Supers are stripped of their identities, given jobs, and instructed to live quiet lives as ordinary civilians. This becomes the template that the rest of the film will build its narrative off of.

      I say that this is more a movie for older kids and adults, not because the action is too violent (it's not and it's very obviously animated...early days of CG animation, remember) but because the story is literally just about Mr. Incredible's mid-life crisis, except with the added twist that he is a Super gifted with extreme strength. Bob was never really able to fit in with a quiet civilian life the way his wife worked to assimilate due to the fact that he desperately just wanted to help people and he got dropped at an insurance agency that seemed more concerned about setting up obstacles for the customers than doing right by. By the time the story picks up with him again after the legal montage he is in his late forties, overweight, struggling at a dead-end bottom-of-the-ladder job that he hates, and he has three children who were also born with superpowers and who are struggling to fit in and not feel like freaks. He is tired, frustrated, and feels like nothing in his life is going right. Helen, on the other hand, is steadfastly trying to keep her family afloat and hidden from civilians and criminals alike, worried that Bob is tailspinning, and is having her own struggles. In short, basically think the Bailey family from It's A Wonderful Life, but with superpowers.

       The film is told almost exclusively through the POV's of the two parents, whether it be Bob struggling with his feelings of uselessness and trying to protect his family or Helen trying to support him and yet keep her own life going. They just feel very real. They argue and they fight and they even sometimes lie to each other (with terrible consequences) but in the end they have each other's backs.

          

         This story is also not afraid to go into some very dark places. Comics and superheroes have never been a medium that shies away from prejudice and cause-and-effect (just look at X-Men or Batman, to name two famous examples) but this is a Disney-endorsed movie containing torture, death, the threat of death to even children, a disappointed child who turns into a villain, and the very adult concepts of martial unfaithfulness and the parents grieving/preparing to sacrifice themselves for their kids. Not that children watching this movie will necessarily be oblivious to such things (goodness no) but they're definitely no themes that you normally see showcased in a children's movie. Especially not one under the name of ol' Uncle Walt.

        Take the moment when Syndrome sends off the missiles to take down the jet Helen and Violet and Dash are riding in. He shows absolutely no mercy to the fact that there are children on board, instead laughing and using it against Bob. For one terrible moment, we actually think that Bob's wife and children have died and the film lingers on that, letting us feel the depth of Bob's gut-wrenching guilt and grief. The movie totally goes there and doesn't gloss over. How about Helen's face when she pleads for the life of her children and then leaps towards them, shielding them with her own body? This is one of the films that I can say actually moves me to tears at places and...wow. I am amazed every time with just how intense, scary, and real the danger and action is.

        Helen even explains to her children at one point, using their memories of Saturday morning cartoons to illustrate. "Remember those bad guys on the cartoons you two used to watch on TV? Well these bad guys aren't like those guys. They won't exercise restraint or pity just because you're children. They will kill you if they get the chance. Do NOT give them that chance."

        But for all the dark, adult parts of this film, there is a lot of humor and heart to it as well. The Incredibles is a story that manages to be both a parody of the superhero genre and an excellent, serious story in its own right. Nowhere is this more obviously illustrated than in the character of Syndrome.

          Like all great supervillains, Syndrome has a very interesting back story. He starts off as a rather geeky, awkward kid who is a devoted member of the Mr. Incredible Fan Club named Buddy. He is so devoted, in fact, that he decides it is his destiny to become the Robin to Mr. Incredible's Batman and dubs himself Incrediboy. When he is rejected by his hero, though, Buddy's dreams are crushed and he resolves never again to hold anybody up as a hero because heroes only let you down in the end. Due to the fact that he is an untapped genius scorned, he becomes further obsessed with Mr. Incredible (only with the new goal of bringing him down) and fashions a new identity for himself as Syndrome, Mr. Incredible's nemesis. So Syndrome has a very solid back story and motivation (as well as being slightly insane...like all good supercriminals are) but much as he is a serious threat to Bob and Helen and their lives, Syndrome is also a very self-aware near-parody. (See gif about monologues above...)

        The whole film is like this. Edna Mode (one of the greatest characters ever invented, IMNSHO) makes frequent references to the famous superhero costumes in that she despises the hazards of capes and is always looking for a way to make that spandex both more breathable and machine-washable. There are countless visual gags involving superpowers scattered throughout the film and then we have the crowning glory joke of all jokes involving Frozone (Bob's best friend) and his wife who, come to think of it, we never see on screen and yet she is the character that, for most people, leaves a HUGE impact!

       I love that woman. 'Honey' is definitely someone I would like to see explored a bit more in a minisode or something about Frozone. C'mon, Pixar. You've given Mater how many features? Please could we have this one? Pretty please?

          The Incredibles themselves have a lot of funny scenes, most of which derive from classic everyday family situations that they go through...except with added challenge of superpowers or end-of-the-world missions. A sibling fight at dinner? Made worse by abuse of Quicksilver-like speed and force fields. (Come to think of it, Dash is probably based on The Flash.) A family vacation gone wrong? Try fighting off machine-gun armed forces in a dungeon. The road trip from Hell? Ha. Haha. I think we all know how that one is hilariously ridiculous.

This works because it humanizes this family of superhumans and helps us to relate to their story and characters. They are very real because they're people that we all have met and known (or even we are these people) and as a result we are more easily pulled into their world of supersuits, killer robots, and computer-generated icicles.

        Oh. And Jack Jack scares me. Sure he's cute and all now, but his powers seem to be based on emotion. Just imagine what'll happen whenever this morphing kid hits puberty! Now there's an idea for a sequel! Oh wait, I forgot, the movie already gave us one that PIXAR HASN'T CAPITALIZED ON YET DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT WOULD BE TWO-THOUSAND TIMES BETTER THAN CARS 2!!!!!!

           In my opinion this is one of the best films Pixar has ever produced. The characters are diverse, memorable, and a lot of fun; the story is fun, sad, touching, and both dark and light in places with a wonderful climax; it has a good message about family and loyalty; and the animation still holds up very well today, despite the fact that effects on humans in these type of films tend to show their age very quickly (just look at Andy from Toy Story). It is not a film for very young children as there is quite a bit of violence and adult themes, but it definitely is something that pretty much all ages can enjoy together. Clean, wholesome fun that isn't afraid to go to the dark places of both emotion and human nature while still keeping everything family-friendly and getting across a great moral without feeling preachy or sappy. The Incredibles is a SOLID 5/5.

What did you think? Do you agree with my rating? If not - what would you say differently?

Film Review: Divergent

What is the story of a teenage girl thrust into an inordinately cruel environment as a result of government ordinance where she must learn to survive or die, and she ends up joining a resistance movement intent on stopping the elitist powers-that-be from assuming all the power and oppressing the people?

If you guessed Hunger Games... Well now, I've fooled you, haven't I? (Not to mention it would mean it took you approximately ten words to forget the BLOOMING TITLE OF THIS POST!)

Yes, I am talking about Divergent. Yes, I realize the similarities to Hunger Games. Especially when you compare the basic plot according to the movie adaptations.

Kudos to Veronica Roth, however, because anyone who has actually read the book knows that pretty much all of her series is distinct from "Hunger Games" in many ways, in spite of having roughly the same appearance onscreen. (for which I think we ought to blame the filmmakers, not the author!)

The society in Divergent is "sorted," yes, but by personality type instead of natural resources. A little over one hundred years prior, humanity underwent a Purity War that attempted to genetically eliminate violence and negative personality types from society. Those who believed that the worst harm in society was ignorance started the Erudite faction, devoting themselves to the pursuit of knowledge and science. Those who blamed greed united in Abnegation, the selfless, ultra-humble, "plain" faction. If the culprit of societal ills was lies and deception, those people belonged to the Candor faction, who always told the truth and always said exactly what they thought. Another group believed it to be anger and cruelty, and thus formed the Amity faction, devoted to peace and promoting happiness. Lastly, those who believed that the worst aspect of society was cowardice formed the Dauntless faction.

The main character, Beatrice, is from the Abnegation faction. Now, before anyone gets the idea that there is any similarities between District 12 and Abnegation, actually this is where Roth was very clever. Abnegation lives simply, yes, but by choice and personality inclination, not by forced poverty. Actually, Abnegation are the government officials, since a selfless government is usually the safest. So that would make Beatrice more like District 1—but not like the fussed-up Capitol of Panem, right? 

The story of Divergent is the process of Beatrice learning the deeper reasoning behind the Faction system that she has always taken for granted and of the looming threat to the "status quo" from the Erudite leaders, who do not appreciate Abnegation's notoriously lenient leadership style. Candor is on board with this as well, and being the ones in charge of the media are not hesitant to engage in a smear campaign against the established leadership, unearthing rumors of child abuse and flaunting the growing departure of Abnegation kids from the faction of their parents as a sign that the faction is weak and should be disabled.

But all the factions are agreed that the most dangerous threat to the otherwise well-arranged society is the Divergents—those that don't fit into any one faction, and don't respond to mental manipulation like the others do. Of course, this is who Beatrice is, so she and her friends in Dauntless have to figure out what to do with this information, all the while staying secret from Erudite, who have taken it upon themselves to remove Divergents from society and declare war on Abnegation.

I felt, on the whole, the movie was a fairly good adaptation. After the success of Hunger Games (as far as adaptations go) I look forward to each successive installment because I know it's just going to keep getting better. The main story points were there, all pared down as narrowly as the screenwriters dared. Long scenes of internal monologuing and drawn-out conversations from Tris' point of view were compressed to a few expository lines from a character, just so the mention could be there in preparation for the outcome of it. A few of the secondary characters were shuffled to the background because of timing  limitations, but at least the casting was solid enough that the first impression for the characters that mattered was the right one. The stunts and effects in the action scenes were great. There are a couple scenes that escalate toward a rather graphic nature, but luckily do not quite get there, and tactful camera work keeps things moderate. This film is enough to satisfy fans of the series with it's fantastic visuals, and encourage those who haven't read the books to go and do so at once.

***SPOILERS AHEAD! This is where the spoilers start; if you haven't watched the film (or read the book) I strongly recommend you do so before reading anything beyond this point!)

The "Good Parts" Version:

-Okay, for starters, the casting I felt was awesome. Shailene Woodley was just the right mix of insecure and determined for Tris; Theo James made a great taciturn, sensitive Four; Miles Teller was suitable in his filter-less, say-what-you-really-think, heartless-bully role as "that jerk from Candor," Peter. The actors for characters like Will, Al, and Christina were equally as fabulous, and you instinctively felt good about them... If only they'd gotten the chance their characters are given in the book to really let the roles shine. And of course, you know that Kate Winslet has the gumption to set herself up as the "Boss Lady."

-One aspect in particular that the film seemed to highlight better than I could tell from the books was the effect of genetics on human nature, and in turn, human nature on society. According to the movie's antagonist, "Human nature is the problem." While the factions may have been established to allow people to flourish according to the natural bent of their personality, over time the separation between the categories hardened into a rigidity that dictated a specific set of responses allowed according to the predetermined stereotype of that faction's personality. In fact, this might also be a call-out concerning the issue of stereotyping. How many times have we thought, "Oh, so-and-so affiliates with this group, so that means he/she is a [label]." This happens in the movie: One parent abuses their child, it is assumed that all children of that faction are abused. Abnegation members are reserved, stoic, and silent, so the other factions give them the label "Stiff." Once the label is applied, it is easy to dismiss the ones we don't like, to view them as expendable or insufficient. Yet we see in this story how important camaraderie and cooperation is, for the success of a community.

-Beatrice's test was orchestrated really well, I think. I could see exactly where she made the choices for Abnegation (disturbed when her reflection multiplies, and when she decides to yield herself to being torn up by the dog instead of fighting back), for Erudite (she wants to know the reasoning behind having to choose between the knife and the meat), and for Dauntless (she would not fight the dog to protect herself, but when it goes after the little girl, she does not hesitate to stop it at any cost). As such a pivotal scene, I think it was a good choice--in terms of what to cut out due to time restraints--to leave that in there in its full detail. 

Best. Quote. Delivery. Ever.

-I love how everybody in Dauntless and Erudite is underestimating Tris all the time--and yet she doesn't back off from showing what she's really made of. Both Eric and Peter think they can get away with mistreating her just because she was raised Abnegation? They've got another "think" coming... And Tris' response is brilliant. She chose Dauntless, people! She's not gonna stay soft just because that's what she was!

-Listening to Jeanine go on and on about how the faction system was an attempt to "correct human nature" and how it's "human nature" that is the problem... and I just can't help thinking, "Man... has anybody told you that maybe it's your human nature that's screwing everything up in the name of science?" Because really, when you think about it, the Abnegation way of life ain't half bad, as far as the community goes... It was only when Erudite and Candor decided that they didn't agree that flagrant selflessness was a "danger" and "must be stopped." Because why? You suddenly grew a conscience and feel guilty that Abnegation is being nicer to people than you are? Seriously, what part of the Abnegation lifestyle might be considered an actual detriment to society? (Other than diet; I know I couldn't go vegan...) They are giving to others less fortunate than themselves, they are the most impartial faction, and not all Abnegation members are abusive or cruel at all. So why slaughter them? I guess that's where the story falls apart, and the movie didn't really do a great job of picking up that loose thread either... oh well.

-For all of whatever it cut out, skimmed through, or didn't do "exactly like the book," I have to say that most of what this movie has was done very well: the zip-line scene, Capture-The-Flag, Christina's "Bravery Test," and best of all, the takedown of Jeanine. I can forgo and forgive the omitted scenes and misplaced lines just on the quality of everything else.

All things considered, I'd give this movie an 8/10 and encourage anyone who hasn't to go and see it, for sure!

I Kissed a Wookie (Did I Like It?)

(A Parody on Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl".... if you didn't guess that already...)

This was never the way I planned,

Not my intention;

You ticked me off, I couldn't stand

your gross pretension!

This life's not what I'm used to, why am I to blame?

You're so scruffy I just thought it would be the same—

 

So I kissed a Wookie, did I like it?

A bit furry, but I don't mind it!

I kissed a Wookie, so what?

You're mad cause he's your co-pilot!

It wasn't love

It was more like spite,

Doesn't mean I'll forget our fight!

I kissed a Wookie, instead of you—Nerf-Herder!

 

 

You think this daredevil facade

Makes you attractive?

Man, I wish that you had

left me a captive!

Is your strength really just for show,

Don't you hate going Solo?

Maybe if you could stop, and see

Reality—

 

I kissed a Wookie, I tried it!

Just testing your reaction!

I kissed a Wookie, but honestly,

I'm wishing for retraction!

I got it wrong,

It was not so bright,

I'll be coughing fur-balls all night!

I kissed a Wookie, I'm sorry now!

Let's make up!

 

  ©Leslie Conzatti (2014)

Top Ten SPN Character Introductions

        Characters are the vital element to making any story work. If your characters are off, it doesn't matter how good the rest of the show is because it is going to fail. If the audience can't get invested in the characters, then they're really not going to care whether or not the good guys succeed or die. 

        And one of the key parts of getting the audience invested in the characters is the introduction you give to them. Any good character will usually have an intro that makes the audience sit up and take notice. Where would we be without Gandalf's introduction from The Hobbit? Would Hagrid have had the same impact on us if he hadn't come speeding in on that flying motorbike? No. Probably not. Introductions are SO important!

       Here be spoilers...

10: Jo & Ellen Harvelle (Season 2 "Everybody Loves A Clown")

         I'll admit that I warmed to Ellen long before I fell in love with Jo, but these two tough ladies definitely had a memorable entrance what with the Winchesters breaking into their bar around noon and both girls managing to get the drop on our boys and hold them at gunpoint for an interrogation. Not only does it cement the Harvelles as tough, no-nonsense women of action who can hold their own in the hunter world of dudes, but it's also funny as all get out! Not often does someone manage to outsmart both Sam and Dean, so I laughed and laughed whenever this happened.

9: John Winchester (Season 1 "Shadow")

        John's introduction is certainly memorable. For most of the first season the story is all about Sam and Dean searching for their elusive father and running into hunts along the way. We had heard so much about John, whether through Sam's rants or Dean's hints, that the character was built up HUGE. It could easily have been a huge let-down whenever we met the man himself, but no. Not only did he just pop in for a hug and a fight with the shadow demons at the end of the episode, but John Winchester also managed to live up to expectations and show us that he honestly does love his kids at the same time.

8: Charlie (Season 7 "The Girl With The Dungeons & Dragons Tattoo")

         Okay. So I think Charlie may be my favorite SPN character? Maybe. I'm still deciding between her, Gabriel, and Jody...but she definitely is close to beating the other two out simply by the fact that she's still around and only becomes more wonderful with each episode. But it was her introduction that really got my attention - dancing in through the door of Roman Industries to 'I'm Walking On Sunshine' and wearing a Princess Leia tee that I am so coveting! Charlie showed herself to be smart, resourceful, geeky, and very brave - all within her introductory episode. She's just awesome.

7: Lucifer (Season 5 "Sympathy for the Devil")

          Out of all depictions of the Devil I have seen in media, literature, and music...this is probably the closest to what we can imagine he'd be like if we should ever meet him. He's actually portrayed very sympathetically...a liar with honey on his tongue who professes to be more honest than the good guys and is willing to tell just enough truth to either make his lies stronger or to trick you into thinking the opposite of the truth. He acts very gentle and understanding and behaves as though he's just the neglected son (the victim) in this whole Heavenly muck-up. His introduction is no different as, like a shark, he chooses his prey carefully. He goes after Nick, a man who has just lost his wife and newborn baby to a burglary/murder, and starts gently integrating himself into the man's thoughts and mind. He slowly sinks in the tentacles of doubt and anger until he has his hooks into Nick and the poor man doesn't know which way is up and which way is down. Then he goes in for the kill by reminding Nick of the age-old question of "How can you say God is loving if he allows such terrible things to happen? Let me in. I can give you what you want, what you need." Deep stuff, absolutely wonderful and thought-provoking, and a perfect introduction to this version of the Father of Lies.

7: Dean Winchester (Season 1 "Pilot/The Woman In White")

         No I'm not talking about the scene where he breaks into Sam's apartment and wrestles him to the ground with a couple witty quips. That's not our introduction to Dean Winchester. No, our introduction comes much earlier in the pilot whenever a young boy kisses his baby brother goodnight and runs over to hug mummy and daddy. Then, mere hours later for him and mere moments later for us, that same baby brother is thrust into his arms and he's instructed to "Take your brother outside as fast as you can and don't look back. Now, Dean, GO!". Four years old, he doesn't question it, he just takes Sam and runs. That right there cements Dean's character to us as well as showing us his life's mission above saving people, above hunting things, above everything: Take Care Of Sammy.

6: Kevin Tran (Season 7 "Reading Is Fundamental")

          Getting struck by lighting and having the Word of God start resonating in your mind...it doesn't get much more dramatic than that! Kevin is only the second prophet we've seen on the show (the other one was Chuck, and the jury's still out on him) and we'd never seen one actually be activated before. Kevin is first introduced as the stereotypical over-achiever. He plays cello for exactly an hour every day, has his day planned out down to the second as to how he is going to study, practice, study, and drink a soda. That is all shook up, though, whenever the Tablet is recovered from the vault of the Earth and Kevin is irreparably drawn into the world of Heavenly War.

5: Famine (Season 5 "My Bloody Valentine")

         While normally I am annoyed or disgusted whenever films or shows try to delve into Biblical mythology (or mythology in general) because they tend to either over-simplify it, do it for cheap laughs or gimmicks, or just unapologetically get it wrong and mangle it beyond all recognition, I actually really like the way that Supernatural handled these elements. Obviously not everything was done right, but the stuff that they got right was a lot and was done REALLY right. The entrance of Famine was no difference. I think that Castiel's voice-over is even quoting directly from the Book of Revelations. Everything from the lighting to the text to the ominous music just serves to send chills up your spine and the feeling that there is an unstoppable menace coming settling in your heart.

4: The Trickster/Loki/Gabriel (Season 2 "Tall Tales")

      No I didn't just put him on this list because he's my favorite angel (Stop SMIRKING, Jessica!) No, ol' Gabe is on my list because of his introduction. At the time of his character's creation, I don't really think that Kipke and the rest even had the idea for the angels yet...he was just an ambiguous demi-god with a fondness for sweets and pranks. We first get a glimpse of him whenever an adulterous professor is flung from a second-story window to his death and, at the time, we have no idea that this janitor is the one responsible. The mystery only grows from there...

3: The Ghostfacers (Season 1 "Hell House")

       I did a Google Images search for 'Harry and Ed' which was really dumb, apparently, because all I got were a bunch of pictures of 1 Direction and Ed Sheeran. Why, God, why?!  Not that there is anything wrong with Ed and Harry, it's just unbelievably frustrating whenever you're looking for one picture and instead you get myriads of others. Anyway. Rant over...on to Harry and Ed, co-leaders of the Ghostfacers. They were introduced all the way back in Season 1 during the truly epic prank war between Sam and Dean. They are supernerds, aspiring internet stars, and the co-runners/founders of the Ghostfacers.

2: Death (Season 5 "Two Minutes To Midnight")

        Can we say E.P.I.C.?! Yes. Few things can top the entrance of the Horseman, Death, on this show. Not only is the music and lighting and slow-motion and shots beautifully meshed together to create great atmosphere...but it's also Death. You know, that thing that the other three Horsemen bring about but don't control? Yeah. Super chilling!

1: Castiel (Season 4 "Lazarus Rising")

            I put this one above Death for one very simple reason: Castiel was built up better. Allow me to take you back five seasons to when we had no idea that angels existed in the SPN universe. I'll be the first to admit that I binge-watched this show and so haven't followed it from the very start (Gimme a break..I was barely in double digits when it started!) but I actually managed to avoid spoilers rather well. Here is what I knew about the show: It's about two brothers, the fandom has a gif for everything, they fight Lucifer at some point, and there's some dude named 'Cas' that everyone seems to love but who I think looks like Columbo in his younger days. That was it. So I was wholly unprepared for the TREMENDOUS build-up that Cas' introduction was given. So Dean went to Hell at the end of Season 3 and then wakes up in his coffin in this episode. The ground is nuked, grass scorched, trees knocked down, and Dean himself is sporting a branded handprint on his shoulder. Even the demons are afraid of this creature whose voice breaks glass and whose true form burns out a woman's eyes. It's cosmic and the writers spend the entire episode building up the reveal carefully so that tensions and expectations were high. And they did not disappoint!

Film Review: The Hunger Games.

             Hello there! It’s your friendly, slightly nutty, reviewer, again! I hope you’ll enjoy this review as much as I enjoyed watching the movie, and writing this! Anyway, I shouldn’t keep you distracted with my un-movie-related ramblings any longer, soooo... READ ON!

          Oh. Wait. *whines* Do I have to warn you about spoilers? *looks at Emily, who nods vigorously* Oh, well, just the usual thing then. Pretty much, if you haven’t seen the movie, proceed at your own risk, because you are in danger of being attacked by SPOILERS!

            I had read all three books of the trilogy numerous times (yes I am a Hunger-head or whatever the hell the fandom calls its followers these days, in case you hadn’t noticed...) and was looking at watching this movie with a mild feeling of...apprehension, I suppose. This was because I had watched so many movies that were ‘based’ (based being the operative word, here) on the book, and then had turned the movie into just having the characters with the same names, and nothing else, really. But I watched the movie (hence this blog post...) and I am now ready to delve into the movie, and discuss it. 

FAVORITE BITS AND CRAZY THOUGHTS

-Right, let me just start with this. The one and only problem I have with this movie is the actors and actresses. The only one who I think is right is... Katniss. Peeta is wrong – too sulky – as is Gale, Prim is kinda cute, but not... Prim and it’s the same for Rue. I suppose I’ve read the books so many times that I am way too stuck with the images I have imagined for the characters in my head. And I know, I know, not everyone thinks like me, but... I don’t know... I have actually come to think of movie producers/ directors/ the receptionist who called the auditioners – well, not really, but you know what I mean! – as a bunch of idiots. Many of them SCREW THE MOVIE UP! But that’s just me and my over thinking Sherlock-ness...

-Prim really is cute. And I love Buttercup...who is black?! What the what? The book specifically describes him....you know what? Let me just give you a little extract from the book –most from memory - and let’s see if I’m wrong, or if the movie cat is right... ‘Sitting at Prim’s knees, guarding her, is the world’s most ugliest cat. Mashed-in nose, half one ear missing and eyes the colour of rotting squash. Prim named him Buttercup, insisting that his muddy yellow coat matched the bright flower.’* Right, now, does that look anything like THIS cat?!

Yeah, right, didn’t think so. Yeah, I’m throwing a tantrum over a cat. Don’t worry; I’ve done weirder things before...

-The forest she meets up with Gale in is GORGEOUS. Man, what I’d do to have even have been a minor person involved in this movie, even if it was the cleaner of the stars’ caravans (ewwwww), anything, just anything to be on set with them there. Also the little speech-y thing, and the picnic they have there is really cute!

-I expected Prim to be a little more badass than she is in the film. I mean, in the book, she’s the one who is mentioned to help her mom with all the sick people who arrive, because Katniss is so queasy about it. You’d think she’d be should be okay with a bit of blood taken from her finger...

-Right, so, the whole ‘I volunteer' thing is a really poignant scene and all that, but I would’ve made it more powerful. Here is the reason why I say this: you get two types of people in life. You get the book readers who go see the movie to see their book come to life, and are die-hard fans, and then you get the movie watchers who go to the cinema, and see the movie poster and are like: ‘Oh, hey, that looks cool, let’s go watch it, shall we?’ Now, even though this little thingy popped up at the beginning:

...and we had the interview with Seneca Crane and Caesar Flickerman and all that, but for the movie watchers the seriousness of that scene just isn’t touched. Sure there are screams and any number of NO’s, but, to me, if I hadn’t read the book multiple times before I watched it I’d be: ‘What? What? Really? She’s going on a suicide mission? Okay, cool. Bring it on!’ Oh, and the other thing about this scene... I can’t even COUNT the number of parodies I’ve seen of the ‘I VOLUNTEER!’ perusing the net, actually looking for funny Doctor Who pictures... the things Google matches with what you’re looking for...! I am forever going to be scarred from that one picture. It had nothing to do with Sherlock wallpapers! Look, here’s an example:

 
-Okay... who hired Lady Gaga’s stylist for the day? Because that is SERIOUSLY what Effie’s outfits look like. Either that or she’s Umbridge’s crazy cousin or something... the outfits that woman wears are really crazy. Are her outfits really that bad in the book? ‘.... and Effie Trinket, District 12’s escort, fresh from the Capitol with her scary white grin, pinkish hair, and spring green suit.’* Okay, then, the outfit in the movie is WORSE and WAAAAAY more eccentric than the book description.

-The whole goodbye scene was pretty good, and how I imagined it. Just enough emotion to get the gist of the situation, but not so much that it leaves you in tears. Well, some of you. I admit I sniffled. I was the only one in the group, who was watching this for the first time, and who knew what was coming. I was asked quite a few times about what was going to happen. Just a warning – when you watch something with me that I have already read the book about, and ask me what is going to happen next ('Is she going to die?! Please tell me she's going to be okay! Please?') I'll just grin sardonically at you and say: 'Spoilers, sweetie.'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwiA0S4h_Ao

-Right, the ride to the capital and the introduction of drunk!Haymitch (What else is new?) was fairly good. Effie was impeccable too. I just do not like Peeta as a character and Josh Hutcherson in the way he portrays him. He's too...wimpy, for lack of a better word. And I really just don't like him. Thank goodness the focus is on Katniss 24/7. Otherwise I'd have given up long ago.

- CINNA IS PERFECT!! Lenny Kravitz could not have done a better job. I cannot imagine anyone else doing it but him either. I also really like the Cinna-Katniss relationship dynamic because I don't think Miss Everdeen could've achieved anything without her fashion consultant/designer/best friend bloke right behind her. Also, Cinna's loyalty and belief in her right from the start is awesome too. 'And remember this: I'm not allowed to bet, but if I could, I'd bet on you.' Cinna is awesome, his actors' music is awesome, and your argument is invalid.

-I was kinda disappointed with the costumes. In the book you get the impression that the rich people at the Capitol were dressed eccentrically and that each person was trying to dress so that their outfit was bigger, better, faster and more than the bloke next to them. Not in this movie. It looked as if most of the people in the background were wearing 'muggle clothes' as the PotterHeads would call it. But, then, I could've looked at it and my overactive and my very colourful imagination filled in the blanks. And overdid it a bit... I dunno, what do you think?

-Speaking of costumes, Katniss' and Peeta's did not disappoint. The flames were awesome (real but not real) and the... I suppose, regal-ness of those two were exactly as the book described. And the nerves beforehand too, I might add.

-The training area, outfits and the bit where she shoots the apple to get those individual's on the podium to give her attention were spot on. Exactly like the book describes (if not better) and Katniss' badassery is really, finally been touched upon. If I was in her place, yes, I would've volunteered for my sister (what big sister wouldn't?!) and once I arrived at the Capitol, I'd have slapped Effie and thrown a bucket of ice on Haymitch, kicked Peeta in the butt and gone and sat in a corner reading something. But when I got in the arena... yeah, different story. Sat down in a gibbering mess and let the District 1's through 3's take me out. Rather die early and quick than prolong the inevitable... wow, bundle of laughs, I am today, huh? 

-I LOVED Katniss' interview dress. And, once again, Cinna is a genius! I don't think he gets enough credit, y'know... anyway, the whole interview was GREAT and Katniss looked so uncomfortable in a dress and nervous answering those questions that it was almost, almost laughable. Except I think I was semi with the poor girl. I know how having to talk in front of an audience of strangers (no amount of imagining them without underwear on helps. Who even thought that dumb-ass expression up, anyways?!) feels. I'm sure you do too. Like you're gonna throw up. All over everyone, everywhere. I commend Katniss for her nerve and determination. And how, if you read her body language, that she is so telling Caesar and the audience (except Cinna) to bug off,and leave her alone. You go, girl!

-The arena and control room was better than I imagined. I actually had trouble visualising it properly in my mind, so having watched the movie and re-read the book, has made it even better than before. I also couldn't picture Seneca Crane or President Snow (I did NOT picture him as Donald Sutherland of all people), but Seneca's side-burn decorative tattoo thingie was pretty nifty, I must admit.

-Let us now move onto the subject of Hunger Games Arena wildlife. If you'll look to your left, you'll spot a 'mockingjay' which can imitate a tune that they have been taught long before in their ancestry, which is kinda useful, but really, really creepy. Next is the 'tracker-jacker' which you should avoid at all costs if you have a insect sting allergy. Those things are creepy and don't distinguish who's friend and who's foe. They just sting. Because they can.

-Rue dying was what I wished they had left out. The only scene I wish they had. But her death is an integral part of the plot, so she had to bite it. She was really cute, though. And so much like my little sister I shivered. Except, my lil' sis' isn't as adept with a knife or sneaky as Rue is. I can see what Katniss' getting at with the whole Prim/Rue similarities.

-I'd have to say that the whole Katniss/Peeta thing (I will not call it what the fandom calls their ship) lemme call it Toast. Why? Well... look.

- The narrative played out well. I always approach movies who have adapted from a first-person novel with extreme caution, because how do you show what they are thinking at that moment like it is in the book? Like Twilight...yeah. Look how well THAT turned out. But this was really really good, everything was right, and awesome, and the two love-birds' 'fake' romance was good, not too romancy or so many chick-flick moments it was just right. And that's the way I like it.

- And the heroes win, love rules over all, the evil is vanquished and everybody lives happily ever after. Uh... nope. Not in this case. President 'Creepy' Snow wants to have our heroines' head, because she upstaged the Capitol with the Nightshade berries. And so, we leave our love-birds with a rather shaky relationship now that they are away from the spotlight and Snow being as cold as... well... snow.

blows air kisses Jess out! 

*Ownership to the AMAZING Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games. I SO did not write this – I wish I did!