Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Can’t wait for Part 2!!

I know this is a review for Part 1 of this Mega Franchise but I can’t help myself. The movie so wonderfully sets the stage for Part 2 that July 2011 is just too far away yet (that’s when the next and final edition releases).

However, Part I itself offers you quite the cinematic experience to justify a movie hall ticket. With no Dumbledore to guide him and several Horcruxes to destroy, Harry has his task cut out for him. Meanwhile, the Dark Lord has taken over completely and Death Eaters appear to be everywhere. I wish I could explain scenario by scenario how wonderfully the book has been adapted in the movie but alas! I shall be giving too much away. Not that it is a really faithful adaptation, though. In fact, the way the movie starts you almost wonder if they came up with their own version to this masterpiece, but then the familiar scenes set in and you start connecting with the book a lot better

What you get at the end of it all is a visually stunning treat, with breath taking effects and brilliant set pieces. Of course, the grand storyline created by the genius herself, is undoubtedly the real hero in this movie. Still, it is heartening to see that justice has been done to what is probably the finest book in the series. Superlative performances by the entire cast with Emma Watson (who’s gotten prettier with every installment of the series) delivering a particularly noteworthy performance. Ralph Fiennes as Voldermort, looks sinister as ever and you’ll probably hate Bellatrix Lestrange even more, a testament to the performance of Helena Bonham Carter. The director David Yates has clearly dug deeper to the essence of the storyline and some sequences have that touch of class about them. This installment is probably the darkest of the lot and the director faithfully re-creates the same – with great success

On the flipside though, since the book is split across two parts and the first edition clocks around 2 hours 30 minutes, the movie seems to have been stretched a tad bit longer especially the scenes nearing the end of first half. However, the movie more than makes up for it with exemplary action sequences that follow up just after that.

The much talked about kiss between Radcliffe and Watson was completely uncalled for and almost strikes a jarring note to that particular scene

Other than that, there aren’t too many hiccups in this breath-taking adventure and it probably ends at the best possible note – giving the audience a chilling realization and having them just raring for more.

However, as the credits roll in one does feel like giving a tribute to that great artist, the creator of this wonderful saga who has single-handedly given us one of the greatest series of all time

Movie Review: The Social Network – Go Get Connected!!

The drought of sad, disappointing films has finally ended. While I have been frequently accused of not showing enough concern for my fellow followers @ anitalks. I knew I had to wait for the right moment, the right movie to deliver a review that actually raised hopes and expectations

One look at the trailer of The Social Network and I knew that moment had arrived. My only regret is that this review comes 3 days after the movie released

The Social Network is all about Mark Zuckerberg (the founder of Facebook, or was it The Facebook ;)) his fortunes and misfortunes after he created this phenomenon that captured the imagination of millions across the globe and that’s really all there is to it. However, the beauty of the film lies in the way it is presented.

Packed with smart dialogues and witty humor, The Social Network is a tribute to the Genius. It isn’t apologetic about the arrogance or pompous attitude of its protagonist, Mark. Rather, it celebrates his sheer brilliance and intelligence at every opportunity.

What is probably the hallmark of this movie is that none of its characters are stereotypes. There isn’t a single character you can completely love/ hate. There are shades of grey in each and every one of them and that is how they are presented. So a word of advice, don’t be judgemental of any of the characters while watching the movie. The sheer believability of the characters are the real treat in this movie

Jesse Eisenberg does complete justice to Mark Zuckerberg, portraying him as a stuck up yet brilliant nerd who thinks the rest of the population to be inferior. His dismissive remarks and smart aleck replies provide the lighter moments in this otherwise gripping drama. The other side characters too do a remarkable job, noticeably Andrew Garfield (who portrays Eduardo Saveron, co-founder of Facebook).

The director, David Fincher, does a brilliant job with some scenes being absolute masterpieces and never does the movie get dull or boring. Considering its an almost factual account of a couple of nerds, writing code and making millions, this movie could have easily become dull and dreary but thankfully, its not. The ending (don’t worry, am not giving anything away) may be regarded as tame by some but I thought it was quite apt given the way the movie progresses.

Final verdict, the movies haven’t added too many ‘friends’ to their network (neither Hollywood nor Bollywood) off late but I think one finally has reason to spend that money, buy that ticket and ‘Get Connected’!!