Posts Tagged ‘Harry Potter’

Instead of talking about the Harry Potter’s, 2012’s or The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus’s of 2009 that are so far away from hitting theaters it seems like they won’t premiere until … well 2012, we’re going to look at five upcoming flicks that will be at a theater near you before the Obama’s have time to fully move in.

Bride Wars – Opening January 9, 2009. There’s nothing like sharing wedding plans with a best girlfriend, but when plans start to overlap, it’s likely to evoke more nightmares than Freddy Krueger. “Wars” seems to have a bouquet of comedic potential as well as girls in white dresses – fighting. But before all the guys zone out this movie does offer something for them too. Two of the prettiest actresses in Hollywood – Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson.

Taken – Opening January 30, 2009.  Staring Liam Neeson as an ex-Secret Agent who has to rescue his estranged daughter (former “Lost” star Maggie Grace) who was kiddnapped while in Paris.  As reviewer Mr. Green from CrimeCritics.com describes, “it’s a film in which you enjoy watching HOW he will succeed. And let me state, you will enjoy every punch Bryan (Neeson) delivers to every henchmen.”

Fanboys – Opening February 6, 2009. I think “Fanboys” will be the “Superbad” of 2009. Yes, it’s about a group of “Star Wars” fans set to break into George Lucas’ business headquarters, Skywalker Ranch, and steal a copy of “Star Wars Episode 1.” Before you groan at the sound of a Sci-Fi movie, know that it’s really a coming of age story about friends who take a huge risk for one of their own. To lend some credibility, Producers include Kevin Spacey and the Weinstein Company.

He’s Just Not That Into You – Opening February 9, 2009. This chick flick makes the list because: 1) it’s based on a NY Times Best Seller, Oprah endorsed book and 2) EVERYONE is in it. That’s no exaggeration. Here’s just some of the cast: Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love), Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly (The Day The Earth Stood Still), Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore, Ben Affleck, Justin Long (Mac commercials), Bradley Cooper (Wedding Crashers), Sasha Alexander (Yes Man), Kevin Connolly (Entourage), and MANY others.

Push – Opening February 9, 2009. Dakota Fanning, Chris Evans and Djimon Hounsou star in this film about “psychic espionage.” A Government agency is genetically modifying people to have psychic abilities and “getting rid” of those who don’t want to participate. Fanning and Evans need to find an individual who could help end the dangerous agency. So, Government Misconduct + Exotic Location (Hong Kong) + Psychic, Telekinetic, Move Stuff With Your Mind Abilities + The Cinematographer Who Did “Donnie Brasco,” “Gangster No. 1,” “Wicker Park” & “Lucky Number Slevin” = A Must See Movie!

Alright, here’s the skinny.  I am obsessed with Twilight.  I know, I know.  Vampires?  Honestly, I have never been obsessed with bloodsuckers (other than lawyers and politicians) until this fall (for reference, please see prior post on HBO’s True Blood). 

Something about this autumn got me (and seemingly everyone) into the whole un-dead scene.  For those that don’t know, Twilight is a book series by Stephanie Meyer.  The four books have done quite well in the post-Harry Potter tween/adult/horror/magical/romance/thing niche. 

I hitched a ride on the Vamp express quite late.  The first novel came out in 2005 and I didn’t read it until 2008.  I had thought I was above it, until a value and trusted friend (several, in fact) showed me the error of my ways.  After 30 pages, I was hooked.

The story, simply, revolves around Bella and her love affair with Edward.  Not only do the pair face the perils of everyday high school, they have to worry about Edward going one step too far and killing Bella as they lock lips. Yes, he’s a vampire.

Why should you care?  Good question.  Let me tell you:

1) The books, although long (too long in my mind–200 pages could easily be trimmed and the overall story tightened up in each book) are quick reads and mindless fun.

2) It’s this falls hottest new film.  Next Friday, girls and their mothers (and yes, me too) will be waiting in line for the premiere of the film.

Let’s hope it lives up to expectations!

The leaves have fallen, the snow’s on its way and so are the season’s Oscar-worthy movies and holiday fare to take you through that long, delicious Thanksgiving dinner and those countless Christmas songs on the radio.

Slumdog Millionaire (Nov. 12) The newest film from genre-shifting Danny Boyle is about a man (Dev Patel) participates on the Indian version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.” Pieces of his life – including the story of his love with a childhood soulmate- are depicted throughout the film as the super smart contestant is questioned on how he knows all the answers. Critics are already calling it a possibility for Best Picture.

Quantum of Solace (Nov. 14) The latest in the 007 franchise picks up right after last year’s “Casino Royale” left off when Bond and Mr. White came face to face. On his mission to find out who blackmailed his deceased love, Vesper, into betraying him, Bond will travel to Austria, Italy and South America while, of course, meeting some new Bond girls.

Twilight (Nov. 21) Step aside, “Harry Potter,” the first installment in the almost-equally popular “Twilight” book series is on its way. Instead of “Harry’s” witches, warlocks and muggles, “Twilight” brings us the story of a typical teenage girls who happens to fall in love with a devastatingly handsome vampire.

Four Christmases (Nov. 26) Unless you have to attend four Christmases as well, you’ll have time to see this romantic comedy in which Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn have to split up Christmas between each of their divorced parents after their tropical getaway flight gets cancelled. An all-star cast includes Mary Steenburgen, Sissy Spacek, Robert Duvall and Jon Voight.

Wendy and Lucy (Dec. 10) No, Wendy and Lucy aren’t two best girlfriends – at least in the human sense. Michelle Williams of “Brokeback Mountain” and “Dawson’s Creek” fame is Wendy and Lucy is her dog and traveling companion on her trip to a new job in Alaska. She already only has about $600 to her name but it gets worse when her car breaks down and she loses Lucy. Williams could possibly get an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

Nothing Like the Holidays (Dec. 12) John Leguizamo, Freddy Rodriguez and Debra Messing star in this holiday-themed family drama movie. The Rodriguez family gathers in Chicago to celebrate Christmas and the return of their son from Iraq. Expect secrets to be revealed and family drama to ensue. If you liked Jodi Foster’s “Home for the Holidays,” this one may be for you.

Yes Man (Dec. 19) Jim Carrey used to say “no, no ,no,” but now he’s saying “yes, yes, yes.” Throughout the course of a year, Carrey pledges to say “yes” to everything as part of a self-help program he signs up for. Of course its Jim Carrey, so expect silly hilarity to ensue and look for costar Zooey Deschanel whose shone brightly in small roles in “Elf” and “Failure to Launch.”

Bedtime Stories (Dec. 25) Another not so little-known funnyman by the name of Adam Sandler stars in this family holiday comedy. Sandler is an uncle who tells crazy bedtime stories; but instead of reading a normal book with ordinary pictures, his stories come to life with crazy CGI effects to keep the little ones both in the movie and in the theater entertained this Christmas.

A lot of women (and people in general) in real life wear glasses.  So it’s only natural for our favorite movie characters to be sporting such a common and fun accessory. 

If Harry Potter can make 8 movies wearing glasses, then any woman can too.  Here’s a list of some of the greatest leading ladies who have already worked the specs!

Scarlett Johansson: Sondra Pransky in Scoop

Julia Roberts: Kiki Harrison in America’s Sweethearts

Nia Vardalos: Toula Portokalos in My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Meg Ryan: Sally Albright in When Harry Met Sally

Nicole Kidman:  Silvia Broome in The Interpreter

Meryl Streep: Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada

Uma Thurman: Jenny Johnson in My Super Ex-Girlfriend

Daryl Hannah: Annelle Dupuy Desoto in Steel Magnolias

Tina Fey: Kate Holbrook in Baby Mama

Reese Witherspoon: Elle Woods in Legally Blonde

Jennifer Garner: Sandra in Pearl Harbor

Tara Reid: Aline Cedrac in Alone in the Dark

Lacey Chabert: Jenny in Daddy Day Care

Kristin Davis: Charlotte York in Sex and the City

Christine Taylor: Matilda Jeffries in Zoolander

Amy Adams: Susan in Talladega Nights

Hope Davis: Joyce Brabner in American Splendor

Michelle Pfeiffer: Claire Spencer in What Lies Beneath

Queen Latifah: Nina Brewster in Mad Money

On Aug. 14 Warner Brothers announced that the latest Harry Potter film scheduled to open Nov. 21 has been pushed back to open in July 2009.  

Alan Horn, who made the official announcement for Warner Brothers, stated the reasons why they were pushing back the release were due to seeing the success of the last HP film (which premiered in July of 2007) and also due to the writers’ strike which effected things by “changing the competitive landscape for 2009 and offering new windows of opportunity that we wanted to take advantage of.”

Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, pointed out that “the good news for them is that the gap will now be shortened between ‘Half-Blood Prince’ and the first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”

On Aug. 15, Summit Entertainment announced that they are bumping up their release date for “Twilight” to Nov. 21 instead of the original Dec. 12.  Why?  Their press release stated that moving up the date will “both bring the film to the written-series’ enormous fan base sooner, and to present the film in more theatres prior to the holiday movie-going season where traditionally screen time for any popular film is limited.”