Reviews

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:Part 1 is automatically very different from the previous films. Why? Firstly, at no point during the film is it set at Hogwarts where the other films have been centrally based. Some may not like this change of scenery, however I do because it gives a sense of freedom (and growing up) for the three protagonists. Again this next instalment of the saga gets even darker with more deaths, fights, snakes and torture. There is a reason why such films are placed with a certificate of 12, so I suggest that youngsters should not be taken in less you know they can cope. Even I jumped a few times with the appearance of the snake. Again this Gothic feel adds to the sense of growing of age and freedom, as the three protagonists get a feel for what real life is like after leaving the relatively safe haven of Hogwarts. Dangerous; particularly if you are the infamous Harry Potter or are friends with him. Many people have been disappointed with the film, saying that not as much occurs compared with the other films, however, don't forget it is only part 1, and all those who have read the book will know that we have saved the best 'til last, and that this film is setting up for the explosion as the series concludes. So please wait until you have seen the second part before you make your concluding opinion of the film, because some things may not add up until you watch the second. Part 1 focuses mainly on the three protagonists, their relationship with each other, and the task that Harry Potter has put upon himself, with the help of his friends. The film also shows how wicked Voldermort and his other death eaters are, particularly Helena Bohnam Carter, who plays her part fantastically. Unfortunately I thought that as they have two film to make from one book, that the film would not skip over or just briefly show certain events and aspects of the story. But, it does. For instance the film does not explore why Lucius seems almost weaker and more afraid of Voldermort than he usually has been in the other films. Overall, I thought it was a very good film, not the best I have ever seen, but certainly one I would like to see again. Having read the book, I cannot wait until the second part comes out as I think it will be the best one yet. :)

Alas yet another action-comedy has been made! However is it any good? Well, quite possibly yes. Having received mixed responses from other critics and generally scoring around 5/10 on most occasions, it is thought that many people may in fact enjoy it, although will not be impatient for it to come out on DVD, however it still should be seen. Directed by James Mangold, who also directed the award-winning 'Walk the Line,' the film is likely to have some good potential, which it does.

The perhaps star-vehicle film stars none other than Mission Impossible lead Tom Cruise and Charlie's Angel Cameron Diaz who appear together on our screens for the second time after Vanilla Sky. Both stars can be seen as 'objects of desire' as on at least two occasions Cruise's top is off showing his fine, fit body and Diaz shows off her amazing body while in a bikini, thus making it a good film for couples to go and see as both would have someone to feast their eyes on.

The film cleverly makes some spectators alternate their views on whether Cruise's character is the good guy or the bad guy. Making the spectator think can be an added bonus into creating a good film. However the film lacks the in depth detail of the main characters which could loosen a spectator's connection to the film, therefore making it a film more suitable for people who seek escapism from realism.

Escapism is easily seen because of the large amounts of typically American action scenes such as gun fights, car chases and explosions, which added with the witty comedy, are shown pretty well and make it enjoyable to watch, which surprises me when I found that the film did better globally ($200 million, box office) than domestically. One explanation for this is that it couldn't compete with family orientated films such as, The Karate Kid and Toy Story 3 which both seemed to generally do better. On the other hand, The Karate Kid is a remake of the 80s classic and Toy Story 3 is the third in a series of films that is adored by many generations, so both would obviously seem more popular.

Although the comedy element of the film doesn't make you laugh for hours on end, it is filled with many witty comments that keep the film light-hearted and keep it from becoming boring, and Diaz and Cruise create this well with the use of good chemistry.

I personally rate the film with 7/10 as apart from the lack of character in depth, the mixture of wit, Cruise and Diaz, and amazing action sequences, create a great film for couples and families (particularly with teenagers) to watch.