Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

And the quest continues!

After much anticipation, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince opened in theaters yesterday.

The movie is based on the sixth book of the Harry Potter series. With Voldemort on the loose, and the darkness growing stronger, the feeling in the Wizard World is that nothing and no one is ever really safe anymore. This story is different from the others in that it focuses more on the development and growth of the Trio, as well as other characters--Dumbledore, Malfoy, Snape, etc., while at the same time moving the plot along. The reader/viewer learn more about Voldemort and what exactly Harry is going to need to do in order to truely defeat him.

As a film, I thought the movie was fantastic. A little choppy, but all and all I think the cast once again delivered a both captivating and witty performance, which left me feeling satisfied when I exited the theater.

But, I must confess to you readers, I was a bit disappointed by the storyline in reference to the book. I definitely believe that other Harry Potter movies have done a better job of keeping to the book’s plot than this one did.
I mean, because the books are so long they always have to cut out some parts but it seemed like this time there were quite a few chunks missing—the battle, Dumbledore’s funeral—and there was little emphasis or significance given to the fact that Snape turned out to be the Half Blood Prince.

I will say this though: it never ceases to amaze me how elaborate these stories are. It is absolutely astounding that this intricate saga was all written by ONE PERSON. I mean, did J. K. Rowling realize what a phenomenon she would be starting when Sorcerer’s Stone was published? Did she understand just how many kids and teens (and adults) were destined to become die-hard HP fans?
It’s amazing…

Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian

The hilariously funny Ben Stiller returns as Larry Daley, Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian.

This time around, Larry is on a rescue mission.

With the Museum of Natural History upgrading to stay “hip” and with the times, all our favorite museum pieces including Octavius, Jedediah, and Sacajawea, are being shipped off to the Archives, the federal storage unit located beneath the historical museums of Washington D.C. That means no more coming to life after hours since the tablet of Ahkmenrah (pronounced exactly as it looks) is not traveling with them.

Or so they think….

When Dexter, the infamous capuchin monkey known for his mischievous tendencies, swipes the tablet and brings it with them to the nation's capital, Ahkmenrah's evil brother, Kahmunrah (same deal with pronunciation) tries to commandeer it so he can unleash his army from the Underworld.

This cause a full out war to break loose! It's battle of the exhibits, baby! May the best team win!

With a whole new cast of villains:
-Ivan the Terrible
-Creeptastic Egyptian warriors
-Al Capone and crew,

A variety of fun, new characters:
-The adventurous Amelia Earhart, heroine and love interest of Larry
-Teddy Roosevelt—athough, it’s only his head
-General Custer
-JoBro cherubs
-Abraham Lincoln

AND a surprise appearance by Darth Vadar himself, this movie is one that you don't want to miss!