Spider-Man 4 news...

I really thought the franchise is done after part 3. Though I was somewhat disappointed with part 3 and thought the trilogy was okay, I'm a bit excited if they ever plan to make another Spider-Man film. Well, here's what director Sam Raimi can say so far:

""I want to help contribute to the production," he said. "I don't know if I'll just be a producer on it but if I can work with the writer in such a way so that directing would be right for me, I don't know...."


Will he come back as a director? I hope so.

Read more about that at ComingSoon.net

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

After 6 days I finally finished the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. My reactions? It was great! It was actually very thrilling from the moment you read the first chapter up until it ends. J.K. Rowling definitely made Harry Potter’s world seem so real that even reading it would take you to the action. A lot of deaths happened, but I really think they were necessary. I also loved how all characters and places came full circle on this book. Really, really good! The only negative thing I would like to comment about is that the Epilogue was somewhat ‘cheesy’. I liked it, but somehow there was something in the writing on that epilogue that makes it like tasteless. Anyways, I really liked it. And this is easily one of the best books in the series (after Prisoner of Azkaban, of course.) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: 8.5/10

Weekend Movie Marathon

This past weekend I got the chance to have a movie marathon. Since I’m quite lazy to go out (and it’s hot), I decided to watch the following films instead. Some are new but some have been released a few months back. Still, I got the chance to watch and review them. Since I never really watched them in the theater, I guess they really don’t deserve a lengthy, single blog entry.

Evan Almighty – I remember this film didn’t do well at the box office. But still, I actually was laughing the whole time. Steve Carrell indeed was funny. But between Jim Carrey and him, I’d still choose Jim. A nice comedy that’s worthy of a rental. Evan Almighty: 7/10

Vacancy – I actually didn’t like the film when I saw its trailer, but somehow it was actually better than I expected. Some clichés are present, but overall it was a fun watch – fun, but forgettable. Vacancy: 6/10

Disturbia – I actually wanted to watch this film due to its success at the box office and some nice reviews. When I did, it was actually good. It was thrilling with an added sense of humor. Worthy of everyone’s attention. 8/10

Click – now this was the film I failed to watch at the cinemas and had second thoughts on buying it on DVD. The movie was funny and endearing, but that’s about it. It was nothing special, the usual Adam Sandler comedy with a drama bit in the end. A good family film, though. Click: 6/10

Mr. Brooks – I’m not really into these kinds of films, but I gave it a chance. Story was typical, and has been used dozens of times. Kevin Costner’s acting was good, but his alter ego (William Hurt) actually did better. Demi Moore’s performance was actually better than Costner’s. Forgettable film. Mr. Brooks: 6/10

I guess the only summer film I haven’t seen so far was Shrek the Third... yet. It’s not that I didn’t get the chance to see it, but I just lost interest on the Shrek films after Shrek 2.

Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

I have seen the last four Harry Potter movies on its first day of showing. Now that I am here in Dubai, I wouldn’t ruin my record. Hehe. I read the 5^th book about December 2004, and if I am not mistaken it is the longest book in the series. I also think it is one of the darkest. Now, I initially had my doubts with the film when I saw it’s 2-hour, 18-minute running time. For a book that long, will they be able to fit all the necessary events in the book with that runtime? I watched the film with high anticipation, and upon seeing the opening titles, I joyfully clapped along with the excited audience. The movie was very dark, reminiscent of Prisoner of Azkaban. The main plot is that Harry must prove to everyone that Voldemort (er, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named) is back, and is now wielding a war against all who would not follow him. As always, the main actors continue to grow into their roles. While the writer tries to keep everything at a nice pacing, there are some scenes included that were not fully explained. I guess only readers of the book would actually know the full sense of that scene. One for example, was Percy’s (Ron’s older brother) appearance with the Minister of Magic. It was never explained why he was with the Minister, and why on Christmas he wasn’t with the Weasley family. With all that aside, I think it is a wonderful film. Audiences would mostly admire Harry’s first love, and also witnessing his first kiss. Directing was good; David Yates was a proper choice in movie number 5 (I think he’ll be returning for the Half Blood Prince). The one thing that I liked is the number of cameos in the film. While the characters they are portraying are really characters on the book, I considered them cameos because of despite their small screen time; they were able to steal the show. For me, the best performers were Imelda Staunton and Helene Bonham Carter, who perfectly played their roles of Dolores Jane Umbridge and Bellatrix Lestrange, respectively. The special were, as always, very good. I was left in awe during the battle at the Ministry of Magic. All in all, it was a dark yet fun film. This is one of those book-to-film movies that really give a different experience to audiences, whether they may be reading the book or watching the film.

For comparison, I have included a score for the book and the film for all 5 Harry Potter book and film.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (a.k.a. Philosopher’s Stone)
Movie: 7/10 Book: 6/10

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Movie: 8/10 Book: 7/10

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Movie: 8.5/10 Book: 9/10

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Movie: 8/10 Book: 8/10

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Movie: 8.5/10 Book: 7.5/10

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Book: 8/10

Deathly Hallows is here!

After months of waiting and anticipation, I now hold in my hands the pivotal seventh and final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I actually wanted to go to the 3:01am launch here, but I guess I’m too lazy to get that early. Anyways, I immediately went to the book store early that day to get my copy (I even got a free paper bag and a bookmark). Thankfully, they were selling US versions here (it is the version I collect). I started reading the moment I went home. Now I’m on Chapter 11, if only I had nothing else to do I would have finished the book right away. But at least I have the copy. *Mischief Managed* Hehe! I’ll be posting my insights on the book once I’ve finished reading it.