Tag: Harry Potter

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD – Review

Prior to my film screening, a man walked about the auditorium performing card tricks for audience members. Kids and adults alike were wowed by his magic tricks, but as everyone knows, the deck was stacked in his favor. He didn’t have to worry about what cards he held, which seems like a problem J.K. Rowling had to face when establishing the FANTASTIC BEASTS universe. Establishing characters that were only hinted at in the Wizarding World and some not even mentioned at all was perhaps the biggest of many challenges. Ultimately, the first film was a tonal mess of jumbled themes that didn’t know exactly what it wanted to do – the equivalent of not knowing whether to go for a full house or three-of-a-kind. And unlike the entertainer with the deck of cards, J.K. Rowling had to lay on the table a number of weak cards in the first film before she was able to play a stronger hand with the second film in the series.

At the end of the first film, the powerful wizard Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escapes custody and begins gathering followers to fulfill his mission: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings (No-majes). In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander to stop him, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead.

THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD opens with an exciting breakout as Grindelwald is attempted to be transported from one jail to another. It sets the tone for an espionage-heavy story that also weaves a cat-and-mouse chase across multiple countries. A wave of a wand and characters pop up in a new place, and then leave soon after to pop up in another. While on paper, it sounds like an exhilarating departure from the first film’s childlike hijinks, it’s told without much conviction and lacking any forward trajectory. The story is much more focused than its predecessor, but director David Yates seems more interested in the intimate character moments than the fear of a growing evil presence that looms over the characters. Cinematographer Philippe Rousselot highlights this through a number of extremely tight close-ups on the characters, something that was practically non-existent in the previous film’s visual storytelling.

The fantastic beasts from the title are more cleverly woven into the fabric of the story than they were previously. In the first film, they acted as cute distractions from the witch-hunt, here, they pick locks for characters to escape and act as guardians when trouble arises. In fact, one of the shining characters in the film is a large fanged dragon-looking cat that resembles something in a Chinese Dragon Dance. Compared to the first entry, Newt Scamander’s role as a magical zookeeper doesn’t get in the way of his new role in helping to save the world (as silly as that may sound).

The magical world is central to the story, and the numerous flashbacks and new reveals will excite fans of this universe. Hearing the iconic John Williams score once again and taking a trip back to Hogwarts was a welcome return. Who is particularly strong in these scenes is Jude Law as a young Dumbledore. He is able to perfectly balance the scholarly manner of the character along with a hint of mischievousness that comes through at times in something as subtle a passing comment and slight smirk. Because of his relationship with Newt Scamander and others, the first film suddenly is given new purpose – something that I question whether was actually planned out from the start.

As I was expecting yet another over-the-top performance from Johnny Depp, I was shocked to see how restrained he is with Grindelwald’s line delivery and mannerisms. Under the pale skin and white hair, he plays the villain as an all-seeing, stoic British gentleman, not unlike David Bowie late in his life. David Yates appropriately limits his screentime until the finale, where we see just how much power he has in the wizarding world. His roaring speech to his followers is a moody show-stopper. While it may take a little too long to get to that point, he casts a spell over the audience and his followers through his manipulation of fear and the threat of war – it becomes an effective allusion to Hitler’s rise to power in pre-WWII Europe.

While THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD suffers at times from many crimes, they are far fewer and less offensive than FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM. Just as the original series of films balanced an innocent sense of wonder with an intriguing dissection of the blurred line between good and evil, here’s hoping that this new series continues to figure out its own unique style between wowing kids and adults and engaging wizards and no-majes.

 

Overall Score: 3 out of 5

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD opens in theaters November 16th, 2018

 

Toy Fair 2017: Funko

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Toy Fair is an annual trade show where hundreds of toy companies get together to showcase their latest innovations for buyers and press. The following is a photo recap from the Funko booth. To see the rest of our coverage, click HERE.

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As someone who gave custom Batman Funko Pops to the groomsmen at my wedding, I had to stop by their booth during my Toy Fair trip. Unfortunately their area was forever crowded so I had to settle for a quick walkthrough on my own. This does not come as much of a shock though. To say that Funko has transformed into a phenomenon these last few years is a bit of an understatement.

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Funko’s Pop line of collectible vinyl figures started with Batman and now features thousands of characters from Film, TV, comics, and pop culture. There are also seemingly as many variations of Batman as there are total number of properties they license. The Pop brand has expanded to include t-shirts, household items, and several monthly subscriptions based on properties like Marvel, DC Comics, Star Wars and now Disney. Funko also sells Dorbz, Mystery Minis, Rock Candy, Vinyl Vixens, Super Deluxe, Hikari, and several different lines of action figures.

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Comparing the first wave of Funko’s to the latest generation reveals stunning progress on these figures. They have an uncanny ability of capturing an actor’s appearance into a perfectly realized 3D vinyl caricature. Just look at the JOHN WICK, GODFATHER, TWIN PEAKS, WESTWORLD, and STRANGER THINGS figures. You do not need any packaging to tell you the identity of each figure.

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While there were hundreds of Funko items on display, I tried to focus my photos just on the ones that are relatively new or have not yet been released. Below are some of my favorites, including a peak at some new lines…

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SDCC 2016: FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM – New Trailer

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Today in Hall H, the cast of FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM were ready to wow their fans… with free wands! But wait… that;s not all… there is an all new trailer!

For those of you that aren’t familiar, FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM is set in the Harry Potter universe. In 1926 as Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident…were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.

#FantasticBeasts

Official site: fantasticbeasts.com

Facebook: facebook.com/fantasticbeastsmovie

Twitter (@FantasticBeasts): twitter.com/FantasticBeasts

Instagram (@fantasticbeastsmovie): instagram.com/fantasticbeastsmovie/

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WAMG Visits The All New Wizarding World Of Harry Potter At Universal Studios Hollywood

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Over the weekend, WAMG visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood and we were not disappointed!

From the moment you walk into the theme parks’ latest attraction, you are transported to the magical Diagon Alley and platform 9 and 3/4 at King’s Cross Station in London. Harry Potter fans will instantly recognize the famous Hogwarts Express locomotive and all the shopping any hopeful wizard could want before heading to Hogwarts.

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Universal Studios Hollywood has done a fantastic job of recreating the most intricate details to wow visitors and die-hards alike. The facades are spectacular and even with the crowds, its easy to forget that you are not actually in another time and place. As you make your way through the alley, there are shops selling everything from wands and spellbooks to Butterbeer and owls. There are also timed performances from the “Frog Choir” – a presentation of songs by a small choir of Hogwarts students and their large croaking frogs!

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But the best of all is the “ride” (if you can call it that…) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Holy moly, this is the mother of all interactive 3-D attractions. First you have to jump on to the moving seats, which can be a challenge in itself! Once strapped in your seat, 3-D glasses in place, you are whisked away at high speed for a tour of Hogwarts and the surrounding areas. The absolute most thrilling part is that you get to fly in a Quidditch match with Harry himself and the rest of the squad. With seats that keep your legs dangling, the sensation that you are actually flying is unbelievable.

The second ride, Flight of the Hippogriff, is basically a high speed spiral roller-coaster that although ends quickly, its not recommended you eat before riding!

Crowds are at capacity, seeing that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has only been open a couple of weeks, and the upcoming summer season will probably keep it that way for quite awhile. However if you can brave the crowds, or wait til summer is over, it is well worth the trip. We at WAMG highly recommend it!

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First Photos From FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM Arrive

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Warner Bros. Pictures has released the first photos from their upcoming film FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM. (via EW)

The all new adventure is set in the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling in her best-selling Harry Potter books, which were adapted into the highest-grossing film franchise of all time.

Filming began in August at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, under the direction of David Yates, who helmed the last four “Harry Potter” feature films.

Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”) stars as Newt Scamander, the wizarding world’s preeminent magizoologist, who stops in New York following his travels to find and document magical creatures.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM also stars Katherine Waterston (“Inherent Vice”) as Tina; Alison Sudol (“Dig,” “Transparent”) as Tina’s sister, Queenie; Tony Award winner Dan Fogler (“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”) as Jacob; Ezra Miller (“Trainwreck”) as Credence; two-time Oscar nominee Samantha Morton (“In America,” “Sweet and Lowdown”) as Mary Lou; Jenn Murray (“Brooklyn”) as Chastity; young newcomer Faith Wood-Blagrove as Modesty; and Colin Farrell (“True Detective”) as Graves.

See more photos over at EW.com.

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Marking the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, the script was inspired by her character Newt Scamander’s Hogwarts textbook, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

The film is being produced by David Heyman, producer of all eight of the blockbuster “Harry Potter” features; J.K. Rowling; Steve Kloves; and Lionel Wigram.

Collaborating with Yates behind the scenes are: Oscar-winning director of photography Philippe Rousselot (“A River Runs Through It,” the “Sherlock Holmes” movies), three-time Oscar-winning production designer Stuart Craig (“The English Patient,” “Dangerous Liaisons,” “Gandhi,” the “Harry Potter” films), three-time Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood (“Chicago,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Alice in Wonderland”), Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Tim Burke (“Gladiator,” the “Harry Potter” films), Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Christian Manz (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1”), and Yates’ longtime editor Mark Day (the last four “Harry Potter” films).

Warner Bros. Pictures has slated FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM for worldwide release in 3D and IMAX on November 18, 2016.

Visit the official site: www.fantasticbeasts.com

“ATTENTION ALL MUGGLES! We Found Just the Right Young People to Play Harry, Ron and Hermione” – Harry Potter Cast Announced August 21, 2000

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“To Harry Potter – the boy who lived!” – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Fifteen years ago today, the world met the faces that launched one of the biggest movie franchises in cinema history.

Here’s the official press release:

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint And Emma Watson Bring Harry, Ron And Hermione To Life For Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone”

(August 21, 2000 – Burbank, CA) – ATTENTION ALL MUGGLES! Director Chris Columbus and producer David Heyman have discovered their Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger from the thousands of children who cast their names into the hat to play the roles. Young actor Daniel Radcliffe will be the film’s Harry, with newcomers Rupert Grint and Emma Watson taking on the roles of Ron and Hermione, Harry’s best friends at Hogwarts, in Warner Bros. Pictures’ upcoming adaptation of the first in the best-selling series of Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. Lorenzo di Bonaventura, President, Worldwide Theatrical Production, Warner Bros. Pictures, made the announcement today. “We searched through all Muggle and Wizard households to find just the right young people to play Harry, Ron and Hermione and we have found them in Dan, Rupert and Emma,” di Bonaventura said. “These are magical roles, the kind that come around once in a lifetime, and they required talented children who can bring magic to the screen.” “We saw so many enormously talented kids in the search for Harry,” said Columbus. “The process was intense and there were times when we felt we would never find an individual who embodied the complex spirit and depth of Harry Potter. Then, Dan walked into the room and we all knew we had found Harry. We were equally elated upon meeting Emma and Rupert who are perfect for the roles of Hermione and Ron. I couldn’t be happier to begin work with such talented, inspiring young actors.” Added David Heyman, “While we have been alternately amused and bemused by the rumors about what we’re doing, we are overjoyed to finally put them to rest. These are tremendously talented British kids who will bring so much to the film. We have always been and continue to be devoted to remaining true and faithful to the book.” Added J. K. Rowling, “Having seen Dan Radcliffe’s screen test, I don’t think Chris Columbus could have found a better Harry. I wish Dan, Emma and Rupert the very best of luck and hope that they have as much fun acting the first year at Hogwarts as I had writing it.” Eleven year old Daniel Radcliffe recently portrayed young David in the BBC’s “David Copperfield” and will be seen later this year in the John Boorman film “The Tailor of Panama.” Ten year old Emma Watson and eleven year old Rupert Grint have both acted in school plays. Harry Potter is the central character in a series of books for children and adults alike that has swept the world. Written by British author J.K. Rowling, the books follow the exploits of a boy who learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He is summoned from his life as an unwanted foster child to become a student at Hogwarts, a boarding school for wizards. There, Harry meets a close circle of friends that becomes his new family. Ultimately, with their help, he takes on the powerful figure who was responsible for his parents’ death. www.harrypotter.com

Actress Emma Watson went on Twitter today.

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE was released by Warner Bros. in the US and UK on Friday, November 16, 2001. Directed by Chris Columbus (“Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Home Alone,” “Stepmom”) and produced by David Heyman, filming began in November 2000. (trailer)

The film went onto receive 3 Oscar nominations – Art Direction/Set Direction, Costume Design and Best Original Score (John Williams) and brought in a domestic gross of $317.6 million; $975 worldwide. The seven books were eventually adapted into an eight-part film series.

“Is that where – ?” whispered Professor McGonagall.”Yes,” said Dumbledore. “He’ll have that scar forever.” 

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FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM Begins Filming – Stars Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston And Colin Farrell

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Principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures’ highly anticipated feature FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM.

The all new adventure is set in the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling in her best-selling Harry Potter books, which were adapted into the highest-grossing film franchise of all time.

Filming started today, August 17, at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, under the direction of David Yates, who helmed the last four “Harry Potter” feature films.

Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”) stars as Newt Scamander, the wizarding world’s preeminent magizoologist, who stops in New York following his travels to find and document magical creatures.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM also stars Katherine Waterston (“Inherent Vice”) as Tina; Alison Sudol (“Dig,” “Transparent”) as Tina’s sister, Queenie; Tony Award winner Dan Fogler (“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”) as Jacob; Ezra Miller (“Trainwreck”) as Credence; two-time Oscar nominee Samantha Morton (“In America,” “Sweet and Lowdown”) as Mary Lou; Jenn Murray (“Brooklyn”) as Chastity; young newcomer Faith Wood-Blagrove as Modesty; and Colin Farrell (“True Detective”) as Graves.

Marking the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, the script was inspired by her character Newt Scamander’s Hogwarts textbook, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

The film is being produced by David Heyman, producer of all eight of the blockbuster “Harry Potter” features; J.K. Rowling; Steve Kloves; and Lionel Wigram.

Collaborating with Yates behind the scenes are: Oscar-winning director of photography Philippe Rousselot (“A River Runs Through It,” the “Sherlock Holmes” movies), three-time Oscar-winning production designer Stuart Craig (“The English Patient,” “Dangerous Liaisons,” “Gandhi,” the “Harry Potter” films), three-time Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood (“Chicago,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Alice in Wonderland”), Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Tim Burke (“Gladiator,” the “Harry Potter” films), Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Christian Manz (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1”), and Yates’ longtime editor Mark Day (the last four “Harry Potter” films).

Warner Bros. Pictures has slated FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM for worldwide release in 3D and IMAX on November 18, 2016.

Warner Bros. Pictures Announces Upcoming Super Hero And Harry Potter Spinoff Films

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Today at a Time Warner investors meeting, Warner Bros.’ Chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujihara outlined an aggressive content strategy for the Studio aimed at increasing profits while “doubling down on outstanding content, working with the best talent and maintaining the culture that makes Warner Bros. so great.”

As part of his presentation, Tsujihara announced a bold expansion of the industry’s broadest theatrical slate, built around the largest, most important global franchises.

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Warner Bros. Pictures will release three LEGO-branded films over the next four years, building upon the enormous success of this year’s “The LEGO Movie” ($468 million worldwide box office), starting with “Ninjago” in 2016, directed by Charlie Bean and produced by Dan Lin, Roy Lee, Phil Lord and Chris Miller.

Batman will take a star turn in “The LEGO Batman Movie” in 2017, directed by Chris McKay, and the sequel, “The LEGO Movie 2,” will debut in 2018.

The Studio will release three pictures, in 2016, 2018 and 2020, based on best-selling author J.K. Rowling’s original story and screenwriting debut, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” Set in an extension of her familiar wizarding world, featuring magical creatures and characters inspired by Harry Potter’s Hogwarts textbook and its fictitious author, Newt Scamander, “Fantastic Beasts” will be directed by David Yates, who directed the last four Harry Potter movies, and reunite the filmmaking team of David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram.

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And, in a massive expansion of the Studio’s DC Entertainment-branded content, Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema will release a slate of at least 10 movies—as well as stand-alone Batman and Superman films—from 2016 through 2020 that expands this prized universe of characters:

“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” directed by Zack Snyder (2016)
“Suicide Squad,” directed by David Ayer (2016)
“Wonder Woman,” starring Gal Gadot (2017)
“Justice League Part One,” directed by Zack Snyder, with Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill and Amy Adams reprising their roles (2017)
“The Flash,” starring Ezra Miller (2018)
“Aquaman,” starring Jason Momoa (2018)
“Shazam” (2019)
“Justice League Part Two,” directed by Zack Snyder (2019)
“Cyborg,” starring Ray Fisher (2020)
“Green Lantern” (2020)

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On the television front, Warner Bros. Television Group is the undisputed industry leader, providing 32 shows to the five broadcast networks and an overall roster of more than 60 shows among network, cable, first-run syndication and animation. WBTVG will grow its leadership across multiple fronts, including cable, premium platform and kids programming as well as further its precedent-setting activities in SVOD and international television production and format sales.

Among the Studio’s programs are network TV’s #1 entertainment series in “The Big Bang Theory” and #1 unscripted series in “The Voice,” as well as favorites such as “Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Gotham,” “The Middle,” “Mom,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “The Bachelor” franchise, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and many more.

For Turner, Warner Horizon Television’s “Rizzoli & Isles” and Warner Bros. Television’s “Major Crimes” are two of the top three scripted series on all of basic cable for 2014, and the #1 and #2 shows, respectively, on TNT. The Studio has a number of future projects set up at TNT, including a pilot production order for an untitled drama set in the unpredictable world of the Florida cocaine trade in the 1970s, from Jerry Bruckheimer, Michael Bay and Michelle Ashford, and is in development on “Titans,” from Academy Award-winner Akiva Goldsman and Marc Haimes, based upon the DC Comics characters.

At HBO, WBTV’s first series for the premium television company, the critically acclaimed “The Leftovers,” debuted this summer and has already been picked up for a second season. WBTV has also produced the pilot “Westworld,” from executive producers J.J. Abrams, Jonathan Nolan, Jerry Weintraub and Lisa Joy, and starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris and Evan Rachel Wood, and has a number of other projects in development at the company.

15 Young Adult Novels Turned Into Movies

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THE MAZE RUNNER will finally hit theaters this Friday, September 19th.

Published in October 2009 and based upon the first book in a bestselling series by James Dashner, the novel became a New York Times Best Seller and captured the imaginations of readers around the world. Fans have described it as a combination of Lord of the Flies, The Hunger Games, and the legendary television series Lost.

Books to film – especially young adult adaptations – are big bucks at the box office. Lionsgate’s THE HUNGER GAMES and THE TWILIGHT SAGA franchises have collectively grossed more than $5 billion at the worldwide box office, and THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE is the 10th highest-grossing film of all time.

Over the weekend, Variety reported:

The 20th Century Fox release racked up a strong $8.3 million across five markets last weekend, with debuts that compared favorably to another young adult hit, “Divergent.” “The Maze Runner” is expected to make $30 million when it touches down stateside on Sept. 19.

While some missed the mark and others were successful in their crossover from page to screen, here’s a look at 15 Young Adult Novels that were turned into films.

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THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

(June 6, 2014)

Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Gus (Ansel Elgort) are two extraordinary teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them — and us — on an unforgettable journey. Their relationship is all the more miraculous, given that they met and fell in love at a cancer support group. THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, based upon the number-one bestselling novel by John Green, explores the funny, thrilling and tragic business of being alive and in love.

Review

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THE GIVER

(August 15, 2014)

The haunting story of THE GIVER centers on Jonas, who lives in a seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community. The film is based on Lois Lowry’s beloved young adult novel of the same name, which was the winner the 1994 Newbery Medal and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

Review

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THE HUNGER GAMES Series

(March 23, 2012; November 22, 2013)

In the film versions of Suzanne Collins’ best selling futuristic young adult novel THE HUNGER GAMES, a dystopic Capitol requires its twelve subjugated districts to pay tribute in the form of a teenage boy and girl who are forced to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. When Katniss Everdeen’s little sister is chosen in the lottery, Katniss volunteers to take her place. Although persevering through hardship is commonplace for Katniss, she must start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love in order to win the games and return home.

The success of THE HUNGER GAMES and THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE marked the first time the first two installments of a franchise have each topped $400 million at the domestic box office, and both films now rank among the top 15 domestic film releases in history. CATCHING FIRE also grossed $428.8 million internationally for a worldwide box office total of $838.2 million in its first seven weeks of release compared to $691 million worldwide box office generated during the entire run of the first Hunger Games film.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 1 will be released worldwide on November 21, 2014 and THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 opens November 20, 2015.

THE HUNGER GAMES Review

CATCHING FIRE Review

Trailers

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THE PRINCESS DIARIES

(August 3, 2001)

Starring Oscar winners Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway, and Hector Elizondo, THE PRINCESS DIARIES is a cool, comical Cinderella story that will touch your heart. For teenager Mia Thermopolis (Hathaway), just surviving each school day is an adventure. Then the shocking news arrives that she’s a real-life princess! So begins a comical transformation towards poise and princess-ness, including a media storm, jealous schoolmates, and a plot to take over her country. Based on Meg Cabot’s 2000 novel.

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DIVERGENT

(March 21, 2014)

The thrilling action-adventure film is set in a world where people are divided into distinct factions based on human virtues. Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) is warned she is Divergent and will never fit into any one group. When she discovers a conspiracy by a faction leader (Kate Winslet) to destroy all Divergents, Tris must learn to trust in the mysterious Four (Theo James) and together they must find out what makes being Divergent so dangerous before it’s too late. 

The first film in the DIVERGENT franchise grossed $117 million at the domestic box office in its first three weeks of release, and it continues its international rollout this weekend with openings in France, Germany, Russia, Australia, Scandinavia and other major territories. Book sales of the best-selling Divergent series continue to skyrocket with total sales nearing 20 million worldwide.

Lionsgate will release a total of four DIVERGENT films on its Summit Entertainment label, with the next film, INSURGENT, which begins production next month, slated for release on March 20, 2015 and ALLEGIANT — Parts 1 & 2 scheduled for release on March 18, 2016, and March 24, 2017, respectively.

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HARRY POTTER

(Eight films: 2001 – 2011)

“Dark and Difficult Times Lie Ahead“

It all begins when Harry Potter learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned first son of two powerful wizards and possesses magical powers of his own. At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.

Fans watched as Harry’s, Hermione’s and Ron’s lives were filled with the Triwizard Tournament, dragons, the high-flying sport Quidditch, a thrilling game with living chess pieces, platform nine and three quarters, Ollivanders Wand Shop in Diagon Alley, Death Eaters and Horcruxes – all the while facing the threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

Based on the seven novels by J.K. Rowling, it all ended with “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2″ – the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalated into an all-out war. 

A Look at the Films

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ERAGON

(December 15, 2006)

In a mythical time, a teenage boy becomes a dragon rider with the help of a wise old man, and with his newly-hatched dragon, avenges the murder of his uncle, rescues a beautiful warrior, and battles a tyrannical king. The film starred Ed Speelers, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Guillory, Robert Carlyle, Djimon Hounsou, Garrett Hedlund, Joss Stone, Rachel Weisz and John Malkovich. Directed by Stefen Fangmeier, the film is based on the novel of the same name by author Christopher Paolini from his Inheritance Cycle series.

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NICK AND NORAH’S INFINITE PLAYLIST

(October 3, 2008)

Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist is a comedy about two people thrust together for one hilarious, sleepless night of adventure in a world of mix tapes, late-night living, and, live, loud music. Nick (Michael Cera) frequents New York’s indie rock scene nursing a broken heart and a vague ability to play the bass. Norah (Kat Dennings) is questioning pretty much all of her assumptions about the world. Though they have nothing in common except for their taste in music, their chance encounter leads to an all-night quest to find a legendary band’s secret show and ends up becoming the first date in a romance that could change both their lives.

Screenplay by Lorene Scafaria, based on Rachel Cohn and David Levithan‘s book.

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TWILIGHT Series

(2008 – 2012)

THE TWILIGHT SAGA film series stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner and tells the story of 17-year-old Bella Swan who moves to the small town of Forks, Washington to live with her father, and becomes drawn to Edward Cullen, a pale, mysterious classmate who seems determined to push her away. But neither can deny the attraction that pulls them together…even when Edward confides that he and his family are vampires. The action-packed, modern day vampire love story Twilight, the first film in the series, was released in theatres on November 21, 2008 to a blockbuster reception. The second installment of the film franchise, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, was released November 20, 2009, followed by the third installment The Twilight Saga: Eclipse on June 30, 2010. The final two installments, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Parts 1 & 2, were released on November 18, 2011 and November 16, 2012 respectively.  All films, which together grossed more than $3.3 billion at the worldwide box office, were written by Melissa Rosenberg based on the novels in author Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series.

Watch how it all began HERE.

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PERCY JACKSON Series

(OLYMPIANS: February 12, 2010 and SEA MONSTERS: August 7, 2013)

In PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF, a trouble-prone teen Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of school — but that’s the least of his problems. The gods of Mount Olympus and assorted monsters seem to have walked out of the pages of Percy’s Greek mythology texts and into his life — and they’re not happy. Zeus’ lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. Now, Percy and his friends must return Zeus’ stolen property and unravel a mystery more powerful than the gods themselves.

Based on the publishing phenomenon, PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS continues the young demigod’s epic journey to fulfill his destiny. To save their world, Percy and his friends must find the fabled and powerfully magic Golden Fleece. Embarking on a treacherous odyssey into the uncharted waters of the Sea of Monsters (known to humans as the Bermuda Triangle), they battle terrifying creatures, an army of zombies, and the ultimate Evil. Based on the series by Rick Riordan.

OLYMPIANS Review

SEA MONSTERS Review

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VAMPIRE ACADEMY

VAMPIRE ACADEMY

(February 7, 2014)

Based on author Richelle Mead’s worldwide bestselling series, VAMPIRE ACADEMY tells the legend of Rose Hathaway (Zoey Deutch) and Lissa Dragomir (Lucy Fry), two 17-year-old girls who attend a hidden boarding school for Moroi (mortal, peaceful Vampires) and Dhampirs (half-vampire/half-human guardians).

Rose, a rebellious Guardian-in-training and her best friend, Lissa – a royal vampire Princess – have been on the run when they are captured and returned to St.Vladamirs Academy, the very place where they believe their lives may be in most jeopardy. Thrust back into the perils of Moroi Society and high school, Lissa struggles to reclaim her status while Rose trains with her mentor and love-interest, Dimitri (Danila Kozlovsky), to guarantee her place as Lissa’s guardian.

Rose will sacrifice everything to protect Lissa from those who intend to exploit her from within the Academy walls and the Strigoi (immortal, evil vampires) who hunt her kind from outside its sanctuary.

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I AM NUMBER FOUR

(February 18, 2011)

Three are dead. Who is Number Four? From director D.J. Caruso (Disturbia), producer Michael Bay (Transformers) and the writers of TV’s Smallville, comes this gripping, action-packed thriller. John Smith (Alex Pettyfer) is an extraordinary teen masking his true identity to elude a deadly enemy sent to destroy him. Living with his guardian (Timothy Olyphant) in the small town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events — his first love (Dianna Agron, TV’s Glee), powerful new abilities and a secret connection to the others who share his incredible destiny. Based on the novel I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore.

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THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES

(August 21, 2013)

Clary’s life is turned upside down when her mother is kidnapped and it’s revealed that she and her mother are actually shadowhunters – billed with protecting the world from downworlders such as vampires, werewolves and demons. Clary must discover her talents and save her mother. Based on the Best-Selling YA series by Cassandra Clare.

Review

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BEAUTIFUL CREATURES

BEAUTIFUL CREATURES

(February 14, 2013)

A strange recurring dream haunts Ethan Wate in his sleep, but he prefers anything to his waking life. Trapped in a small, conservative Southern town with his withdrawn father, Ethan desperately wants to escape. Then the beautiful Lena Duchannes arrives at his school, and mysterious events begin to occur. Lena has a secret: She is a Caster with powers beyond her control. Worse, when she reaches her 16th birthday, she will be claimed by either the Light or the Dark…and there is no escaping her fate in this supernatural love story. Based on the young adult novel written by authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl and the first book in the Caster Chronicles series.

Review

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THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS

(June 1, 2005)

Coming of Age Adventure based on Ann Brashares’ best-selling novel about a special 16th summer in the lives of four lifelong friends who are separated for the first time. On a shopping trip, the girls find a pair of thrift-shop jeans that fits each of them perfectly and they decide to use these “magic” pants as a way of keeping in touch over the months ahead, each girl wearing the jeans for a week to see what luck they bring her before sending them on to the next. Though miles apart, the four friends still experience life, love and loss together in a summer they’ll never forget.

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Top Ten Tuesday: Best of 2011

Another year has come and gone and with it passes another year of movies, good and bad, but today we focus on the best films to have hit theaters in 2011. Of course, the very phrase “best of…” is subject to widely varying opinions, which is why we choose to do things a little differently. While we do consider these the best films, that’s merely how they’re seen in our eyes. You may, heck… we even encourage you to disagree. For what it’s worth, here’s our Top Ten list of the Best Films of 2011.

How it works: We five Movie Geeks each have compiled our own lists of the top ten films of 2011. From these lists, we’ve tabulated votes based on a point system, resulting in our Movie Geeks Top Ten Films of 2011. Each of the individual geeks’ lists can be found at the end of our compiled list. *Our lists are based on the selection of films released theatrically in Saint Louis during the 2011 calendar year. (*This is why you will not see SHAME represented on our list.)

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