Film 352/365, Day 361/365 – The King’s Speech

Anyone that knows me probably wouldn’t describe me as a monarchist, that said however this is actually a very good film with an interesting story and some good characters.  For me Geoffrey Rush stole the show as the speech therapist.  There are some very funny moments most notably the swearing!

Synopsis:  This tells the story of the King George VI who suffered from a stammer which made addressing the public very difficult.  He had never intended to become king but when his brother abdicated the throne so that he could marry a twice divorced American he was the next in line.  To overcome his problem he seeks the help of an unorthodox therapist.

Film 350/365, Day 361/365 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

Much better than the first part, but still not quite to the level I was expecting from the hype.  The script was very much to the same standards as the previous films and at times seemed unsure of where they were going, how many horcruxes that had or hadn’t found/destroyed.  The final battle was epic but again failed to live up to expectations.

Synopsis:  Harry, Ron and Hermione have only a few horcuxes left to find, but they also need to avoid Voldemort who is even more determined to catch them than ever before.  To complete their tasks they will need to return to Hogwarts and face Voldemort in the final show down.

Film 348/365, Day 360/365 – Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Much darker than the previous films.  The story itself is very good and only finally reveals the answers at the end, although not all of the answers.  It has some elements that remind me of the Lord of the Rings in the style it’s filmed which is not a bad thing.  At times however the script still seems to be full of little unnecessary bits of dialog.  Altogether better than the previous film.

Synopsis:  With Voldemort finally revealed Hogwarts is turned into a fortress to protect Harry and the other children.  A new teacher of potions is brought into the school because Dumbledore believes he holds the secrets on how to defeat Voldemort.  Harry discovers a book that once belonged to the Half Blood Prince which contains lots of powerful spells and potions.

Film 347/365, Day 360/365 – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Pretty standard Harry Potter this one.  It’s a good fit to the series without really being great.  The visuals are very good and the action is ok.  Sometimes the script seems a little forced or juvenile but then it is aimed at children.

Synopsis:  The Ministry of Magic refuses to believe that Voldemort has returned and instead is determined to see that Harry Potter and Dumbledore and to do so they send Dolores Umbridge to watch over Hogwarts.  Soon she has taken full control and Dumbledore is on the run.  Can they get Voldemort to reveal himself?