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Galactic Watercooler
1.0
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GWC’s geeks jump into new material, becoming fans and passing on the experience. Rolling Stone...
Robert Pattinson: True Love Never Dies - Star of Twilight
Book
‘Teen vampire film Twilight, based on a novel by Stephenie Meyer, is the latest to have its own...
A Beauty of Magic The Crystal Ball
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In this humorous fantasy YA adventure, Ian is on a quest to find a crystal ball. He enters a magical...
fantasy young adult ya fantasy bookbuzz
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated This Much is True in Books
Aug 22, 2022
151 of 230
Book
This Much is True
By Miriam Margoyles
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From Blackadder to Call the Midwife, from PG Tips to Harry Potter, Miriam Margolyes is Britain's favourite national treasure -- this is (at last) her extraordinary life story and it's well worth the wait.
She is a true gem a British treasure. I loved reading this her life is full of funny stories and such a beautiful memories. She has always been an honest open person when we watch her interviews I absolutely love watching her on Graham Norton. Such a genuinely beautiful woman.
Book
This Much is True
By Miriam Margoyles
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From Blackadder to Call the Midwife, from PG Tips to Harry Potter, Miriam Margolyes is Britain's favourite national treasure -- this is (at last) her extraordinary life story and it's well worth the wait.
She is a true gem a British treasure. I loved reading this her life is full of funny stories and such a beautiful memories. She has always been an honest open person when we watch her interviews I absolutely love watching her on Graham Norton. Such a genuinely beautiful woman.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) in Movies
Nov 21, 2018
For the "true" Potter fan
It is a misnomer to call FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD a "Harry Potter" movie. True, it is a film that takes place in the "Harry Potter-verse", but it should, more accurately, be called an "Albus Dumbledore" movie.
"Crimes of Grindelwald" (or COG as I will call it from now on) has a tone more in keeping with the later films in the Harry Potter original grouping of films. Gone is the "fun" and "whimsey" of building a world based on magic. In is a dark, grainy and grey film that focuses on relationship building that will pay off down the road. Keep in mind that this is the 2nd film of a proposed 5 film series, so there's quite a bit of "set-up" and very little payoff here.
Because of all of this, the younger members of the audience in the theater I saw COGS in were antsey in their seats (as were the "casual" Harry Potter viewers who were just there to see "Magic Battles").
But...and this is a BIG but...those of us (including me) who are "into" the world that J.K. Rowling has built were rewarded with a rich, complex tapestry of backstory and legend building, bringing in characters that were merely mentioned in the original books (and films) and filling out parts of this universe to make it much, much richer, indeed.
And that's the problem with this film - and the problem that this film is going to have in finding an audience. I have heard criticisms such as "it's too dense", "it moves too slow" and there are "too many characters". And that is justified, if you're a casual fan. If you're "into it", then those criticisms don't hold water.
I've also heard that Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, the "hero" of the Fantastic Beasts franchise is too bland to hold the center of these films. I couldn't disagree more. I found that Redmayne's characterization of the magizooligist to be interesting and quirky. True, his characterization is subtle, maybe too subtle for some, but it was intriguing and interesting for me.
Returning from the first film are Katherine Waterson, Dan Fogler and Alison Sudol as comrades of Scamandars. They were "serviceable" in the first film and they are "serviceable" in the 2nd film.
It is the newcomers to this series that were of most interest to me starting with Jude Law as a young Albus Dumbledore. I liked his interpretation of this character - he has the same "mysterious" atmosphere about him that Richard Harris (and later) Michael Gambon brought to the character. Johnny Depp is also well cast as the titular bad guy, Grindelwald. Finally, Zoe Kravitz gives a strong performance as a conflicted wizard constantly battling her compulsion to be "good" and "bad".
David Yates returns to helm his 6th "Potter" film and he shows that he knows what he's doing. The world is rich (if grainy) and the action moves along as fast as the script allows. He does have a tendency to become enamored with the CGI aspects of the world he is building, but that is part of the charm of these films.
Remember, this is the 2nd of 5 films, so don't expect loose ends to be tied up. Expect cliff-hangers.
Letter Grade A- (B- if you are a casual fan)
8 (out of 10) stars (6 stars if you are a casual fan) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
"Crimes of Grindelwald" (or COG as I will call it from now on) has a tone more in keeping with the later films in the Harry Potter original grouping of films. Gone is the "fun" and "whimsey" of building a world based on magic. In is a dark, grainy and grey film that focuses on relationship building that will pay off down the road. Keep in mind that this is the 2nd film of a proposed 5 film series, so there's quite a bit of "set-up" and very little payoff here.
Because of all of this, the younger members of the audience in the theater I saw COGS in were antsey in their seats (as were the "casual" Harry Potter viewers who were just there to see "Magic Battles").
But...and this is a BIG but...those of us (including me) who are "into" the world that J.K. Rowling has built were rewarded with a rich, complex tapestry of backstory and legend building, bringing in characters that were merely mentioned in the original books (and films) and filling out parts of this universe to make it much, much richer, indeed.
And that's the problem with this film - and the problem that this film is going to have in finding an audience. I have heard criticisms such as "it's too dense", "it moves too slow" and there are "too many characters". And that is justified, if you're a casual fan. If you're "into it", then those criticisms don't hold water.
I've also heard that Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, the "hero" of the Fantastic Beasts franchise is too bland to hold the center of these films. I couldn't disagree more. I found that Redmayne's characterization of the magizooligist to be interesting and quirky. True, his characterization is subtle, maybe too subtle for some, but it was intriguing and interesting for me.
Returning from the first film are Katherine Waterson, Dan Fogler and Alison Sudol as comrades of Scamandars. They were "serviceable" in the first film and they are "serviceable" in the 2nd film.
It is the newcomers to this series that were of most interest to me starting with Jude Law as a young Albus Dumbledore. I liked his interpretation of this character - he has the same "mysterious" atmosphere about him that Richard Harris (and later) Michael Gambon brought to the character. Johnny Depp is also well cast as the titular bad guy, Grindelwald. Finally, Zoe Kravitz gives a strong performance as a conflicted wizard constantly battling her compulsion to be "good" and "bad".
David Yates returns to helm his 6th "Potter" film and he shows that he knows what he's doing. The world is rich (if grainy) and the action moves along as fast as the script allows. He does have a tendency to become enamored with the CGI aspects of the world he is building, but that is part of the charm of these films.
Remember, this is the 2nd of 5 films, so don't expect loose ends to be tied up. Expect cliff-hangers.
Letter Grade A- (B- if you are a casual fan)
8 (out of 10) stars (6 stars if you are a casual fan) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in Books
Apr 21, 2019
If this was one of my text books I might have done my homework.
I was really unsure of reading this when it first came out since I tend to stay away from novellas or side books but it's for Harry Potter so I took the dive and you know what I was not disappointed.
I really didn't know how I was going to like reading a "text book" book but Fantastic Beasts is really cool in that you do get to learn more about the magical creatures of the wizarding world.. And honestly I wish it was longer!
My favorite thing and what really just helps this book be more immersive is that it is Harry Potter's old school text book so it has little notes from him and Ron. It's a small detail but just really cute and a must have for Potterheads.
I really didn't know how I was going to like reading a "text book" book but Fantastic Beasts is really cool in that you do get to learn more about the magical creatures of the wizarding world.. And honestly I wish it was longer!
My favorite thing and what really just helps this book be more immersive is that it is Harry Potter's old school text book so it has little notes from him and Ron. It's a small detail but just really cute and a must have for Potterheads.
Harry Potter’s Albus son gets a chance to prove what a hero he can be. However, things don’t go as planned, and an attempt to fix things only makes them worse. Can he fix them? Will his famous father be able to help him?
This is a play script. That means it isn’t nearly as immersive as the books we all love. It takes a bit to get used to essentially reading dialogue, but once we do, it becomes easier to slip back into Harry’s world. We get to see plenty of old friends as well as the new generation, and I enjoyed some of what we saw of the characters. The plot was a little out there, but I enjoyed the character stuff so much I didn’t really care.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-harry-potter-and-cursed.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a play script. That means it isn’t nearly as immersive as the books we all love. It takes a bit to get used to essentially reading dialogue, but once we do, it becomes easier to slip back into Harry’s world. We get to see plenty of old friends as well as the new generation, and I enjoyed some of what we saw of the characters. The plot was a little out there, but I enjoyed the character stuff so much I didn’t really care.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-harry-potter-and-cursed.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery in Apps
Oct 30, 2018
Graphics (1 more)
Fun
Takes awhile to earn energy and complete quests (2 more)
New chapters take awhile to be released/Game is not finished
Takes awhile to level areas up
I love Harry Potter, so I was thrilled to discover this game. I love the graphics, and the storyline is fairly interesting as it takes place before Harry Potter attended Hogwarts. It has some interesting characters as well. I love that I’m able to customize my character with hairstyles, clothes, and accessories.
The downside is that energy takes awhile to accumulate. It’s 4 minutes per 1 energy. Also, it takes forever to level up knowledge, empathy, etc the higher your level. Some friendships take forever to level up as well since you can only do activities to level up the friendship after so many hours (which the waiting is too long). New chapters take forever to get released. When I first downloaded this game, I thought it was a finished product. I didn’t realize the game wasn’t finished. I also don’t like competing against other houses as it’s a bit unfair considering most people are in Gryffindor and Slytherin, so there’s no way to win.
However, this is a fun game when there is a chapter released. I will definitely keep playing. I’ve already invested too much time and money (yes, there are micro transactions).
The downside is that energy takes awhile to accumulate. It’s 4 minutes per 1 energy. Also, it takes forever to level up knowledge, empathy, etc the higher your level. Some friendships take forever to level up as well since you can only do activities to level up the friendship after so many hours (which the waiting is too long). New chapters take forever to get released. When I first downloaded this game, I thought it was a finished product. I didn’t realize the game wasn’t finished. I also don’t like competing against other houses as it’s a bit unfair considering most people are in Gryffindor and Slytherin, so there’s no way to win.
However, this is a fun game when there is a chapter released. I will definitely keep playing. I’ve already invested too much time and money (yes, there are micro transactions).
Witches Gone Wicked
6.0
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You think you know the world of magical boarding schools? Not from a teacher’s perspective at a...
fantasy witches books romance Hogwarts Harry Potter
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 (2011) in Movies
Dec 14, 2020
Great Performances, Even Better Film
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is one of the most gratifying ways to end a series. After such a long series, you’re hoping that the end does the rest of the series justice and thIS movie doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. It’s the harrowing conclusion to Harry Potter’s journey as he tries to put a stop to the evil Voldemort once and for all.
Acting: 10
It’s not surprise that the acting is so stellar as these wonderful actors/actresses have had years to grow comfortable in the skin of their characters. Daniel Radcliffe continues to be sensational in his role as Harry Potter as he embraces Potter’s ascension into manhood. Rupert Grint (Ron) and Emma Watson (Hermione) shine yet again playing his dedicated friends and sidekicks. You can tell that the three of them have formed such a strong bond over the eight movies as their synergy is extremely on point.
Beginning: 4
Characters: 10
This final film pulls out all the stops as it’s an all-out good vs. evil war. Teeming with amazing characters, I was hardpressed trying to uncover who exactly my favorite was. Potter is wonderful, yes, but so are dozens of others literally. I was really impressed with the maturation of Ron’s character. It can be hard at times developing a sidekick but in some ways, Ron’s journey to completion is just as satisfying as Harry’s.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
This one is for all the marbles so they hold nothing back when it comes to amazing action sequences. The battles sprawl all across Hogwarts filled with dope magic and wonder. Sparks fly in abundance of blacks, greens and reds across a dark backdrop, a spectacular display. Sometimes you have no idea who’s even winning, but it looks damn cool.
Entertainment Value: 10
Potter vs. Voldemort alone is worth the price of admission. The battle definitely lives up to the hype. Even moreso to see closure happen on every level is a welcome treat. Outside of a slow(ish) start, the movie is enjoyable from beginning to end.
Memorability: 10
Pace: 10
The beauty of the final book being done in two parts for the movie is they definitely saved the best for last. All the best battles and memorable scenes are jam-packed into Part 2, causing things to fly by at a breakneck pace. Just over two hours, the final installment just flies by.
Plot: 10
JK Rowling wraps up this beautiful adventure quite nicely. The thing I keep going back to and have an immense amount of respect for: No loose ends. The stakes are higher than ever in this story that succeeds with a few cool twists along the way.
Resolution: 10
Overall: 94
The magical battles alone are enough to make Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 worth a watch. With the combination of rich characters who each get a proper sendoff, a speedy pace, and a chunk of memorable moments, this is a movie to remember.
Acting: 10
It’s not surprise that the acting is so stellar as these wonderful actors/actresses have had years to grow comfortable in the skin of their characters. Daniel Radcliffe continues to be sensational in his role as Harry Potter as he embraces Potter’s ascension into manhood. Rupert Grint (Ron) and Emma Watson (Hermione) shine yet again playing his dedicated friends and sidekicks. You can tell that the three of them have formed such a strong bond over the eight movies as their synergy is extremely on point.
Beginning: 4
Characters: 10
This final film pulls out all the stops as it’s an all-out good vs. evil war. Teeming with amazing characters, I was hardpressed trying to uncover who exactly my favorite was. Potter is wonderful, yes, but so are dozens of others literally. I was really impressed with the maturation of Ron’s character. It can be hard at times developing a sidekick but in some ways, Ron’s journey to completion is just as satisfying as Harry’s.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
This one is for all the marbles so they hold nothing back when it comes to amazing action sequences. The battles sprawl all across Hogwarts filled with dope magic and wonder. Sparks fly in abundance of blacks, greens and reds across a dark backdrop, a spectacular display. Sometimes you have no idea who’s even winning, but it looks damn cool.
Entertainment Value: 10
Potter vs. Voldemort alone is worth the price of admission. The battle definitely lives up to the hype. Even moreso to see closure happen on every level is a welcome treat. Outside of a slow(ish) start, the movie is enjoyable from beginning to end.
Memorability: 10
Pace: 10
The beauty of the final book being done in two parts for the movie is they definitely saved the best for last. All the best battles and memorable scenes are jam-packed into Part 2, causing things to fly by at a breakneck pace. Just over two hours, the final installment just flies by.
Plot: 10
JK Rowling wraps up this beautiful adventure quite nicely. The thing I keep going back to and have an immense amount of respect for: No loose ends. The stakes are higher than ever in this story that succeeds with a few cool twists along the way.
Resolution: 10
Overall: 94
The magical battles alone are enough to make Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 worth a watch. With the combination of rich characters who each get a proper sendoff, a speedy pace, and a chunk of memorable moments, this is a movie to remember.