#MovieMonday: Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them

Please note that I am NOT a movie reviewer. I "review" a movie like I would a book. Just telling you how I feel about the movie. I hope you enjoy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Movie: Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them

Cert: 12A

Release: 18th Nov 2016 (UK)

Genre:  Fantasy, Adventure, Family

Directors: David Yates

Writers: J.K. Rowling

Stars: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol | See full cast & crew » 
My Rating: 5 out of 5

About The Movie:

There are growing dangers in the wizarding world of 1926 New York. Something mysterious is leaving a path of destruction in the streets, threatening to expose the wizarding community to the No-Majs (American for Muggles), including the Second Salemers, a fanatical faction bent on eradicating them and the powerful, dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, after wreaking havoc in Europe, has slipped away…and is now nowhere to be found. Unaware of the rising tensions, Newt Scamander arrives in the city nearing the end of a global excursion to research and rescue magical creatures, some of which are safeguarded in the magical hidden dimensions of his deceptively nondescript leather case. But potential disaster strikes when unsuspecting No-Maj Jacob Kowalski inadvertently lets some of Newt’s beasts loose in a city already on edge—a serious breach of the Statute of Secrecy that former Auror Tina Goldstein jumps on, seeing her chance to regain her post as an investigator. However, things take an ominous turn when Percival Graves, the enigmatic Director of Magical Security at MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), casts his suspicions on both Newt…and Tina.

Now allied, Newt and Tina, together with Tina’s sister, Queenie, and their new No-Maj friend, Jacob, form a band of unlikely heroes, who must recover Newt’s missing beasts before they come to harm. But the stakes are higher than these four outsiders—now branded fugitives—ever imagined, as their mission puts them on a collision course with dark forces that could push the wizarding and No-Maj worlds to the brink of war. - Amazon UK

Seeing that Warner Bro sign on that screen with the infamous Harry Potter tune gave me goose bumps. I never thought I was going to feel that again. I was fangirling all over again!!!

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them has got to be one of the most highly anticipated movies of 2016. When I first heard the JK Rowling was expanding the magical wizarding world into a new movie I was overjoyed with excitement. When the trailer starting to air on the TV my 10 year said he was looking forward to see it and had been bugging me to see it. So we finally seen it. And while I loved it, my 10 year old was not impressed.

I thought the movie rocked!! While I found the start to be a slow builder I still loved it. JK Rowling has yet again created something that is simply out of this world. That woman's imagination is truly something else. And to be able to create this out of what was essentially a textbook that Harry uses in school. She is a genius. The casting of Eddie as a Newt is going to make fans swoon. I do love him. I think he is so cute. And I want to go on adventures with him. Team him with Jacob who is a No-Maj (American term for Muggle) and two witches Tina and Queenie and you have a fantastic foursome who you will love because who doesn't love the outsiders!! 

The beasts in this are just beyond anything I could ever imagine. The graphics are phenomenal. They looked so real.  I wish I could really talk about all of them that we are introduced to but I don't want to give away any spoilers I feel like no words can do these amazing beasts any justice. All I will say is I want a niffler!!!

The movie is most definitely targeted at the original Potterhead generation. The ones who grew up reading books and movies. The movie is a lot more grown up and appeals very much to the adult audience. My 10 year found it very slow and even though at times he did laugh a few scenes mainly the ones that had Jacob in it, he was for the most part almost bored to tears with it. And he predicted who the bad guy was from the start.

I should mention incase you are maybe thinking my kid just doesn't like the Harry Potter. However, he is a Potterhead. He is a bigger Potterhead than me. He knows those books and movies inside out. I read him the Harry Potter books as a baby. We have movie marathons. He has the books in three different editions. He LOVES Harry Potter! This film just didn't have that same magical feeling for him that those films did. Maybe in a few years when he has matured a little he will enjoy this one until then he is a happy in the Harry Potter World while I myself can't wait to see where JKRowling is going take these movies next!!

0

#BookReview: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Title: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Harry Potter #8)

Format: Hardback

Pages: 352

Published: 31st July 2016

Publisher: Little Brown UK

Source: Bought

Genre: YA, Fantasy
Shelfability: Covet

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / Book Depository

About The Book

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

OK, Breathe! Relax/ I can do this. Right? How do I even begin to review this? Can someone help me? How do I convey my feeling over this without giving away any spoilers. I don't know if I can. I will try my best. I wasn't sure if I was even going to review this one but I feel like I have to at least just try and explains my feelings so here goes! 

When I first heard that there would be another Harry Potter story in the form of play I was kind of gutted because I knew I was never going to get to see it. And then they announced that they would be releasing the play script as a book and as many other Harry Potter fans around the world I was ecstatic. I mean jumping-up-and-down-and-screaming-with-excitment happy. I never thought I would get to have the anticipation of waiting on new Harry Potter story again so when this little beaut was delivered I couldn't contain myself. I dropped everything and started reading it straight away. And devoured it in a couple of hours.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is set 19 years after the last book. It takes off from the last chapter in Deathly Hallows as we see Albus (Harry and Ginny's  youngest son) about to start Hogwarts. Albus struggles to deal with the legacy of Harry Potter and trying to be the son of the famous Harry Potter is not what it's cracked up to be. I am not going to into any details about the story. I feel like even the slightest explanation will give away spoilers and you will just have to read this for yourself to find out what happens between Harry and his son Albus.

I went into this with high hopes. And JK Rowling did not disappoint. Yes, I so wish this was a proper novel because it's Harry Freaking Potter. But getting to read this play was out of this world. I am so glad they decided to release it as a book so fans could read it. I have never willingly read a play (high school english does not count) I have just never been interested in them. So of course even though I was so excited I was nervous that I wasn't going to get the magical Harry Potter feeling when reading this because we weren't going to get the details that the novels have. I am so relieved that it blew my mind. I was engrossed from the first line right up until last. I couldn't put it down.

The plot of The Cursed Child really captures the very essence of the original Harry Potter stories. Seeing the trio as adults with children and dealing with every day tasks of work and family life was extraordinary. But of course with it being set in this world it's never going to plain sailing. The relationship between Harry and Albus is strained. I found that Albus was a great character. I loved how JK Rowling has took this character and instead of making him what everyone was expecting, to be to like his father. She throws in a curve ball and he is such a fantastic character. I also loved the friendship between him and Scorpius. He was not was I was expecting at all and I love him.

ALBUS: How to distract Scorpius from difficult emotional issues. Take him to a library. Check out these other amazing quotes: Hypable

As everyone knows Ron is without a doubt my favourite character in the Harry Potter world. I am so glad that even though he is older in this one he is still hasn't changed much. He is still silly and making jokes and just a breath of fresh air. I want a Ron in my life. The trio are simply fantastic. I still have the actors in my head when reading this one and seeing them as adults and see the love they have for their children is so strong. Harry as a father is really something else. Sometimes I didn't agree with him and I was actually angry at him but all he wants is to protect his children.

Now, The Cursed Child took me such an emotional roller coaster ride. I knew I was going to get emotional. I did. However, I was not prepared for just how badly this hits you. The feels man! The Feels. I only made it page nine and the lump in my throat formed. The tears welled up in my eyes. It hit me so bloody hard  that I had stopped for a few minutes then go back to the book. And then by the end of this wonderful story I was a complete wreck. I broke down in tears. I forgot just how much I was in love this world and the characters, that my emotions just took over and left me distraught

Favourite Quote

Harry: Albus Severus, you were named after two headmasters of Hogwarts. One of them was a Slytherin, and he was probably the bravest man I ever knew.

.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was in my opinion outstanding. I have seen many reviews saying it read like a fanfiction..... I have never read fanfic so I wouldn't know. I personally felt like this story was perfect. Yes, it's a play script. So it's over quicker and it's not as detailed but I fell in love all over again. I felt like I was child again getting to read this magical world all over again. I am the original Harry Potter generation and I felt like I was home. Seeing hogwarts again and reading about my favourite characters again and seeing their kids going on risky adventures brought all those feelings back from childhood.

This installment was phenomenal. I think for any true Harry Potter fan this is a must read. While some reviews are mixed the majority are glowing and most people are in love with it. I am jealous of everyone who gets to see this come alive on stage and I can only pray and beg to wizarding gods that maybe just maybe they will film the play at some point and release it on DVD for the rest of the Harry Potter world to get to see it. I would be good money to see it. The story is brilliant. It's wonderful, magical, emotional and it has some pretty funny one liners.  

After I finished reading this as I mentioned I was a wreck. I think it was because it was just wonderful and heartfelt story coupled with the fact that I had read that JK Rowling is "Done with Harry Potter" I will never be ready to say goodbye to these characters who I grew up. And yes, I know. They aren't real. That doesn't stop me feeling attached to these characters and this world that JK Rowling has created. A world where we can all get lost in. Forget everything bad in the world but just focus on the place that secretly I think we all wish was real. Maybe she will write more in this world perhaps about the trio's kids. Making way for the next generations of Potters and Granger-Weasleys but I will never be ready to let this world go. It will live on for generations to come. Always!

Like this post? 

Show your support 

Like / Comment / Share

0

#MovieReview: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)

Movie: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Cert:  PG (UK)

Release: 4th Nov 2001 (UK)

Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy

Director: Chris Columbus

Writer:  J.K. Rowling (novel), Steve Kloves (screenplay)

Staring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and  Emma Watson

My Rating: 5 out of 5

About the Movie
Harry Potter, the bespectacled boy wizard, has his first feature film outing in this blockbuster box office hit. Newly enrolled at Hogwarts School, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his chums Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) have a surpise encounter with a three-headed dog guarding a secret trapdoor. They then begin to suspect that something important might be hidden beneath the school, and when they investigate it leads to an encounter with the evil wizard Voldemort (Ian Hart). Will Harry be able to keep up with his studies, lead his team to victory in the school sport Quidditch, and still triumph over the dreaded Voldemort? - Amazon UK

 

With the release of the new book and with it being JK Rowling and Harry Potter's birthday yesterday it was a no-brainer that the movie this week would be a Harry Potter one and while The Philosopher's Stone is not my favourite, it is the movie that makes us start to fall in love with the movies. 

I remember when this first came out. I must have been about 13/14 at time and I went with a friend from school to see it in the cinema. I was in awe of just how well the story was transformed from book to screen. It's always a worry when a film company takes a well loved book and tries to adapt it into a movie. And while there was changes and of course not everything was the movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was a just a magical tale and captures the very essence of the book. 

The movie is of course fantastic, the chemistry between the characters is wonderful and really portrays the characters from the books. It's always a hard thing to make sure actors can fully become the characters from the books that we all grew to love and while the casting wasn't perfect they managed to create a believable bond between the trio. The trio all so young in the first and their acting improves with each movie, you can tell that this was their first major role. And that is some pressure for three young kid's. However, Rupert Grint I have to admit is such a talented young man and he brought Ron to live. He was the perfect choice Ron. Most people's favourite character is Harry or Hermione but not me. I loved Ron. Books and movie I think he is best character in the whole series.

Now yes, there are changes and characters left out. Right now I am currently making my way through the audiobooks with my 9 year old son and his favourite character isn't even in the movies. He adores Peeves. I actually forgot how amazing Peeves was in the books. He should have been in the movies. He would have just made the movie so much better that it already was. 

I can't talk about this movie without mentioning Snape. Every time I watch any of these films I get a lump in my throat and my eyes tear up. Alan Rickman is THE perfect Snape. He plays that role so well. You actually hate the character so much. You just love to hate him. The day that the news broke that Alan Rickman has passed the whole fandom was shaken. He was a wonder man and even though he has done many many movies there is no doubt that for my generation and younger he was best known for Snape. 

You can't watch this and not notice how beautiful this was. The setting and graphics play a massive part in the story telling of this movie. The attention to detail makes this movies breathtaking. For me it was the scenes of the castle that took my breath away. I wanted to be at Hogwarts so bad when I was kid and seeing is come alive on screen was amazing. And still makes me want to believe that this world that JK Rowling has created could be real. Of course I know it isn't. But the child inside still wants to believe. 

And when I got to see the game of Quidditch I was completely captivated by it. I knew it was going to be epic but actually seeing on screen was just something else.

We just love Harry Potter. Every single night my kid will watch and listen Harry Potter. We have seen this movie in peculiar so many times that we can recite almost every single word in the movie. Much to the annoyance of anyone else who actually watches it with us. I love that my son is a Harry Potter fan. We can geek out over this franchise. He isn't a reader but he loves everything Harry Potter and that makes me so proud. He can watch the movies all day, every day and that's not an exaggeration. And it was this movie that opened him up to the wonderful and magical world that is Harry Potter.  

Like this post? 

Show your support 

Like / Comment / Share

0

#AudiobookReview: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and The Philospher's Stone (Harry Potter #1)

Format: Audiobook

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher: Pottermore by JK Rowling

Released: 20th Nov 2015

Source: Midas PR

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

About The Book

Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin

If you haven't heard of Harry Potter then seriously? Where have you been?? Harry Potter has been a massive part of my life since I was a kid. I grew up on these books and the movies. By the time the last book came out I had a kid of my own. Who is now obsessed with Harry Potter himself.

I received the audio book for review a while ago. And I kept putting off listening to it because I struggle at times with audiobooks. However, after being pestered by my 9 year old to listen to it after he was looking through my phone. I decided we would listen to it together. And I regret leaving it so long. The audiobook was quite simply magical.

You all know the story of Harry Potter. The boy wizard. Sent to live with his aunt and uncle. Grew up not knowing who he really was. Then off to Hogwarts where he befriends Ron and Hermonie. And the trio go on magical adventures that could "get them killed. Or worse Expelled" (lol. I couldn't resist, and don't lie you totally said that in Hermonies voice)

Harry Potter and the Philosophers stones is where is all starts. You are drawn into this book from the page. I have reread my copy so many times that its falling apart. So by having Stephen Fry as the narrator just makes this perfect. His voice just works perfectly with the story. And he gets right into character. Some audiobook narrators just come across as dull, flat like a robot. Stephen Fry just make this book stand out even more than it already does.

My 9 year old fell in love with the audiobook. He was only a baby when I read him the book so he didn't remember it. So it seeing his reaction to was magical in itself and made me so happy that he was enjoying it. Seeing the pure joy in his face actually made me jealous because you only get to experience that feeling with the a new book once. And I don't think he would have experienced that pure joy reading the book alone. It was all in the story telling of the pure genius that is, Stephen Fry.

I highly recommend the audio book to everyone. Whether you have read the books or not. However, it needs to be the Stephen Fry editions. He just makes them all the more enjoyable and easier to listen to. 

 Don't forget to Like, Comment and Share, if you enjoyed this post!!

0

Biggest Harry Potter Fan??

Seriously?!?! 15 years!!!!! I feel so old haha. I was 10 years old when the first one came out and I basically grew up on these books. Now my 5 year old son is the one growing up on them. He loves them so much

So could you be the biggest Harry Potter Fan?? Well keep on reading for more into from Bloomsbury UK!

0

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2 Trailer

If like me you can eagerly awaiting the release of the final part to the Harry Potter movies then here is the trailer for Part 2. I am happy and sad at the same time here. Happy because we are finally getting to see the last movie. Sad because it will be the last movie. But what a journey it has been. We have watched these young actors blossom on screen into wonderful actors and it will be great to see what they do after Harry Potter.

Pre-order Part 1UK: 11th AprilUS: 15th April

4

Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban Reviewed by Cynthia Hatfield-Garcia

Hardcover: Sep 1999, 435 pages.
Paperback: Sep 2001, 448 pages.
Scholastic
Rate



Description
For twelve long years, the dread fortress of Azkaban held an infamous prisoner named Sirius Black. Convicted of killing thirteen people with a single curse, he was said to be the heir apparent to the Dark Lord, Voldemort. Now he has escaped, leaving only two clues as to where he might be headed: Harry Potter's defeat of You-Know-Who was Black's downfall as well. And the Azkaban guards heard Black muttering in his sleep, "He's at Hogwarts...he's at Hogwarts." Harry Potter isn't safe, not even within the walls of his magical school, surrounded by his friends. Because on top of it all, there may well be a traitor in their midst.

Review
The third book in the Harry Potter series turns a lurid shade of pale as three very important figures are brought into view. Sirius Black escapes from Askaban quickly becoming the wizarding world's most wanted. His introduction is met with ambiguity from Harry who is equal parts curious, scared and brave. Professor Lupin is the new dark arts teacher who has a fear of full moons and a past as one of Harry's father's former childhood friends. The third figure is actually of collective of wraith like monstrosities known as Dementors. How could you not be chilled by a creature that feeds on a persons fear and can literally suck out your soul with a kiss of death.

Azkaban brought forth all of the fun one can derive from magical misery.

Cynthia Hatfield-Garcia

http://www.jkrowling.com/

0

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets Reviewed by Cynthia Hatfield-Garcia

Hardcover: Jun 1999, 341 pages.
Paperback: Aug 2000, 352 pages
Scholastic
Rate



Description
The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.
And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockheart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.
But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone - or something - starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects...Harry Potter himself!

Review
After a miserable summer with his despicable aunt, uncle, and cousin, Harry is more than ready to return to Hogwarts for his second year. But a mysterious creature named Dobby warns Harry not to return to school, and causes trouble for Harry, using magic and getting him an official complaint from the Ministry of Magic.Rowling starts off the second Harry book with plenty of action, plunging Harry and Ron into trouble on their very first day back at Hogwarts; and then there's Dobby, popping up now and then, causing mayhem. I'm trying to avoid too much summary, because more than enough has been written already.
"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" reveals some of the history of Hogwarts, and Voldemort's humble beginnings as a student there. If you've already read the series, you may make connections between some events in later books and events in this book, which is one reason I enjoy rereading the series at least once a year. It's fun to look for hints.The tone of this book is a little darker as the first, as Harry and his friends try to solve the mystery of the deadly Chamber of Secrets. There are plenty of funny moments though, thanks to the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Gilderoy Lockhart, who is an amusing airhead. My one complaint with this book is that Lockhart does get a little annoying, and I wanted to slap him sometimes; but I think that was the author's aim, so I can't complain too much.
Just like the first Harry book, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is a fun, quick read. It's a wonderful return to the magical world Rowling created.

Cynthia Hatfied-Garcia

http://www.jkrowling.com/

0

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Reviewd by Cynthia Hatfield-Garcia

Hardcover: Sep 1998, 309 pages.Paperback: Sep 1999, 312 pages
Scholastic
Rate




Descrition
Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility.
All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley - a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry's room is a closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.
But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry ­ and anyone who reads about him - will find unforgettable.
For it's there that he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him... if Harry can survive the encounter.

Review
The Sorceror's Stone is are a must read for people who enjoy books in the adventure genre.It isn't a hard book to read, so I recommend it for readers around the ages of eight and older.I personally enjoyed the book even though it gave a false perception of witches and wizards,never-the-less I did not find the book harmful.The beginning is a bit slow but I promise after the second chapter it gets alot more interesting.It starts out with a Cinderella-like beginning when the reader figures out that there's something special about Harry and he's being constantly punished for it,(like Harry having to sleep in the cupboard.)But unlike the beginning there's a happy ending that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Cynthia Hatfied-Garcia

http://www.jkrowling.com/

N.B The Orginal Title is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The US changed it to Sorcerer's Stone

0