Reviewing the Lastest Out of the Potter-verse (Spoilers)

So, after FINALLY reading the last two books of the Harry Potter series, Half Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows, I decided it would be a great treat to attend the opening of the formers film companion. Sadly, I was forced to miss the premiere and in doing so wasted an advanced sale ticket that I had been salivating over for some weeks. Ah well, can't help the illness-prone body. In hopes of rectifying the situation, however, I made a point to see the movie (at last) yesterday. I warn you, I feel as though I have been forced into a premenstrual tirade by the makers of this latest movie, so my review might not seem very pleasant.

WHAT THE BLOODY HELL WERE THEY THINKING?!?

Ok, ok, I'm done yelling. Deep breaths, everyone. We will get through this. To say I was disappointed would probably be a grave understatement. Now, I know I can be critical and swift with judgment, that is why I gave myself a whole 24hrs before writing this. I think it would be more productive to first focus in on some of the things they did do well, then go into what I hope will come out as constructive criticism. Finally, I will wrap this up with a few more praises.

Firstly, the special effects for this movie were stunning! It never ceases to amaze me how much creativity these people have and how well they do at reproducing the books descriptive environments. The pyrotechnics were especially appealing to me for a reason I surly wouldn't know anything about (tries and fails at looking innocent). Seeing all the hard work they put into this movie makes me want to visit the set SO bad!

Another brilliant piece would come from the writers and their insertion of comedic relief in the form of two very well played potions, Liquid Luck and Remilda's Love Potion. Also, the bit in the infirmary! I mean, come on! Tell me I'm not the only one who would like to ask the adult actors just what they were thinking when they had to act through the teenage love triangle. I seriously needed a wardrobe change myself after a major laughing fit. This was exactly what was needed to curb the emotional reactions to what everyone is saying is the "darkest installment yet". It also provided the actors the ability to stretch out with the range of their respective characters and in turn, appealing to the hearts of several generations of viewers.


What I didn't appreciate, not in the slightest, was the apparent inability to stick to the book's main story line. You can not rightly call this movie a true film version of the book, as it repeatedly spins off in several different directions. Points made and emphasized in the book are rewritten in a way that, in some areas, completely tells a different story. As with the fifth movie, they again butchered this all in the name of saving time and "focusing in on Harry's story". I watched, continually appalled at what I was viewing as these fools broke apart the story time and time again. From the very first scene taking place, not at the Dursley's, but at some run-down train station, to the substitution of Tonks for the ever entertaining Luna on the train. Continuing on to how the relationships of Ron/Hermione Harry/Ginny were laid out. Now tell me, how is the relationship of Harry's future WIFE not considered relative to Harry's story?! Come on, show some respect to JKR!! There's a reason she wrote the story the way that she did. The most obvious would be that it flows seamlessly throughout the seven installments and wraps up with the flair only a true artist can provide. Detouring away from that with her creation is, at best, an affront to her years of dedication to the series. This all leads to the WHOPPER of disappointments which is given at the very end of the movie. I am personally glad I read the book before watching this as the ending is unrecognizable in comparison with the book's. Where is the cloak? The broom ride? The battle down bellow? Snape's hatred? The infirmary confessions of true love? THE FUNERAL?!?! Come on now people!! I know, I just KNOW you can do better than this!!!

Onto the Weasley's:

If they don't cast Bill and Charlie Weasley for one of the last movies, I am going to scream. But then again, they will have issues with Bill because they didn't follow the book with Grayback. So, either they'll have to backtrack and explain why Bill looks like he lost a fight against a cheese grater or completely blow off that part of the story. And weren't Bill and Fleur engaged and in attendance during Christmas at the Burrow?? What? Are they going to completely skip the wedding for the 7th movie?! Cause... honestly, coming into this without reading the books, one could get quite lost in how magically there are two more Weasley brothers and a wedding no one saw fit to mention ahead of time. I am going to save face for the writers and not mention the movie's version of the Burrow Christmas any further...

What can I say? I told y'all I was upset and I feel as concerned patron, that it is my duty to swing the proverbial two by four cross the back of the heads of the people in charge here. Damn you all for making me pissy! But as I promised, just one more praise is in order for this... ...film... And, hehehe, y'all didn't do anything to earn it!! Alan Rickman, I must say you are looking more and more delectably dashing as these movies progress.
Oh and by the way, yes, I did still cry at the end. Though it was more over Snape and his apparent guilt than with Dumbledore's death. Anyway, with that, I will apologize and say goodnight.

Peace It.

Journey Of The Cinemas

So, last night I was sitting at my computer, unable to sleep, enjoying the sounds of A Dog's Breakfast on a repeat loop when I found myself revisiting the same three websites over and over. I had $20 to kill and around 2am, I finally figured out what to do with it. Going to fandango.com, I purchased tickets to see both Star Trek and Wolverine, same day and one after the other. I figured, hey, I like both movies and have wanted to go and see them, so why not do them both the next day... I sit here now, just getting back from both movies, quite impressed all together.

Star Trek-

This was the first movie I went to see around noon. The opening sequence was quite spectacular and the storyline was pretty amazing. I did enjoy the fact that they didn't go with the idea of the crew's real past. I wasn't really looking forward to that type of story. David Hewlett said it right, I kind of got a hint of Star Trek 90210 here and there throughout the movie and some scenes were slow moving, while others failed to show why they were even created. That did leave a slight sour taste in my mouth. But to feel the rush when tiny hints of the original series were made throughout... I mean, WOW!! I loved the little quarks, the little "Kirking" here and there. One thing that totally surprised me was the "blink and you'll miss it" shot of Paul McGillion! If you don't all know already, he's a hottie and I like him VERY much!! It was great seeing that tiny bit of a cross over and made me pay attention a tad closer. All in all, Star Trek was pretty awesome and I think it was worth the watch.

Wolverine-

By process of elimination, you should already know this was the second and last movie I watched today. By golly, I sure did like it! Two words: Hugh J-A-C-K-M-A-N!! I mean, who wouldn't like it?! I TOTALLY loved the opener and the back story told of Logan's childhood. It really did help bring into prospective his... ... ...pent up aggression and fear of his past. I couldn't have developed the character any better! Again, there were a few scenes that ran slow, but they all fit and brought meaning to the film. The development of the other characters was also brilliant, as was the visual effects. I must say, I left that movie VERY satisfied!

I am usually not one for public movie theaters and big screen features, but this experience was quite memorable. Maybe it was where I was sitting, or the stash of candy in my bag, or simply great story writing and quality entertainment that leaves me with few complaints, but rather high raves and two thumbs up for this pair of great films!

Peace It.

Vancouver Stargate Convention '09

So, how shall I start this one?? Hm... Well, let me just start out by saying that there is sure to be some holes in this report as I must admit between snobby neighbors, a bad headache and a phone that wouldn't stop ringing, I hardly sat through an entire panel this weekend. For this I would like to apologize up front. I will do my utmost to fill in as many details about my weekend and hopefully add some other peeps experiences to make this report as well rounded as possible.

Well, my journey started at home where I was completely unable to sleep due to the excitement and my family being up. This was Monday night and I had just finished my last bit of packing and was waiting to get dressed...

When we headed off to the train station, I repeatedly said "Maybe I shouldn't go. What if it's not as fun as I worked myself up about?!" Though my mother just said that I shouldn't worry and that the cuties will be there, so I shouldn't have any trouble having fun.

Tuesday-

We arrived at the train station VERY early so I checked my bags and for an extra $50, my mom had me drink like a TON of water... Smokey smoke or two later and the train arrived. As I boarded the train, I again had that over-whelming feeling that this would be the start of a GRAND adventure! As I had been awake for 22 hours at that point, I was more than a little irked that the person sitting next to me for the ENTIRE 4 hour ride to Seattle was a talk, talk, talk, TALKER!! Though I didn't get to sleep on the train, I made it to Seattle in one piece and hopped on the bus that would take me to my final destination, Vancouver BC!!

I will just say this now... The border is HELL if you over pack, which I did, so it was hell! I decided to go with others advice and just tell the patrol that I was simply going to Canada for vacation and that worked fine, until I told her what was in my poster tube. She connected the Stargate posters with the common knowledge convention that was to be held at the hotel I told her I was staying at. I then played hell trying to find my hotel confirmation after she requested to see it. Apparently, I looked guilty. -rolls eyes- Ok... Moving on...

After almost getting lost on the Sky Train, I made it to the Metrotown Hilton and popped myself in a chair awaiting the arrival of my roommates. They arrived in good time and we were able to check in and throw our stuff in the room (Well, I threw mine, they neatly unpacked theirs). We then went down stairs back to the lobby to meet with the rest of our Horizons limo group. Luckily, everyone made it in time and we even picked up some extras before hopping in the limo and heading to the restaurant. I do have to say, the was probably the best part of this trip. Getting to meet everyone I had been talking to online for like 7 months was wonderful!! And the food wasn't half bad either! lol

After getting back to the hotel in a timely manner, almost losing my ID and completely interrupting my half-comatose roommates, I finally checked out for the night.

Wednesday-

As I found out early Wednesday morning that my money for the week would be very delayed, I put off previous plans to sight-see and instead slept in and then went down to the lobby. Yes, I am that boring! Moving on... I happened to run into some of the gang from the previous night and quickly got into some very interesting conversation which was then cut short by an offer to go out to lunch. By the way, ABC restaurant is KILLER!! Oh man! Their burgers are to die for! I also enjoyed the humorous cup and magnet I picked up for family!

After the lunch was over, I rushed back to the hotel (and got lost...AGAIN) to line up for pre-registration... Just so y'all know, I lined up first a whole 3 1/2 hours early and some how 9 people jumped in front at the last second (only 1 of whom was VIP)! I got through registration alright and went back down to the lobby to meet up with yet another group so we could all head over to the Gateworld dinner at Sammy J Peppers. Of course we were a bit late, but we managed to find seats and order some food. I think this tops at the second best moment of the whole experience. I was able to meet with and talk to SO many people from GW as well as mingle with some of Stargate's forgotten! Oh yes, myself and two other girls decided to work our way down a certain menu, but I think we can just leave it at that! lol -shakes head at self- I had the pleasure of meeting both Darren and David who were the big names of GW and also show David my awful camera. By the way, I volunteered right before leaving for Vanc. to take pictures at the convention for GW, so that's why I was bothering the boys with my poor little picture maker. It turned out to be a great time all together. I won a prize, got to meet Christopher Heyerdahl, and got quite hunkered... It was fun! After the dinner was over, I took my leave back to the hotel, while most of the others headed to some fan party.

Thursday-

I woke up bright and early, excited about what was planned. I headed down to find Amanda and Carsten and found them standing in line for Amanda's pre-reg. She offered to pick me up some photo/autograph tickets as they weren't selling them the day before when I was there. I took her up on the offer and left her to it. At around the same time, I ran into my roommates as they were in line that morning as well. We talked about our up coming group photo op and what we wanted to do with it. We decided to have it with David Nykl and make it a fun one... Moving right along...

While Valerie Halverson was doing her on-stage appearance, I took the time to look around the mall again, as well as taking a trip to Staples. While I was there, I had them print off a picture that I would have signed as a gift to my nephew. I must admit I missed a lot of guest panels during the weekend, but am glad to say I met some wonderful people at the convention that were willing to share some of their photos with me. Thank you all for that!

Next up was the panel of working Vancouver actors. The panel consisted of Fulvio Cecere, Kirby Morrow, Heather Doerkson, Jodi Racicot, Michael Kopsa and Patrick Currie. As Mr. Currie played Chaka on SG1, I had to take the opportunity to ask him a question. That being, what it was like in the makeup chair and if he did anything funny while in it. His answer, from what I recall, was that he slept and it took way too long. I was very much looking forward to meeting Patrick as Chaka was my nephew, Bryan's, favorite character. It was very nice being able to introduce myself and later getting into why it was so important that I meet him.

When the panel was finished, they begun to sign autographs and I took the picture I had printed off at Staples (Chaka) and went to line up for Patrick. I had purchased two autograph tickets in hopes that Creation would allow me to trade the two for one personalized by Patrick. Creation has a basic policy of no personalization. He and his handler were gracious enough to let me have my nephew's picture personalized AND have Patrick sign my poster. That was so kind of them!! By the way, my nephew LOVED the picture... until nighttime where my brother and sister-in-law had to hide it away as it gave the boy nightmares. Hm...

After the signings, I went back to the room to sit around before it was time to line up for my photo op with Patrick. It was kind of crazy down there as they were doing the panel ops one after the other but Creation staff/volunteers seemed to have everything under control and it ended up going rather smoothly. Patrick again was a total sweetheart and I thus completed my first op for the weekend. Note, this was the only op in which I had my glasses as they were stolen in the hotel bar, I believe later on that evening. It was quite a pity and still is as I don't intend to spend another $200 on a pair of glasses, but luckily this did nothing to hamper my enjoyment of the weekend.

After the op, I decided to skip the next panel and head to the bar to have a drink...or three and there I met up with Manda who looked like she was about to pass out. She told me she had decided to take the rest of the night off and go to bed as she was worn out and offered me her Star Hole ticket which I accepted. Dude! I am SOOOOO glad I did!!

I raced down to line up for the show and was sadly informed that we could not keep our same seats, which sucked and I will note that now. It sucked! On to the good part... When Gary Jones and Dean Haglund got up on stage, they did some imprompt and explained what the show was going to be about. After that, they then asked for some volunteers from the audience. This is why I couldn't care less where I was sitting. I got picked!! WOOT!! As I had a few to drink, I think my embarrassment meter was a little funky, so I didn't get all shaky and nervous like I usually do. Alcohol: The perfect Charlie Icebreaker! Me and two others (who will remain nameless unless I receive permission to post them) were given "parts" to play and lines to read. We were to be a make-shift SG1 and I was to be the gay Daniel Jackson... (So, no real change in the character! lol) All my lines were in reference to Jack and full of girly-man lust! Gary also made a point to touch my neck and read aloud the tattoo located there (Locust). I have found that at these events my personal space tends to be violated a lot, but luckily at the time I was too smashed to care. Don't bet on it next time, Gary! The show was crazy! We ran through the "gate" (which was this funny contraption Gary was sitting on throughout the show and had a difficult time opening and closing), got shot at and all ended up dying (or in my case, ascending) and left the stage laughing our collective asses off! Great times at Stargate conventions, I'll tell you what!

After the show, I went back to look for the missing glasses, and when I couldn't find them, I settled for a few more drinks before heading up stairs. No, my night didn't "end" there as I spent most nights at the con suffering from extreme insomnia so I would usually be outside smoking zoning out with my iPod.

Friday-

The girls and I woke up around the same time and shuffled to get ready before our group photo op. It was actually quite funny the three of us "fighting" over the bathroom and the mirrior. Having no sisters of my own, I kind of felt like I did for that weekend. They were true sports, though.

We somehow, by the grace of god, where able to manage completing our respective morning routines and headed down to line up for our op. In line we decided on our pose idea and planned where each of us would stand. It was decided, as they apparently couldn't stand together cause they didn't match, that they would be on either side of David, while I would kneel in front. It actually worked out great for me cause during the pose, David put his hand on my shoulder. I think the op went quite well, so I am so excited to be doing another one with my ChiCon 09 roommates!

Afterwards, I headed to the registration desk as I wanted to pick up a photo op ticket with Dan Shea (Sgt. Siler- SG1) and it turned out that as I was purchasing it, they were finishing them up downstairs. I completely booked it down there just in time and was able to nab my op with him. I mean, JUST IN TIME! I got down there and Dan, the photographer and Creation staff were walking out the door!! L-U-C-K-Y!!

I again booked it back to my seat to catch David Nykl's panel. That was worth the run! He did an imprompt with members of the auidience with the sole intent to poke fun at fan fiction and it's writers. The audience were to act out what he "wrote" (which was really just peices of romance novels! lol). It was great! He also took the time to poke fun at David Hwelett (Dr. Rodney Mckay- Atlantis) with the help of a certain Twitter-happy audience memeber! >_-

Working Towards The Vancouver Con

So, I am working hard to figure out my finances for the upcoming Stargate Vancouver BC convention. I worked at Walmart for eight weeks and saved all the funds I could to earn this convention... I actually bought the my original ticket the day after I returned from the Chicago Stargate con in August 08... I had SO much fun, that I knew I had to attend this one as well... Recently, I was able to score a front row ticket to the convention but between paying for that and my 21st birthday, I drained a lot of my spending money for Vancouver... So, needless to say, I am working harder than ever to figure out some more money for the con... I have filled out numerous applications for employment around town and even though I highly doubt I'll land a job before I leave for Vancouver, I hope something will come up so I might attend both Shore Leave (a Stargate convention in Maryland) and to go back to Chicago for the Stargate con there... I know some in my family aren't too happy that I want to attend these conventions, but they make me happy and give me a certain purpose and help me see the "brighter side" as people have been shoving down my throat for these last several years... I wish I had my family's support as I am there to support them... I mean... Someone said something that rings true to me... If they don't understand or value my passions, the passions the drive me, than they don't understand or value me...

Anyways, hopefully I will be able to land another job here soon and secure my attendance at all three cons... I will be sure to post my con report and pictures while I am in Vancouver!

Only 32 more days!!