If you really want to know the characters, read the books. Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows Part 2 didn’t have the depth and emotional impact that I was looking for. Then again, additional scenes would add to its already long runtime of 130 minutes. Maybe a trilogy would have done more justice to the novel.

One thing I was looking forward to in Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows Part 2 was the story of Dumbledore (Michael Gambon). He was my most favorite character in Harry Potter but there was nothing about him in the movie. The director also excluded the story of Ariana, Dumbledore’s sister.

Then there was the final battle between Harry and Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). It took place in the middle of nowhere, whereas in the book they fought in the middle of the crowd. These are just some of the things I disliked from the movie.

Professor Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon): Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living and above all, those who live without love.

Despite the imperfections, Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows Part 2 is still entertaining for casual movie viewers. The actors played their parts well, especially Fiennes and Alan Rickman as Snape. It was refreshing to see Snape full of emotions in the pensieve.

Maybe the knowledge I got about the characters and the story hindered my enjoyment of Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows Part 2. I just wished that they didn’t cut some of the side stories from the movie. I bet people would not complain if the final book was made into a trilogy as long as all the vital subplots were not left out of it.

I think Thor set the bar up for superhero film genre. This is how you do an adaptation without alienating the fanboys and at the same time appeal to the masses. Well, there are still some who didn’t like the treatment Thor got in the movie but it is better than the half-ass adaptations. Yes, I’m looking at you Michael Bay. Plus it featured Natalie Portman, which earned it big points in my book.

Odin (Anthony Hopkins): Once, mankind accepted a simple truth: that they were not alone in this universe. Some worlds man believed home to their Gods. Others they knew to fear. From around the cold and darkness came the Frost Giants, threatening to plunge the mortal world into a new ice age. But humanity would not face this threat alone. Our armies drove the Frost Giants back into the heart of their own world. The cost was great. In the end, their king fell, and the source of their power was taken from them. With the last great war ended, we withdrew from the other worlds and returned home at the Realm Eternal, Asgard. And here we remain as the beacon of hope, shining out across the stars. And though we have fallen into man’s myths and legends, it was Asgard and its warriors that brought peace to the universe.

Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the son of Odin (Anthony Hopkins), challenged his brother’s claim to the throne of Asgard. Odin removed him of his powers and exiled him to Earth where he should live with mortals to teach him a thing or two about humility.

While Thor’s away, his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is now the king of Asgard as their father is in coma. Chaos ensued in Asgard as well as down in Earth. It is up to Thor to save the planet from his brother’s evil plans.

Chris Hemsworth proven to be worthy of being Thor as he played the role as if it was made for him. The same can be said with Tom Hiddleston as the mischievous Loki. They both showed great impression on the audience and it is not a surprise that Loki would be back in The Avenger’s movie that would be out in May.

Natalie Portman didn’t disappoint me in Thor. Her role might just be a minor one but she stole the spotlight from the mighty Thor with her mere presence. Being Jane Foster might not be as intense as her role in Black Swan, but she’s a welcome sight as always.

Another eye-candy in Thor is Kat Dennings, who played Darcy Lewis, Jane’s assistant. You might remember her from Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, where she played Norah.

Thor blends humor with outrageous action sequences. The CGI effects were spot on that it suspended reality for the whole duration of the movie. Now I can’t wait for The Avengers.

It is one awkward moment after another. Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Bella (Kristen Stewart) have very little chemistry. There was more chemistry between the fairy, I mean vampire Edward, and the half-dog/half-abs Jacob (Taylor Lautner).

The Twilight series might be the only series I know where the supporting cast are hotter than the star. Alice (Ashley Greene) had my full attention whenever she was on. Even Jessica (Anna Kendrick) has more appeal than Bella. I wished Jane (Dakota Fanning) had more screen time in this movie.

And don’t get me started with the CG wolves, which I found funny rather than menacing. Actually there are a few things hilarious in New Moon but most of them were not even meant to be funny. They came from the discomforting interaction between all the characters.

Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner): I know what he did to you but Bella, I want you to know I will never hurt you.

Poor acting and awkwardness are just the few words to describe New Moon. And I’m being nice here. This movie is for die-hard fans that treat the books as their bible. The stupid twits swoon over Edward and Jacob without any regard to the coherency of the movie. You should definitely avoid this one as well as the rest of the movies of the Twilight Saga.

Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a travelling show where the audience can choose between light and joy or darkness and gloom. A long time ago, Parnassus (Christopher Plummer) made a bet with Mr. Nick (Tom Waits) the devil and he got immortality out of it. Centuries later, Parnassus fell in love and he made another deal with Mr. Nick. He traded in his immortality for youth. Mr. Nick gave it to him on the condition that on the 16th birthday of his child-to-be, that child will belong to Mr. Nick.

Valentina (Lily Cole) is nearing the target age and Doctor Parnassus has been trying his best to protect her from Mr. Nick. But Mr. Nick came to collect and Doctor Parnassus made another bet that Mr. Nick couldn’t resist. The person who successfully seduces five souls first will get Valentina. Parnassus promises his daughter’s hand to the guy that could help him win against Mr. Nick. Two guys attempt to win Valentina. They are Anton, played by Andrew Garfield, and Tony, played by the late Heath Ledger.

It is a good thing that most parts of Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus took place in a fantasy world, where Heath Ledger’s Tony were played by Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell. They contributed well to the movie and Tony’s transformations didn’t feel contrived.

Tony (Heath Ledger): Don’t believe everything you read. Especially The Mirror.

Terry Gilliam’s creativity and the actors’ brilliant performances made Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus interesting. Simple minds could easily be confused by the story and the weird backdrops would not help their cause. But overall, it is an entertaining movie. It is a fitting swansong for Heath Ledger and this would be the reason why Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus would be remembered.

Basil Hallward (Ben Chaplin) was a painter who made Dorian Gray’s portrait. The narcissist Dorian wished that the painting would grow old instead of him and by some sort of voodoo mumbo-jumbo his wish came true. He stays young forever but the painting changes to reflect his life of debauchery.

Ben Barnes is dull as Dorian Gray. He’s too weak that you can’t feel the evilness of the character. Maybe it’s how the writer Toby Finlay envisioned him to be in the movie. Well also gone in the movie are the interesting characters and old London that the novel (yes I’ve read it), brought into life. The movie is a superficial version of the novel.

Rachel Hurd-Wood as Sybil is my eye-candy in Dorian Gray. But sad to say her acting is not something to be desired about. You could feel her waiting for the cue to deliver her lines. I usual like Colin Firth’s acting but in Dorian Gray he is not convincing enough to be the corruptor that his character should be.

Dorian Gray is murdered by the filmmaker. Director Oliver Parker even changed the ending. The Picture of Dorian Gray is about how Dorian tried to escape earthly punishment by destroying the painting. His death is divine retribution for all his sins. The movie version showed a remorseful Dorian who wants to be good for a girl.

Lord Henry Wotton (Colin Firth): There’s no shame in pleasure. Man just wants to be happy. But society wants him to be good. And when he’s good, he’s rarely happy. But when he’s happy, he’s always good.

I’m unhappy with Dorian Gray, which means it is not be good. In 112 minutes, Oscar Wilde’s classic masterpiece was butchered. It was a period piece that utilized B-movie special effects coupled with bad acting from the lead. The movie is like the main character; beneath its beautiful façade is a picture that’s ugly and not entertaining.

The main man Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) is accused of stealing Zeus’ Lightning Bolt. Zeus (Sean Bean) is threatening to start a war among the Olympians if Percy the son of Poseidon (Kevin McKidd) doesn’t return his bolt. Now the fate of the world lays on the hands of a demi-god, who doesn’t even know he’s one.

A centaur by the name of Chiron (Pierce Brosnan) taught Percy that the pen is indeed a powerful weapon and help Percy train to become a stronger warrior. A hero is not complete without his posse and Percy can count on Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario) and Grover (Brandon T. Jackson) to be by his side. There’s also Luke (Jake Abel), who Percy thought to be his friend but turns out to be the titular antagonist in this one.

Big stars played a major part in Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, such as Uma Thurman as Medusa and Rosario Dawson as Persephone. You should not get up when the end credits start rolling or else you wouldn’t see Medusa’s last victim.

Annabeth Chase (Alexandra Daddario): I definitely have strong feelings for you. I just haven’t decided if they’re positive or negative yet.

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is different from the source but it’s still enjoyable. Forget about the books and just let the movie entertain you. It was engaging enough that won’t notice two hours has passed by. It has its flaws but I recommend it as an appetizer for the upcoming Clash of the Titans.

First half of D-War was slightly boring. It discusses the myth behind the dragons and the role of the Ethan (Jason Behr) and Sarah (Amanda Brooks).  And just when I was about to fall asleep, an army of dinosaurs with humanoids came out of nowhere and starts terrorizing the city.  I thought Lord of the Rings was inserted in the middle of the movie.  They are searching for the girl but she effortlessly slipped pass them and out of the city.

That’s just one example of how the transitions between scenes are rough and abrupt.  The fluidity between scenes seemed to have been lost in the cutting room.  And why did they get Jason Behr for the job?  It was like watching him as Max Evans in Roswell once again.  He doesn’t connect with the audience.  It also didn’t help that Jason and the rest of the cast members were given lousy dialogues to start with.

Sarah Daniels (Amanda Brooks): I keep trying to understand, but none of this is making any sense.

I think most of D-War’s budget went into the CG animation of the dragons and the other creatures.  But its special effects, along with the script and storyline, were amateurish.  The fireballs from the large dinosaur-like creatures were hilarious.  The supposed epic war between the two dragons was disappointing.  Sarah did the predictable thing and sacrifices herself to help the good dragon win.

D-War or Dragon Wars has a good concept but something went wrong during its execution.  You have to be a masochist to enjoy this horrendous movie.  It looked like scenes were hurriedly bunched up into a single movie. Don’t waste your time and money for this movie.

Connor is visited by three ghosts during the night that showed him the errors of his ways and made him realize what true love is all about.  Ghosts of Girlfriends Past used Dickens as a vehicle for the plot and it served its purpose.

Jennifer Garner might be the female lead of Ghosts of Girlfriends Past but Lacey Chabert as the bride-to-be got my attention.  Party of Five’s baby is now a lady.  She is just a support here but she’ll be a star in the future.

Connor Mead (Matthew McConaughey): Someone once told me that the power in all relationships lies with whoever cares less, and he was right.  But power isn’t happiness, and I think that maybe happiness comes from caring more about people rather than less.

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past is about committing to a relationship and what it takes to care for other people.  I’m impressed with the cast’s acting especially Michael Douglas as Uncle Wayne.  The story might be predictable but it is still entertaining.  I would recommend it to everyone with some time to kill.

Brendan Frasier stars as Mo Folchart, a Silvertongue who has the ability to bring out characters from books whenever he reads it out loud.  Years ago he lost his wife (Sienna Guillory) while reading Inkheart to his daughter Meggie (Eliza Bennett).  Since then he’s been looking for a copy of the book in the hopes of bringing his wife back to the real world.

Maybe it’s a good thing that I haven’t read the book yet.  I didn’t have any expectations with regards to this movie.  Brendan Frasier takes another poke at the hero role and is decent at it.  Being a Paul Bettany fan, I’m glad to see him play Dustfinger the fire-eater.  His performance is brilliant.  Then there’s Andy Serkis who plays the main villain Capricorn.  It’s nice to see the face behind the voice of Gollum.

But someone who surprised me the most is the youngest member of the cast, Eliza Bennett.  Her acting is excellent. Plus, she sang the song that played during the end credits, video of which can be viewed below.

It turns out Meggie is also a Silvertongue and Capricorn captured her and forced her to bring the Shadow to the real world.  Then Meggie showed that the pen is mightier than the Shadow when she began making up a story and read it out loud, in the process eliminating Capricorn, Shadow and the rest of the bad guys from Inkheart.

Elinor Loredan (Helen Mirren):  Yes, a hundred times.  Along with St. Petersburg, Paris, Middle-Earth, distant planets and Shangri-la.  And I never had to leave this room.  Books are adventure.  They contain murder and mayhem and passion.  They love anyone who opens them.

Inkheart is feel-good, entertaining movie for the whole family.  It teaches kids that reading can be enjoyable.  Books are my friends and I love every moment I spent with them.  But these days I have no time for them anymore but I promise to make some reading time in the near future.

If you’re not familiar with the book then you’ll probably say that Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is good except for the ending.  Yup, it has everything that compromises a box office hit.   It has action, teen heartthrobs, and amazing effects.

But fans of the Harry Potter series are greatly disappointed with the Half-Blood Prince movie.  The book tackled Harry’s relation with the Dursleys, Bill and Fleur’s love affair, the house elves, Tonks and Remus, Madame Rosmerta and Dumbledore’s funeral.   The movie did show two of Tom Riddle’s memories but that’s not enough.   I guess the director thought that Ron and Lavender’s love story is more interesting than finding out why Tom Riddle became Voldemort.  Another plot mistake I could think of is the burning of the Burrow.

I was also imagining the battle between the Death Eaters and Dumbledore’s army in Hogwarts but was disappointed when it was not included the movie.  After Snape killed Dumbledore, the Death Eaters calmly walked out of Hogwarts with only Harry going after them.  Even in real life, that’s illogical.

If I remember correctly, in the book Harry used his Invisibility Cloak to hide when Draco attacked Dumbledore.  But the movie showed Harry under the stairs and Snape even saw him there.  I could go on and on but the main point here is that the Harry and the Half-Blood Prince movie is loosely based on the book.  It lacked various subplots that made the book interesting.  The movie and the book might share the same title but that’s the only thing they have in common.

Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon): This is beyond anything I have imagined.

The ending is a cliffhanger for those who haven’t read Deathly Hallows yet.  I just hope that the next movie is better than this in terms of being true to the book.   But if you get over the missing subplots from the book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is visually entertaining.   Potter fans like me should forget about the book and just enjoy the movie for what it is.