Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Yesterday we saw Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. I really enjoyed it. I think it was well made and the acting is better than in any of the other movies. The biggest improvements in my opinion were from the three leads, Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger). I think they improved and did a good job with this film.
Daniel Radcliffe, who was without the other two for most of the film, was very enjoyable to watch. I loved how Harry developed through the film, but kept the things he has developed in the other movies. One of my favorite scenes with him was when he takes some Felix Felicis. Very funny. He was very confident and seemed slightly drunk. I liked the scenes with Harry and Dumbledore. They became friends instead of headmaster and pupil.
I have to mention Michael Gambon here. When he was first cast to play Dumbledore after the death of Richard Harris, I was very disappointed with the way he played him. He didn't seem like Dumbledore at all, especially in Goblet of Fire. But now I think he is doing a better job and he seems more like the Dumbledore I always imagined.
Rupert Grint was highly amusing. He was very funny and his comic timing was brilliant. I wanted to see him in this film a little bit more than we did, but it was still good. I was very glad that Ron participated in Quidditch this time. That was great fun. The love triangle with Ron, Lavender Brown, and Hermione was also a lot of laughs, tears, and very dangerous experiences. Rupert Grint was a joy to watch.
Emma Watson did a very good job with Hermione Granger. Sometimes I think she is a bit over the top, but I think she was perfect in this film. Her performance in the love triangle was so sad, yet funny at the same time. You really do get the feeling that Hermione Granger is brilliant with almost everything, accept when it comes to her own emotions. This was a wonderful performance by Emma Watson.
I also enjoyed the new addition to the Hogwart's staff, Professor Slughorn, portrayed by Jim Broadbent. He wasn't at all like I imagined Slughorn in the book, but he was fun to watch and I think he did a good job. I still like my Slughorn better, but I think Broadbent was a good choice for the role.
Lavender Brown, played by Jessie Cave, was perfect. She is almost exactly as I imagined her in the book and I really enjoyed watching her performance. Jessie was a good choice for the role and I think she did an excellent job.
The other love interest in this film is played by Bonnie Wright. Ginny Weasley, Ron's younger sister, is now revealed to be dating Dean Thomas. Ron is not happy about this at all. Harry has also started having stirring feelings whenever Ginny is present, but watching Ron's reaction with Dean, Harry feels it would be to dangerous to try. But Ginny wants Harry as well. Ginny has always been one of my favorite characters and I really enjoyed what Wright did with the character.
Another great performance was Tom Felton's portrayal of Draco Malfoy, *Spoiler Alert* who is now a Death Eater and has been given a special mission by Lord Voldemort. Malfoy has always been an evil character, but in this film and book he is torn between many emotions. Felton did a terrific job with his character. You really do feel bad for Malfoy by the end of the movie.
I think one of the best performances in this movie was made by Alan Rickman, *Spoiler Alert* who plays the double agent and hidden hero of the series, Severus Snape. I think now that he knows how the series will end, he can now play the many layers of Snape on the screen. When he looks at Harry now, you see more than disgust. There is a moment when you know Snape is looking into Lily's eyes. I love that! Wonderful performance.
Some of the things that I was really looking forward to seeing were not put in the movie. I understand that they didn't have time to put everything in, but I really did miss these things. I was really looking forward to the after Quidditch match kiss with Harry and Ginny. In the film they kiss once and at the end of the movie, Ron gives Harry his permission to date Ginny. In the book, they date for a couple of weeks, but Harry has to break up with her because he is afraid Voldemort will use her to get to him. I really liked this in the book and was really excited to see it, but was disappointed.
*Spoiler Alert* Another thing I wanted to see was Dumbledore's funeral. I won't say to much about this yet, because it is rumored that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I will begin with this. I did want to see it, but hopefully it will be in the next movie.
One of the biggest disappointments for me was the fight between the Death Eaters and the Order of the Phoenix and D.A. Why? It didn't happen. That was one of the most exciting parts in the book. It had me on the edge of my seat and I was really very excited to see it in the movie. Blah! I was very sad and angry that they took it out. Even if they had just shown a little bit of it, like Harry running past the fight, or something, I would have been okay with that. But to cut it out completely! I was extremely disappointed.
There are some scenes that were added that are not in the book. *Spoiler Alert* At the beginning of the movie, the Death Eaters kidnap Olivander and destroy a bridge. This is only talked about in the book. It was a good way to show the kind of things that are happening in the world now that Voldemort is back without a whole bunch of dialogue. Another added scene was an attack made on the Burrow by Death Eaters. They try to get Harry, but when they don't, they set fire to the Weasley's home. That was terribly sad. Some fans are angry about it, but I think it worked. It showed how dangerous it is for families. Again, this is talked about in the book, but it is more exciting to show it in a film that to have somebody talk about it.
There weren't quite as many special effects in this film as there are in the others, but I don't think this was a bad thing at all. The effects that were in the movie were very good and I don't think anything was really overdone. *Spoiler Alert* The part where Harry gets dragged under the water by the Inferi was not in the book, but it added excitement and fear to the movie. It was pretty scary without that bit, but it worked. The Inferi were well done, though in my opinion I think they moved a little too fast.
Overall, I really really liked this movie and I want to go and see it again as soon as possible. It was a lot of fun to watch. I think that Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is one of the best movies in the Harry Potter series. I'm looking forward the Deatlhly Hallows Part I and Part II. Great movie!

Preparing for the Prince

July 15, 2009. It's coming. It's getting closer. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is almost here!
I am so excited to see this movie. My family has tickets for the day it opens. This will be the first time I've ever been to the opening day of a movie and I can't wait. These days are really cool because people dress up as characters and everyone their is basically a fanatic like myself! It should be loads of fun!
But, since I've still got awhile to wait, I've been preparing to see it. I am currently rereading the series for the... I actually have no idea how many times I've read it. I read it about once or twice a year, so I've lost count. Any way, I'm reading it again to prepare for the new movie. I'm currently on number five, having finished the others.
My family is also preparing by watching all the movies that are already out. We've watched three of them so far, which I'm not too happy about. If we keep going at this rate, we'll have watched them all within the next week. Then we won't have anything else to do to get ready for the next movie.
You're probably thinking that I am a complete freak and I'm obsessive, but I'm not as bad as some people I know. But, I am counted as a Harry Potter fanatic and I'm PROUD OF IT! Hurray for Harry Potter!

Pirates of the Caribbean

One of my favorite movie series, which I saw for the first time about a month ago, is Pirates of the Caribbean. I don't think I could chose which one is my favorite, because I really like them all.
I think one of the reasons I like them so much is because of the stunts. I really love stunts. Sword fighting is awesome and there is quite a lot of that in Pirates. I wonder why? Any way, I really like the stunts in these movies.

They are also very humorous, thanks to the one and only Captain Jack Sparrow. He is so funny! If I meet Jack in reall life, I would probably hate him. He is such a selfish man, but he does care about others enough for me to respect him a little. Jack would be a good man to have on your side, if you could stand him. Johny Depp does a fabulous job with the character in a way no on else could. I love watching his performance. His facial expressions and voice are splendid. 100% goes to Johny Depp and Captain Sparrow. "This will be the day you will always remember as the day you almost caught Captain Jack Sparrow!"

And then, of course, you have the gorgeous William Turner, portrayed by the gorgeouser Orlando Bloom. A pirate movie wouldn't be complete without the one pirate who doesn't really want to be a pirate, who also happens to be rather attractive. I really enjoy Orlando Bloom as Will, not just because he is cute, but because he does a good job with the role. Will is a very interesting character and he has some very deep emotions. Will has more internal struggles than the other characters. He is faced with the problem of piracy. He doesn't think it is good, but yet it seems to be his lot in life. Even when he becomes a pirate, I still think he isn't exactly that. He doesn't do many of the things pirates are famous for. Will also has to deal with love, like many men, but not many are asked to choose between their father and their true love. Will is faced with this, but in the end, he doesn't get to choose. Without one, he loses the other. I think Will is the most complicated character. Bloom does a wonderful job with the portrayal. 100% goes to Orlando Bloom and William Turner. "Keep a weather eye on the horizon."

Sadly, there is a weak link in everything and in my opinion, the weak link in Pirates of the Caribbean is the heroine, Elizabeth Swann, played by beautiful Kiera Knightly. But beauty is not the only important thing about acting and I'm afraid that Knightly is missing all but two. She can look beautiful and she can yell. Whenever she is talking she grits her teeth. Most of the time when she talks, she looks slightly ill. Maybe if she just stood there and looked pretty, she would accomplish more. I think Elizabeth is an interesting character, but I don't like the way she is played. Elizabeth is quite different from Will. She is more shelfish than him and she isn't very troubled about the idea of being a pirate. I'd actually respect Elizabeth's character more if she was a bit more worried about such things. I like her because she is strong and she is brave. She loves Will and he loves her. But I wish the acting was better. 50% to Kiera Knightly and 65% to Elizabeth Swann. "What shall we die for?"

So, I really like these movies. I think they are very well done, except for Elizabeth. The stunts, special effects, costumes, etc. are very good and I commend everyone that worked on these movies. They are great fun and very entertaining.

Cast

Okay, I forgot to post what I was cast as in The Wizard of Oz. I'm an Ozian and possibly a Jitterbug. My mom is Aunt Em and my dad is Uncle Henry. Amanda is a flying monkey. Sarah is also an Ozian.

The Host

I recently read Stephenie Meyer's "The Host" and I can easily say that it is better than the "Twilight" series. "The Host" is better in my opinion because the main character is more interesting than Bella. And the plot is better developed and makes more sense.
I think it is a really unique story. The idea of an alien invasion and a resistance is not new, but the way Stephenie Meyer did it in her story is very different.
At the beginning of the story, I was a little confused as to whose side I wanted to choose. You have Wanderer's side and Melanie's side. I was inclined to choose Melanie because she is human and would be having the experience we would have. But Wanderer was also so unique and interesting. I liked them both and didn't end up choosing a side. This was a good thing, because, as I continued to read, I realized that there really wasn't a side. In a way, there is no "bad guy" in this story unless it is violence, anger, and hate. Wanderer only hates hate and Melanie has human emotions which include hate. This was extremely interesting throughout the entire book.
The plot is fast paced and well written. I could hardly put this book down. I recommend this book to anyone who doesn't mind kissing (cause they do that in this book).

Cats

This is a picture of some members of the cast of Cats, one of the shows I was in at Payson Community Theater. I'm the one in the middle area with the orange V on my forehead, the one that's smiling slyly. This is my favorite show I've ever been in. So far, it was also the hardest.

If you don't know, Cats is an all singing, all dancing show. I was really lucky because I was cast as Carbuckety, who is in every scene but two. It was the best experience of my life. Love to the cast!

Auditions

Last night my family and I went to auditions for The Wizard of Oz at Payson Community Theater. You might think "ew, community theater" but I just got to tell you that Payson's community theater is very good. I have been in three productions with Payson, The King and I, Singin in the Rain, and the Utah Valley premiere of Cats. They have been some of the best experiences of my life.
Any who, at the auditions last night, I auditioned for Dorothy (though I already know that I won't get the part. Too young, but might as well try) and any other part that the director would want me in. I would really like to be a Jitterbug because they have the big dance number. There was a dance part of the audition, which I think I did relatively well at. It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed that part.
Then there was the singing part. I sang On My Own from Les Miserables. Sarah sang God Help the Outcasts from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Amanda sang Honey Bun from South Pacific. Dad sang Dulcinea from Man of La Mancha and mom sang Defying Gravity from Wicked. Singing is one of my favorite things to do, but I didn't really feel too confident last night. For one reason, I have a cold. For another reason, I know everyone that I was singing for, the director, the music director, the co-director, because I've worked with all of them before. I felt like they'd have a certain expectation and that I wouldn't fill it, so I was very nervous. I think I did alright. The rest of my family did terrific.
Mom and dad are at callbacks as I speak, or I should say, type. Mom is being called back for two roles, dad for one. And, because we are extremely good friends with the director, he thought it would be funny not to tell them what roles they were being called back for. Ha ha. Mom could hardly sleep last night. I'm dieing of curiosity right now because I won't know until they get home.
The director told Sarah, Amanda, and I that we are all cast, but we didn't need to come for callbacks. That means we are in the play, we've been cast, and that we don't have any lead roles. Which, I can tell you, is a big relief. But he didn't tell us what roles he cast us in. URGH! I don't know when I'll find that out. Someday I will and then I'll be able to relax a little.

History Fair

I am a student at Lakeridge Junior High. I am in the Gifted and Talented English and History class taught by Sara Hacken. For part of that class, we are required to participate in the our region of the National History Fair competition. (Horrible punishment!) It is not easy. First, we have to research. Then we have to figure out if we are going to present as a documentary, paper, exhibit, website, or performance. Next, you have to put the project together. And finally, you have to present it in front of judges (Worst part for me).

This year the topic was An Individual in History. It is way easier then most topics. Last years was Conflict and Compromise and the year before was Triumph and Tradegy. This year I chose to do a group documentary with my friend on J.R.R. Tolkien, writer of The Lord of the Rings. It was actually rather fun putting it together because we got to work with computers. But it was a lot of hard and tedious work. I hate writing bibliographies. I hate having to redo everything several times. But what I hate more then anything is the fact that I had to show the documentary to judges! Argh!

On Monday, March 16, my class and I went to the History Fair compition for our region (which, BTW, is one of the most competitive regions to compete). I was nervous the whole time. When it was our turn to be judged, I thought we were doomed, but at least it would be over soon. I relaxed a little when it appeared that the judge liked it. He smiled through the whole thing, but every time he made a mark on his clipboard, my heart skipped a beat. When our documentary was done, we relaxed. Hurray! History Fair was over!

WRONG!

We feaking won first place! Terrific, right? Wrong again. That means we have to go on. By that, I mean we have to go on to compete in state and see more judges! ARGH! I was so not happy. Neither was my partner. We had been planning to celebrate the end of History Fair. Well, that rained on our parade.

So now I have to go back to my documentary, redo some more things, add more to my bibliography, go through another day of torture and nerves, and cross my fingers that we won't win and go to Nationals.

vs.

I am a fan of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series and I really enjoyed reading the books. Last week I went and saw the movie of Twilight in theaters. I really did like the movie. I thought it was exciting, interesting, and pretty well done. But it also, as it is to be expected, flawed.
One of the things that bothered me most was that the movie left so much out that was important in the book. I understand that it is pretty much impossible to take a book and put every single detail from it into a movie, but I think that there were too many important things left out.
In the movie, you never really get a chance to learn about the vampires. They are there, but you don't get to understand them. You never find out how each of the Cullens were turned into vampires. You never even find out that Jasper has a power.
I didn't really like Kirsten Stewart in the role of Bella. She is not really at all what I imagined her like. Bella wasn't as endearing in the movie. I did like the rest of the cast, especially Robert Pattinson, who plays Edward. He did a really good job portraying Edward. I also really liked Taylor Lautner as Jacob. The way the movie set up Edward and Jacob's dislike for one another made me really excited to see New Moon.
I didn't realize until I'd seen the movie for the second time just how much was left out. Bella and Edward's relationship is a little too different. It comes across that they don't love each other as much for their minds or their good qualities as they do for the fact that each is beautiful. In the book, you know that it is more then that by their conversations, the way they respect each other, and how they think of each other. This was one thing that bothered me during the movie.
I did really enjoy the movie, but, like I've said about thousands of movies, the book was way better.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Narnia

I read the Narnia series when I was much younger and I was so excited that they are being turned into movies. I loved The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe! My family got Prince Caspian for Christmas and I was so happy! Hurray! I loved the movies when I saw them in the theater and now my family owns both movies. My sisters and I have a thing for Caspian. "BLUSH"

Twilight Saga

I just read the Twilight Saga for the first time in my life and I loved it! Bella is a bit dimwitted, which is one of my only complants about the books. Other than that, I really enjoyed them. I read the whole series in six days. I just could not put them down! Edward is amazing! Of course, he is too over protective, but in a way that's kind of sweet. (I admit that if I was Bella I would be very annoyed about that.) I loved the Cullen family and I can see why Bella would want to be with them so badly.
Personally, I wouldn't be able to give up being a human as fast as she did. Of course I haven't found my true love, so I don't know what I would give to be with him. But I've always wanted to have children. That would be a very difficult thing for me to give up. There are also simple things that I would miss. I'd miss being able to sleep. I happen to like sleeping very much. And the taste of different foods. I mean, I'd really miss it. I'd also be terrified that I would eat a human. But Bella will be Bella.
I am planning on reading this series again soon!