Movie Review: ****Maleficent (2014

Maleficent 

This is a very good presentation and work by Angelina Jolie as Maleficent.  However I am not sure if it is OK for Disney to change the movie, from Maleficent being an evil character, to a misunderstood character who was wronged with the removal of her wings, and is determined to get even with the king through his daughter Snow White.  However, Maleficent's curse, though she will grow in grace a beauty, loved by all she meets, she will prick her finger and sleep, only to be restored by love's true kiss.  And she did grow in beauty and grace, and all were bound to love her, including Maleficent.  She was able to turn this love into a power which saved herself in the end.  Elle Fanning does a good job as Snow White.  It is she who finds the wings and restores them to Maleficent.  Cameos by Angelina’s daughter Vivienne Jolie-Pitt as a young Snow White, as well as Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge) as one of the good fairies. 

Movie Review: ***^Arthur Christmas 2011)

This was a delightful Christmas movie.  This is a British/American collaboration between Aardman Animations and Sony Pictures.  This movie presents Santa Claus (who many believe is due for retirement) and his sons, the older, capable and the younger, mail room klutz.  Santa Clause, and his older son have a smooth operation, computerized, with a rocket powered sleigh, and everything is in order--except one child is missed.  Steve the older brother (Hugh Laurie) feels almost 100 percent is OK, and convinces his father, Santa (Jim Broadbent) the same.  However Arthur (James McAvoy), the younger brother worries about the little girl who will wake up without a toy.  Grandpa Santa (Bill Nighy) is seeking some honor for the last time, and takes Arthur to the barn with the old sleigh, and the flying reindeer.  Just like that they are off, but going through many adventures and bumps on the way.  It takes quite of bit of doing to get that bike there, and many times all seems lost.  However, in the end, all of the Santa realize they had lost the true meaning of Christmas.  For next year Santa is retiring, and younger brother who still believes, is going to be the next Santa, and Steve will be the top executive.  Imelda Saunton plays Mrs. Claus.

Movie Review: ****^Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

This movie is made perfect by the appearance of Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) who is the "teacher" of the dark arts.  Actually she is a plant of the ministry who is to keep an eye on Hogwarts, and make sure that news of Voldemort's return is considered to be nothing more than a lie.  Because they are not able to really learn at school, they set up a special class, Dumbledore's Army, and hold class in the room of requirements.  This organization mirrors the Order of the Phoenix, an organization among the adult wizard world which is set up to protect against Voldemort.  In the meantime Hagrid has been among the giants, and shares a half brother who he has brought back with him, and who is living in the wood.  This half brother is a full blood giant, and more wild.  When Umbridge breaks up the gang, and discovers their name, Dumbledore is forced out of the school, but instead of going quietly, he flies off with the help of his phoenix.  However the school is left unprotected, in Umbridge's care.  Voldemort uses an ability to invade Harry's mind, and lets him know that Sirius in danger (this is not true, but a vision put in Harry's brain by Voldemort.)  Umbridge intervenes before they are able to go to the rescue.  She is intent on breaking the group and incriminating Dumbledore.  For this reason Hermione is able to lead her on a wild goose chase, where the giant and the centaurs are able to take care of Umbridge.
The group takes off to the rescue, and find themselves in the ministry, where prophecies are kept.  Voldemort is intent on having the Harry Potter prophesy.  Harry is able to recover this, but as it is a trap, death eaters are waiting for them.  The Order of the Phoenix comes to the rescue, but in the struggle Sirius dies.  Also in the struggle Dumbledore battles Voldemort in the Ministry, and his existence can no longer be denied. 
This movie keeps up the tension of the series.  It is very well done.  It continues the fight of good against evil. 

Movie Review: Sense and Sensibility ****^(1995) ***(2008)

This of course is based on a Jane Austen book.  Last night I had an enjoyable time watching the Columbia pictures Sense and Sensibility (1995) via instant Netflix.  This last week I also watched the newer Masterpiece Theater version (2009) from home delivery Netflix.  Miranda pointed out that the original version has five actors from the Harry Potter movies--Snape, Professor Trelawney, Madame Pomfrey, Dolores Umbridge and Cornelius Fudge.  On the other hand the new version only has Mr. Weasley.  On that score alone, I recommend the 1995 version.  The characters are fun, and the acting is superb.  The new version, although entertaining, just lacks the same character.  It tries to add sensuality, especially in the first scene, but it really doesn't fit.

So for the 1995 version, which had me in stitches.  Remember, this movie was made at the start of many of these careers.  Turns out Dolores Umbridge is married to Dr. House, who has the attitude you would expect Dr. House to have.  His sarcasm and wit is just as biting as in his future work.  I found it pleasing that Dolores was getting her pay back, after all she put Harry through.  It was fun to view this way.  In addition, Professor Trelawney loves Hugh Grant, And Snape loves Kate Winslett.  What could be funner than that?  The highlight of this movie is when Elinor (Emma Thompson) discovers that Edward (Hugh Grant) is not married.  She breaks into tears in front of  him.  It is a moving scene, and the humor of her collapse adds to it greatly.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself.   This moving kept me entertained from start to finish.   Mrs. Jennings and Sir John do an excellent job of teasing and needling the girls, and they make the movie fun while not taking itself too seriously.

So I heartily recommend the 1995 version, and don't recommend quite so much the 2009 version.