Saturday, December 4, 2010

Film Review - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1




''Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows''

Directed by: David Yates
Created by: Steve kloves (screenplay) and J.K Rowling (novel)
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman and Helena Bonham Carter
Release date: 19th November 2010
Running time: 146 minutes
Rated: 12A
Official trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EC2tmFVNNE


I can tell that this was one of those films where everyone wants to see it because my local cinema (not naming any names), is just one of those cinemas that you wonder why they haven't closed down yet. You can go out to this cinema any night of the week and you can expect to be the only one in the screen. But for this movie, well, my friends and I were really looking forward to seeing it on opening night and stupidly we booked tickets the night before (just incase) and we were told they'd all been booked up. Now, it was the third night that we were finally able to get any tickets and they were literally queuing outside the cinema to get in. QEUING! I was shocked. But anyway, enough of that.
The point is, we finally got our chance to see it. And it was worth it!

Wow. Well, where can I start? I'm a little out of date since anyone who wanted to see it probably already has but I thought I'd share my thoughts anyway.

It was really one of those films where you look at the information before hand and sigh when you see its 2 and a half hours long but then, when you've seen it, it doesnt feel anywhere near that amount of time. It's much darker and much less appealing to the little ones this time. And there is no way you'd be able to watch it without watching the one before, unlike the first 4 where they have there own story that gets resolved in the end.
I've only read up to the 3rd book and my friend was saying how lucky I was as it was all going to be a suprise for me but I've already been informed by my brother (to the last detail) of what is going to happen, so no suprise there.
**SOILER ALERT**
It's insanely depressing how Dobby, Hedwig and MadEye Moody dies. I did enjoy, however, the fact that the film included some much needed bursts of humour. Like when Fred gets his ear blown off and he makes the 'holey/holy' joke - very funny!

It didn't finish on an incedible high which was disappointing as there were plenty of opportunities to do so.
It's great to see some fantastic acting from the cast though. They've all grown up!
I would recommend this movie without a doubt but, unfortunately, wouldn't see it for a second time.
I hope this was helpful in ANY way.
If you haven't seen it yet and are about to, I hope you enjoy it!

I gave this Film a Rhi-Rating of 3/5

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Newgrange



On the 25th of November my Art class at school went on a fieldtrip to Newgrange in county Meath. It took us about 3 hours on a coach which wasn't all that bad. When we got to the visitors centre we were shown a video on the hisory of the site and then we had a look around the museum. It was all quite interesting and well laid out.
The visitors centre though, is a small bus trip away from the monument itself. There was a small walk over the Boyne river and then about a 5 minute bus journey from there.

Now I have to say that I was expecting Newgrange to be a fair bit bigger than it actually is. The tour around and inside was only about 10 minutes long but I enjoyed every minute. The tour guide was very pleasant too.

We found out some interesting facts aswell. Did you know that Newgrange is 5000 years old, making it older than Stonehenge and some of the pyrimids in Egypt? Now that is cool! But what I found most facinating was the 200 year old graffiti carved into the stones on the inside. Myself and some friends were trying to find the oldest writing and found a note, signed, with the date 1819 written beside it. It's amazing to know that people from all those years ago stood where we stood.

Overall I enjoyed the day. The surrounding scenery of Newgrange is beautiful and we also got a look around Navan at the end of the day. It has a Marks and Spencers! Coming from the west of Ireland...that was a great thing to see!
So I would definately recommend a family day out to Newgrange. Well worth the money. And you get to touch 200 year old graffiti! Who wouldn't enjoy that?

I gave this Historical Site a Rhi-Rating of 4/5

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Apologies!

Oh dear! Where has the time gone? It's hard to believe we are already into December.
I've been busy with school and work and unfortunately hadn't had time to post anything recently so apologies for that!
On a happier note, I have a few things to review. So bare with me!

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Sunday, November 14, 2010

Film review - Paranormal Activity 2




''Paranormal Activity 2''
Directed by: Tod Williams.
Starring: Katie featherston, Micah Sloat, Molly Ephraim, Brian Boland and Sprague Grayden.
Writers: Michael R. Perry and Christopher B. Landon.
Release date: 22 October 2010 (Ireland).
Running time: 91 mins
Rated: 15
Official trailer:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SSc3bmdd8o

Now, I don't know about you, but I LOVE anything scary. So as you can imagine I was really looking forward to seeing the second Paranormal Activity film. And I have to say...it was great! I found more happened in this one compared to the first one and I liked the way the second is set before the first and then the two stories are entwined at the end.

The film is about a family who experience a series of what they think are break-ins and so decide to put up security cameras in their house, only to find that what's really going on is something a bit more...sinister.

The acting was good. The litte kid who played Hunter was seriously adorable. Over all a good movie. Definately recommend it if you are a fan of horror. I would recommend seeing the first one before the second though otherwise the end may confuse you. Other than that...Don't go and see it on your own!
I gave this Film a Rhi-Rating of 4/5

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Friday, November 12, 2010

Ludovico Einaudi Concert



What an evening! I spent last night with my friend Claire at the National Concert Hall in Dublin watching the god of piano himself, Ludovico Einaudi. He was absolutely fantastic. The place was packed and he got a couple of standing ovations from the audience. What suprised me the most was how humble he was. He seemed very genuine which was great. He interacted with the audience on numerous occasions and told us the stories behind his music. Playing some of his most famous pieces, it was definately a night to remember!

For those of you who don't know who he is, here is a link to a video of his on youtube. The song is called 'Divenire'. Let me know what you think!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAI2doCUbNc
For those fans, I would highly recommend you get your tickets to see him live... now!
Here are a few pictures of the man himself. Unfortunately the lighting wasn't great so his face came out a bit too bright, but I hope you like them!
I gave this Concert a Rhi-Rating of 5/5

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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Hello World!

My name's Rhiannon and what can I say? I'm mad about Films, Photography, Books, Music, basically anything to do with the Arts. I will be writing reviews, posting my photos and my films and more...
So, watch out for
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