Upcoming Posts

I know I know....my posts are long pending. I have to stop writing them in my head and actually come down to typing them here! But thats the thing...they are all WIP. I recently started reading the Half Blood Prince again after seeing the movie and am changing my opinion of the movie as each page turns. So will update my review once I finish. Then there is the long pending travelogue of my Goa trip.

But most of all, I am excited about my upcoming Road Trip in Canada. A long overdue visit to my sis (7 years is a lifetime in dog years!!) and a 20 day leave makes for some great anticipation.

So the plan is to maintain a travel blog for those 3 weeks. I promise to update The Thought Express with all the fun I am having and you can look forward to 3 weeks of feverish writing!!

Later then...till I finish the Harry Potter 6....

In defense of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

As I walked out of the theatre, I heard a mix of reactions. Ranging from “Did you SEE the way they showed Dumbledore’s burnt hand” to “What a stupid ending! The half blood prince turned out to be Snape himself”!

{Spoiler Alert}

In the defense of the film, please do not criticize the script. It happens to be taken from one of the literary wonder series. The fact that Snape was the Half Blood Prince and the angst at why he killed Dumbledore might confuse you. But when you see the next film (or 2 as they are claiming to split the last book), it will all fall into place. Like one string of pearls that you never saw connected. And it will make you gasp in awe of the wonderous imagination of a lady called JK Rowling.

This ofcourse is true only if you are one of those who only watched the films. If like some of us, you are a pure blood and not a muggle in terms of being Potter fans and have devoured the series atleast twice, you are entitled to your opinion.



I personally had nothing against the film. Given that this particular book was not outstanding in the series, it was merely a router – an arrow that connected the previous books with the last. There was no major character building or theatrics. And to add to it, it is quite tough to get used to the fact that our own Harry, Ron and Hermoine are growing up and are constantly talking about ‘snogging’.

Given this background, the director did quite ok with the film. The cinematography was quite good, be it the death-eaters flying over the Thames or the way Professor Slughorn transformed from a sofa to himself. Special mention in terms of the acting would go to the very despicable Bellatrix dancing around the Burrow trying to tempt Harry out. Ron, Hermoine and Ginny are reduced to secondary actors in the background but that is a folly of the book and not the film.

What I do have grudges against is the fact that they deviated from the book. How can you explain burning the Burrow down when the next book clearly starts at the burrow?? Also, the fighting sequence (where was Bill??) at the end was a sort of an anti climax and could have uplifted the movie to another level.

I would be lying if I said I left the theatre with stars in my eyes like I did every time I watched a Potter film. My only grudge remains – when you have a masterpiece to follow….why in the world would you divert???

Rating: 2.5 on 5

Paisa Wasool Moment: Fred and George’s new shop of magic. How I would have loved to go there!!!

One Crazy 'Hangover'

Comedy is probably the hardest genre to crack. Its not very difficult to make someone cry. Even easier to make a romantic film. But to make a film which has the audience in splits from the first frame right down to the last one is an achievement. And that is what Hangover is about. Pure unadultrated comedy.

The basic premise of the film is predictable. 4 friends take a roadtrip to Vegas for a bachelor's party. But thats where it ends. Needless to say, there is not one scene in the film that may be termed predictable. Even in your wildest dreams, you can not imagine what all these guys go through and how the movie progresses.

The characterisation is brilliant. Allan, the wierd dumb brother in law of the groom is the funniest. He doesnt even need to try hard, every shot he gives has the audience in splits. The groom himself (Doug) is probably the most boring character but to be fair, he doesnt have much of a role in the film. The hottie (Bradley cooper) who plays Phil is the most fun friend we all would love to have! But my favourite character in the film is Mr.Chow. He plays a don that the friends manage to be on the wrong side of. Him exclaiming in his squeeky voice - Fat man fell....or his not so political comments on - hahaha ....he is so fat it makes me laugh - were so unexpected that you couldnt help but burst out laughing.

Well all's well that ends well. Doug does end up getting married as planned (though that may be the only thing that went as planned). But not before 2 days of craziness that make sure you will recommend this film just as I am doing.

Go watch it. Not with kids or parents...but dont miss this one!

Rating: 3.5 on 5

Paise Wasool Moment: Allan wakes up hungover and groggy and goes to the loo. Not knowing that there is someone sharing the loo with him....can't tell more, it'll spoil it for you!!