frankbloemhof Reviews

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)

Best and worst so far..

[5/10 · 16 November 2010]

Having just come home from this movie at a night-premiere near where I live, I decided to write a review about a movie I had thoroughly mixed feelings about.

You see, on one hand I really do think they put in most of the important events from the book (in contrast with some of the previous Harry Potter movies) and the effects were definitely great, as was the acting.

But on the other hand, I couldn't help thinking how boring it was. At some points during this movie, when all the action stopped and I actually felt like I was wasting my time with this, I thought: Well this is bloody awful! But then of course, something funny happened.

And that seemed to be what saved this movie. Humor. Not the action, not the effects (even though they were great) but the humor. I don't think I've ever laughed this much during a Harry Potter movie, and I think I wasn't the only one. Honestly it felt more like a comedy mixed with some startling moments and a little bit of action, heavily based on what was probably the most gloomy book of them all.

And that is why I think this movie, although probably the best in the series so far, was also quite boring (at times) and thus not a particularly good feeling.

Do how-ever take note that most of the people I saw it with didn't agree with me at all, so don't be discouraged to see it. Just don't go in with your expectations too high or you might be let down. And I don't think anyone wants that.

The Pillars of the Earth (2010)

Simply amazing.

[10/10 · 14 November 2010]

I can't remember being more excited about a TV-series or film then I was for Pillars of the Earth. Not only is it THE book I'd always thought would make a brilliant film, as it happens the cast, too, was so good it was bound to be amazing. And boy did it deliver.

There are always certain films which, when you've seen them, you just want to see again. As for mini-series, I'm not sure I've ever seen one more addictive. The acting is so incredible in this, I really don't have words for it. And on top of that, the way they depict the middle-age castles and cathedrals is just.. let's just say it's really good.

I can go on and on about how great this is/was, but I think I suffice to say, go watch this. You won't regret one second. Especially if you enjoyed the book as much as I did.

Boston Legal (2004–2008)

Best. Show. Ever.

[10/10 · 13 October 2010]

If the perfect show exists, Boston Legal is it.

It is so ridiculously over the top in terms of the cases these lawyers handle, that you can't help but laugh at the very ideas they pull from their hats.

And on top of that, the acting is brilliant. I don't think I've ever seen a character quite as compelling as Jerry Espenson, or as utterly insane but at the same time brilliant as Denny Crane. Add to that the horribly arrogant but even more brilliant attorney Alan Shore, and you have the perfect cast to laugh your behind off, but that's only a fraction of the amazing characters in this show.

Now, one might say that this show is utterly unrealistic in that the lawyers succeed in winning even the most insane cases. But to that I will say: Television doesn't have to be realistic, it has to be fun. And that's exactly what Boston Legal is: fun. And honestly, in a perfect world these cases could very well be real, so in a sense it's a motivation for all of us to improve the world.

The only thing that I rest to say is: if you haven't seen this show, please do. I guarantee you you will not regret a single second.