Harry Potter Mania

Harry Potter movies ~~ The Half-Blood Prince (2009) ~~ The Deathly Hallows (2010 and 2011 installments) ~~ science fiction, fantasy, family, drama, action, adaptation and sequel, adventure ~~ your updates of the latest Harry Potter movies, movie preview, movie release, movie trailer, photos, news, blogs right here

Director David Yates revealed that there will be a scene in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" where star Daniel Radcliffe, who appeared nude in a stage production of the play "Equus," will undress.

"We'll create something that feels very sexy and very intriguing to bring about a reaction in Rupert" Grint, who plays Potter's BFF Ron Weasley, Yates said in the Daily Telegraph.

Yates explained that the skintastic scene involves Harry and Ron battling a cursed necklace that defends itself with a magic spell that invokes jealousy in Ron after images of Harry getting down with Hermione Granger attack his subconscious. Ron is in love with Hermione, played by Emma Watson.

The first part of the two-movie series conclusion is to appear on screens Nov. 19, 2010.

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Ever since the first Harry Potter movie came out years ago, Harry Potter has become part of the holiday season. The movies are played on TV as part of holiday lineups, and generally a Potter movie is released around the holidays in theaters or on DVD. I guess it's all the magic and snow that makes them seem appropriate for the season.

This year, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is new on DVD and Blu-ray, and the studio has incorporated the magic of BD Live. Did anyone else catch the chat with Daniel Radcliff and director David Yates over the weekend? On Saturday afternoon, the two chatted with Blu-ray owning fans during a screening of the movie. Apparently, there was a way to listen to the audio, but we couldn't get that to work, so we just had to read all of the questions and answers as the chat was happening. Daniel and Dave answered questions from fans (via a moderator) about the movie, life on the set, and more. The whole thing was pretty fun, but would have been much better with audio or especially if there had been an ability to see them as they were answering questions. Looking at how studios are starting to use Blu-ray capabilities, though, it's interesting to think what the future of interactive viewing will be like.

In addition to the Live functionality, the sixth Harry Potter DVD also contains a wealth of bonus features, many of which focus on the actors. They talk about everything from the movie to the famous people they've met to sports and more. The most interesting feature to our family, though, is the featurette on a year in the life of J.K. Rowling. Viewers get a glimpse into where she came from and what she is like. How fascinating it is to get such a close-up look at someone so famous and mysterious. She actually seems to be very down to earth and an all around nice person; someone one wouldn't begrudge enjoying all the wealth she has come into thanks to her own impressive imagination and astounding writing skills.

Fans of the Harry Potter series will also be excited by the exclusive new footage from the next Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. The movie is set to be released November 19, 2010, just in time for the holidays.

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Emma Watson signing autographs for fans outsid...Image via Wikipedia

Harry Potter star Emma Watson has been named as the most bankable female star of the noughties. Appearances in six Harry Potter films have net the actress $5.4 billion dollars. Additional voiceover work in The Tale of Despereaux means that she's got more earning power than her co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint.

However, there's some debate as to who holds the male title. The Guiness Book of World Records names Samuel L Jackson as the most bankable male star - he was involved in the Star Wars trilogy, after all. However, Entertainment Weekly reckon Orlando Bloom is the winner, having appeared in both the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy and Lord of the Rings.

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Rupert Grint and his Harry Potter co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson were recently interviewed by HP Brazilian site Vira-Tempo about Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and and what its been like filming The Deathly Hallows! Rupert talks about Ron’s wardrobe and stunts!

On the Blu-ray and DVD release, you get put through paces by the stunt guys for the extra features. What was that like? And is that something you asked for specifically or did they just say you’re going to be doing this as a DVD extra?

Rupert: It was in preparation for the Quidditch and flying scenes because I’m not really the most athletic person. I didn’t know if it would help but I got a bit of trampoline training to get my fitness up and it just gives you an idea of what it’s like to fly. And I think it was quite helpful and it was good fun. And the whole process of the Quidditch is quite uncomfortable to film but it looked really cool in the end.

And are you on friendly terms with the wardrobe department? They have put you through the wringer over the last six years, haven’t they?

Rupert: Ron has had some pretty unusual outfits. It’s the same kind of wardrobe in this next one, which is colourful, homemade knitwear and there’s this quite amazing big wedding outfit as well. I quite like it, though. It gets you back and gets you into the character.

Emma Watson talks about Ron and Hermione’s relationship and how well she and Rupert worked together bouncing off ideas for their character romance storyline. ;)

Hermione and Ron obviously have a bit of a romance in the movie. Were you excited for this storyline?

EMMA WATSON: Yes, I was very excited. It might not be the most obvious storyline in a way. I think a lot of fans always saw Hermione and Harry together, but I think that Hermione and Ron are very strange, but kind of perfect for each other. They’re very different, but you know, they make each other laugh. Ron lightens her up. Hermione’s quite a serious character, so I think they’re good for each other.

It seems that it would be more fun to play Hermione when you’re in a scene with Ron, because he looks like he’s having a good time?

EMMA WATSON: Definitely. Yes. I like doing scenes with Rupert because we get to kind of bounce off each other and they tend to be the funny ones.

Now that you’ve seen the film, what’s your favorite storyline to watch, or what are some of your favorite moments?

EMMA WATSON: My favorite moments are Ron playing Quidditch. I just think he’s hysterical. Also, Ron taking a love potion. I think he’s really funny, so for me those moments are my favorite.

Thanks to Vira-Tempo for the translations.

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Filming for the new HARRY POTTER movie is so intense, it has left DANIEL RADCLIFFE nursing a nasty cold. The 20 year old is busy working on the final franchise installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which is being split into two films.

The story sees Radcliffe and co-stars Rupert Grint and Emma Watson's characters on the run - and the harsh filming conditions have made the actor sick.

He tells Sky News, "I'm in every day, basically. I was lying in a pool of mud and dust and smoke and it irritated my throat and I developed a cold."

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A big W-O-W!


“Harry Potter” stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson are the highest grossing lead actors of the decade.

“Harry Potter” stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson have earned their ways into the “Guinness Book of World Records” for 2010 as the highest grossing lead actors of the decade. According to the New York Daily News, these young actors’ movies, mainly the “Harry Potter” films, raked in more at the box office than many of the veteran top movie stars. The first six “Harry Potter” films in the franchise grossed $5.4 billion worldwide, and there is still the two-part movie, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” to be released over the next two years.

MTV.com reports 20-year-old Daniel Radcliffe earned an average $558 million each from the “Harry Potter” films, “The Tailor of Panama,” and “December Boys.” And, 19-year-old Emma Watson earned $753.7 million each from the “Harry Potter” films, and “The Tale of the Despereaux.” The Telegraph attributes the difference between Radcliffe and Watson’s earnings to her starring role in the animated movie that made more than $86 million worldwide.

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This is pretty exciting! A fun and educational place to go with kids and adults alike.


Universal Orlando Resort, and Warner Bros. today revealed first-ever details about the incredible scope of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal also announced that beginning spring 2010, its theme park will be open for all dedicated Potterphiles to make a vacation pilgrimage.

Among the tantalizing tidbits revealed, the resort gave a list of featured locations, as well as a virtual fly through of the park.

And after entering the front archway of Hogsmeade to the immensity of Hogwarts castle, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter travelers will find a magical assortment of attractions.

At the entrance of Hogsmeade, billowing steam and an iconic whistle signal the arrival of the Hogwarts Express into Hogsmeade station.

Across the way is Zonko’s, a joke shop with a collection of tricks and jokes, including Extendable Ears, Boxing Telescopes and Sneakoscopes. Honeydukes is next door and full of treats like Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans.

The Three Broomsticks and adjacent Hog’s Head pub will feature traditional British fare and drinks including Butterbeer and pumpkin juice. Across from the Three Broomsticks is The Owlery, where owls roost and await their next delivery.

The Owl Post sends letters with a certified Hogsmeade postmark and sells official stamps from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Ollivanders wand shop is an incredible interactive experience where the wand chooses the wizard. Completing Hogsmeade is Dervish and Banges, the magical instruments and equipment shop featuring Quidditch equipment, Triwizard apparel, Spectrespecs and Remembralls.

The first attraction, Dragon Challenge, features a twin high-speed roller coaster with many iconic elements from the Triwizard Tournament.

Next is Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster simulating a Hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts castle.

Located in Hogwarts castle, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a thrilling new state-of-the-art attraction that uses entirely new technology to bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before experienced.

Before exiting back into Hogsmeade, Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods is full of Ministry of Magic and magical creatures merchandise, Omnioculars, and even remote control Golden Snitches.

There’s no doubt many memories will be made in the new park, and it looks as though there’s enough magic to go around — luckily they’re able to reveal it, even to us Muggles.

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Yes, it's not all about money. Education plays a very important role in ones life.

'Harry Potter' star Emma Watson dressed down for her first day at university in America at the weekend.

Watson, who plays Hermione Granger in the blockbuster series, will study literature at the prestigious Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Miss Watson, who looked anything but the global movie star in simple denim shorts and a white T-shirt, is likely to have to get used to having her own fan club on campus.

Classes at the Ivy League college start on Wednesday after Saturday's check-in and several days of orientation and activities.

Before hitting the books, new students can attend yoga and games night, a midnight organ concert and kickball game.

But it isn't all fun: The students will also get the chance to 'take part in discussions on diversity, sexual assault and Brown's role in the transatlantic slave trade'.

She said recently: 'But I do hope that it will be only a short time before I am known as "Emma Watson, the student from the UK" rather than "Emma Watson who starred in those Harry Potter films".'

Without confirming that Watson is actually attending Brown this autumn, Mark Nickel, the school’s director of communications, said: 'We do whatever we need to do to ensure safety and privacy, and that applies pretty much to all students.'

Asked if the school might take extra precautions to protect a young wizard, he added: 'Sure.'

It is one of the top colleges in the United States, boasting alumni including former presidents, diplomats, royalty and a heavy sprinkling of celebrities' offspring. Most recently, George Harrison's son, Dhani, attended Brown.

Brown was recently been ranked number 1 for America's 'Happiest College Students', according to the Princeton Review 2010 rankings.

It was also named 'the most fashionable school in the Ivy League' by the fashion trade journal Women's Wear Daily.

Miss Watson achieved straight As in her A-levels. However, she's not completely leaving the world of showbiz behind.

She will have to return to the studio during her holidays to film the last two instalments in the Harry Potter series.

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Three more months to go for the HP DVD release. It's not a long wait, isn't it?

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood PrinceThe release date for the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince DVD is December 8th, according to DVD Times. As previously reported, the release will also contain the documentary J.K. Rowling: A Year in the Life. Interviews to be included are “Close Up with the Cast,” “One Minute Drills,” and “What’s on Your Mind.” Deleted scenes include the following:

00:00:26:17 (”HARRY AND HERMIONE WALK THROUGH HOGWARTS HALL” (SC. 85))
00:01:00:01 (”HARRY AND HERMIONE DISCUSS MARAUDER’S MAP” (SC. 95))
00:01:04:08 (”HARRY RON & HERMIONE DISCUSS THE VANISHING CABINET” (SC. 118-119))
00:00:38:07 (”HARRY AND DUMBLEDORE ARRIVE AT CAVE ENTRANCE” (SC. 122))
00:00:19:07 (”HARRY AND DUMBLEDORE LEAVE CAVE” (SC. 124))
00:01:39:22 (”CLOUDS GATHER OVER HOGWARTS AS FLITWICK CONDUCTS CHOIR” (SC. 125-129))
00:00:40:08 (”HARRY JOINS RON HERMIONE AND GINNY IN THE COMMON ROOM” (SC. 140))
00:00:42:16 (”HARRY AND HERMIONE DISCUSS RON AT ASTRONOMY TOWER” (SC. 142))

There will also be a featurette on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which will probably be similar to those shown during the web cast presentation that I attended.

The film is expected to be available on a 1-Disc DVD (Widescreen and Full Screen formats), 2-Disc Special Edition DVD (see the cover here) and a Blu-ray Combo (Blu-ray+DVD+Digital Copy). No prices are shown at this time. As soon as pre-order is available, we’ll let you know.

by Dijares
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Indeed, the Half-Blood Prince was worth the wait and had appealed to those who read and have not read the books.

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9/1/09
1. Up
2. The Hurt Locker
3. District 9
4. Star Trek
5. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: Though this film was delayed for several months, it was worth the wait. This adaptation of the penultimate book in the Harry Potter series is dark yet engaging. It had great pace as the story encompassed J.K. Rowling's story, thus appealed to those who have and have not read the books. It is a fun watch and beautifully set up the pair of films based on the last book, the first of which will be out fall 2010.
6. Inglourious Basterds
7. Drag Me To Hell
8. Ponyo
9. In The Loop
10. (500) Days of Summer

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I guess minor injuries during film shootings are but normal. Good thing Daniel had only a minor one. Well, he has a good sense of humor and a positive outlook.

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September 01, 2009
Although getting a black eye during the filming of 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince', the 20-year-old said he is happy for his first injury, and provided details on the accident.

A fight scene gone wrong during the filming of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" has given the series' leading man, Daniel Radcliffe, his first injury. In a recent interview with French magazine One, the 20-year-old actor admitted, "Until now nothing really bad happened to me, only a few scratches. But I'm happy because I finally got a big black eye during the shooting of Deathly Hallows."

This black eye apparently isn't the only injury Radcliffe suffered while filming the adaptation of the seventh book. Back in July while promoting "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince", the actor who has played Harry Potter since the first movie opened up to "Live with Regis and Kelly" that he suffered a split lip when a stuntman hit a chair he was holding during "Deathly Hallows" shooting.
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Fiona Shaw as Aunt Petunia, Harry Melling as D...Image via Wikipedia

Remember Harry Potter's cousin, Dudley, and his uncle and aunt? They were so mean to Harry, weren't they? Well, they will be in the last HP series.

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August - 29 - 2009
According to his agency profile and filmography page, Harry Melling will reprise his role as Harry Potter’s cousin Dudley Dursley for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Snitchseeker received confirmation from Richard Griffiths’ representative that the actor plans to reprise his role as Dudley’s father, Vernon Dursley. However, it is unconfirmed whether or not Fiona Shaw will appear as “Petunia Dursley”. At this time, it is unknown when the Privet Drive scenes will be filming; but we will let you know when we do know.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows I will be released in movie theaters on November 19, 2010 and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows II will be released on July 15, 2011.
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Yes, the mania lives on as we now talk about speculations on how the last HP film series will be split into two. I may not have read the book yet and no matter how much I wanted to, I just couldn't find time as a full time mom. It is rather a 'wait and see' for me.

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Goyle actor spills the goods on where the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows split will be -- maybe

As most Potter-philes are aware, the film manifestation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be split into two films, scheduled for release in November 2010 and July 2011. Speculation on the exact location of the end of the first film and the beginning of the second has been as wild as an outraged veela (take a look at the Book Examiner's ponderings on five possible split points here.)

In a U.K. question-and-answer session, Jonathon Herdman, the actor that plays Malfoy's trusty Slytherin sidekick, Goyle, revealed that the split would occur immediately after Harry, Ron, and Hermione have been captured by the Snatchers. The second installment of the film would pick up at Malfoy Manor.

The director and producer have repeatedly said that the split point could change so this could all be a sound and fury signifying nothing.... I confess though, I'm a little disappointed. I kind of had my heart set on the first movie ending after Ron ditches Harry and Hermione. An ending like that would certainly have inspired more people to read the book just to find out what happens.

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Halloween CostumesImage by Transguyjay via Flickr

Though here in Kuwait, we don't celebrate Halloween even for the expats, this sounds cute to me. I can imagine how my kids are having fun with how they look. Just hearing them giggle makes my heart melt.


While most of us are still out enjoying the last few weeks of summer, major retail store already have their eyes on Halloween. Each year brings new trends in Halloween costumes and decorations and they seem to get more and more elaborate with time. Here's a quick preview of the hottest 2009 Halloween costumes.

Harry Potter mania has struck once again and unleashed a renewed demand for costumes that will have kids transforming into wizards. This is a good family friendly costume and one that can be put together for a reasonable price.

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Warning! I don't want to spoil your excitement for the next HP series. You can skip it's all up to you.. I just can't help but post this.

By Krystal Clark
This past summer Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince hit theaters and made quite a bit of money. It’s no surprise that the last book in the series from which the films are based has been split in two. Since the announcement that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be broken up, fans everywhere have been trying to figure out at what point the split will happen. More on Potter and a few spoilers below.

According to MTV, we may have gotten our confirmation as to where the first film will end and the second begins. At a recent Q&A event with Joshua Herdman who plays Goyle in the films, he spilled the beans on the final movie’s questionable set up.

“Part one of “Deathly Hallows” will close right after Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) are captured by the Snatchers. Part two will open as the trio and their captors arrive at Malfoy Manor. So that’s that.” That’s not all folks, the actor also gave some major plot spoilers, which includes an imminent death!

He went on to confirm that his character will be the Slytherin henchman who dies, not Crabbe (played by Jamie Waylett), as it is written in the book. MuggleNet states that the change came after Waylett was arrested and convicted of cannabis possession, and that he is not expected to have a part in “Deathly Hallows.”

See kids, crime doesn’t pay. Even though this is some juicy info, you have to be objective about it.The director and producers have made it clear that things could very well change again. So, keep that in mind.

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Huge Harry Potter Displays With Real CostumesImage by kev/null via Flickr

The wonders of science and technology.. That optical illusion brought about by deflection of light making something invisible to the eye is amazing just like in Harry Potter movies. Thumbs up to the physicists!


Invisible gateways, like the one in Harry Potter, are a step closer to reality, thanks to a new theory developed by scientists.

With the help of a technique known as transformation optics, the research team from Hong Kong University and Fudan University in Shanghai has found a way to alter the pathway of light waves that could eventually allow them to develop portals that are invisible to the human eye, reports The Telegraph.

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Yes, it has been announced that Harry Potter Theme Park is scheduled to open around the same time as Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows movie this coming 2010. It is said that it is a 'theme park within a theme park' as Warner Bros teamed up with Universal Studios. It is a 20 acre park of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. So for those in Orlando, Florida, this one is a much awaited one. For those who needed to travel, I definitely believe it is all worth it. My kids will have to visit it someday.


The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not actually a theme park itself, it is a section of the Islands of Adventure theme park. Also, while you’re in the area, you could check out Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild and Aquatica. There is actually a pass called the Orlando FlexTicket that will get you into ALL of those parks as many times as you want to go during a 14-day period. It’s $234.95 per ticket, which is an unbelievable deal considering you will have unlimited access to three theme parks and two water parks for two whole weeks.

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This sounds very heartwarming to me.


Football club Charlton Athletic will host a charity dinner in honor of Rob Knox, who portrayed Marcus Belby in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Knox was murdered in May 2008 during a night out in Sidcup while trying to protect his younger brother. The event will be held at Charlton Athletic stadium ‘The Valley’ in October and all funds raised at the dinner will go to the Street Violence Ruins Lives campaign.

Rob Knox was a supporter of the Charlton Athletic Football Club and his father said The Valley was the perfect place to have the event because Rob had so many good times there. You can read the whole article here.

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Thumbs up for the Half-Blood Prince. A must see movie if you haven't yet.


The ceremony for the 2009 Teen Choice Awards took place last night and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince won for Choice Summer Movie Action Adventure. Additionally, Robert Pattinson (Cedric Diggory) won many awards for his role as Edward Cullen in Twilight. They include Choice Movie Actor Drama, Choice Movie Liplock (with Kristen Stewart), Choice Movie Rumble (with Cam Gigandet), and Choice Male Hottie.
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Are you a Harry Potter fanatic who loves collection of photos? This one's for you. Enjoy!


Two new photos from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince are now online. The first, which you can see here, is a close up of Ginny about to kiss Harry. The second, seen here, is a set photo with director David Yates laughing with Jessie Cave (Lavender Brown), Bonnie Wright (Ginny) and Rupert Grint (Ron) in the hospital wing scene.
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Quite interesting huh! For those who can, why not?!


No, I’m afraid I can’t tell you how to travel on a broomstick. However, you can visit locations associated with Harry Potter books and films. The UK is a perfect place to start, with a few adventures as far away as Orlando, Florida. The newly released sixth film in the series, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” has Potter fans excited all over again. Though it seems the excitement never really stops.

Skyscanner, an online stop for flight info and other travel resources, has pulled together an impressive list of places Potter fans shouldn’t miss. At the top of the list is London Kings Cross Station, where Harry and friends jump aboard the Hogwarts Express at the start of each magic school term.

Another highlight from the list is London Zoo, the place where Harry realized he could speak snake! Visit the complete list of 13 Harry Potter sites to see at The Ultimate Harry Potter Tour on Skyscanner.
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JK RowlingImage by StarrGazr via Flickr

How often do you marvel at writers or authors with their incredible stories? This has caught my attention. JK Rowling sure has fascinating imagination with basis on her experiences even since childhood.

Read Part 1

Read Part 2


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This sounds excellent. I have seen G-Force trailer. As a family film, I'll see to it if it suits my little boy. What about you?

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince remains the UK's number one film, despite an impressive start for family film G-Force.

The top ten films at the UK box office are: (last week's position)

1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - £2.92 million (1)
2 G-Force - £2.48 million (-)
3 The Taking of Pelham 123 - £1.78 million (-)
4 The Proposal - £1.49 million (2)
5 Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs - £1.14 million (3)
6 Land of the Lost - £642,553 (-)
7 Bruno - £612,577 (4)
8 The Hangover - £517,895 (5)
9 Coco Before Chanel - £423,268 (-)
10 Love Aaj Kal - £405,673 (-)
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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video ...Image via Wikipedia

For video game enthusiasts, here's a review you might want to read. Name those gadgets you use. I have but a single know-how and guess what it is? Atari.. I can hear you laugh. Go ahead. My hub sometimes says he wants to buy an Xbox or a PS for our boys. Yes, our boys.

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Playing the DS version of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in tandem with the Xbox 360 version kind of surprises me in the gameplay differences, but at the same time, both manage to take a pretty exciting and engaging world and dumb it down into a series of mundane tasks. The DS version is definitely the worst, removing some of the more interesting aspects of spellcasting and wand duels and simplifying it (perhaps out of necessity for the hardware). At the same time, if the developers hadn't felt the need to adhere to such a uniform style of gameplay, I think we could have had something more interesting here.

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SPOILER WARNING! Here, comparison between the film and the book is criticized.

From source:

July 28, 11:17 AM
When a new Harry Potter film is released, comparisons between it and the book on which it is based on come out at a rapid pace. The most dominant of which are what the movie DID NOT include. While many fans and critics have given “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” positive reviews, it was not immune to this sort of criticism. Do the missing (or additional) scenes really matter? The following is a list of some of the material that was present in the book, but not in the film, and whether or not it truly affected the film.

1) There was no funeral for Dumbledore. In the novel, Centaurs and Merfolk all pay homage to the fallen wizard. In the prior novels, a relationship between Dumbledore and these creatures have been established, but not so in the films. The movie is currently just under three hours, and to tack on a funeral scene could push it over the three hour mark. There was no funeral, but all the students raised their wands to eliminate the dark mark hanging in the sky. The right music accompanies this scene. A funeral scene is rumored for the next film, but Dumbledore still got the send off he deserved in this one.

2) There were too few memories scenes regarding Voldemort’s past. In the novel, readers are treated to seeing Voldemort’s mother and family before he was even born. They go on to learn of his life right after Hogwarts up to applying for the position of Defense against the Dark Arts (and the curse that befell that position when Dumbledore turned him down). The film does provide movie audiences with the vital information they need to set up the next film with an exception. Harry does not learn of Valdemort’s obsession with certain treasures from the founders of Hogwarts. As far as he knows, a Horcrux can be ANYTHING. This issue will have to be addressed in the next film.

3) The Dursley’s were absent. They always provide some comic fun for the movies, but their presence was not needed to get this film moving.

4) Very little time was spent in the Weasley’s joke shop. It is established in the book that Harry provided the funds to Fred and George to open their joke shop. That does not happen in the movies. While any Harry Potter fan would love the film to spend more time in the famed joke shop, it would be time spent that is not needed for the film to work. The black smoke and love potions are introduced, and these are the only elements that are needed for the plot.

5) The new Minister of Magic is not introduced. Again, the introduction of Rufus Scrimgeour is not needed to move the plot of Harry Potter 6 forward.

6) Harry is not hiding under the invisibility cloak in the tower scene. Instead Harry is down one level looking up on the action as Dumbledore ordered. He does not take any action to save Dumbledore when he is killed by Snape. The scene unfolds showing Snape’s actions completely taking Harry by surprise. There was nothing he can do. How this hits Harry as far whatever guilt he may have will unfold in the next film.

7) There is no attack on Hogwarts and no battle between the Aurors and the Death Eaters. This turns out to be a major plot hole in the film. The reason why there was no battle, according to director David Yates, is that since there is a battle in the next film (Part TWO of the next film). They didn’t want to make viewers feel the series was repeating itself. That is all well and good; but, now Draco fixing the cabinet so the Death Eaters can invade the school makes no sense. His ONLY mission is the kill Dumbledore and, if he can’t, then Snape must, since he made the unbreakable bond. There doesn’t seem to be any reason why the Death Eaters have to be there. Could it be to make sure Draco carries out his mission? Perhaps, but it is a weak reason. David Yates left plot holes in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”, his first feature film. This is the biggest one he leaves in this one.

8) The Death Eaters attack and destroy the Burrow, the home of the Weasley’s. Since book six does not have that many action sequences aside for the attack on Hogwarts, the filmmakers added this scene to help compensate. Since the scene does not appear in the book, the audience does not know what will happen; something the fans don’t get too much of in the films. The scene does provide a good level of excitement and helps solidify the pending relationship between Harry and Ginny. While it is not known, one can speculate that there will be no wedding scene in the next movie. Bill Weasley has never been introduced on screen, nor is there any mention of his pending nuptials. Since the Burrow have been destroyed, audiences do not need to expect an upcoming wedding.

9) The relationship between Harry and the Half-Blood Prince is diluted in the film. Harry has the positive relationship he has with Slughorn, in part due to the text book he possesses. Once he hurts Draco Malfoy, he has Ginny hide the book on him when they share their first kiss. When Harry is chasing after Snape and tries using the same spell on him that he used on Malfoy, it is then revealed that Snape is the prince. It is almost thrown in as an afterthought and certainly could have been brought about in a better way. What is also missing from that scene is how Snape is almost trying to teach Harry a lesson on how he must keep his mind closed or any wizard worth anything will know what spells he is about to cast.

10) Too much time was spent on the romance aspect of the film. While it is true that many of these scenes really let the actors flex some of their acting muscles in ways they have not been able to in the prior films, it’s worth it.

The list can go on and on (Harry learning he inherited Sirius home, apparition lessons), most of these are not needed to move the plot forward or can be addressed in the next film. One can also look at these films as a whole and ask if they work had the books never existed. For the most part, the film stands on its own quite well.
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Rupert Grint portraying Ron Weasley in Harry P...Image via Wikipedia

Let's talk about love. With teenagers' giggles, the teen casts of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince are on the stage of attachment and strong affection as kids their age do. Teens are very volatile people and this is pretty understandable. Thankfully, teenage is only a phase of life and as one grows, he discovers things and becomes wiser in the matter of love.

From source:

July 26, 2009
(NECN: Jay Carr) - Love is in the air at Hogwarts in the sixth installment of the Harry Potter series.

The usual suspects return in their familiar roles, as the students grow in their experience with the witchcraft and wizardry. This film offers a glimpse into the dark past of villain Lord Voldemort as a student.

Harry and Ron are growing into their awkward teen years. This film is a pleasant surprise, as it is based on number six of seven books.

The charming, lighthearted way of entering teen sex into the story. Each character falls in love with someone who does not love them back.

This film is another in a line of charming, fun adventures put on by this cast.
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Dumbledore as portrayed by the late Richard Ha...Image via Wikipedia

There are four other recasts if you read on the source. One of them is Michael Gambon of Harry Potter movie series. I think Michael Gambon led a fine role on his performances in Harry Potter as much as Richard Harris originally did.

From source:

Nobody likes recasting roles. It confuses continuity, befuddles audiences and sometimes upsets the original actors. But there are times when such a shake-up in performers is both necessary... and even an improvement.

Michael Gambon ALBUS DUMBLEDORE ("Harry Potter" Series): When actor Richard Harris tragically passed away after "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," Muggles across the globe wondered how the series could go on. Now, with only the two-part "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" left to go, Michael Gambon's interpretation of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore is the definitive version of the character. While Harris's gentle portrayal of the long-bearded wizard is certainly missed, Gambon's scene-stealing presence has cast a spell on "Potter" fans everywhere.
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Oooh...so thorny but I'm pretty sure the task is all worth it.

From source:

07:02 PM PT, Jul 22 2009

Special makeup designer Nick Dudman had to scramble to complete the look of the werewolf Death Eater Fenrir Greyback in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." "They didn't select [actor Dave Legeno] until quite late, and we didn't have a lot of time," Dudman explained. Luckily, this wasn't some two-bit indie production; this was a big-budget Warner Bros. blockbuster, with the resources to go with it. "We had about 10 people on just that one character," Dudman said. "We can take the time to pay attention to detail." For Greyback, Dudman's team spent seven months stockpiling a supply of multi-piece silicone makeup to be applied to the actor's head and chest, with each bit of goat hair individually punched into the makeup. "You can't use wig lace, because it will show," Dudman said. "It has to be done by hand." It took about 5 1/2 days to apply the hairs for one set of makeup that would be used for only one day of shooting. Dudman had no way around it. "The makeup removal process would always result in the silicone pieces being destroyed." -- Patrick Kevin Day

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I can't help it but post this right away. Another parent's concern for young children. Yes, indeed. How young is too young?

From source:

Posted By LEANNE ITALIE, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Posted 3 hours ago

It's a modern little-kid rite of passage: luggingHarry Potterto and fro, begging for toy wands and Hogwarts birthday parties.

But the boy wizard is nearly grown and the love of magic he inspires in the very young is now tinged with pure evil, dripping with teen hormones.

Parents revel in their kindergartners and first-graders taking on the big books, their rousing playground games of Quidditch on improvised brooms and trick-or-treating with big round glasses and greasepaint thunderbolt scars.

Enthusiastic young readers and healthy imaginations? Of course.

But potentially frightening images deep into the book and movie franchise -- including the latest movie blockbuster Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince-- have parents trying to decide when, if ever, to pull the plug.

How young is too young now that bite-sized fans can't mature with Harry as his first wave of admirers did, as they dressed as their favourite characters waiting giddily outside bookstores and movie theatres year after year for J. K. Rowling and Hollywood to dole out Potter along a growing-up timeline they all shared?

Today, the life-and-death saga is out there in full -- in libraries and bookstores, on DVD and in the homes of friends, with the last book released in a frenzy in 2007. And the story is there in the love of many parents, too, including some who note that movie No. 6 was released last week with a PG rating, unlike the previous two marked PG- 13.

"As a librarian, the issue of young children andHarry Potteris a constant concern," said Paula Laurita in Athens, Ala. "Rowling intended for the first book to be for children nine-and 10-years-old. Naturally, as Harry aged so did the plots. In reality, books six and seven are young adult literature, not juvenile literature."

Canadian Sue Carkner in Ottawa has a dilemma with her nine-year-old daughter.

"After a few chapters of the second book, we realized she was having nightmares and stopped. We wouldn't let her see the movies at that point. We had to wait about six months for her sophistication level to catch up to her reading level," Carkner said.
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This concerns me and I'm sure to those parents also who are particular with what their kids watch. In Kuwait, it's not about rainy day activities for the kids but fiery hot summer activities. The article below had some scenes mentioned. So, for those who yearn for excitement and fun (SPOILER WARNING!), skip that part unless you don't really mind with a "Whatever, I'll be watching the movie anyway" mindset.

From source:

July 22, 10:36 AM
by Karen Plumley

Parents may be wondering whether or not the new Harry Potter movie entitled, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is appropriate for their young children. A great way to spend a rainy New England afternoon would be to take the kiddos to the movies, and it sure has been raining an awful lot this summer. The truth is, the sixth installment of the very popular Harry Potter series (rated PG, a notch below its two predecessors which were both PG-13) tones down the frightening images and violence significantly.

Instead, the movie highlights the importance and poignancy of the bond between Harry and Dumbledore, and the blossoming relationships of its young main characters, providing the foundation and transition required for the adventure to move smoothly into its last two episodes. The final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be split into two movies, due out in November 2010 and July 2011 respectively.

Harry Potter and the Raging Teenage Hormones

That being said, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince does focus on what many critics are calling the "raging teenage hormones" of its lead heroes, and there is plenty of "snogging" going on to insure that tween audiences everywhere break out into fits of the giggles. Generally, the kissing scenes tend toward the humorous and innocent, with one sentimental kiss between Harry and Ginny that may just make Twilight fans jealous.

Harry Potter and the Not-So-Bloody Violence

In general, younger children who have successfully read the books on their own will be fine with the latest Harry Potter film, and may even be slightly bored at the lack of action. The most violent and explosive battle scene occurring at the end of the book was completely left out, to the dismay of many Harry Potter fans (myself included), but concerned parents will probably be relieved by the omission.

The most disturbing scenes that did occur in the film were the following:

1. Katie Bell being cursed by a necklace (the most frightening sequence, in my opinion)
2. Draco Malfoy being the victim of a vicious curse performed by Harry (who was later horrified and showed remorse)
3. An exciting chase in the field behind the Burrow involving Harry, Ginny, Lupin, Tonks, Bellatrix, and the werewolf Fenrir Greyback (who was in human form, but still extremely ugly)
4. A trip into a cave where Dumbledore and Harry are hunting for one of Voldemort's Horcruxes, and Harry endures a shocking hand grab by an Inferi
5. Ron getting poisoned by a tainted glass of wine (passes out and foams at the mouth)
6. The death of a beloved character (kids that read the book will expect this one)

Overall, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is very appropriate for most tweens and all teenagers, and probably will be fine for younger children who have already read the books independently. For parents who are disturbed by the thought of some of the scenes listed above, they may want to wait until their children are a little older. There's plenty of time, after all. This sure-to-be-a-classic tale of mystery, magic, and coming of age will exist to entertain youngsters and adults for many years to come. One must also remember that the Harry Potter literary series authored by J. K. Rowling has done more to revive a love of reading in upper elementary children (at which time reading for pleasure usually declines) than anything else in recent decades.
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Whoa! This sounds amazing. While the talks about the big changes from the book to the movie are wide, here I go craving to see the movie. I haven't read the book so I'm not on the “OMG I can’t believe they changed so much from the book” moments. I'm ready to get my heart pumping on the movie climax and grab those popcorn. Yeah, let's go!

From source:

Posted: Sun., Jul. 19, 2009, 1:16pm PT
By DAVE MCNARY

Warner Bros. has joined Paramount in hitting the $1 billion mark in domestic grosses this year.

Studio made the announcement Sunday after "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" grossed $159.7 million in its first five days. Warners said that reaching the $1 billion mark in 192 days is a record for the studio.

Warners said it's hit the $1 billion domestic mark in 10 of the past 11 years and is the only studio to do so for nine consecutive years. The studio's "The Hangover" has become the highest-grossing R-rated comedy ever at the domestic box office, with more than $235 million, breaking a record held by "Beverly Hills Cop" for 25 years.

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Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore in Harry Po...Image via Wikipedia

Let's see how well you know about Harry Potter. The questions are quite easy.

From source:

On Wednesday, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," the sixth of eight films in the series, was released. Test your knowledge of wizards and Muggles and Death Eaters.

1. J.K. Rowling is the author of the Harry Potter series, which has sold more than 400 million copies in 67 languages. What year was the first book published?

a. 1980.
b. 1992.
c. 1997.
d. 2001.

2. The title of the first book was changed for its release in the United States. What was the original title?

a. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
b. Harry Potter and the Wizard's Stone.
c. Harry Potter and the Gall Stone.
d. Harry Potter and Fluffy, the Three-Headed Dog.

3. Name Harry's best friend at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

a. Don Weasley.
b. Ron Weasley.
c. Percy Weasley.
d. Fred Weasley.

4. True or false: In the Half-Blood Prince, Richard Harris returns in the role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore.

5. Who plays Hermione Granger?

a. Emma Thompson.
b. Emma Samms.
c. Emma Holmes.
d. Emma Watson.

6. What is a Death Eater?

a. A guard at Azkaban prison.
b. Students' nickname for sinister potions teacher Severus Snape.
c. A follower of Harry's archenemy, Lord Voldemort.
d. A member of the student army Harry forms to fight Lord Voldemort.

7. Who is Bellatrix Lestrange?

a. A Dementor.
b. A Death Eater.
c. A Hogwarts professor.
d. A Hogwarts student.

8. True or false: Harry's godfather, Sirius Black, the onetime prisoner of Azkaban, returns in the sixth film to lead the fight against Voldemort.

9. As a boy, this character was known as Tom Marvolo Riddle.

a. Albus Dumbledore.
b. Sirius Black.
c. Severus Snape.
d. Lord Voldemort.

10. Who is the half-blood prince?

a. Harry Potter.
b. Albus Dumbledore.
c. Severus Snape.
d. Lord Voldemort.

ANSWERS
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NEW YORK - JULY 09:  Actor Daniel Radcliff and...Image by Getty Images via Daylife

As a busy mom, well even during my younger days, I usually go for movies that sell. I see to it that the movie is worth watching. I would gladly opt to watch the 6th Harry Potter or even start again from the very first. Marathon, is it? I'm getting in on the mania!

From source:

Thu Jul 16, 2009 6:03pm EDT

LOS ANGELES, July 16 (Reuters) - The new Harry Potter movie "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" took in $104 million at worldwide box offices on its first full day of release, setting a record, the Warner Bros studio said on Thursday.

The movie, the sixth in the series based on the books by J.K. Rowling, grossed $45.85 million at the box office internationally and $58.18 in North America on Wednesday, Warner Bros said.

Those figures include a record $22.2 million at midnight showings in the United States.

"Quite simply, we owe this record-breaking opening to the remarkable fans who have stood by us and who stood in line to be among the first to see 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,'" Warner Bros President and Chief Operating Officer Alan Horn said in a statement.

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The answer to my curiosity.

From source:

Published July 16 2009
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A long school break has been kind to ``Harry Potter.'


After a two-year gap since the last film, ``Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' opened with a whopping $58.2 million domestically in its first day, distributor Warner Bros. said Thursday.

``Half-Blood Prince' also conjured up $45.8 million in 33 other countries where it opened Wednesday, among them Great Britain, France, Germany, Australia and Japan. That gave the film a worldwide total of $104 million.

Domestically, the movie had the best single-day haul yet for the franchise and the fourth-best daily gross ever, behind last year's ``The Dark Knight' at $67.2 million, this summer's ``Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' at $62 million and 2007's ``Spider-Man 3' at $59.8 million.

``Half-Blood Prince' receipts include a record $22.2 million from midnight screenings alone, surpassing the previous high of $18.5 million for ``The Dark Knight.'

The sixth installment in the ``Harry Potter' series had the second-highest debut ever for a movie opening on Wednesday. It trailed only the ``Transformers' sequel opening last month.

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Harry Potter (character)Image via Wikipedia

Here's a thing for parents out there. Reliable.

From source:

A parents guide to select new movies:

'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'

Rating: PG for scary images, some violence, language and mild sensuality.

What it's about: The Hogwarts students cope with their junior year in school — with hormones and Death Eaters as their main worries.

The Kid Attractor Factor: Harry Potter and friends, beloved by a generation.

Good lessons/bad lessons: Of all the life lessons you learn, figuring out who you can trust is the most important.

Violence: Death and destruction, blood is spilled.

Language: A bit of coarse Brit-slang, mild stuff.

Sex: Quite a bit of "snogging" (kissing).

Drugs and alcohol: Butter beer is consumed in mass quantities.

Parents' advisory: It's a dark film that flirts with PG-13, but stays just this side of that line. Suitable for all ages.
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Human tendencies are to find ways in dealing with uncertain and unexpected situations or circumstances. Movies are proven to relax and free our minds from the stresses of one's daily hustles and bustles in life.


By Devin Banerjee
dbanerjee@mercurynews.com
Posted: 07/15/2009 09:36:57 PM PDT

Since the silent film era, a certain trend has held true: In tough financial times, people go to the movies.

That trend is now being seen during the worst recession since the Great Depression. Movie theaters in the South Bay and throughout the nation are packing them in, reporting sizable increases in ticket sales and overall attendance. Just this week, for instance, the latest Harry Potter movie had the biggest midnight opening ever.

"When people give up other entertainment options because they're too expensive, they go to the movies," said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com. "During the Great Depression, moviegoing was huge. People need that inexpensive escapism, and movies provide it."

Indeed, attendance at the theaters this year has seen a surge of more than 60 million — an 8.7 percent increase from the first half of 2008, according to statistics put out by Hollywood.com. Combined with a nominal increase in ticket prices due to inflation, this new wave of moviegoers has shelled out about $5.7 billion this year — an 11.2 percent leap from the same period last year.


I believe in animal rights, and high among them is the right to the gentle stroke of a human hand. ~Robert Brault

Be it human or animal, touch is a life-giving thing. Has anyone ever had a stroke or a heart attack while cozied up with a pet? I doubt it. ~Robert Brault

I don't own animal pets but I grew up with dogs and I believe they are great companions. It is a relief to know about this news, isn't it?

From source:

July 14, 3:00 PM

When you line up for tickets to the latest Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, you can relax in the knowledge that in spite of any gory appearances to the contrary, no animals were hurt or killed during the actual production of the movie.

That's according to the American Humane Association's Film & TV Unit, whose Certified Animal Safety Representatives not only monitored the condition of the animals and birds who appeared in the movie, but actually instructed the actors and crew members on their proper handling.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince earned the Association's coveted "Outstanding" rating, which means that "Safety Representatives were on the set to ensure the safety of the animals throughout the production."
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