It was more than just being wild about Harry; it was a box office frenzy with $169.1 million for the opening of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II.”
Nothing came close to the epic proportions of the storyline or the appeal this summer. The word is out, but mum is the word here on the ending’ suffice it to say that one cannot possibly miss the final battle with Voldemort played to perfection by Ralph Fiennes. The film is not as long as one would expect, and even with no knowledge of the story, you can still enjoy the final salute to the students at Hogwarts. By the way, “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” came in second, earning $21.3 million.
I believe that no film will outshine Harry Potter for some time. I believe he will stay on top of that box office throne.
This weekend the first of “The Avengers” series opens. “Captain America,” starring Chris Evans from the “Fantastic Four” movies, is this particular man of steel. Steve Rogers, alias Captain America, is on a serious mission during World War II. He is dealing with saving the world from unscrupulous scientists, strength-enhancing experiments and, of course, the Nazis. The film stars one of my favorite actors, Tommy Lee Jones, who practically steals the film, Stanley Tucci and Australian actor Hugo Weaving as “Red Skull.” My verdict is that this is a very entertaining film; Chris Evans can act as well as look marvelous, and I am looking for even more serious “Avenger” action next summer.
Another film that opens this week and that promises to be equally as entertaining is “Friends with Benefits,” starring Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis and Patricia Clarkson, who ultimately needs to have an Oscar on her mantelpiece. The film is about chemistry and how everything needs to be just a little old-fashioned in the end.
“Twilight Saga” fans received an early morning surprise this week as cast members treated them to breakfast at the break of dawn on the opening day of Comic-Con. Saying thank you to their most devoted fans were cast members, including Ashley Greene (Alice Cullen), Elizabeth Reaser (Esme Cullen), Nikki Reed (Rosalie Hale), Julia Jones (Leah Clearwater), and Booboo Stewart (Seth Clearwater). One thousand people lined up for “Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn.” The crowd was overwhelmed with excitement as the stars greeted them, signed autographs and posed for photos. “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1” will open in theaters worldwide on Nov. 18.
Closer to home, the dynamic duo of Charles Horak and Eric Pearson along with the El Paso Community Foundation and some very benevolent and hardworking El Pasoans are getting the region ready for the Plaza Classic Film Festival. It all begins at the beautiful Plaza Theatre on Aug. 4 and continues through Aug. 14, with some of the finest films of this generation.
Many young, local filmmakers will also be given a chance to shine and to participate in many exciting events surrounding the festival. Documentaries will also be featured, including the incomparable “Strand: Under the Dark Cloth,” which tells the incredible story of photographer Paul Strand. His unbelievable works are on exhibit in a special showing at the El Paso Museum of Art. This film will be presented at 1 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Philanthropy Theatre. For more information and for tickets, log on to www.plazaclassic.com.
Read the Felipa’s Flicks movie blog and others at elpasotimes.com/blogs.
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