The movie community predicted the major turnouts for all the Harry Potter movies across the globe. It seemed logical with the overwhelming popularity of J.K. Rowling’s famed magical books. But, ::omg:: the “Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince” movie is breaking the Gringotts Wizarding bank and Avada Kedavra any competitors!
HP raked in $22.2 million from Wednesday's midnight showings alone. An estimated $79.5 million for its opening weekend at the box office. And overseas, the blockbuster movie made $396.7 million, making it the biggest international debut ever. Accio movie fame.
Slowly, the hype is dying down along with the shattering box office records. But, I predict “Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince” (2009) will rise back to headlines praising its blockbuster luster once the movie is released in IMAX theaters on July 29th. And, believe you me, the movie is worth the extra two or four dollars to see Harry, Hermione and Ron on the big screen. Did I happen to mention the opening scene is amazing and awe-inspiring in 3D?!? Trust me, those die-hard Harry Potter fans and movie enthusiasts will stampede to enjoy the Harry Potter 3D IMAX experience!
Lucky for me, I was able to attend one of four early releases of the 6th installment in IMAX. But, that does not mean I will not see it again. I have an unwavering crush on Ron Weasley (played by Rupert Grint) ::sigh::
Grab or rent “Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (2007) starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, and be inspired to re-create a more delicious version of Mrs. Lovett’s (Carter) pies. Try the Chicken Pot Pie recipe below courtesy of pillsbury.com
Classic Chicken Pot Pie
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hr 5 minutes
Makes 6 Servings
Ingredients:
Crust –
1 box (15 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box
2 cups Green Giant® Valley Fresh Steamers™ frozen mix ed vegetables, thawed
Directions:
1.Heat oven to 425°F. Make pie crusts as directed on box for Two-Crust Pie using 9-inch glass pie pan.
2.In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender.
3.Stir in flour, salt and pepper until well blended.
4.Gradually stir in broth and milk, cooking and stirring until bubbly and thickened.
5.Stir in chicken and mixed vegetables.
6.Remove from heat.
7.Spoon chicken mixture into crust-lined pan.
8.Top with second crust; seal edge and flute. Cut slits in several places in top crust.
9.Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
*Note: During last 15 to 20 minutes of baking, cover crust edge with strips of foil to prevent excessive browning.
10.Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Feel free to tweak where you want. And, I suggest starting this recipe 1 hour before you begin the movie. You do not want to spend your entire viewing experience over the stove! Nor do you want to be eating during the more bloody, gruesome and murderous scenes. That is, if you suffer from a weak stomach.
Besides all this lovely advice, relish every morsel of Mrs. Lovett’s Re-Created Worst Pies in London also known as Chicken Pot Pie. If you are not up to cooking, there is always the Chicken Pot Pies found in your local supermarket’s frozen aisle.
Enjoy your dinner with a movie. If not, Sweeny Todd may come seeking revenge on you. “He never forgets and he never forgives.”
Nicknamed, “the Japanese Walt Disney,” Hayao Miyazaki is a talented animation director from Japan. Though, I have yet to have the pleasure of travelling to his distant homeland, I feel each of his movies bring me closer. It is one of the reasons why he is praised. His films are magical.
Miyazaki’s new film “Ponyo” hits limited theaters on August 14th, although the movie released in Japan over a year ago. The tag line, “Welcome to a World Where Anything Is Possible,” hints at the similarities between Hayao Miyazaki’s work and Walt Disney’s dreams.
Take a break from whatever it is you may possibly be doing, and go rent one of Hayao Miyazaki’s films. You will then witness his unmistakable talent for creating compelling characters, captivating stories, and stunning animation. Call it “moving artwork” if you like. Below is a list of his movies (I personally like) I’ve compiled just for you.
Your Personal Hayao Miyazaki Movie Guide:
Ponyo (August 14th release, check your local theater for showtimes)
Howl's MovingCastle (novel by Diana Wynne Jones, I suggest you read the book as well)
I am Movie Enthusiast. I want to share my passion for film with you! Read my blog for my opinions on movies and the people behind them. // Enjoy and May the Force Be With You! // P.S. I tried to keep the description concise. I could have added more dramatic antics, but why distract from the meat of the blog? // With love, M.E.
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