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June 08, 2004
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
I went with a group of friends from my acting school to see Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I liked the first H.P. movie well enough I guess, but not enough to rush out to see the second. The books for me were ok...definitely page turners, but kinda like brain candy. (Enjoyable while you're reading them, but they don't stay with you long.) Again, I read the first one...not sure about the second and read the third, and I definitely didn't run out and buy them.
Anyway, to the movie. This actually had looked interesting to me because of the trailers, and the change in director. (The darker tone looked like it would be cool, and Gary Oldman is a great actor.) Overall, a very well made movie. Sorta like "The Day After Tomorrow", in that it's good summer fare, but not something you're going to think too much about later. The CGI is really well integrated into the film, the characters are beginning to mature and the dark tone of this movie is well executed.
Posted by Thomas at 06:33 PM | Comments (0)
June 06, 2004
2004 Tony Awards
I may make a more detailed post later, but I wanted to capture my initial feelings about this years Tony Awards. I have to admit I don't think I've ever watched a Tony Awards before in my life. Broadway was never my thing, to be honest. But having begun studies both as an actor and a singer, I've gained a new respect and appreciation of Broadway shows. (I include in this appreciation Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway as well...).
Anyway, I'd say I was most impressed with Hugh Jackman. He really is an amazing talent. He performed one of the showcase numbers from "The Boy From Oz", and it was terriffic. Also surprising to me was the success of Avenue Q. They surprised everyone (including themselves, it seemed from their response when almost the whole cast rushed the stage...) by winning Best Musical. The two composers who wrote the score/lyrics looked like a couple of giddy music nerds when they won the Tony earlier in the evening for Best Score. I've not seen this show yet (I've only heard the music...), but based on the music alone it's one that I've been dying to see. I'll give a full report in a later posting.
Though I didn't see the complete broadcast, the one thing that seemed really apparent was the pandering to younger audiences with the addition of "urban superstars" as presenters. LL Cool J presenting with Carol Channing? Ewww...! Creepy. And I'll admit that I didn't hear the full version of Beyonce singing whatever classic Broadway number she sang, but the first few lines were enough. It's kinda the Puff Daddy syndrome, I guess. (Hmm... what's that? You're casting 'A Raisin in the Sun', one of Tenessee Williams most classic plays? What? Sean "Puffy" Coombs is available? Sure he's never acted before, but fuck it he'll put the asses in the seats! It's all about the Benjamin's, baby!).
But that's an entirely different rant! : )
Posted by Thomas at 06:30 PM | Comments (0)