Who knew when JK Rowling released the first Harry Potter book in 1997 that the world would have 7 books, 8 movies, and a theme park area by 2011?  This is the one case where “synergy” is an appropriate term.  I do not feel that the books would have gained popularity without the movies, and I do not think all of the movies would have been made had the books not been so good.  What is also unique about this time is that we have a book series and a film series that has appealed to everyone and that has a whole generation that has grown up with it.  This an amazing phenomenon.

What has also been good is that the movies have matured as the characters have matured.  This has led to more dynamic movies with complex plots.  Had all seven books been the same level as the first one, this series would not have made it past three movies.  So it is fitting that with the final book we get the darkest, most complex of movies.

Many other have indicated how this is the “Empire Strikes Back” of the series and I agree.  The main characters are on the run and each victory they have incurs a great price.  Emma Watson has been getting a lot of notice for her acting in this movie and rightly so.  For a movie that was essentially a set-up for the explosive final movie, there is a lot of action and a lot of good imagery.

My advice: pay full price, but no need to pay extra for IMAX or (when it is released, 3-D); the movie is big enough on normal screens to satisfy any moviegoer…

Ever since the days of Hope and Crosby, moviegoers have been suckers for the “buddy comedy.”  We gladly went with the duo on their many adventures in the “Road” pictures, but soon we wanted something different, but the same.  Enter Martin and Lewis, who remind us of the days of Laurel and Hardy.  Over the years, we see the group expand and contract, but one constant has remained as a thread from the “Road” pictures to Smokey & The Bandit to Midnight Run to Eurotrip to Harold & Kumar Go To The White Castle – get from point A to point B while encountering as many absurd roadblocks as possible.

So here is our latest entry – Due Date.

Due Date is the story of an uptight business man (Robert Downey, Jr.) who encounters a free-spirit actor (Zach Galifinakis) while trying to get home in time for the birth of his baby.  What follows is supposed to be a road trip filled with absurdity and laughter.  Unfortunately, much of this was covered specifically with Planes, Trains, and Automobiles and Tommy Boy.  There are funny moments, but not enough to call it a decent plot.  Unlike the other movies I have named in this review, Due Date is filled with forgettable moments.  Most people will have forgotten this movie exists within the next 5 years.

My advice:  Dollar theater or matinee – I was glad I did not pay full price for this one…