10 FAVORITES (58): Would You Like a Franchise With Your Movie?

Last week, I talked about how this Summer (just like some of the more recent Summers) is a season of "Franchise Films" being released in movie theaters.  And for some of my friends, it seemed like I was rather cynical about the quality of these types of films.  While I do question the studios insistence on rolling out sequel after sequel to films that clearly don't need them, there are several Movie "franchises" I quite enjoy.  Now, I put the word "franchise" in quotation marks because like a lot of the actors (and even some of the writers and directors!) involved in these films, the word does not do proper justice to some of these movies.  A "franchise film," for me, has more to do with the marketing surrounding a movie.  That includes all the toys, books, lunchboxes, sheets, backpacks, toaster ovens, weed-whackers and what-have-you that have that marketable title branded on their product box.  So because of all the paraphernalia that goes with most of these movies, they unfortunately get categorized as "franchise films," even if the term is rather condescending (I mean, the Oscars don't typically love these types of films!).  But there are certain "film franchises" that, no matter what, manage to turn my head in their direction (so to speak!).  This week's 10 FAVORITES is all about "film franchises" and how these particular ones have kept my attention (as well as the attention of many a movie-goer!) throughout the years.

THE 10 BEST

"FILM FRANCHISES"

OF ALL-TIME

"FRANCHISE" #10

Superman

In many online polls, The Man of Steel manages to top the list of America's Favorite Comic Book Hero (or at least eke into every top 3!).  And there are good reasons.  His story is the ultimate standard when it comes to origins, secret identity, complex villains, traditional values, etc.  The 1978 Richard Donner-directed film was quite well-done with its casting and its flow.  It was followed by a pretty good sequel ("Kneel before Zod!!!").  However, the franchise tended to drop off the radar with some poorly produced sequels (Superman IV was quite laughable!).  They did try a reboot and, despite some good buzz, Superman Returns was ultimately a misfire (I mean, The CW's Smallville was more liked by fans!).  Let's hope the next reboot will be slightly better.

"FRANCHISE" #9

Pirates of the Caribbean

Who knew that a Disney ride would yield such a delightful set of films?  The answer is: Those marketing geniuses at the House of the Mouse.  When it comes to marketing, no studio can hold a candle to Disney.  Colleges offer business courses on Disney's marketing model.  It's that powerful.  And with this "franchise," Disney has spared no expense.  And let's face it, without Johnny Depp, these films would not be as popular. His Oscar-nominated (!) characterization of Captain Jack Sparrow has become the stuff of legend.  While a fifth film as been announced (they really should have left it a trio!), the four they have done have made enough money to keep audiences happy for quite some time.

"FRANCHISE" #8

Spider-Man

For me, Spider-Man's origin story has always been more engaging than that of Superman's.  Maybe it's because I identified more with Peter Parker and I am quite moved by the Marvel mantra that is "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility."  The first Spider-Man film was fascinating and extremely enjoyable.  Like Superman, it was followed by a very good sequel (in fact, my brother likes Spider-Man 2 more than Spider-Man!).  The third one was a little much for my taste (Tobey Maguire's "version" of "Bad-Spidey" was just a big "Stop it!").  I am looking forward to the reboot coming this July, even if the trailers aren't enticing me in the way they should (most trailers these days suck anyway!).

"FRANCHISE" #7

The Muppets

You thought these delightful characters would be higher, didn't you?  Yes, I have made no secret about my love for the genius that was Jim Henson and the everlasting joy his creations will bring me.  The only reason that Kermit and friends don't make it into the Top 5 of this list is that I first fell in love with these guys through Television and their seminal variety series The Muppet Show.  All that said, The Muppet Movie and the two films that followed it will forever be on my "Rainy Day" watch-list.  They even charmed me with their post-Henson films (Christmas Carol, Treasure Island, etc.).  And their Oscar-winning comeback film from last year was touching and entertaining at the same time.  Good times...such Good times!

"FRANCHISE" #6

The Lord of the Rings

Talk about a series that has influenced all forms of media.  J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth has had an influence on Music (Led Zeppelin), Books (J.K. Rowling has cited Tolkien as a major influence), Stage (there was a moderately successful musical version of Tolkien's books), Television (where would Game of Thrones be without Tolkien?) and of course Film.  Peter Jackson's hugely successful trilogy is unlike any other and will always be revered by many.  While he is busy working on Tolkien's prequel The Hobbit (slated for release this Christmas!), we can marvel at the cinematic wonder that is The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

"FRANCHISE" #5

Star Trek

Like The Muppets, I got to know my pals from the United Federation of Planets through the landmark TV series (more from The Next Generation than the Original, but Rodenberry's influence was clear!).  But the films were ever-present in my childhood, especially the far superior Wrath of Khan and The Undiscovered Country (II and VI, respectively).  Though most of the odd-numbered Trek films have manage to tick off a lot of diehard fans, some of them are more enjoyable than one would think.  And J.J. Abrams 2009 reboot was just the charge the "franchise" needed to rekindle interest.

"FRANCHISE" #4

James Bond

Whether he looks like Sean Connery or Daniel Craig, Agent 007 is always smooth and cool.  After 23 films (with 24 AND 25 on the way!), Ian Fleming's James Bond has become the ultimate super-spy and everyone's favorite hero. If I had to pick a favorite Bond film, it would be a contest between the earliest ones (Dr. No, From Russia With Love and Goldfinger).  However, the two recent ones (starring the brilliantly reserved Daniel Craig) have been must-watches (especially Quantum of Solace!).  I have a feeling that we'll always have Bond to watch, either "shaken or stirred!"

"FRANCHISE" #3

Harry Potter

For a series that (compared to all the other "franchises" here) is pretty much the youngest of the group, this boy wizard and company have fared pretty high on this list.  J.K. Rowling's exciting and mega-successful (and I can't stress the "mega" enough!) novel series has enraptured a whole generation of young readers.  When Warner Brothers and British producer David Heyman embarked on making the film versions of her 7-book series, little did they know that it would become the most successful film series in the world.  In the United States alone, all 8 films (the 7th book having been split into 2 parts!) have grossed almost $3 million (Worldwide, the figure is about 3 or 4 times that!).  The series has made superstars of its 3 young leads (In his Broadway ventures, Daniel Radcliffe has managed to recoup investments within 3 months!).  And J.K. Rowling herself will never have to be on welfare ever again!  That's pretty good for character conceived on a delayed train.

"FRANCHISE" #2

Batman

When it comes to superheroes, it is The Caped Crusader who figures into my childhood quite prominently (For those who might disagree, blame my brother!).  Director Tim Burton had me spellbound with his take on the character.  Both Batman and Batman Returns were essential viewing into my young adulthood.  Though the "franchise" was almost destroyed by the work of director Joel Schumacher (Batman had a Bat-credit card, that's all I'll say!), it was resurrected to great glory by the brilliance of writer-director Christopher Nolan.  Nolan had an even darker and more psychological take on the character and his origin story.  Christian Bale has given new dimensions to Bruce Wayne and his alter-ego that have not been explored before.  And need I mention the ingenious Oscar-winning work of the late Heath Ledger as Batman's arch-nemesis, The Joker. I wait with baited breath the final installment of Nolan's Batman trilogy (with the always charming Anne Hathaway taking risks as the sensual Catwoman) and forever cementing Batman's place in my life.  (NOTE: I know I have utilized The Dark Knight Rises trailer a couple of times on this blog already, but I just love this trailer!!!)

AND...

"FRANCHISE" #1

Star Wars

For those who really know me, this cannot be a surprise.  In a sense, it is the "Mother of all Franchises" as it was one of the first major blockbusters and has amassed more money in merchandise than Batman, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings put together.  It is also a "franchise" that is completely original in that the entire universe that the series lives in was created in the mind of master filmmaker George Lucas (compare that to most of the other "franchises" on this list which are based on books, comic books or even rides!).  And even though I make fun of them a lot (and there are a lot of problems with them!), the prequels made in the early 2000s are somewhat enjoyable.  But they cannot hold a candle to the original series.  Both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi are brilliant pieces of American cinema, and the 1977 original is perfection when it comes to Fantasy storytelling.  When it comes to unique qualities, there is nothing like Lucas' world and the complex characters which inhabit it.

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS: Reboots and Remakes and Sequels, Oh My!

Ever since Star Wars in 1977, Summers have become the season of blockbuster movies.  But within the last few years, studios have tweaked the formula when it comes to choosing and marketing their projects slated for the Summertime.  As I've said before, studios like what they know because they believe people like what they know.  So the last few Summers have become the 3 or 4 months in which studios roll out their sequels or prequels or mid-quels to famous moneymakers.  Even now, the studios have run out of "quels" to make, so they rely on the reboots or the remakes of older (and definitely marketable) moneymakers.  We are in the Age of the Franchise Films and Summer 2012 has become no exception.  Between the beginning of May and the end of August 2012, studios have or will have released a total of 10 sequels/prequels, 2 remakes, 1 reboot and 1 film that is part of a major franchise but cannot officially be called a sequel (though it has made more than enough money worldwide to warrant at least a couple of sequels!).  The quality of each of these films and whether they will one day be compared with the likes of Citizen Kane or Gone With the Wind remains to be seen.  However, the sheer amount of these types of films does signal to me (and other critics) that studios are more concerned with quantity rather than quality (what else is new?).  With Marvel's The Avengers slowly climbing to the top of the All-Time Box-Office champs list, it can be fairly predicted that the other major blockbusters will be prime box-office hits over the next few months.  That being said, it doesn't feel like studios will be feigning away from the idea of producing more Franchise Films.  So take a look below at the trailers for some of these films that have yet to grace our Summertime.  Ask yourself as you watch these a few questions: Is quality being overhauled for the sake of the almighty dollar potential?  Do these Franchise Films warrant so much attention? And, most importantly, which ones fascinate you most to the point that you will be in the movie lines with the rest of America when it comes out?

Men In Black 3 (May 25)

Prometheus (June 8)

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (June 8)

The Amazing Spider-Man (July 3)

The Dark Knight Rises (July 20)

The Bourne Legacy (August 3)

Sparkle (August 10)

The Expendables 2 (August 17)

10 FAVORITES (40) - Just Wild About Harry - Part 2!!!

SPOILERS, SPOILERS and more SPOILERS lie within this post today people.  So if, for some reason, you were not one of the millions of people who saw Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 over the weekend or you, like some sort of hermit, avoided reading J. K. Rowling's phenomenal book, then I suggest you stop reading now.

After seeing the final film in what is the most successful film series in cinematic history, I found myself loving and remembering so many scenes within the movie that thrilled me, made me cry and just overall entertained me.  So for 10 FAVORITES this week, as a follow-up to last week's, I am going to discuss:

THE 10 BEST SCENES IN

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - PART II

SCENE #10

Meeting Aberforth Dumbledore

When our favorite trio make their way to Hogsmeade Village outside Hogwarts, the Death Eaters' alarms are set off.  They need a place to hide and are brought into the Hog's Head Pub by a crusty old man.  Hermione immediately recognizes him as Aberforth Dumbledore, Professor Dumbledore's older brother.  Aberforth (played perfectly by Ciarán Hinds) guards the only secret passage into Hogwarts that is not overrun with Death Eaters.  He tells the trio very little and questions if Harry truly understood the Albus Dumbledore that Aberforth knew.  After Harry pledges his loyalty to the Dumbledore he learned from, Aberforth reluctantly helps them get into Hogwarts.  The Battle is about to begin!

SCENE #9

The Killing of Bellatrix Lestrange

I loved this moment, both in the book and now in the movie.  Crazy Bellatrix Lestrange (the delicious Helena Bonham-Carter) tries to curse Ginny Weasley...big mistake.  She's now angered the "Big Mama," Molly Weasley (the marvelous Julie Walters).  Molly proceeds to throw spell after spell at Bellatrix and suddenly Little Miss Loopy-Pants is no more.  Now Bonham-Carter has enchanted me playing high-born ladies and Queens of England (A Room With a View, The King's Speech), but its nice to see this crazy-ass woman (meaning Bellatrix) finally get what she deserves.  I know I was applauding, along with the rest of the audience at my screening, when Molly did what she had to do to protect her daughter.  Go Mama Weasley!  Curse that Bitch!

SCENE #8

Ron & Hermione in the Chamber of Secrets

This was the scene everybody was waiting for and talking about.  It was also the toughest for stars Rupert Grint and Emma Watson to film as it features the all-important snogging (you know, kissing!).  During the Battle of Hogwarts, Ron and Hermione take the Hufflepuff cup (a Horcrux) to the Chamber of Secrets to obtain a fang of the long dead Basilisk (which helped destroy the first Horcrux back in the 2nd book/film, The Chamber of Secrets).  After Hermione stabs the cup with the fang, that part of Voldemort's soul is destroyed and water washes over the two heroes.  In celebration, Hermione grabs Ron and kisses him passionately.  Let the "Woo-hoos!" commence.

SCENE #7

Chatting with Helena Ravenclaw

On the heels of her well-deserved Emmy nomination for HBO's Boardwalk Empire, Kelly MacDonald has an integral part of the Summer's biggest movie as the Ravenclaw House ghost, Helena Ravenclaw (daughter of House founder Rowena Ravenclaw and more commonly called The Grey Lady).  Harry is convinced that Rowena Ravenclaw's lost diadem (a type of crown) is a Horcrux and he must speak to Helena to find it.  In this scene, MacDonald gives an enigmatic and ethereal portrayal of a very damaged woman.  After some coaxing, Helena reveals to Harry that the diadem is in the massive Room of Requirement.  She wishes the diadem destroyed as Voldemort tainted it with "dark magic" and Harry promises to see it destroyed.

SCENE #6

Hermione Plays Bellatrix

To get into Gringott's Bank and to see what else in inside Bellatrix Lestrange's vault, Hermione must take some Polyjuice Potion and become the crazed Death Eater.  It is a delightful moment (before the excitement of the Gringotts vaults!) where we get to see Helena Bonham-Carter flex her acting chops as she plays Hermione playing Bellatrix.  It is a testament to her versatility as an actress.

SCENE #5

Snape Finally Reveals His Truth

Too many, this was the most powerful scene in the film; and while I don't necessarily agree with them, I will not deny its emotional relevance.  After a bloody and brutal death at the hands of Voldemort (and Nagini), Snape allows Harry to take his memories to the Pensieve.  It is in this scene where audiences finally understand what this man was truly all about.  We see Snape's life as an outcast child, his close friendship with Harry's mother, his jealousy of Harry's father, his willingness to turn against Voldemort, the murder of Lily and James Potter, his vow to protect Harry, his arguments with Dumbledore and his unrequited love for Lily.  All this within a matter of seconds (and the truly powerful performance of Alan Rickman!) make this a masterful sequence and has us rethinking our judgement of the Professor we loved to hate.

SCENE #4

Dumbledore Visits King's Cross

When it seems like Voldemort has placed his final killing curse on Harry, we (the audience) are transported out of the Forbidden Forest and into a white-washed and Heaven-like version of King's Cross Station in London (which is a fascinating accomplishment to anyone who has ever actually been in King's Cross Station!).  Here, Harry meets with his mentor Professor Dumbledore (the perfect Michael Gambon) and we get a little much-needed exposition.  It turns out only a part of Harry needed to die, the part of Harry that was Voldemort's accidental Horcrux.  That part lies under bench in King's Cross now and is all fetus-y and gross...and dying.  Dumbledore also reveals to Harry that he can "choose" to go back if he wishes.  Above, is a storyboard sketch of the King's Cross scene for the film as Warner Bros. is not revealing any pictures of the scene for promotional purposes.

SCENE #3

Neville Comes into His Own

This was the scene I was praying would not be cut as it is such a joyful moment for anyone who loves a story about a so-called "underdog."  And thank the movie gods that it wasn't.  After an impassioned speech to Voldemort and his cackling Death Eaters over Potter's (seemingly) dead body, Neville takes the coveted Sword of Godric Gryffindor and puts it to fantastic use.  He sees Ron and Hermione tirelessly trying to kill Voldemort's frighteningly large snake, Nagini (which turns out to be the final Horcrux), and his one swing of the sword slices the villainous reptile in half.  The audience at my screening cheered (so did I!).

SCENE #2

Harry (and Professor McGonagall!) Confront Snape

Under Voldemort's rule, Snape is running Hogwarts like it is Nazi camp.  When word that Harry is near, Snape files the students into the Great Hall to threaten and force them to reveal his whereabouts.  Harry comes forth and gives a grand "How Dare You..." speech to Snape regarding taking Dumbledore's place.  The Order of the Phoenix (The Weasleys, The Lupins, Shacklebolt et al) enter to back him up and before Snape can put his hands on Harry, McGonagall steps forward.  And what results is ALL KINDS of AWESOME!!!!

AND...

SCENE #1

Harry Uses the Resurrection Stone

This is the scene that practically wrecked me emotionally.  I knew it was coming.  I had read the book, but there is something about seeing it dramatically represented before you (whether its in the way you pictured or not!) that just tugs at your spirit.  As Harry is entering the Forbidden Forest to face his fate against the Dark Lord, he opens his Golden Snitch and out pops the Resurrection Stone (the final Deathly Hallow).  As he stares at his parents, his godfather and his favorite teacher, he begs them to be with him and they assure him that they "Always will."  And every shot of his mother's face in this scene (the charming character actress Geraldine Somerville), just had me bawling like a baby.  My brother now says that he can't take me anywhere.

The series has come to an emotional and highly profitable end.  Many Harry Potter fans will be seeing the film again and again over the next month (I might include myself in that group!).  We will likely not hear from the Wizarding World again until the DVD comes out (So for all those wishing the Potter franchise to just go away, you'll have to wait at least another six months!).  To all my fellow witches, wizards, squibs and muggles alike: Harry, you made us believe in magic and your world will live on in all of us.  Thank you J.K., for all you have given the universe.  Your creation shall live forever!

10 FAVORITES (39) - Just Wild About Harry!!!!

"It All Ends."  That is the statement that reads along the bottom of every poster for what is anticipated to be one of the biggest movies of the year: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.  Yes, the final installment of the Harry Potter film series is set to thrill and chill audiences this weekend as it opens on Friday July 15th.  It is a film that has been considered almost 15 years in the making since the first of J. K. Rowling's enigmatic novels took the world by storm back in 1997.  To some, it is almost the end of an era, as many of the younger generation feel they have grown up with the boy wizard (and his film counterpart, Daniel Radcliffe).  But what is it that has made this "Wizarding World" so fascinating to millions and millions of readers, viewers, geeks and nerds alike?  This week's 10 FAVORITES (in no particular order) is devoted to the reasons why the Harry Potter phenomenon has amassed such numbers over the past decade and how it will influence the culture for years to come.  And yes, I am aware that several media critics have discussed this topic ad nauseum already, but I feel it is fitting for this blog to address this overwhelming phenomenon as it comes to end (sort of...depending on Ms. Rowling's future plans!).

THE 10 REASONS

WHY WE LOVE HARRY POTTER

PLOT POINTS: IT ADVOCATES GOOD MORALS

It has always intrigued me that several religious notables vocalized criticism of Rowling and her canon because of its use of magic and witchcraft, calling it "Devil's work" and "Unfit for children."  But the famed author espouses a moral code within the series to which even fundamentalist Christians have aspired.  The moral of the tale (to paraphrase Ms. Rowling): Love is the Ultimate Power and it is the Choices we make that define our destiny.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: THE BEST SCHOOL IMAGINED

Who wouldn't want to go to a school like Hogwarts?  Sure, it has its typical classroom fare like History (History of Magic), Life Sciences (Herbology) and Chemistry (Potions).  But it also includes a plethora of exciting courses that anyone would be delighted to take like Transfigurations, Charms, Divination, Care of Magical Creatures and (lest we forget!) Defense Against the Dark Arts.  Why weren't my schools like this?!?

THE FILMS: THE BEST CAST EVER ASSEMBLED

No film franchise has ever had a cast like this.  Not only are they great characters, but the producers got some of the best character actors to fill these roles.  And how can you NOT have a great ensemble when you are picking from the best and brightest of the British stage and screen.  I mean, look at this list of actors and tell me you don't respect at least ONE of these names: Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham-Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Gary Oldman, Emma Thompson and need I go on?!?!?

CHARACTER-WISE: THE WUBBY WE HARDLY KNEW

I know what you're thinking: What in the heck is "a wubby?"  "A Wubby" is a type of character that appears in a story or movie (or TV show) that audiences often have a distaste for, but will occasionally surprise audiences (and other characters!) with random acts of kindness or chivalry or just plain nice behavior.  In the Harry Potter series, we have a clear "wubby," and that is Professor Severus Snape.  Snape is Harry's Potions master and seems to hate everything about Harry without even saying five words to him.  As the series progresses, we discover Snape's true motives and where his loyalty (and his heart!) in fact lie. (No SPOILERS people, READ THE BOOKS...or Watch the films!)

STORYLAND: LEAPING ACROSS MULTIPLE GENRES (AND MULTIPLE MEDIUMS!)

Okay, I'm gonna gush for a few minutes.  Rowling is a brilliant writer, plain and simple.  And a brilliant writer is just like a brilliant chef: knowing the ingredients, the measurements and how to combine it all to make a perfect dish.  Rowling, in her novels, utilizes the right elements of a multitude of genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery, Horror, Romance, Drama and even Comedy!  Not only does the story appeal on so many levels, but Rowling has matched herself up with a crack marketing team.  They have managed to stamp Harry Potter on every type of media, even getting on "the ground floor" of newer technologies.  This is the kind of empire we writers dream of creating.

CHARACTER-WISE: THE ULTIMATE MENTOR

We all learn from people, but there is always that one person who gives us our most valuable lessons.  In Harry's case, he has one of the best.  Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore (seriously, "Brian?") seems to be leagues ahead of everyone even before he opens his mouth.  He definitely takes to Harry like a father-figure.  And on top of all that, like Obi-Wan Kenobi or Gandalf the Grey, he makes a sacrifice that most of Pop Culture's best mentors make.

IT'S IN THE DETAILS: WE'VE GOT MAGIC TO DO!

Do I really need to explain the Power of Magic to you all?  If I do, stop reading now!

CHARACTER-WISE: THE ULTIMATE VILLAIN

You gotta love a villain whose very name sparks fear within the people of the very world he wishes to control.  Lord Voldemort (or Tom Riddle, depending on what you wish to call him!) is a baddie through and through.  He yearns to rid the Magical world of Muggle-born Witches and Wizards (even though he, himself is Muggle-born!).  And he is so frightening that is very reappearance in the fourth novel/film made readers/audiences squeamish.  Plus, who tries to kill a baby? REALLY, A BABY?!?!?

PLOT POINTS: YOU'VE GOT TO HAVE FRIENDS!

One of my favorite things in any book, film, TV show, stage production, etc. I have enjoyed is the core relationship of the story.  And in Harry Potter, we have one of the most enduring and fascinating friendships we have ever seen.  From the minute the trio meet to final sentences of The Deathly Hallows, Ron and Hermione are the truest friends to Harry and he certainly never forgets it.  They are a family in every sense of the word from the very beginning.

AND...

HARRY POTTER IS ONE OF THE ULTIMATE HEROES

His destiny is foretold even before he takes his first steps or speaks his first words.  His background is one of isolation and neglect.  As unlikely (and, at times, unwilling) a hero he may be, Harry Potter grows from a wide-eyed 11 year-old to a courageous and intelligent leader.  He is willing to risk everything he holds dear to defeat the very evil that has tried to destroy him since his birth.  If that's not a hero, I don't know what is!!!

As the Harry Potter film series comes to a close, I hope all of you will think of the things you like about the world that J.K. Rowling created.  And I hope to see you all at the Movies this weekend!!!

ALSO:

Coming to Broadway Baby of CA this week:

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS

A NEW WEEKLY COLUMN!

It will discuss the various happenings in the world of Pop Culture, Entertainment and the Media.

First up, The 2011 Emmy Nominations: Who Got a Nod and Who Got Snubbed!

Look for that in the coming days.