The Notebook (DVD review)

The Notebook (2004) starring Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner, Gena Rowlands. There's supposed to be a surprise of sorts at the end of this movie, but it's really no mystery. Garner, in the present day, reads to Rowlands from a notebook describing the pre-World War II romance of Gosling and McAdams. The two young stars are appealing and their love story is convincing, but it's not enough to carry a whole movie. The overall plot just doesn't contain enough substance to affect the audience as strongly as it is intended to. Grade: C-

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (DVD review)

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005), based on the radio show and books by Douglas Adams, is a major disappointment. It fails to fully capture the voice or spirit of the original, and adds nothing new that is worthwhile. The costuming and special effects are especially cheap and atrocious, and I found very little in this movie to like. Grade: D

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (DVD review)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and a large supporting cast. This is a faithful reproduction of J.K. Rowling's book, and as such it shares the flaws and virtues of the original. The world of magic that Rowling has created is charming, but the plotting of her books is flimsy. Yet perhaps it is wrong to be overly critical of a book series which targets, principally, children. There's a lot of great fun to be had in the Harry Potter books and films. Grade: B