Even someone who has not read the Harry Potter series will enjoy its fifth movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Although it started off slow, the audience grew to enjoy the film’s suspenseful plot and spectacular special effects. Although HP5 involves fantasy and magic, the audience quickly realizes that Harry and his group of friends also have to deal with social and emotional struggles such as finding where they belong in society and learning that bonds between friends are not easily broken.

Some sequels attempt to milk the money cow; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix does not.

--Duy Nguyen



Ever since Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl came out, I’ve been a huge fan of the series, mainly because of the infamous Jack Sparrow as portrayed by actor Johnny Depp. Although the second movie, Dead Man’s Chest, did not quite live up to the first one, it proved to be a captivating film and left me wanting more. After waiting more than a year for the next installment, I was not disappointed.

The last of the trilogy, At World’s End, is action packed, with lots of swordplay, myths and special effects. It is darker and more complex than the first two, but it still manages to capture their carefree spirit.

The acting is brilliant. Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightly have both improved, while actors Depp and Bill Nighy continue to give outstanding performances.

At World’s End is a fast paced comedy that will keep you thoroughly entertained. It will leave you singing, “Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.”

Oh yes, and don’t forget to watch the scene after the credits end, as it is fairly vital to understanding the ending.

--Shreya Sigdel



Having great expectations for Shrek the Third, I actually went to the movie theatres to watch it, rather than waiting for it to make it to TV. After the movie was over, I felt like I could have put my $7.50 to a better use. I’m not saying that it was a terrible movie, or that it should be banned in society, but it just wasn’t as good as the first two.

Shrek the Third is an ogre version of a cliché Disney fairytale story with a happily ever after. Nothing is new. You have the typical hero and heroine along with the villain who tries to break them up.

The movie barely made me chuckle and mind you-- I laugh very easily. The one moment when I actually laughed was when Shrek said, “If you think this whole made scene ain’t dope, or what I’m saying ain’t straight trippin’, just say ‘Oh no you didn’t!’ Then I’ll know it’s whack.”

Aside from that the only other entertainment I got from the movie was from the baby ogres. I have to admit, they were cute.

Take my advice: watch Shrek the Third when it’s on TV.



--Sonali Brahmbhatt