Thanks for the memories J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter Cast

Most of the actors in the Harry Potter series have taken their final curtain call. Walked the red carpets, signed thousands of autographs and given hundreds of interviews. While we the fans are sad to say goodbye. Our thanks must be given to those brilliant actors who have given 11 years of their lives to this amazing franchise.

Not only did we witness the young actors Daniel Radcliff, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Tom Felton, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, Matthew Lewis, Devon Murray, Harry Melling, Joshua Herdman, Alfren Enoch, Bonnie Wright and Evanna Lynch grow up before our eyes. They sacrificed any sense of a normal childhood to portray the beloved characters of JK Rowling's imagination.

As a mom as well as a fan. I must say that these young people have set an extraordinary example to the youth that looks up to them. They have shown maturity, kindness, charity and friendship. There were no headlines of drug, alcohol abuse, no feuds nor fights on the set. They have handled their fame admirably. True role models for even their youngest of fans.

Perhaps it was the positive influence from the award winning, who's who of the British film and theatre world, who set their example. Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters, Mark Williams, Fiona Shaw, Richard Griffiths, Emma Thompson, Robbie Coltrane, David Thewlis, Gary Oldman, Timothy Spall, Jason Isaacs, Ralph Fiennes, Warwick Davis, Helena Bonham -Carter, Robert Hardy, Imelda Staunton and my favorite actor of them all Alan Rickman as Severus Snape.

I often wonder how many roles these talented actors gave up to see this through to the end. All while giving performances that were certainly above the bar set by other young adult films. Perhaps they too saw what so many of that read these books to our children saw. A world full of imagination, that there is light and dark in all of us. However in the end good prevails, that friendship and love are worth fighting for.

When I asked my son what is was that make so many love Harry Potter. He replied" Because there is a character that everyone can relate to." We all have a bit of the insecurity of Neville, the brains of Hermoine, The loyality of Ron, The humor of Fred and George, the whimsy of Luna and the Bravery of Harry." "When our own lives become stressful we can visit Hogwarts knowing that someone is going through the same things."

This is evident with all the Harry Potter sites on the Internet. For a decade these kids who are now are in their teens and 20's gathered. So while on July 15th they will be saying goodbye to the films, they will also be saying goodbye to their childhoods, a community, their surrogate family. For us parents, We watched as Harry Hermoine and Ron grew up along with our own kids. As the credit roll after the midnight showing, for the very last time. I will look at my children remembering all the moments we spent in the wizarding world together. Pass the tissues, this mama is going to need them.

To JK Rowling, Thank you for never giving up on your dream. For believing that the world needed Harry Potter as much as he needed us to know him. You are an inspiration to all, who once thought it was too late for their dreams to come true. For everyone that had a part in the Harry Potter series, From the bottom of my heart I say, Thank you for the memories. Mischief Managed.

Sam and Dean's Trip of Epic Proportions in Supernatural Season 2

Sam and Dean Winchester are having to face metaphoric demons on their cross country trip to avenge their mother’s death. In Supernatural Season 2.

While I wish I had some grand story of a cross country trip of epic proportions. Yet, Other than a 3 hour delay sitting on the runway of O’Hara, some lost luggage and awful airline food my trips have been pretty uneventful. However I do look back fondly on the past days of my youth. When a group of my girlfriends and I would pack into one of our cars. Head to the beach, the sun of eastern Oregon or to visit our then boyfriends who were in the US Coast Guard stationed in Seattle. Armed with just a change of clothes, enough money for gas and greasy burgers at a road side cafe and we were off.  Music blasting, windows rolled down, hair in the wind with no cares in the world.

While those days are gone, I was able to go on a recent road trip with my best friend Liz who was visiting from Melbourne, Australia. I wanted to show her my part of the Ocean that separated our homes. We decided on Cannon Beach here in Oregon. A beautiful tranquil beach which is the backdrop for several films. It was a beautiful sunny November autumn day when we set off our girls in tow.

While we were enjoying re-enacting some scenes of a recent film on Indian Beach, Climbing on the rocks, enjoying the majestic view. A storm front had moved in on the mountain pass. The same road which carried us to our destination. The sun beaming through the trees had now been replaced a mere 6 hours later with a sheet of ice. With no snow tires, no chains on my compact car. Just me at the wheel and my precious cargo that had just come from 100 degree weather in Australia. Yes I was unprepared but at my defense, this was Oregon after all not Maine. We were lucky to get snow in the middle of winter. Even then it did not fall in our area of the country until January and certainly never in November.

As we crawled at 30 miles per hour in a 55 mile zone we could see other vehicles that had slid off the narrow, dark, winding road. My girlfriend reminding me not to look, to breathe and with her reassurance we dredged on.  Every slight movement of the steering wheel meant sliding a foot in either direction. It gave white knuckle driving a whole new meaning. With no access to a hotel, cell phone reception inexistent we were praying to every deity known to man past and present. What should have been a 90 minute trip turned into over 3 hours. There is no describing how it felt to make it over that mountain pass and see the lights of  Portland’s western suburbs.

While the obstacles we faced that day were not terrifying as the monsters Sam and Dean had to face on their cross country journey. Nor did we have to face metaphoric demons. I do know that some times you must face your fears and keep on going for the greater good.
Here is a breathtaking video made by another Supernatural fan with Highlights of season 2.




You can see Sam and Dean face their own fears, during their own journey of epic proportions now. Supernatural Season 2 is finally out on Blu-Ray buy yours today at http://bit.ly/k3Lbpz

*I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray.

Pottermore Mystery is Revealed!

For many devoted Harry Potter fans including myself. We have been waiting patiently, watching the YouTube countdown page for an exciting announcement. Many speculated as what JK Rowling could have in store for her fans. Some theories included an online game, charity, treasure hunt or social website for fans. While it is the latter, It is so much more.

An interactive experience which one can be sorted into their house, receive one of 30,000 wands and converse with fellow fans. It will also include back stories and perhaps continuations for beloved characters and lesser known ones. An insight into the wizarding world without the limitations of page numbers or film running times. In other words, all the thoughts that filled Jo Rowling's mind, all the little details about the world she created, will have a place to live, breath and inspire us once more.

It will also include a Pottermore store where fans will finally be able to purchase the e-book versions. Along with new exclusive merchandise. One million fans will be allowed a sneak peek  on Harry Potter's birthday July 31st. With the site open to all in October of this year.

You can register at
 http://www.pottermore.com/.
 Although you may want to wait a little while.
All of us Potter fans crashed the site 5 minutes after it's launch.

Until then you can watch Jo explain Pottermore on YouTube. While thinking of what house you wish to be sorted into. For some reason every Harry Potter house sorting test I have taken, I have been placed in Ravenclaw. Which is probably why I love Luna Lovegood so much. It will be interesting to see what House Rowling's method will place me as well as my kids in. I also look forward to socializing with other Harry Potter fans. For it is more than a book series or entertaining films. It is the knowledge that the world holds magic, even for muggles if only you believe.

http://www.youtube.com/user/JKRowlingAnnounces

Exciting Week for WB! Starting with Supernatural Season 2

The Warner Bros. headquarters must be buzzing with excitement this week. With the release of Supernatural season 2 on Blu- Ray finally being released, to the delight of awaiting fans. In season 2 Sam ( Jared Padadlecki) and Dean ( Jensen Ackles) use their father's journal to track down the demon Azazel who was responsible for their mother's death. Attempting to discover what plans the demon carries for Sam and others with psychic abilities. While continuing their father's work of saving people from Supernatural beings. Sam and Dean remind me of my own children, so different yet ever so protective of one another. I have always told them that friends will come and go but family is forever. They may argue at times being teens with opposite personalities, However like Sam and Dean, I am sure that my daughter and son will continue to have one another's backs. Hopefully not while battling demons. While again “I have been hired by Warner Bros.WBWord division to promote Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray." I truly recommend this to current fans and those of you who are catching up on the series on TNT.

Another WB DVD was released to great excitement. Red Riding Hood. Starring Amanda Seyfried, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons and the brilliant Gary Oldman. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke. It starts off with a typical love triangle between the beautiful girl, the man who is good for her and the man she truly loves. Valerie (Seyfried) who has been arranged to marry the wealth Henry (Irons), plans to run away with her true love Peter (Fernandez). Only to have their plans forced to be on hold after her older sister was killed by the werewolf who lives in forest that surrounds the local village. The villagers bring in Father Soloman ( Oldman) to kill the wolf. His arrival brings the reality that the werewolf who is human by day could be any one of them. Valerie begins to think that the beast may be someone she knows, perhaps loves. As the deaths rise, her connection to the werewolf  makes her both a pawn and a suspect. Red Riding Hood is available on DVD and Blu-Ray now.

Opening this at this moment, Is The Green Lantern starring Ryan Reynolds. Taken from thre page of comic books. It tells the tale of  Hal Jordan a test pilot who has been selected by a band of warriors dedicated to keep the balance of intergalactic order. Despite the order never recruiting a human before. Together with this new brotherhood, his Childhood sweetheart  played by Blake Lively. He must master his powers, find the courage to help them defeat their biggest threat Parallax and restore peace and order to Earth and the Universe.

Finally there was the Buzz of the newest and last Deathly Hallows II trailer released today which much excitement with a fear cheers and tears mixed in. Twitter was all a buzz with this latest teaser. I must admit I was one of them. This just one day after JK Rowling had us trying to find letter clues on secret street view.  Spelling out her latest project. While many were hoping for More Potter. It was revealed that it was to read Pottermore. While we are all guessing at what it could be. My guess is a computer game, a charity or a social site.   We have a little over six days to wait. Until then I have http://www.pottermore.com/ bookmarked. I was the 248th follower of Pottermore on Twitter. Even though I am not sure what it is as of yet. If it has anything to do with Harry Potter I am sure that I will love it! I will keep you posted! Until then here is that last DH2 Trailer. It is absolutely Brilliant, Breathtaking and Amazing!

Fandango / Living Social $9.00 deal for 2 tickets! Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part II Tickets go on Sale!

For my fellow film fantatics especially my Harry Potter friends. Do I have news to share with you! Fandango has teamed up with Living Social. Two  tickets to any non 3-D or I-Max film for only $9.00!

This on the same day that Harry Potter Deathly Hallows tickets have gone on sale. Hopefully by the time my Fandango code arrives in my inbox my favorite theatre will have added a midnight showing.

There are some great films out this summer. So take advantage of this great deal!
Here is the link below.
http://livingsocial.com/deals/57725?ref=personalized-link-box-14991143&rpi=14991143

Coming to Blu-Ray - The Much Anticipated Supernatural Series Season 2 !

Fans of Supernatural can rejoice, The highly anticipated 2nd Season of this popular series will be released on Blu-ray on June 14th. While “I have been hired by Warner Bros.WBWord division to promote Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray." I must say that I am truly a fan as well.

The shows inspiration comes from Pagan and Christian stories, urban legends and folklore. It follows the lives of two brothers Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackley) as they hunt down supernatural creatures in various US locations. This in retaliation of their mother's death in the hands of a demon named Azazel. Raised by their Father John (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) they were taught to hunt down and kill supernatural evil monsters as young boys.

Now adults, the brothers set out to find their now missing father, while fighting evil forces along their journey. Sam develops psychic abilities, including those of upcoming deaths.Now he must find out what these visions mean in relation to himself, if they have any connect to the demon responsible for his mother's death.

In Season 2 the Winchester Brothers face otherworldly creatures. Werewolves, shape shifters, ghosts, zombies, vampires and even a clown demon. I am not sure how I would handle coming face with these creatures. However if I were face to face with one of these creatures, I would hope it would be a ghost. For, I have always held a fascination for these lost souls. To discover why unresolved issues keep them hanging on to this world, in lieu of moving on, is intriguing to me. Aiding a ghost reach the other side would make for an interesting experience.

I have plenty of company when it comes to the fascination of mythical beings and stories. That is one reason this show has become so popular.  New fans have emerged, discovering the show through reruns airing on TNT. While the diehards are anxiously awaiting new episodes on the CW.With the resurgence of an interest in supernatural creatures and phenomenons this show continues to gain a huge following.

Order your copy of Supernatural:
The Complete Second Season
 on Blu-ray here today: http://bit.ly/k3Lbpz

MTV Movie Awards - This MTV Generation Girl's Life Has Come Full Circle.

It does not seem that long ago when that "Radio Killed the Video Star" came on our television. Signaling the start of a new station MTV. Those of us that were teens during that time, Are now called the MTV generation. Many of us now have teens of our own. We have the task explaining that MTV use to play music videos not reality shows. They were responsible for many of the fads of the 80's. Madonna's black lace, Cyndi Lauper's bright hair and makeup along with Michael Jackson's glove and red leather jacket from Thriller. Big hair, Day- Glo and sadly parachute pants were styles that came right out of the television and into the halls of our schools. Much to our parents dismay.

As I was watching the MTV Movie Awards with my own teens, I realized that our generation probably has the smallest generation gap in history. Not only do I enjoy many of the same films that my kids do, We listen to much of the same music. My daughter loves Cher,Elton John and cried when Michael Jackson died. While I listen to Pink, Green Day and been known to dance to Lady Gaga on occasion.

Watching the MTV Movie Awards had some red faced moments for my son. He endured the sex jokes while anticipating the trailers for upcoming summer blockbusters. He is not remotely interested in Team Edward nor Team Jacob. For vampires should never sparkle in his opinion. Rob Pattinson will forever be Cedric Diggory while Taylor Lautner remains Shark Boy. Sorry Taylor!
Yet, We endured the screaming Twilight fans for those summer previews. Green Hornet, Super 8, Transformers Dark of the Moon look promising. However the biggest movie of the summer and the year is definitely Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part II.

Twilight can keep all their popcorn awards. While the tweens and teens that support that franchise move on to bigger and much better things. We all know that the Harry Potter audience will continue to pass their love for this series on to their own kids, entertaining generations. Just like their parents enjoyed the series along side them. For me personally, I waited to watch the films and read the books until my son could enjoy them with me. We jumped on the broom, riding this amazing Harry Potter adventure together. You can say that Harry Potter inspired kids to read, It also inspired parents to read the same books as their kids, giving us the opportunity to have discussions while sharing our passion for the wizarding world.  JK Rowling brought to our lives a  renewed imagination. While Warner Bros. took her words and brought Hogwarts to life through an amazing talented cast. While we finished the books years ago. Seeing this last film together, signals the end of much of my son's childhood. Tears will flow for many reasons.

Watching the ever so classy Emma Watson walk on the stage to introduce the exclusive DH2 Trailer. My daughter remarked how fast time has passed. That it seemed such a short time since that little girl appeared as Hermoine in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. As I looked over at my daughter who is now 18 and very much grown herself. I could only reply, I know what you mean sweetie, I know what you mean.