Accio earlier relase date!

It appears the release date for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has been moved up two days, to July 11.

Do you hear it? The sound of impatient Harry Potter fans all over the States, rejoicing and donning their cloaks a couple of days early. Not that I'd ever do that...

Okay, maybe for Halloween.

Of course, for me, it means I have to get on the ball as I'm rereading OotP at present. Progress was made during my trip to St. Louis a few weeks ago, but I kinda, sorta... haven't picked it up since then. Don't worry, though, I'm on it during my beach trip next week.

Seriously, I'm just a wee bit excited (read: will buy tickets early to be there in line opening night, no exceptions) and cannot wait for the rebellion to begin!!

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

I broke my own pirate code by the fact that I just got around to seeing this movie last night. I'm all about opening night for movies high on my list - as this was - and so it hurt a little to have to put it off. Still, I promised I'd see it with a friend who was in town from Baltimore... then she had to cancel. So I woke up hubby (who'd been driving all night and only had about 3 hours of sleep) and made him go with me.

Was I entertained? Yes, thoroughly. I mean, that's the whole point of these movies, in my opinion. I can't get all deep and philosophical about a movie based on a theme park ride, but I can enjoy my almost 3 hours of Orlando and Johnny (did I say that out loud... again?) - I mean, humor and action - without the least bit of guilt.

We both loved it, but still, when we left, we were a little... confused. Or something. I came home to check it out and discovered there's a HUGE debate going down on all the message boards, etc. And when I say huge debate, I mean nasty, with name calling and stuff. Seriously, these people need to simmer down. A LOT.

So... without offering my opinion (which I'm not so sure of just yet), I ask you for yours!

LOOK OUT! SPOILERS AHOY!

My confusion was over the last scene, of course. Was Will returning for his one day or was he "alive" again? I recall something about a green flash of light signaling the return of someone from the dead - we got one when Jack came back from The Locker. So, in the end, there was a green flash and hottie, I mean, Will, on the horizon. But I scratched my head a bit because I remember a green flash when he left on the Dutchman after his night on the beach with Elizabeth. What did that one mean?

It would seem the two writers divulged on their website forums at Wordplayer, that a scene was cut, wherein it's explained that if Elizabeth is faithful to Will for 10 years, his curse as Captain of the Dutchman is lifted, no longer binding him there for eternity. That said, the scene was absent from the film and I saw no real allusion to the idea of anything else besides Will being bound to 10 years at sea and one ashore - forever. The Dutchman must have a captain... and all that jazz.

I keep finding essay long posts (which are very thought out and obviously written by intelligent people) with words like metaphysical and archetypal and antihero and Hercules and Persephone and I was an English major, so I get all that stuff, but I feel a little overwhelmed because I sat there laughing when the little pirate shot off the gun and got blown into a hole.

Still, some people are NOT happy about Will and Elizabeth being left in such a state (it is pretty bittersweet, I must say) and others are not pleased with the writers for having given him an "out" from the duty Calypso created. From my end, I understand the romanticized ideal of the ancient myth, etc. but yeah, I totally get wanting to see him in that gray bandana more than once every 10 years.

Let's say I ride the fence on this one.

Studio 60: 1x17

Studio 60
1x17
The Disaster Show

Issues and all, I'm a fan of this show. Maybe it's my fascination with the way TV is run, how it gets done and put on the air, that keeps me coming back. It would seem I'm in the minority as there are only 5 more episodes to air, but that's okay. I'll take 'em - if for no other reason than it means I'm seeing something new on TV this summer.

Stories like Simon's double Hawaii dates and the never ending saga of Matt and Harriet, can be rather annoying, but the show consistently amuses and holds my attention, so I follow along.

I really like Tom and Lucy (maybe because she's the British Pam), and I LOVE Jordan - not so sure about her and Danny. It's possible, however, that Timothy Busfield's character, Cal, is my favorite. He cracks me up.

I don't have tons to say about the episode. Funny, in a disastrous way that usually makes me cringe. And Cal's comments to Christine at the end, about having the time of her life and being so blessed to do what she does, were fantastic. I like that they worked some heart in at the end.

It won't change my world when it goes off the air, but I will miss it...

LOST: 3x22

LOST
3x22
Through the Looking Glass
(A Jack Episode)
SEASON 3 FINALE

*@$!

Wow. I mean, I knew... but... wow.

HOLY @%!* Moments...
1. Sayid snapping dude's neck with his legs.
2. Hurley running a man down with the van.
3. Sawyer killing YET another person.
4. Danielle and Alex, face to face.
5. Um... Kate and Jack. Off the island?!

That's right... THEY GOT OFF THE ISLAND!
Well, at least Jack and Kate did. I loved my happy, emotional, stirring, LOST music, all of the characters hugging when Jack made the call... only to see him broken, crying, and wishing to go back a few minutes later. We weren't given any clues, but I think it's been a while since their rescue. Sarah wasn't shocked to see Jack in the hospital and even said, "Are you drinking again," like they'd been through it all before. Kate's behavior, Jack's words... all lend me toward this conclusion - but what do I know? I'm just guessing. So why are they not happy to be home? Even though Kate doesn't look "terrible," she doesn't look happy. I'm thinking she's running from the pain, while Jack's taking it all on... pretty characteristic of them both.

As for Jack and Kate...
First off... he told her he loves her! Totally unselfishly and knowing she's been hookin' it up with someone else. That's my Jack. All the girls at our finale party were sort of melty from that one. ;) And can we talk about home free Kate not being a fugitive?? What's the deal with that? And having "him" wondering where she is. I'm sure everyone's mind immediately went to Sawyer - I think that's what they want us to think - which leads me to think it's someone else entirely. All that aside, it's obvious, even with all the dark, twisty angst, Jack and Kate still have some sort of connection. When he pulled her to him and said, "I'm sick of lying. We made a mistake," I saw the old Kate/Jack chemistry. She still cares, but she can't deal with him as he is now and whatever happened between them... which tells me, it's affecting her too. My husband said, "I'd think she'd be more concerned about him." As do I, which adds to my theory that it's been a while since they got off the island. Should be interesting to follow...

Let's talk about the Foxy...
See, now I told you up front, I'm a Jack Shepard fan. Why? Hmmm... let's see... did you watch with me tonight? Matthew Fox was AMAZING. I mean, I seriously hate seeing Dr. Giggles on a downward spiral, but he gave us some massive range. When he finally beat the hell out Henry, we were all cheering. And the tears and the caring and the leading... he was so strong as "island Jack," so the contrast of present Jack was a bit daunting to process. And I think that's why he needs to go back. Whatever happened during rescue, whatever secrets Jack and Kate are keeping... they have to be pretty big and pretty destructive to put Jack in the place he is - which, by the way, is completely lost!!! (seriously, he's still lost, even though he's home, I think I may have hit on something here) - back on dry land.

Charlie's big send-off...
Never my favorite character, but I was totally feeling the Charlie love tonight. He stepped it up and took it like a man. I mean, come on... shutting Desmond out of the hatch to save him (thank goodness!) and still having the forethought to pass along a VERY important nugget of info from Penny. We had lots of time to say goodbye, and I even hoped he'd pull through in the end, but when it came down to it, Charlie's character departed in an incredible tribute to the whole spirit of the show - these characters, these people, finding peace and overcoming their past. Seriously, though, the final shot of him in the water, crossing himself... wow.

So, what do we know?
1. Jack made contact with Naomi's boat and it's headed toward the island.

2. Penny knows Desmond's alive, so we can bet she'll have men on it ASAP.

3. Desmond knows Naomi's boat is NOT Penny's, so he can warn Jack and the LOSTies. Of course, since we know where Jack ended up, something obviously went down that Desmond couldn't stop.

4. Kate and Jack made it off the island.

5. Something happened between Jack's radio call and his post-island meeting with Kate - and it's shaken them to the core.

Things we don't know... (besides a lot)
1. How the HELL is Walt on the island?

2. What happened when Naomi's boat arrived?

3. Who was in the coffin?

4. Who made it off the island besides Jack and Kate?

5. Why does Jack want to go back?

Season 4?
There are so many directions they could go from here. Do they remain in the present and have flashbacks occur on the island, showing us how they were rescued and what happened in the process? Or are we still on the island in its time period, watching the future (I don't think it's this one, for the record)? Are the next three years about Jack, Kate and whoever else, getting back to the island, finding their redemption? Come the end, in May 2010, after everything I've read, I highly doubt our creators will leave us dissatisfied with the state of our heroes. It would be pretty upsetting to leave Jack as he is now, the fate of everyone else in the air. No, I think this show will end with an air of hope (the question is, how do they get there)... but good grief... who the hell could predict?

All I know is this:
1. LOST is amazing.
2. 8 months is unacceptable!!!

Enemy, thy name is CW.

Tonight, the CW aired two of the best Veronica Mars episodes of the season... and now we're left in a lurch. Rob Thomas provided set-up for a BRILLIANT season 4 and The CW (geniuses that they are) chose "quality" programming like The Pussycat Dolls and Farmer Wants a Wife, over an hour of intelligent, strong-minded, quality programming. I can see how the world might not function if we don't meet our yearly reality TV quota and continue warping the minds of America's youth. I know if I were a mom, I'd rather my kid watch a show with a bunch of slutty girls in no clothes parade and exploit themselves across the screen, than see a smart, flawed, real character deal with issues in an interesting, creative, non-mind numbing way.

It's ridiculous. It's insanity... it's completely unbelievable and ludicrous. So excuse me while I vent a little frustration, but CW... I sort of hate you right now.

OH! And by the way... if you're going to cancel a show, don't give its audience false hope by calling it a Season Finale on your website AND during programming.

*deep breaths*

The CW has until June 15 for a final decision... let's hope they prove me wrong.

Veronica Mars: 3x19, 3x20

Veronica Mars

3x19
Weevils Wobble, But They Don't Go Down
&
3x20
The Bitch is Back
SERIES/SEASON 3 FINALE

Genius.

Kristen Bell is a TV goddess and the network shutting her down is really pissing me off. I loved every second "the bitch" was back and found myself thinking what an amazing season 4 we could have. Not a season set four years in the future, but one that picked up where we left off tonight. Jake Kane, people! Jake Kane was back and Veronica was in charge!

Instead, she walked off in the rain... completely unhappy, with nothing resolved.

I seriously think network television needs to rethink its renewal policy. Upfronts should be earlier in the season, giving creators, cast, crew, etc., time to round things out if they discover they won't be returning... if for no other reason than the fans and the people watching, waiting, following the action, getting attached to characters and storyline.

And all I had were questions...
What happened when the list was exposed? Do we see Weevil return to his old ways? Who won the sheriff's race? What happened to Keith? How was Veronica's internship? What about The Castle? The threats from its members?

Nevermind the completely shallow Logan and Veronica lover in me. Yeah, we got a smile and a glimmer of hope at the end... but how do they get back to something? And we knew months ago that Piz had a new show, so how did he exit Neptune? What about Mac? What about Wallace? What about Dick? How do you stop an exploding man... wait, wrong show. Seriously, HOW am I supposed to be okay with this?

Things that stood out tonight:

1. Dick's multiple personalities. From Dickster to crying in 60 seconds. I so love him for it. And seriously, he quoted The Office. This is one of life's great tragedies: we're canceling shows that quote The Office...? And how did I not see that Dick and Michael Scott are one in the same person?

2. Logan, Piz and Veronica at the beach. Awkwaaaard.

3. Weevil!

4. Logan channeling a little Aaron Echolls. At least he apologized to Piz.

5. Veronica. The Bitch was back and taking it on. Intelligent, cool and funny to boot.

I could say more, but it'll just depress me.

I need quotes to make me happy.

Veronica: She has the right to remain famished. (cracks up at herself)

Dick: Who you talkin’ to?
Logan: Parker.
Dick: Park ‘er? I don’t even know her.

Dick: This new wetsuit’s like a cheap motel. No ballroom.

Mac: I feel so bad for Wallace. He needs more thrust. (Dick laughs)
Logan: Don’t say it.
Dick: That’s what she said.

Veronica: I guess you’re all asking yourself why I called this meeting. What? That’s comedy gold.

Piz: I guess he was pissed about that thing that happened at the beach. I think he still likes you.

Veronica: Dick, get out here.
Dick: (in a small voice) What’s up, V?
Veronica: If you had to bet?
Dick: Look, from a guy’s perspective, the video just made your stock go up. You looked great. Enthusiasm? Always a plus.
Veronica: It’s like, you’re this giant, jackass piñata, begging for someone to be the candy out of you.

Veronica: After all these years, do you not instinctively fear me? Maybe you should write yourself a note.

Veronica: You are going to be sooo popular in hell.

Heroes, Chapter 23

Heroes
Chapter 23
How to Stop an Exploding Man
SEASON 1 FINALE

Okaaaaaaaaaaay.

I'm a little confused. But let's cut to the chase before we ponder the end.

First off, HELLO! We found out Mr. Bennett's name! That was rather exciting... Noah. I like it.

So, in general, I enjoyed the episode, but I wasn't exactly on the edge of my seat. Don't get me wrong, the idea of Nathan flying off with Peter hadn't come to mind (I'm not sure why... better yet, I'm not sure why Peter couldn't fly off on his own) and was a great twist on it all, but I still wasn't exactly... satisfied by the episode. I loved seeing all the heroes together in New York, and that Nikki got a good hit in on Sylar, but I think I'd put too much stock in this ending I kept hearing about... maybe someone else will have better insight than me... maybe I will if I think on it longer. This is just initial reaction...

That said, I do appreciate the book being closed, as it were, on Chapter 1. No wondering if the bomb went off or who it was going to be, but we were still left with plenty of questions (it wouldn't be a finale if we weren't), so I'll start there:

1. Where is Peter?

2. Is Nathan alive?

3. What about Parkman? (I could have told him Sylar was gonna shoot those things back at him!)

4. Where did sluggy Sylar go and HOW is he still alive?

5. If this part of the story is over, how do we keep all the Heroes crossing paths?

6. Does Mohinder (I've never discussed what a cutie he is) keep Molly or do DL and Nikki?

7. Why is Hiro in 1641 and why am I supposed to think that's so cool?

Honestly, the "first three minutes of season 2" the cast kept touting at Upfronts... sort of annoyed me. I mean, I love Hiro, but can't he just pop back out of there? And sorry, but I was a little more concerned about the fate of Peter (and his lovely, lovely hair - sorry, it's fabulous) and Nathan.

Still, I trust the show. It had a banner first season and got stronger as it went. I don't understand the impact of this "Generations" storyline and how it will impact the heroes as they are, but I suppose that's the point of a season - to expound on such things.

See, this is where the idea of patience comes in, and I happen to not have any.