Omaha Symphony Orchestra: The Award Winning Music of John Williams

 This was a pleasing orchestra concert featuring the movie music of John Williams.  Most exciting was the "Main Title" from Star Wars; but there were many other fun songs: "The Shark Theme" from Jaws, "The Superman March," "Hymn to the Fallen" from Saving Private Ryan.  A special number was "The Theme"from Schindler's List as the concert master, Susana Perry Gilmore played the violin solo.  She also played the violin solo from Fiddler on the Roof.  This is not original music to John William, but Williams arranged the music for the movie.  Résonance Festival Choir had a special part on several of the songs including "Double Trouble" from The Prisoner of Azkaban and "Dry Your Tears, Afrika" from Amistad.  Overall this concert was very fun.  The orchestra was directed by Ernest Richardson.  He was also the narrator and would provide tidbits about the music, which won the Oscar and which did not.  John Williams has a very large portfolio, and the orchestra performed it very well.  There were several Harry Potter songs, and Star Wars songs.  

At the Movies: ****^Harry Potter, **Judy Moody

I think everyone has seen Harry Potter.  Miranda and Natalia went at midnight opening night.  Sheri and family went the next day.  I refused to go to the first showings, waiting for the price to come down.  I finally went to see it in 3-D in Logan while we were there.  I had hoped to see another, but the projector was down, so I gave in and enjoyed the Harry Potter movie in 3D.   Sheri had already seen the movie, but said she preferred the extra dimension.

The story was intense, as it was suppose to be, and the battle was entertaining.  I have only a couple minor complaints.  I wish they could have focused more on the battle, and a little less on Harry.  Of course I guess the story was Harry.  My only other complaint, is the epilogue left me hollow somehow.  I think I would have liked to have seen more character like Melville and Luna.  Other than the three, the only character I recognized was Draco.  Harry Potter has been a joy for our family throughout.  I remember bringing home four or five copies at a time when a new book came out.  Nobody wanted to wait.  I also remember Thanksgiving weekends seeing the movie when it came out, one in San Diego with cousins.  It has been a fun ride.

Judy Moody and the not Bummer Summer was a disappointment to me.  I was hoping it would at least be as good as the "Wimpy Kid" movies.  But in this it let me down.  I think the bad driving of the aunt wasn't enough to carry the humor of the show.  Tony and i saw this at Marketplace Theater, and it was good to have only paid $3.

To the Movies: ****^Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I realize it is a bit late to write a blog about the new Harry Potter movie, but I forgot to write it when we saw the movie.  So here goes.

What is not to like about a Harry Potter movie.  The only thing keeping e fro giving this movie he full four stars was the was the movie dealt with the visions Ron Weasley was having with regards to the horcrux they were carrying.  It is part of the plot but it could have been doe in a less compromising way.

The snake was extremely scary, and I jumped out of my seat.  This was very well done.

The presentation of the Lovegood residence was very good, and the explanation of the Deathly Hallows.

This movie ended very sad.   It divides the book into two parts.  There was someone in the back of the theater crying uncontrollably.  Her friends were telling her to shut-up.  I had tears in my eyes.  I don't blame her for being emotional.

This movie is great, and I anticipate the final.  Not as much as Miranda, but it will be fun none the less.  Miranda says it is due to be released July 15.