Ep 15. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1", "Morning Glory", and "The Kids Are All Right" Reviews

In this episode of "Maltin on Movies," film critic Leonard Maltin and his daughter Jessie Maltin review three movies: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1," "Morning Glory," and "The Kids Are All Right."

First up is "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1," the seventh movie in the popular franchise. Leonard and Jessie discuss the darker tone of this installment, which deals with themes of death and sacrifice as Harry, Ron, and Hermione search for the remaining Horcruxes to defeat Lord Voldemort once and for all. They praise the excellent performances from the cast, particularly Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, and the stunning cinematography and visual effects. Overall, they agree that "Deathly Hallows: Part 1" is a strong entry in the series and a necessary setup for the climactic finale.

Next, the Maltins review "Morning Glory," a romantic comedy starring Rachel McAdams as a young television producer tasked with reviving a struggling morning news program. Leonard praises McAdams' "winning" performance and the chemistry between her and her co-stars Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton. Jessie agrees, noting that the film is "surprisingly touching" despite its light tone. They also discuss the film's themes of work-life balance and the changing landscape of television news.

Finally, the Maltins review "The Kids Are All Right," a drama/comedy about a lesbian couple (played by Julianne Moore and Annette Bening) whose family is upended by the arrival of their children's biological father (played by Mark Ruffalo). Leonard and Jessie both praise the film's strong performances, especially from Bening and Ruffalo, and its sensitive handling of complex family dynamics. They also discuss the film's themes of identity and acceptance.

Overall, the Maltins recommend all three films, with particular emphasis on "Deathly Hallows: Part 1" and "The Kids Are All Right." As always, their thoughtful insights and engaging discussions make for an enjoyable viewing experience.