Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows

[Morris Schæffer]

First ever pic:

http://i.usatoday.net/life/_photos/2009/12/01/harrypotterx-large.jpg

I'm kinda intrigued by the split, wondering whether a HP flick will, at long bloody last, be able to match the richness of its literary counterpart.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I'm suddenly more interested by this troupe re-creating Reservoir Dogs.

[Morris Schæffer]

I'm suddenly more interested by this troupe re-creating Reservoir Dogs.

Yeah, they're going to work allright. ;)

[lovejuice]

at this point i'm a bit hyped. book VII is, if anything, rowling coming back to form. it's also very cinematic, and if they pull no punch, the movies can be nothing short of spectacular.

[BuffaloWilder]

I'm suddenly more interested by this troupe re-creating Reservoir Dogs.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/07/26/article-1038833-0214D76100000578-447_468x286.jpg

I'm more interested in Emma Watson.

[Grouchy]

I'm more interested in Emma Watson.
Do you think she's a... goer?

[MadMan]

Well, last chance for them to make a truly great Harry Potter movie. Actually, they have two chances. Wahoo. I bet I'll end up liking one more than the other.

[Morris Schæffer]

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/45601

It'll probably end up dissapointing - love the books myself!!! - but this trailer is fucking epic!

[Wryan]

Like the trailer a lot. Really glad to see that it seems it's going to be a proper conclusion(s).

[Kurosawa Fan]

Wow. I haven't even liked the last couple films, but that got me pumped for the conclusion. Really impressive trailer.

[number8]

Looks like they CGIed blood off the trailer.

http://l.yimg.com/a/i/mo/200x250_hermionebloodyhand_070 110.jpg

[D_Davis]

Wow. I haven't even liked the last couple films, but that got me pumped for the conclusion. Really impressive trailer.

Yes.

[Grouchy]

Watching that trailer made me realize I've completely forgotten everything that happened in the last two Harry Potter books.

Seriously. If I think really hard, I can only recall a scene with Harry, Dumbledore and zombies.

[transmogrifier]

Watching that trailer made me realize I've completely forgotten everything that happened in the last two Harry Potter books.

Seriously. If I think really hard, I can only recall a scene with Harry, Dumbledore and zombies.

I've forgotten everything from the movies, except for the fact some dude with no nose wants to kill Harry and there is an entire film devoted to a stupidly convoluted challenge designed to get Harry to touch something that they could have just put in his room disguised as his toothbrush or something.

And a lot of deus ex machina.

[Grouchy]

I've forgotten everything from the movies, except for the fact some dude with no nose wants to kill Harry and there is an entire film devoted to a stupidly convoluted challenge designed to get Harry to touch something that they could have just put in his room disguised as his toothbrush or something.

And a lot of deus ex machina.
Eh, ok, whatever.

I just meant what I said - I've forgotten the plot of those books.

[transmogrifier]

Eh, ok, whatever.

I just meant what I said - I've forgotten the plot of those books.

Um, I meant what I said as well. I've never read the books, but the movies are featureless messes of endless exposition and pointless trials.

[Henry Gale]

First poster is kind of gorgeous, but also seems to spoil something major:

http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/hp7-teaser-poster.jpg

Didn't read the book, but still seemed to find out most things that happened in it at the time. The subject of that poster wasn't one of those things.

But still, very nice image that works as a gloomy bookend to this (http://www.the-frame.com/film_guide/harry_potter_and_the_sorcerers _stone/posters/harry_potter_and_the_sorcerers _stone_ver2.jpg) much friendlier poster for the first one. Last couple of trailers have been pretty spiffy as well.

[MadMan]

Concerning that poster: I'm not really surprised that what it shows happens, if only because I figured it makes sense. I've never read the rest of the series-I quit after Book 1-and I don't know if I'll start now.

[Sycophant]

and I don't know if I'll start now.

Neither do I.

[[ETM]]

First poster is kind of gorgeous, but also seems to spoil something major:

Isn't it implied in the last trailer?

[Morris Schæffer]

Final trailer:

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/46654

Not a huge fan of the movies - the books I love - but this does look rather bleak, epic & beautifully shot.

[Wryan]

I like the trailers for this. Feel just right. Hoping it's good.

[number8]

I cannot believe how fucking badass this movie was.

[Mara]

I cannot believe how fucking badass this movie was.

YAY!

I'm excited. I'm going this afternoon, and I never-- NEVER-- go to films in theaters. It's too inconvenient and... dark.

But I am making an exception!

[Sxottlan]

A generally excellent film.

[megladon8]

I have to admit, "Harry Potter" and "badass" is not a pairing of words I would ever expect to read on MatchCut.

[Morris Schæffer]

Same here Meg. Same here. :)

[Mara]

Oh... my...

Can you imagine... can you even imagine... if this amount of style, substance and talent had gone into the rest of the films? This probably would have been my favorite series of all time.

This was the best film of the set by an embarassingly wide margin. I really didn't expect it to be this good.

[Mara]

Also, that animated sequence was amazing. For the record.

[D_Davis]

I want to see this. That's crazy.

[Mara]

Okay, I've calmed down enough to voice a couple of criticisms. The problem with switching up the storytelling and pacing so dramatically for the last film is that they have to introduce characters who have actually been around since the beginning of the series: Bill Weasley, Mundungus, etc. Readers of the books know who they all are, but since they were cut out of previous films because of time constraints, to someone who just watches the films it will seem like they're suddenly bringing in a dozen characters for the final act, which is pretty confusing.

And most of the romances are still getting short shrift: Bill and Fleur, Lupin and Tonks, Harry and Ginny, etc. are all sort of shoved aside, even though all of them have really lovely stories. And they totally white-washed the scene from the book where Ginny offers Harry her virginity as a birthday present.

Still, this film was pretty amazing. The scene with the ice on the lake actually had me gasping, even though I knew what was going to happen.

Part II is going to be SO EPIC.

[TripZone]

And they totally white-washed the scene from the book where Ginny offers Harry her virginity as a birthday present.

I don't remember this :|

[Mara]

I don't remember this :|

I've had arguments with friends about it. I insist it happens. You have to read between the lines a little... it's a kid's book.

[TripZone]

I've had arguments with friends about it. I insist it happens. You have to read between the lines a little... it's a kid's book.

I assumed they were already fucking. Also, I don't really care.

[Mara]

I assumed they were already fucking. Also, I don't really care.

Well, good talk.

[TripZone]

Well, good talk.

Let's do it again sometime.

[Sxottlan]

So did I miss a visual effects credit at the end or did ILM actually not work on this one? Dobey and Kreacher were ridiculous looking.

Anyway, pacing is pretty steady throughout. I think I counted ten scenes of action and/or suspense. I think the most suspenseful and touching scene was Harry and Hermione dancing; suspenseful because I wasn't sure if they were about to cross some lines there.

Peter Mullan and David O'Hara! Mullan was awesome, especially when he's firing at our trio. O'Hara's turn was funny because his entire role is really as Harry.


Also, that animated sequence was amazing. For the record.

That to me was one of the biggest surprises of the entire series. As she started to read, I figured maybe we'd get a live action flashback. Instead, it kind of goes all Henry Selick on us. Although I was more immediately reminded of the opening of Hellboy 2.

[Mara]

As she started to read, I figured maybe we'd get a live action flashback.

That's what I was afraid of, which wouldn't have worked because it's a mythologized story based on possibly-true events. Instead it went stylized and beautiful. It would have worked as a short animated film, divorced from the main story.

I wanna see that bit again. Watson's narration was pretty good, too.

[D_Davis]

http://i.imgur.com/lbyWG.jpg

[Henry Gale]

Um, yeah. This was completely awesome.

I didn't think they'd have the guts to give things this much breathing room, all tied together at such a pace, with as many lulls between the big action as they did. There's serious time spent to develop the characters, bringing forward actual ideas both they and the story in general may be throwing around, and actually allowing the drama to quietly play well into everything and everyone involved.

This is the first of the last several films I can actually recall Ron and Hermione doing something besides adding colour commentary to Harry's meetings with important people telling him how important he is, etc. The scene Sxottlan mentioned with them dancing in the tent is an amazingly moving and somewhat of a rare joyful part of the movie, and the sort of thing I never expected from a movie built up as epically and loudly as this one. Beautiful stuff.

There were some moments that I was just in awe of how far they went in terms of how abstractly dark they chose to executed things, especially towards the end when they were dealing with the horocrux, and even little touches leading up to that (like the animated sequence, and the visit to Harry's house). I realize that everything I mentioned so far could just as easily be attributed to the way Rowling fleshed it all out in the book (which I didn't read), but I still think that a great amount of it is definitely because of, and thanks to, the way Yates and the whole creative team chose to illustrate it here.

I didn't think I'd say this, but it seems like splitting the films up actually paid off towards the overall quality here. It's definitely up there with Cuaron's and the Half-Blood Prince as the best this series has had to offer.

****

[number8]

Oh... my...

Can you imagine... can you even imagine... if this amount of style, substance and talent had gone into the rest of the films? This probably would have been my favorite series of all time.

This was the best film of the set by an embarassingly wide margin. I really didn't expect it to be this good.

I was thinking of this throughout the whole movie.

[number8]

The "gunfight" scene in the London diner was like something from The Bourne Spellcasting.

[Henry Gale]

The "gunfight" scene in the London diner was like something from The Bourne Spellcasting.

This was what I knew I was forgetting when I wrote my reaction. It was a really sharply-executed shootout scene in any other movie, but re-fitted with wands and magic. It was another scene along the way I was stunned at for its coolness.

[Ivan Drago]

The horcrux opening and the story of the three brothers are two of my favorite scenes of this year.

[number8]

This was what I knew I was forgetting when I wrote my reaction. It was a really sharply-executed shootout scene in any other movie, but re-fitted with wands and magic. It was another scene along the way I was stunned at for its coolness.

I love that conceit. Half-Blood Prince also has that locker room shootout between Harry and Malfoy that's almost as intense.

I believe it started with the finale of Order of the Phoenix, yes? Yates pretty much came in and said, "You know what? Let's keep the spells simple. These wands are firearms and grenade launchers. Treat them as such."

[number8]

I'm trying to think of a favorite scene, and it's probably a toss-up between Harry and Hermione's dance and the opening sequence where Hermione erases her parents' memories of her. That was devastating.

[Rowland]

I haven't seen this latest entry yet, but Yates has proven himself an underestimated directorial force with his last two efforts, certainly rivaling Cuaron's expressive work and rendering the remaining films positively trite by comparison.

[number8]

I was pretty excited when he took over, being a huge fan of State of Play. It definitely paid off, and I'm glad he stuck around.

I don't even remember who directed Goblet of Fire, that shite.

[Mara]

I'm trying to think of a favorite scene, and it's probably a toss-up between Harry and Hermione's dance and the opening sequence where Hermione erases her parents' memories of her. That was devastating.

I was wary of the dance, at first, because it could easily have been stupid and sentimental. But the editing, music, and chemistry between the characters led to a moment that didn't feel forced at all-- it was affectionate and lovely.

And don't get me started on Hermoine erasing herself from her parents' memories. I cried in the book just from her description of it-- to see her actually doing it was crushing.

[Mara]

Prolonging the escape from Privet Drive into a chase scene was unnecessary, though, especially when they started driving into tunnels and onto roads. If you have a flying motorbike, and are trying to be evasive, why would you dive into traffic? Silly.

[number8]

Prolonging the escape from Privet Drive into a chase scene was unnecessary, though, especially when they started driving into tunnels and onto roads. If you have a flying motorbike, and are trying to be evasive, why would you dive into traffic? Silly.

Michael Bay was on set for a day.

[Mara]

One of the reasons I don't really like movie theaters is that they are far, far too loud. It hurts my ears and gives me a headache, especially previews, when they amp the noise for no apparent reason. Seriously. The ones in the theater I attended kept getting louder and louder until during that Red Riding Hood preview my purse was literally vibrating in my lap and my heartbeat was getting irregular. I had my fingers stuffed in my ears so hard that it hurt.

Anyway, the film was for the most part fine, but during that chase scene it got very crashy and bangy. Unpleasant.

I'm seriously considering seeing the film again, and I'm taking ear plugs.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Seeing this on Wednesday. I'm trying to keep my expectations in check, but you guys are making that pretty difficult. I just have to keep reminding myself that I haven't really liked any of the previous films. That helps.

[number8]

Oh man, the whole theater bust a gut at that Red Riding Hood trailer.

[Mara]

Oh man, the whole theater bust a gut at that Red Riding Hood trailer.

My theater (which was not very full, it was an early matinee) could not stop laughing at the Cowboys and Aliens trailer. Nothing else got much of a reaction.

And, KF, I'm not sure how much of my positive reaction to the film was simple surprise at it not sucking. That's kind of why I want to see it again.

[Mara]

I got bored with rating films a few years ago, but I'd put HP 1-6 all somewhere between ** and **.5.

And I think this was at least ***.5.

What next? Will The Voyage of the Dawn Treader suddenly be a nuanced and affecting film examining the ambiguities of Christian faith in a corrupt and imperfect world?

[Rowland]

I don't remember KF's issues with the previous films, but I'm going to guess right now that he won't like this one much either. My thoughts are conflicted here, but I'm leaning towards a weak *** rating. Lots to admire here, but viewers who haven't read the books are in for a rough ride.

[Ivan Drago]

I don't even remember who directed Goblet of Fire, that shite.

Mike Newell, whose recent credit is Prince of Persia. No wonder Goblet of Fire is the worst of the series.

And I haven't read the fifth, sixth or seventh book and I think the films of those books are the best in the movie series.

[Bosco B Thug]

Mike Newell, whose recent credit is Prince of Persia. No wonder Goblet of Fire is the worst of the series. Ahem, also Mona Lisa Smiles, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and the obscure Charlton Heston mummy flick The Awakening!

Yes I've only seen one of those, the latter-most, it was mostly sub-par, and no wonder Goblet of Fire was sooo blah.

[Rowland]

Isn't Newell mostly known for Donnie Brasco? Haven't seen it, but I kinda liked Prince of Persia.

[kuehnepips]

Wow. Really good.

I think even KF will like it.

[Wryan]

Seen it twice already. Devastatingly good, made especially impressive that it's only half a movie but doesn't feel like it. Even splitting the final book into two parts, there are moments and scenes that are really rushed and given short shrift. Bill Nighy is great, the opening Voldemort scene, the animation, the trio carrying their solo scenes well, there was just so much greatness here. Even tho I love Cuaron's film mightily, I do kinda wish we could go back in time and have Yates and this team do all of the films. Setting aside the third, we have really amazing fifth, sixth and now seventh (A) films. The quality has been stunning these last few films. Serra's cinematography was very fitting.

[amberlita]

That animation sequence was utterly stunning and haunting.

Otherwise I thought the film was excellent but didn't get a sense it was light years better than the previous ones (perhaps because I refuse to watch the first two films or Goblet of Fire and so I mostly only recall the very good ones in the series).

I agree with Mara, some of the romantic relationships have been unfortunately underdeveloped. Harry and Ginny's being the most lamentable loss.

[Rowland]

I read the book and still had a hard time following some of this. Granted, I can hardly recall large portions of the book, let alone its more specific details, but most of it came back to me, just enough so I wasn't in the same state of perpetual confusion that some of my surrounding audience members were clearly in. The narrative is shapeless even by the standards of these films, which is obviously by design to an extent, but it still felt to me like more could have been done to both streamline and emphasize certain important details.

Spoilers for this movie:

For instance, I thought the discovery of the first Horcrux was hopelessly muddled. Otherwise, anyone else recall the scene with the snake in the old lady disguise being one of the book's most intense, only for the film version to kinda fizzle? Also, the deaths of MadEye and Hedwig felt weirdly cursory (my girlfriend didn't even realize Hedwig was dead until I told her after the movie), and the return of Dobby the Magic Neg-I mean, House-Elf, after disappearing entirely from the films since the Chamber of Secrets, only emphasized the cheapness of his role as an easy, albeit reasonably effective, deus ex machina/martyr. And how about the chase sequence with the Snatchers, anyone else find that a little too self-consciously Bourne-y? The action was fine otherwise, though I'm surprised to find myself recalling Yates' action direction being superior in his previous two efforts.

Also, quick spoiler question regarding the next film for those who've read the book:

Is the appearance of the deer apparition and the Gryffindor sword revealed to be the work of Snape assisting them? I honestly can't recall.

Don't get the impression I didn't like the movie, as I really did quite a bit, but because I didn't love it like most of you seem to have, I find its niggling flaws more notable.

[Mara]

Is the appearance of the deer apparition and the Gryffindor sword revealed to be the work of Snape assisting them? I honestly can't recall.

Yes. Dumbledore gave the sword to Snape to give to Harry, reminding him that it needed to be "earned" in a feat of bravery, which is why it was inconveniently placed at the bottom of a frozen lake. And the doe is Snape's patronus, because it was also Lily Potter's patronus and he loved her.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Well. I liked it. Didn't love it. Liked it. I'll come up with more when I'm not so tired.

[megladon8]

I think even KF will like it.


:lol:


If MatchCut is ever looked upon for quotes on DVD covers, I hope this is used.

[Dillard]

spoilerzzzz....

Shoot, I missed having the interaction between the kids and the adult actors. More Alan Rickman please! I'm sure we'll get it in the next film. Certainly, this is the part of the Harry Potter narrative arc where the kids are left alone, very alone in the woods on their frustrating camping trip. And no they're not kids anymore, they're adults. I wish, however, that they were better at holding their own. It felt a little like I was watching a soap opera in parts, albeit, with some stunning outdoor locations. And no it's not their faults. The evil locket being the source of their ill will toward each other in these scenes is a rather crude plot device for adding conflict. Of course, I'm playing the reductionist because the camping scenes don't make up a majority of the film, far from it. A good amount of the film takes place indoors and elsewhere as well, with some stunning set pieces such as the Ministry of Magic and the Lovegood's place and the town of Godric's Hollow. However, it seems to me that these scenes of conflict are the emotional core of the film where the trio are in limbo, growing up (acting-wise as well), and I wish they had come off better. Ron's explanation for how he ended up getting back in the picture due to Hermione's light in his heart leading him back to them was just plain laughable. The dancing scene (was this in the book?) was odd, and filled with sexual tension (was this in the book?) and written in to give the characters something to do other than huff and puff and stare at their gifts from Dumbledore.

Confession, if it's at all helpful for my reaction above: I did not like the 7th book very much.

5.5/10

[Kurosawa Fan]

Nevermind. Dillard did my "review" for me.

[Raiders]

Narratively this is crap. A series of starts and stops that builds no momentum, skips around almost to a disconcerting degree (likely the point, but I also get the impression more familiarity with the material would clarify things) and cumulatively has little serious dramatic effect. It is basically a 2 1/2 hour scavenger hunt with the occasionally nice character moment and a lot of angst.

But, it's also pretty stellar filmmaking. The already oft-mentioned animated story was gorgeously rendered (though actual shadow-puppets may have been even cooler), and I am a fan of turning the wands into guns and explosives. Yates and his crew have a great control over the chilling feel they wish to instill. It just feels bleak and that a great and deafening horror is imminently pending (the ending starts the process). Basically they have taken where the series starts to go in number five (the way a children's tale has turned into a gothic-inspired horror film) and just kick it to 11. I actually said to my wife afterward, "shit just got real."

[Raiders]

I have to admit, the more I think about it, the braver and cooler this film feels. No, it's not original and if I analyze it in a vacuum, it's only a marginally entertaining film with some inspired visual bits. But, it is extremely cool to me to see them be so, well, brave (best word I can use) and not use the already predetermined success of this film to just phone it in, at least from a filmmaking standpoint. There's a lot of inspired and quality filmmaking and sure, it is almost all borrowed from other successful genre films, but look at how the series has grown. This film shames the cookie-cutter first two films. Yes, the material itself was more innocent and kinda bland. But honestly, except for the amount of danger, this film's material isn't exactly rich with interesting twists (at least not what made it on screen). It's essentially, as I said before, a scavenger hunt with a lot of location-hopping and angst. But it's got great atmosphere, well-choreographed and exciting chases and "shootouts," ambitious animation, and basically says "screw it" to family entertainment and gives us the proper and natural conclusion: cold, hard and chilling.

[Mara]

Yeah, okay, I need to see it again to reevaluate.

[D_Davis]

Man, I didn't like it at all. Set piece, teleport. Set piece, teleport. Long scene of exposition in which everything is told, nothing is shown. Set piece, teleport. I never felt any real danger, nor that anything was ever at stake because whenever things got bad, the characters just teleported to safety.

Two scenes in particular I felt were especially bad - the wedding and the one where Harry went to his birth place. The wedding was entirely useless - a scene with exposition as the only purpose. Harry sat down and talked to those two older people, and discovered all kinds of stuff. And then when he went to the place where he was born, and his parents died, it was nothing but a set up for an action set piece from which they teleported to safety. I also hated how Ron showed up at the nick of time to help Harry get the sword.

I love quest stories, and stories of searching and grand adventure, but I never got a sense of place and geography that is so important to these kinds of fantasies. I never knew where the characters were in relation to the last set piece, nor did I ever know why they were where they were rather than it was just a convenient place for them to teleport to and luckily stumble upon a new plot point. It was like a series of dots without the lines connecting any of them.

Ugh. So frustrating. I would so love to love these movies because I would love for there to be a new epic series of genre films to get into. But I just can't.

The animated sequence was beautiful, though. Best part of the film.

[D_Davis]

There is a great scene in Godzilla Final Wars in which a character who has been captured, and is presumably dead, shows up in the nick of time to help the heroes escape, and his only explanation is, "I manages to escape somehow." It's hilarious, and played for laughs. It's totally ridiculous because without him, the heroes would have died. I feel like the entire HP franchise is built upon this as the ultimate plot device.

When Dobby shows up to rescue them from jail (to teleport them to safety, no less), I about died. "I'm here to save you!" he says, or something like that. I immediately thought of GFW.

Also, rather than jumping in the ice cold lake to get the sword, why didn't Harry just use magic? It's weird, magic seems to work for everything until it doesn't.

[Raiders]

Also, rather than jumping in the ice cold lake to get the sword, why didn't Harry just use magic? It's weird, magic seems to work for everything until it doesn't.

He did try. Very first thing he did.

[D_Davis]

He did try. Very first thing he did.

Must have missed it due to the frustration I was feeling. Why didn't it work?

[D_Davis]

In a previous scene in the Ministry of Magic, the filmmakers set up the rules that magic can be used to move physical objects, and yet later we are treated to a scene in which objects can't be moved by magic, all for a set up for a set piece. It's all so totally amateur.

The books are like a million times better at this stuff, right?

[D_Davis]

In the books, is the death of the Minister of Magic and the takeover of the Ministry of Magic a big deal? Because in the film, we aren't shown this at all. We're only told that it happened from some little nebulous floating blue ball. To me it felt like a major plot point was casually brushed aside and left off screen. I couldn't understand if it was supposed to be a big deal or not. Was it just supposed to be a "yeah, oh well, whatever" moment?

[Mara]

Must have missed it due to the frustration I was feeling. Why didn't it work?

Because it was enchanted not to work, on purpose. That may or may not be explained in the second film... it was included in the second half of the book.

One of the most frustrating parts of the seventh book, but also one of the most realistic, is that there is a large chunk of it where our heroes have no flipping idea what they are doing. They're just on the run, with very little idea of where to go. It is annoying both to us and to them. But seriously-- this is the first time the kids have been away from the safe and sanctioned womb of Hogwarts, alone and without adults to protect them-- it's pretty realistic that they would take awhile to figure out what they are doing.

[Mara]

In the books, is the death of the Minister of Magic and the takeover of the Ministry of Magic a big deal? Because in the film, we aren't shown this at all. We're only told that it happened from some little nebulous floating blue ball. To me it felt like a major plot point was casually brushed aside and left off screen. I couldn't understand if it was supposed to be a big deal or not. Was it just supposed to be a "yeah, oh well, whatever" moment?

Well... yes and no. The Ministry has been falling since book five. It was sort of inevitable, and in the books it's mentioned repeatedly as something that is on the cusp, so when it finally does, it's not too shocking.

Scrimgeour is more of a major character is books six and seven than in the films, but he's not exactly a great guy. We're not totally upset at his death.

[number8]

Because it was enchanted not to work, on purpose. That may or may not be explained in the second film...

I'm fairly sure it was.

[number8]

One of the most frustrating parts of the seventh book, but also one of the most realistic, is that there is a large chunk of it where our heroes have no flipping idea what they are doing. They're just on the run, with very little idea of where to go. It is annoying both to us and to them.

I thought the movie translated this really well by channeling all of that frustration into Ron. It made more sense that the horcrux wasn't initially feeding off of a jealousy over Hermione, as that didn't really exist before. It was more his frustration of getting injured in a quest that's leading nowhere and Harry, the supposed chosen one, doesn't seem to know what the hell he's doing and making up the journey as he goes along. I like that the jealousy stems from that rather than just out of nowhere.

[Sxottlan]

It was more his frustration of getting injured in a quest that's leading nowhere and Harry, the supposed chosen one, doesn't seem to know what the hell he's doing and making up the journey as he goes along. I like that the jealousy stems from that rather than just out of nowhere.

There's that, but there's always been a little bit of tension between Ron and Harry over his role as the Chosen One in general.

The early books also had a bit more emphasis on how Harry had received a sizable inheritance while the Weasleys have struggled. There was a scene in a film where Harry tried to buy something off the cart on the train for Ron and Ron refused.

[lovejuice]

I generally like Harry Potter movies more than the books. This one is among the few exceptions. Granted, the book is my third favorite of the series.

It's not the film-makers' fault per se. Structurally the narrative is weak, but its episodic nature doesn't hurt the book as much as it does the film.

The animation sequence is gorgeous, but it can't compare with the mythological feel evoked by the same episode in the book. This is probably my favorite element of the whole Harry Potter series, and I can't help but feel it's being ruined.

[[ETM]]

We're not totally upset at his death.

I was. I like Bill Nighy too much.

[Morris Schæffer]

Jesus, they finally got it right! This is the best one so far.


The horcrux opening and the story of the three brothers are two of my favorite scenes of this year.Yes to the second, but less crazy about the first. It's weird, but when that horcrux opened, I had a vague feeling of "been there, done that" whereas any scene involving just our heroes in the forest talking or, heck, just being there was fantastic. There are some stunning, stunning locations in the latter part of the movie, tremendously atmospheric. It's really quite amazing how laidback and measured the pace of this installment is.


Yes. Dumbledore gave the sword to Snape to give to Harry, reminding him that it needed to be "earned" in a feat of bravery, which is why it was inconveniently placed at the bottom of a frozen lake. And the doe is Snape's patronus, because it was also Lily Potter's patronus and he loved her.

So Mara, then it is still a huge coincidence that Harry and Hermione managed to teleport to the one place in England where the sword was hidden (And Ron happened to be)? Or where they somehow guided by Severus?

[Mara]

So Mara, then it is still a huge coincidence that Harry and Hermione managed to teleport to the one place in England where the sword was hidden (And Ron happened to be)? Or where they somehow guided by Severus?

It's not a coincidence, but it happens the other way around.

As I recall, and I'm not going to look it up to check, there's a whole bit cut out of the movie with Phineus whats-his-name, the previous headmaster of Hogwarts, having his portrait shoved in Hermoine's bag. The portrait is spying on them for Snape, who is currently headmaster and so has access to all the previous headmaster's portraits. Hermoine lets slip where they are camping, so Snape goes over there and hides the sword, then sends his patronus to tempt Harry to the spot.

[Morris Schæffer]

Ah ok, I figured there was an explanation for it, but it's been sooo long since I've read the books.

[Bosco B Thug]

I cannot believe how fucking badass this movie was. Ta-da. This.

The action, suspense, and thrills were tremendous.

Most importantly, though, considering how mind-numbing I've found previous entries, this has to be the most worthwhile scripting Kloves has done for the series. Maybe the book translates to a screenplay much more readily, but I sensed he was freeing himself up a bit, and every beat, even every bit of exposition, seemed communicated just right.


One of the most frustrating parts of the seventh book, but also one of the most realistic, is that there is a large chunk of it where our heroes have no flipping idea what they are doing. They're just on the run, with very little idea of where to go. This actually comes through in the film, and I think it's what made the film so structurally well-done for me. All the treking breathes so effectively, filled with aimless dread, and I feel like finally we're seeing these three friends interact and be friends. Each high-stakes scavange set-piece and each hasty teleport is energized by real stakes and real haste.

One major disagreement with all of you, though: that dancing scene is dreadful!!! Worst part. I admired the adult emotions it was trying to pull off, but Radcliffe fumbles it and Yates thinks gauzy close-ups and loose editing will make it work, but it's so transparent and embarrassing.

[Morris Schæffer]

http://www.empireonline.com/images/uploaded/neville-longbottom.jpg

[Henry Gale]

mObK5XD8udk

Oh shiiiiiit.

[Mara]

Oh shiiiiiit.

Does that seem to be spoiling a number of the deaths? Or is it just that I know whose going to die so I'm catching the references?

[Mara]

I'm calling it right now--

"NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH"

--is going to have the whole theater freaking out.

[megladon8]

So Deathly Hallows Part 1 is the only film in the series I haven't seen yet.

My folks watched it a few nights ago. My mom and dad love the series so much that they have - no word of a lie - watched every film in the series before this more than a dozen times.

They're like "go to" movies for their movie nights.

Anyways, they hated this latest one so much that they might not even bother with Part 2, and they said it also tainted their love of the other movies.

Wow...they really hated it.

[elixir]

So Deathly Hallows Part 1 is the only film in the series I haven't seen yet.

My folks watched it a few nights ago. My mom and dad love the series so much that they have - no word of a lie - watched every film in the series before this more than a dozen times.

They're like "go to" movies for their movie nights.

Anyways, they hated this latest one so much that they might not even bother with Part 2, and they said it also tainted their love of the other movies.

Wow...they really hated it.

How odd. I thought it was probably the best one yet.

[megladon8]

How odd. I thought it was probably the best one yet.


They've found it bothersome how progressively dark the series gets.

My dad likes happy movies with happy endings.

[Ezee E]

Did they read the books?

[elixir]

They've found it bothersome how progressively dark the series gets.

My dad likes happy movies with happy endings.

Wait...have they read the books? (I initially assumed that, but reading over your post, it can be referring to the book or the film series.)

EDIT: Question already asked above, I see.

[Henry Gale]

Does that seem to be spoiling a number of the deaths? Or is it just that I know whose going to die so I'm catching the references?

Probably a bit of both, but to my eyes, as someone who hasn't read the book, it just looked like a rapid collage of ridiculously cool scenes. No moments where I really went "oh THANKS, trailer..." in terms of spoilers.

[number8]

That trailer is fucking bananaaaaaas.

[Morris Schæffer]

Astonishing trailer!!!!

[Mara]

They've found it bothersome how progressively dark the series gets.

My dad likes happy movies with happy endings.

If they don't like the series getting dark, I'm surprised they made it past the fifth film.

But I love it more and more the darker and more mature it gets. It's the story of a boy growing up-- it should get more difficult.

[Mara]

By the way, I might have reread the last few chapters of book 7 again last night, spurred on by my own quote above, and I might have cried like a baby.

I know many people that have a love-hate relationship with the epilogue, but I will kick anyone in the shins who denies that the story has one of the greatest climaxes of all time.

[Wryan]

Harry Potter and the Dodgy 3D Effects. Dammit. Looks good, still, but some of that was awful.

[Marley]

Damn, that was awesome.

[Mara]

I'm not seeing it in 3D. I don't like wearing the glasses over my glasses, and I don't like wearing contacts. (Though I shouldn't complain-- a good friend of mine has only one eye, and her vitriol towards 3D movies runs deep.)

[Wryan]

(Though I shouldn't complain-- a good friend of mine has only one eye, and her vitriol towards 3D movies runs deep.)

That's some hard shit right there.

[Mara]

That's some hard shit right there.

She's charming about it. She'll go up to unsuspecting toddlers and stick a pen in her false eye to freak them out.

[Mara]

She's charming about it. She'll go up to unsuspecting toddlers and stick a pen in her false eye to freak them out.

Actually, we were friends for two or three years before I realized she had a false eye. I thought she had a lazy eye, because the false one doesn't move like the other. So, the first time I saw her stick a pen in her eye to freak out a toddler, she got me too.

[megladon8]

Sorry for the delayed response.

No, they have not read the books.

[Marley]

By the way, I might have reread the last few chapters of book 7 again last night, spurred on by my own quote above, and I might have cried like a baby.

I know many people that have a love-hate relationship with the epilogue, but I will kick anyone in the shins who denies that the story has one of the greatest climaxes of all time.

Don't worry, you're not alone. I just hope the filmmakers don't screw up the epilogue so it comes across as awkward or lame.

[Mara]

Rewatched Part I last night and I'm still impressed. It's not a perfect film, but is so much better than the previous installments that I find myself very affectionate towards it.

[[ETM]]

I have now seen all films, two actually in the theaters, and I still can't feel any attachment to anything or anyone in them beyond technical mastery and some of the performances. I've even "read" the first book, and not even Stephen Fry's best efforts could lift it that much above the films.

But yes, the previous film has affected me the most. I may even have seen it a couple times.

[Mara]

The first book is pretty good, but they don't start getting really complex and interesting around the third book, and they get amazing in the fifth (when they really stopped being "kid's" books.)

[[ETM]]

I've got all the audiobooks and intend to hear Ms. Rowling's case out, so to speak. Also, I feel that I'm now obligated to watch the last film in 3D with Dina.

[Watashi]

HCJqnQIHKv0

I wasn't even a big fan of the first part, but damn...

http://cdn1.knowyourmeme.com/system/icons/5574/original/1726009-shut_up_and_take_my_money_supe r.jpg

[number8]

My boner. it is huge.

[Mara]

Wow, that gave away a lot. It even had ghosts in it! Which totally choked me up, 'cause I'm a huge baby.

[D_Davis]

As Pete Townsend said, "won't get fooled again."

I've seen three of these (I think) because of the awesome trailers....and, well, let's just say these movies make awesome trailers.

And yes, that was an awesome trailer. No denying that.

[[ETM]]

I've just rewatched the first two films, and wow... good riddance Chris Columbus, welcome... that.

[Mara]

I had a comical conversation a few weeks ago with a friend, where we were accidentally speaking at cross-purposes. I was talking about HP 7 pt 2 and she was discussing the Rapture-that-wasn't, and she said it had been delayed to October and I was, like, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO."

Blah blah blah, I'm a huge nerd.

[Marley]

I'm so tempted to watch that trailer...must resist! :lol:

[Sxottlan]

Wow, that gave away a lot.

Yeah, I actually stopped looking at the screen after awhile because I was thinking they're showing way too much.

[[ETM]]

Rewatched "Prisoner of Azkaban". This is truly a remarkable achievement and a genuinely fun film. I've been keeping eye on the main trio, and it's amazing how Radcliffe essentially didn't really grow in skill from the first movie, and how Grint and Watson in particular (she was really good in "PoA") overtook him. It's also amazing how any moment away from plot was used to explore Hogwarts and the world in general visually, and I feel it did do 10x more to make it come alive than the first two put together.

[Marley]

;353631']Rewatched "Prisoner of Azkaban". This is truly a remarkable achievement and a genuinely fun film. I've been keeping eye on the main trio, and it's amazing how Radcliffe essentially didn't really grow in skill from the first movie, and how Grint and Watson in particular (she was really good in "PoA") overtook him. It's also amazing how any moment away from plot was used to explore Hogwarts and the world in general visually, and I feel it did do 10x more to make it come alive than the first two put together.

I agree wholeheartedly with everything you say here. As a fan of the books, PoA is filled with plot-holes and inaccuracies but I am forgiving since it is such a huge improvement in terms of visual aesthetic from the first two films. The director also did a great job of vividly establishing the environment and geography of Hogwarts as opposed to Columbus's claustrophobic set designs.

[[ETM]]

I think I like it so much because, for once, there's no Voldemort in it. The books probably have more room for details, but in the films (save for "Hallows 1") it's usually "Hogwarts going about its usual business... for like five minutes, until Voldemort, or an apparition of his, spoils everything". It made it seem that whenever anything happens at the school or elsewhere, it goes wrong, which is why it's difficult to take any of it seriously. Of course, given the nature of the story, the final film will take this to its expected extreme.:lol:

[BuffaloWilder]

I remember when Columbus' films came out - to a nine or a ten year old, like I was, they seemed like the greatest thing in the world, at the time. But, looking back and watching them now, there's nothing that's really - well, interesting about them. They're just so bland, and in such a rush to "get somewhere" narratively that it abolishes them of any kind of tension or build-up; they're free of the kind of "witching hour/haunted house" atmosphere that should've marked those earlier installments, or indeed any kind of atmosphere at all. I mean, come on - this guy made Young Sherlock Holmes. That's a great boarding-school movie. Why didn't any of that carry over to this newer series?

[Mara]

I've already talked people into taking me to the film and buying me dinner beforehand. (It helps that it's coming out at my birthday.)

Ah, life is good.

[Morris Schæffer]

Well, the critical reception so far for part two is fucking rapturous! Can't wait!

[Mara]

Well, the critical reception so far for part two is fucking rapturous! Can't wait!

Might be going Saturday. Excited.

[Morris Schæffer]

Might be going Saturday. Excited.

Same here. Saturday appears to be the day.

[Raiders]

Yep. Got my 3D XD tickets for Saturday.

[Mara]

Are we allowed to talk about how Matthew Lewis has become absolutely James-Bond-gorgeous? He's an adult, now... we can talk about this, right?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v254/maragirl/118400457-Matt-Lewis-Dreamy-419x628.jpg

[[ETM]]

I'll try to get tickets for a 3D screening on Thursday for me and my girlfriend.

[Fezzik]

Going Saturday or Sunday morning. $5 tickets before noon. Less crowds (especially in a college town in the summer :D).

[Raiders]

Are we allowed to talk about how Matthew Lewis has become absolutely James-Bond-gorgeous? He's an adult, now... we can talk about this, right?http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v254/maragirl/118400457-Matt-Lewis-Dreamy-419x628.jpg

Of course. I do not pretend to turn a blind eye to Emma Watson.

[number8]

Oh yes. Especially with her new short hair.

http://i.imgur.com/Pj6No.jpg

[origami_mustache]

Prisoner of Azkaban is the only one worth a damn.

[Watashi]

Thank you, number8.

Thank you.

[Ezee E]

I still need to see Part 1.

[eternity]

I wish I could read reviews for The Deathly Hallows as a whole. Seems wrong to me to review Pt. 1 and Pt. 2 separately. They *are* one film.

[TGM]

Will be seeing this Saturday morning. Can't wait! :)

[Henry Gale]

I think being exactly the same age as Emma Watson, I lucked out in the sense that I never had to feel awkward about thinking she was gorgeous. But it also means that I was young enough to love the first couple of the movies when they came out. I have yet to revisit them...

Considering that Part 1 of Deathly Hallows may be my favourite of the series, and this looks about as good as well as ten times more exciting, I'm reeeeally excited for Friday.

[Ivan Drago]

I'm seeing this 12:01 am on Friday morning. I saw the last two films at midnight, and both times (especially Half-Blood Prince) were some of the best theater-going experiences I've ever had. Hope this one is just as awesome.

[Ivan Drago]

This talk is reminding me of this Onion video (http://www.theonion.com/video/final-minutes-of-last-harry-potter-movie-to-be-spl,20528/) from a while back.

[[ETM]]

Tickets bought. Perfect seats for tomorrow at 22:30, in 3D.

[Mara]

;360628']Tickets bought. Perfect seats for tomorrow at 22:30, in 3D.

Can you reserve seats? I don't know of any places that do it in the U.S. That would be convenient.

[Barty]

Can you reserve seats? I don't know of any places that do it in the U.S. That would be convenient.

A few theatres in LA do it.

[number8]

I always wondered why that's not more common. In Asia, seat-assigned movie tickets are the norm for multiplexes.

[Raiders]

High praise from our own Jaime Christley over at Slant:

http://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-2/5627

[[ETM]]

Yeah, this multiplex lets you reserve specific seats on a "first come - first served" basis, provided you pick up and pay for tickets at least an hour before the showing. All seats and tickets are numbered, even for low attendance showings, but you can move around if you want if there are seats available. These guys will even let you pick your seats from the map on screen.

My local multiplex doesn't let you pick your seats, but they start reservations from the upper center seats and move their way outwards, so it makes sense to reserve early. I can reserve tickets for free over the phone.

[Mara]

High praise from our own Jaime Christley over at Slant:

http://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-2/5627

How is he our own? Is he MC?

[DavidSeven]

A few theatres in LA do it.

Yep, and I'll never deal with randomized seating again unless I'm absolutely forced to. This is the way to live in a civilized society, my friends.

[Raiders]

How is he our own? Is he MC?

He's posted here before.

[Mara]

He's posted here before.

Intriguing.

[Morris Schæffer]

Intriguing.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/09/DataTNG.jpg/250px-DataTNG.jpg

I concur. Fascinating.

[Ezee E]

He has like 10 posts.

[Ezee E]

Sorry, four.

[TripZone]

The dragon near the start is a beautiful piece of CGI.

[Watashi]

Now that the Harry Potter series is over, maybe the truth can be realized: This has been the dullest franchise in the history of movie franchises.

- Sir Armond White (http://www.nypress.com/article-22641-franchise-overboard.html)

[transmogrifier]

- Sir Armond White (http://www.nypress.com/article-22641-franchise-overboard.html)

Stopped clock and all that.

[Pop Trash]

I kinda agree with Mr. White. I'm not a fan.

[Fezzik]

- Sir Armond White (http://www.nypress.com/article-22641-franchise-overboard.html)

That's right, Mr. White, because your eyes are the only ones that see the truth.

In all seriousness, I have no issues with White hating the franchise - its all opinion.

But calling it dull just comes off as trolling. With the exception of the 2nd one, I don't think you can really call any of them dull.

That'd be like calling Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon "ugly."

(and yes, I know I've just opened a can of worms with that comment)

[Raiders]

His complete ripping of Yates makes little sense to me. There is a lot of elegance to Yates' compositions and sense of pacing for whittling down such mammoth stories to their most essential bits of action. Yates' films have finally made the silly magic "unmagical," that's precisely the point. In this universe, for these children, the wands are guns and the spells their bullets. The last few films are basically summer action films with teenagers and magic.

White yet again just appears to be lazy here. His disinterest in the franchise, which is understandable, essentially makes it so he throws out a few pejoratives in Yates' direction (as if these films look or feel anything like Columbus' efforts), calls the series bad and throws in a random praise for his pet Hollywood auteur, and is done with it.

Of course, all this said I haven't actually seen this film, but then again there is nothing in White's review that indicates he has either.

[[ETM]]

I only have issues with White constantly trying to pass his own views as fact, even though they're most often factually wrong. Like the claim that Lord of the Rings was a "debacle—unintelligible fantasy epic that people went to out of consumerist habit and left unable to recount or fondly recall".

[Mara]

;360834']I only have issues with White constantly trying to pass his own views as fact, even though they're most often factually wrong. Like the claim that Lord of the Rings was a "debacle—unintelligible fantasy epic that people went to out of consumerist habit and left unable to recount or fondly recall".

Wha?

Also, this is the first entry in the series that I'm really excited about, because I thought Part I was head & shoulders over the other entries in the series. (One, Two, and Four were bad, Three, Five and Six were okay.)

[transmogrifier]

That's right, Mr. White, because your eyes are the only ones that see the truth.

In all seriousness, I have no issues with White hating the franchise - its all opinion.

But calling it dull just comes off as trolling. With the exception of the 2nd one, I don't think you can really call any of them dull.

That'd be like calling Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon "ugly."

(and yes, I know I've just opened a can of worms with that comment)

But I think the series HAS been dull. Far too many irrelevant set pieces and deus ex machina, stretching what really is a wafer thin story on and on and on and on.

[transmogrifier]

Of course, all this said I haven't actually seen this film, but then again there is nothing in White's review that indicates he has either.

This is par for the course for White. Most of his criticisms of a movie are either (a) so generic as to be worthless, (b) so convoluted you need a flow-chart to figure out simple cause and effect, or (c) of the audience an/or other reviewers of the movie. White has no discernible cinematic principles by which he judges film - instead it is more of a scattershot attack on politics and culture using a random film as an entry point.

[Ezee E]

But I think the series HAS been dull. Far too many irrelevant set pieces and deus ex machina, stretching what really is a wafer thin story on and on and on and on.
I'd like to pretend that the first two don't exist. And while the others have supreme technical merit, I couldn't really tell you the difference between any of them except for Azkaban.

[transmogrifier]

I'd like to pretend that the first two don't exist. And while the others have supreme technical merit, I couldn't really tell you the difference between any of them except for Azkaban.

But even that's a bit of a myth really - Azkaban is no real improvement on any of the others. It just had a name director. And time-travel. That's all I remember.

[Raiders]

But even that's a bit of a myth really - Azkaban is no real improvement on any of the others. It just had a name director. And time-travel. That's all I remember.

Improvement or not, it is pretty much fact that it is markedly different in terms of form and presentation from the first two films, and even number four.

But really, the films are fairly different from one another in terms of focus and even style. I think many people view the stories and characters as silly, and I do too, but there is a lot of care in the craft of them that seems to get mostly ignored either by uber-fans who care only about plot and adherence to the source or people who view the material with disdain and seem to write off all else.

[D_Davis]

Stopped clock and all that.

Yep.

[[ETM]]

But even that's a bit of a myth really - Azkaban is no real improvement on any of the others. It just had a name director. And time-travel. That's all I remember.

I've talked about this in this thread a few pages back, after rewatching the series... Cuaron's contribution goes way beyond what others managed in several important aspects. It's no myth.

[BuffaloWilder]

Trans hates good things.

To be fair both of the first two installments were pretty - well, bad. But, that's Chris Columbus for you. Everything after them has been pretty great, with a bit of flimsiness where narrative organization is concerned, but you can't help the source material you come from.

Rowling's a great, great writer when it comes to the evolution of relationships and people, and mythology and all of that kind of thing - but, she does rely a bit too strongly on self-same story formula throughout the whole series, and that does take it down a bit.

But, everything else seems to carry through pretty perfectly - perhaps even better - in the films. And, David Yates has slowly become THE blockbuster director of the past ten years to really watch and keep your eye on, without a doubt.

[number8]

I just keep wishing that a lot of the developments would have been planted in the earlier movies to have more impact with that gradual growth, rather than shoehorned into these last few movies in order to give context. Although that would necessitate advance planning that is obviously very hard when you're talking about making seven movies over a period of a decade. Still, this would have been a much better franchise if Yates was on it since the beginning, or if the movies were made after the books were finished.

I like this series a lot, but there's a shitload of missed opportunities and patch jobs.

[Watashi]

I just keep wishing that a lot of the developments would have been planted in the earlier movies to have more impact with that gradual growth, rather than shoehorned into these last few movies in order to give context. Although that would necessitate advance planning that is obviously very hard when you're talking about making seven movies over a period of a decade. Still, this would have been a much better franchise if Yates was on it since the beginning, or if the movies were made after the books were finished.

I like this series a lot, but there's a shitload of missed opportunities and patch jobs.
Well, duh, that's what the reboot in 2015 is for.

[Raiders]

I just keep wishing that a lot of the developments would have been planted in the earlier movies to have more impact with that gradual growth, rather than shoehorned into these last few movies in order to give context. Although that would necessitate advance planning that is obviously very hard when you're talking about making seven movies over a period of a decade. Still, this would have been a much better franchise if Yates was on it since the beginning, or if the movies were made after the books were finished.

I like this series a lot, but there's a shitload of missed opportunities and patch jobs.

Well, it was originally planned for Columbus to do all seven (eight) films... so, it could have been worse.

[number8]

*shudder*

[Mara]

Well, duh, that's what the reboot in 2015 is for.

I bet you anything they do reboot the series in my lifetime-- and that they'll be better. They'll know which things matter over the course of the series, and which don't.

Plus, the special effects will be killa.

[Watashi]

They can wait 50 years to reboot it and have Radcliffe play Dumbledore, Watson play McGonagall, and Grint play Hagrid.

[[ETM]]

Hmm, this was barely worth it.

I think I liked Pt. 1 better by quite a margin.
And the epilogue was cringe worthy.

[Qrazy]

;361016']Hmm, this was barely worth it.

I think I liked Pt. 1 better by quite a margin.
And the epilogue was cringe worthy.

That's a shame. Book 7 is probably the best of the series.

[[ETM]]

That's a shame. Book 7 is probably the best of the series.

I liked it overall, but I can't help feeling underwhelmed.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Just caught up with Part I of Deathly Hallows, which is the closest Potter's come yet to Koyaanisqatsi, with the way the heroes are always transporting themselves to epic landscapes at the cusp of morn or dusk. A lot of lovely images. The story furthers the somewhat underwhelming fetch quest already in place with the Horcruxes, but I still enjoy this universe very much, from the little magical doohickies to the ridiculous British cast to the flawless production design. Though at this point, the films have no excuse to not be immaculate at what they do.

Looking forward to seeing the last film on Saturday.

[MadMan]

This isn't The Hobbit from Peter Jackson, or the Kill Bills from QT. I'm fine with waiting for both parts to come out on DVD and watching them both back to back.

[number8]

Alan Rickman acted the shit out of this movie.

[Ivan Drago]

;361021']I liked it overall, but I can't help feeling underwhelmed.

Same. I went in with ridiculously high expectations, and going in without the first Deathly Hallows fresh in my mind didn't help matters much either. Also, it being the second half of essentially one story hurt itself in terms of pacing. Unlike the previous films, it doesn't work well as a stand-alone movie, like I thought it would going in.

And I agree with ETM, the epilogue was terrible, but then again. . .who else was going to play older Harry, Ron and Hermione?

[[ETM]]

And I agree with ETM, the epilogue was terrible, but then again. . .who else was going to play older Harry, Ron and Hermione?

That didn't bother me, it's just pretty pointless. I know it's in the book, but it doesn't hold nearly as much emotional weight as any of the oft-maligned ROTK endings, which it's being compared to.

[Qrazy]

Just caught up with Part I of Deathly Hallows, which is the closest Potter's come yet to Koyaanisqatsi,

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/9146/lolwut56093405pl2.jpg

[number8]

Also, it being the second half of essentially one story hurt itself in terms of pacing. Unlike the previous films, it doesn't work well as a stand-alone movie, like I thought it would going in.

That's my main problem with it. Great movie, but it requires me to mentally condition myself to think of it as returning to my seat after a 9-month long intermission. If they were one movie, it would have been an incredible one.

[number8]

Seriously, though, that one shot of Voldermort striding across a room covered in blood and corpses. When the actors went to work that shooting day, I wonder if they had to check if they're on the right set.

[Bosco B Thug]

Alan Rickman acted the shit out of this movie. This, though.

[Sxottlan]

Generally excellent. Despite some questionable editing, otherwise everything else was spot on. It does indeed help seeing Part 1 right before, which I did two weeks ago.

-The worst first. Editing/pacing. Wait is that Ron breaking into Gringott's? Is he pretending to be someone specific or did he drink a hair growth potion? Where has the Cloak of Invisibility been for years? The Order is defeated says Mr. Dumbledore, but here they are conveniently marching into the Great Hall when Harry confronts Snape. And oh yeah, Hagrid was captured by Deatheaters at some point. All moments that were incredibly jarring. I have nothing against the developments themselves, just their introduction without set-up.

-Still, with all the convoluted talk about wands in the book, it wasn't hard to keep up with it here.

-Can Alan Rickman get an Oscar nomination for what is basically a fragmented three minute flashback montage? Because he should. When he arrived to the Potter's house? I'll admit it, I cried.

I'm so glad they changed his last scene so that Harry could be a part of it. That is, if it was changed from the book. I thought I remembered being annoyed that there was no final moment between the two. Snape's murder is probably the most brutal scene in the film. And with Harry just feet away apparently unsure how to feel about it. Added kudos for the new boat house set.

-Also a few props for Ralph Fiennes, whose Tom Riddle genuinely starts to look scared here.

-The sweep of the battle scene almost threatens to lose the human element with the camera flying all over, but it still manages to thrill. Even though much was shown in the trailers. The visual effects are however pretty good, especially at Gringott's. I'm just disappointed Industrial Light & Magic was not a part of this finale. Great cinematography as usual, although nothing will ever top film six.

-As for the ending, I liked how it tied into the theme throughout the books of how our parents' personal histories will always be something of a mystery to us. There was always that feeling of what went before with Lupin and Black and Harry's parents along with some horrific surprises (James Potter bullying Severus Snape). And now the children of Harry, Ron and Hermione will probably hear the stories and look at their parents and think, "Bollocks!"

[number8]

Done writing about it. Turned out longer than expected. (http://www.justpressplay.net/articles/8193-blood-horcrux-sex-magic-it-all-ends-with-qdeathly-hallowsq.html)

[Sxottlan]

$92.1 Million for opening day.

[TGM]

The Snape scene was by far the best part of the movie. Oh, and Neville, dude was bad ass!

Other than that, eh, it was okay. It suffered from major pacing issues, but that has mostly to due with the movie being split up into two parts. But it was still entertaining throughout, and the effects were especially awesome this time around.

So it passes, even if it's not the best of the series. This really was an action heavy movie, and the more I think about it, it's really the moments when the movie slows down and puts the action aside that really stand out for me in this series. I think that's why I still personally place Half-Blood Prince, DH Part 1, and Prisoner of Azkaban above this movie.

Oh, and as for the epilogue, damn, I wanna use whatever spell that was to make them age so well. 19 years my ass!

[Dead & Messed Up]

It was good. The Snape flashback was the best thing.

[Henry Gale]

I thought it was very good, but I think I liked Half-Blood Prince and Part 1 of this much more. Those two, plus Azkaban will probably remain my top three for this series. But still, even if its final sequences end up feeling a tad anticlimactic, it has enough of a perfectly grand and emotional pulse to it throughout to still make it perfectly satisfying.

Also, I didn't have as much of a problem with its pace as others have seemed to. A lot of the reviews I've seen have slighted it for feeling rushed and therefore lacking the resonance it may have needed, but I think that's more of a problem with the mechanics of the story itself rather than a fault of its presentation here. I thought it moved along perfectly fine, but one thing I have to admit, having not read the books, is in the way Yates showed the one Weasley brother's death. I honestly didn't know it was him until one of my friends pointed out afterwards how fast they thought they blew past it. I just thought it was Thewlis's character from a weird angle, especially since they showed him right after.
So it's absolutely worth seeing, but I'd just say don't expect them to have saved the best for last.

For some reason, the funniest moment for me was definitely Voldemort struggling to properly hug Draco, clearly meaning to look as if he had never done so in all of his existence.

[Morris Schæffer]

Pretty much in agreement with everyone here, and I now understand what number8 meant when he said this doesn't work so well as a standalone installment. Well, I think that's an exageration, but part two isn't so much a tale as one huge climax. Totally fun, undeniably gripping, but parts that were mysterious and exciting in the book, are sort of meh here such as the discovery of ravenclaws diadeem.

I think I'll probably do a marathon somewhere down the line.

[Watashi]

Maybe it goes more in depth in the book (which I didn't read), but the film never properly explains why Harry didn't die. Also why did Voldemort not check Harry's body himself? He must not care that much.

[Rowland]

One of my favorite scenes was the conversation in the bedroom between Harry and Warwick Davis, who acted the shit out of that nothing dialogue. Weird I guess, but true.

[Watashi]

One of my favorite scenes was the conversation in the bedroom between Harry and Warwick Davis, who acted the shit out of that nothing dialogue. Weird I guess, but true.
I loved that scene.

[Henry Gale]

Yeah, Warwick was great, especially early on, but even later on when he's given the unique circumstance of playing another completely different characters in the same movie.

[Morris Schæffer]

I thought it was weird that the whole school was in terror, afraid to make a move against Severus, then Harry arrives and MacGonagall blasts him out of the window quite easily.

But I suppose she had recognized that playtime was over, the moment of defiance had arrived.

But yeah, that flashback was great, astonishing really. Although when I saw the amount of tears coming out of the flask, I thought there was a Snape ejaculation sequence I had somehow missed.

[Fezzik]

Maybe I was expecting too much, but I too found this a tad underwhelming. There were moments I loved, (the Snape flashback, the boathouse scene, the escape from the room of requirement), but I agree that most of it just felt off.

And I was surprisingly unmoved during most of the emotional payoffs.

There was definitely a pacing problem, as its the shortest of the 8 HP films and to me it seemed to go on the longest.

It was good, but not something I really want to see again.

[EyesWideOpen]

I thought it was weird that the whole school was in terror, afraid to make a move against Severus, then Harry arrives and MacGonagall blasts him out of the window quite easily.

But I suppose she had recognized that playtime was over, the moment of defiance had arrived.

But yeah, that flashback was great, astonishing really. Although when I saw the amount of tears coming out of the flask, I thought there was a Snape ejaculation sequence I had somehow missed.

Well to be fair Snape is only pretending to be bad so he jumps out the window on his own because he doesn't want to hurt MacGonagall.

[Morris Schæffer]

Well to be fair Snape is only pretending to be bad so he jumps out the window on his own because he doesn't want to hurt MacGonagall.

That is also true.


And I was surprisingly unmoved during most of the emotional payoffs.

If the previous installments had been better, they really might have led up to some seriously powerful resonance in the final movie. As it stands, I feel like there's The Deathly Hallows and then there's all the other, average stuff. In fact, it almost feels like the entire series could have been condensed into two huge movies. Really odd.

[Mara]

The parts I liked, I really really liked. But, like most everyone here, I had some reservations. Too much emphasis on random fight scenes near the end, while skipping over important plot points. The King's Cross scene, which is phenomenal in the book, came across as heavy-handed and obvious in the film. And the epilogue was silly in both the film and the book, but at least in the book we had Harry's inner thoughts to justify its existence.

But the good stuff was great-- I loved all the Gringotts stuff, especially HBC acting "Hermione," every damn second Snape was on screen, Neville being awesome, the Malfoys walking away from Hogwarts, Mrs. Weasley and McGonagall being badasses. I also loved the part of the Battle of Hogwarts where they turned off the sound and just had the score as Harry, Ron and Hermione desperately try to get out.

I am annoyed, though, with how much longer they made the film, and yet they still don't wrap up plot points. You could barely tell when Fred died. Teddy Lupin is only mentioned in one line. Aberforth basically calls Dumbledore a murderer, and then it's never revisited. Why even bring it up?

I'm interested for the opportunity to see the two parts in a row. I bet it will help.


Maybe it goes more in depth in the book (which I didn't read), but the film never properly explains why Harry didn't die. Also why did Voldemort not check Harry's body himself? He must not care that much.

Yeah, it is, but it's really convoluted.

The various connections between Harry and Voldemort are confusing and myriad. If you recall, in Book 4 Voldemort uses Harry's blood to resurrect himself after he's disembodied. So, part of Voldemort is alive in Harry (because of the reflected curse) and part of Harry is in Voldemort (because of the blood spell.)

When Voldemort kills Harry, Harry does die. Briefly. It's enough to kill the portion of Voldemort that was still alive inside him. However, because part of Harry is still in Voldemort, it weakens the killing spell and Harry is able to revive himself.

I think Voldemort didn't check Harry's vitals because he was a) badly weakened by the spell and b) still afraid of Harry, after all.

[Watashi]

The more I sleep on it, the less I'm impressed by this final installment.

I think my main beefs have to do with the series as a whole and Rowling's storytelling. I think that's why Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite because it's so far removed from the overall story arc, you could actually show it to someone not familiar with the other films and still get a decent one-shot story out of it.

Like a lot of long-running franchises/series (LOST especially) that relies on a continuous plotline throughout, the closer we get to the end, the more meaningless all the prior films/episodes/seasons became. We are told Harry is this prophetic wizard who will destroy the Dark Lord and yadda yadda, but at the end do we really see how Harry has separated himself among all the other students/wizards?

Throughout the series, we are shown several classes and lessons that the students take and several different "dangerous" curses to learn. It's revealed that it takes a lot of time and patience to master a spell and a select group of wizards (called Aurors) are the most powerful because they dedicate their lives to their craft. Yet in the end... everyone is casting spells with a flick of their wrists with no ease (in fact I'm sure their not even saying the spells name at that point in the film). I know number8 referred this shift in action to the Bourne Spellcasting, but it just feels so tonally different from the other movies, it took me out of it and it made it seem becoming a ultimate wizard wasn't that hard. Why was no one using the killing curse at the main battle? Yeah, I get that it's dangerous, but still yelling "stupify" at the end of all things seems kinda silly. It seems like they are primarily using spells they learned in their first year. I guess I just really wanted to see what a ultimate wizard can do. We barely get a glimpse of the Order in the final installment and they die quickly off screen. Even Bellatrix's demise was extremely anti-climatic (was there even a conflict between her and Mrs. Weasly prior to this fight?). It seemed that it was the wand that made the wizard, and I really felt that this should have been explained more. Exactly why and how is the Elder Wand so powerful? What can it do that other wands do differently? So many questions.

Also, a lot of people mention that there is this big epic scope to the final climax, but all throughout the battle, I kept thinking to myself... "where are the other castles?" We are shown earlier that Hogwarts isn't the only castle and there is a worldwide assortment of schools and wizards, so why is the focus primarily at Hogwarts? I wanted to see more of Voldemort's wrath on a global scale (we see some of it in previous movies), but it then it just becomes a personal vendetta with Harry at the end. I never truly got why Voldemort was so feared across the world.

[Watashi]

Yes, I was one of those people who thought Snape was Harry's father and I wish he still was, because James Potter is kind of an asshole. I wish Snape would have been there during the resurrection scene along with Lilly, Sirius, and Lupin (why was Lupin there and not the other members?). It would have been much more powerful and then I would understand why Harry would speak greatly of Snape to his son in the epilogue. After the flashback, he was never mentioned again. I'd like Harry to confront Voldemort that Snape was betraying him, but nope... never happened.

[Dead & Messed Up]

A missed opportunity with the films (and possibly the books) is the way that the wizarding world is always connected to the regular world, and this is never mined for as much drama as it could be. There are hints of this with the muggle/mudblood racism angle throughout and the Nazi eugenics in Deathly Hallows Part I, but Harry's so completely transported to this other world that whenever we re-visit our world, it's just kinda there, inert.

[Morris Schæffer]

When you think in terms of epic battle scenes, this movie had the visuals, but it didn't have the desperation, the drama to make it count. It didn't have those little moments that really single out the awesome. Beside Neville that is. Sure, when it gets reduced to Harry Vs Voldy or with Weasly and Hermione, it gets more gripping, but all the rest was but an expensive lights show. Important people die, but we get no sense of their effort, their sacrifice perhaps even to really make us mourn those that have passed. To be fair, unless I'm remembering it incorrectly, the book was just the same, but for some reason, on the pages it worked a lot better.

[Raiders]

Thar be spoilers ahead...

Uh, yeah, so I'll say it. This was my favorite of the entire series. It has the benefit of being the most focused, near-sighted and the only one with a real conclusion to the story. People complain that this doesn't work stand-alone, but so what? It isn't a single film, it is a continuation. Why would anyone watch "Part 2" of something without having seen the first?

I love Yates' work here. I love how focused he is on Harry, so much so that the entire battle feels distant as Harry is not a real party to it, that deaths largely occur off-screen (though we do stop to watch Bellatrix's demise) and that the reveal of information near the end courtesy of Snape, basically an infodump, feels palpably shocking and heart-wrenching precisely because we know for every moment we learn surprising twists, Harry is as well. Because Harry has been under the same impressions as us on characters, motivations and allegiances and his world is flipped same as ours. Because the film gives the character of Snape a kind of integrity I never saw coming (even to the point that his disdain for James and even Harry remains but his love for Lily undying--and his patronus reveal of this was, pun intended, magical). Because despite seven films' worth of suspense, despite running around and lurking around Voldemort for seemingly forever, there is a subtle but turbulent upheaval of emotion when Harry receives, via secondhand revelation at that, of his destiny as determined by the one person he thought had been honest and upfront with him. Because we have seen the twee early films and we have ended up here.

I almost admire the childish and stylistic black hole crap of Columbus' early efforts as they make the growth of this series somewhat less character based and more cinematically based. Harry, Hermione and Ron are basically the same now as they were, but the films aren't. Not in the least. Yates so deftly mixes frantic, kinetic action scenes with wands as guns (or arrows in the wonderfully framed opening battle shots from Voldemort's army) with extremely quiet calms in-between as well as some truly horrifying moments (in particular is Voldemort's casual traipsing over dead bodies with bloodied feet). Those first couple of films made this a place of magic, spells and childlike wonder, discovering new (and frequently silly) spells, incantations and potions. But since the fifth film, since Yates took over, we no longer learn new spells and frequently it seems as if the characters need not speak at all. We've had our fun, now nothing lurks in the future but danger and darkness and that wand they hold is not a source of pubescent discovery or new magic to be awoken, but bloody violence to be unleashed. You could argue Yates' films have made the concept of wizardry more dull and less "magical," but I think Yates has realized that to us muggles, the difference between spells, charms and incantations is rather meaningless, but it is the destruction they unleash which resonates with us, the power of a mere 14 or 15 year-old and the fate of their kind which rests on their shoulders. The turning point is in the fifth film, when the other child wizards must turn to Harry and to themselves to learn to protect themselves, to advance themselves beyond the innocence of the earlier films as taught by their professors. From there, the series did away with any semblance of youthful wizardry.

In the end, I cannot explain some of the lingering questions, and I am grateful for it. This is a film that feels like a mission, like a straight-forward, let's-get-to-the-end-alive objective. For all of Yates' brilliant geographical filmmaking, for his sweeping camera shots and his wonderful view of a large firestorm and his lucid exploration of the entire Hogwarts ground as it comes under fire, it is the calm moments that will forever linger. The opening moments at the beach-side cottage, Harry's waiting to fulfill his destiny and that final moment with the three of them on the bridge. That last moment in particular is remarkably loaded with the context of where they have been, where they are standing and what lies ahead. The ruin of Hogwarts, and with it all that has gone before, including the happiness, has been laid to waste. I understand the epilogue's necessity from a populist standpoint, but I was so incredibly disappointed the film did not end on what was possibly the single most resonant shot of the entire frickin' series.

It has been a heavily flawed series, and I dislike as many of the films as I like, but this is a landmark achievement beyond the money. Leaving the theatre, I was genuinely saddened there wouldn't be another one, but grateful that the filmmakers, Yates in particular, made the final leg of the journey so rewarding.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I understand the epilogue's necessity from a populist standpoint, but I was so incredibly disappointed the film did not end on what was possibly the single most resonant shot of the entire frickin' series.

Great thoughts. I especially agree with this. When it faded to black, I was hoping the credits would come up. Potent image, full of both optimism and uncertainty.

[number8]

Great thoughts. I especially agree with this. When it faded to black, I was hoping the credits would come up. Potent image, full of both optimism and uncertainty.

I knew they did the book's epilogue, but that fading image was so undeniably perfect that I was hoping that Yates argued for the good sense of leaving the epilogue on the cutting room floor. Sigh.

[Mara]

I'd like Harry to confront Voldemort that Snape was betraying him, but nope... never happened.

It could have been done in one line, and Fiennes could have blown the hell out of a reaction shot.

I'm so glad they explained about Snapes' Patronus, though. That was a really lovely moment. (Foreshadowed in the books multiple times with matching Patronuses being a symbol of love; James and Lily have a stag and a doe, and Tonks' Patronus changes into a wolf when she falls in love with Lupin.)

[Mara]

I'm already thinking about seeing this again. Now that I've had time to process my (fairly minor) disappointments, I think I'll be better able to focus on the parts that were really great.

[Bosco B Thug]

the Malfoys walking away from Hogwarts This was a really great moment, wonderfully plopped in the middle of the battle.

I guess I'll be the first to criticize the penseive scene despite its showcasing Rickman. It should've been a moment of patience in the same way the Deathly Hallows myth was in Part I, but instead it was a graphic FX reel that begins with rotely done childhood scenes. Doesn't the flashback in the novel depict Snape and co. in their teens? I'd have preferred that.

[Henry Gale]

Yes, I was one of those people who thought Snape was Harry's father and I wish he still was, because James Potter is kind of an asshole. I wish Snape would have been there during the resurrection scene along with Lilly, Sirius, and Lupin (why was Lupin there and not the other members?). It would have been much more powerful and then I would understand why Harry would speak greatly of Snape to his son in the epilogue. After the flashback, he was never mentioned again. I'd like Harry to confront Voldemort that Snape was betraying him, but nope... never happened.

As someone who didn't read the book, I really did feel like they did everything to make it seem like this would be the final big reveal, just without following through by actually saying it. I think it would have worked perfectly as a way to go back and re-evaluate the characters throughout the entire story, but as it is, rewatching the movies front to back would probably feel the same as it did before.

And yeah, for the epilogue, even though they really did improve the make-up with the reshoot, I agree that it's still a pretty unnecessary way of trying to bookend their journey. They had a perfectly low-key, emotional, visually rich ending scene, then they just had to go a bit further. I would have liked it if they had left it out for now, and then actually went back to shoot it for the 2031 release of the Super Deluxe Unrated 20th Anniversary Edition.

[Mara]

This was a really great moment, wonderfully plopped in the middle of the battle.

The Malfoys are an interesting family, because their allegiance is always to each other, and not really to good or evil. They're unpleasant, but don't have the bloodlust that you see in (close relative) Bellatrix. They go where the power is, and when the power isn't there anymore, they go somewhere else.

But despite all the weirdness, they are actually a really close family, and the parents appear to have a really strong marriage.

[Ivan Drago]

Yeah, what was I supposed to get out of the sequence where

Harry looks back into Snape's memories, other than that Harry's essentially a horcrux? Because the beginning and Snape's conversations with Dumbledore in that sequence suggest so much more. Like Wats, I thought that Snape was Harry's father at first. But I'm glad that wasn't the case.

I didn't read the book so a lot of that was left unclear for me.

[Raiders]

It should've been a moment of patience in the same way the Deathly Hallows myth was in Part I

Not really. It's a series of brief, dying memories not a lucid retelling of a childhood story.


but instead it was a graphic FX reel that begins with rotely done
childhood scenes.

I thought they were perfectly fine and tender, just enough to contrast the tone and feel of the rest of the film. You praise the completely CG-rendered retelling of the Hallows, but call this a graphic FX reel?


Doesn't the flashback in the novel depict Snape and co. in their teens? I'd have preferred that.

What do you mean? The film has them in their teens as well for a few moments.

[Bosco B Thug]

Not really. It's a series of brief, dying memories not a lucid retelling of a childhood story.

I thought they were perfectly fine and tender, just enough to contrast the tone and feel of the rest of the film. You praise the completely CG-rendered retelling of the Hallows, but call this a graphic FX reel? Two different things: the Hallows story was almost a self-contained little animated film. The pensieve scene is a flashback sequence... and one with lots of filter effects, CG-swirling-smoke, stylized footage, and quick-flash montage.

Very true point about it being all adept visualization of the pensieve's magic and a man's jumbled dying memories, but I think liberties could have and should have been taken. Dying memories could just have easily been long scenes. As they are, I found them contrived and rote in their conciseness - admittedly, perhaps most of all for giving Snape the same haircut as a little boy. A bit of a pet peeve.


What do you mean? The film has them in their teens as well for a few moments. It was really short, and I don't even remmber seeing a teenage Snape. All I really remember is teenage Lily and James twirling around romantically - which, imo, was lame. Anyway, I guess my taste for long dialogue scenes and distaste for montage is showing. Bridesmaids > Harry Potter's flashback sequence.

[Bosco B Thug]

SPOILERSPOILERSPOILER

Also, I'm glad there wasn't more glorification of Snape (e.g. revealing him to Voldemort, or him appearing as a ghost). His utter sacrifice of his whole life was enough, without him suddenly becoming buddy-buddy with Harry as a dead guy. After all, he probably still never really liked Harry (and vice versa).

[Raiders]

SPOILERSPOILERSPOILER

Also, I'm glad there wasn't more glorification of Snape (e.g. revealing him to Voldemort, or him appearing as a ghost). His utter sacrifice of his whole life was enough, without him suddenly becoming buddy-buddy with Harry as a dead guy. After all, he probably still never really liked Harry (and vice versa).

On this much, we agree. As I said earlier, there is an integrity to his character in this film I never saw coming.

[number8]

That said, I really liked how reluctant Snape was in offering Harry as a sacrificial lamb as Dumbledore suggested.

"Don't tell me you've grown to care for the boy?"
*casts Patronus*
"All this time?"
"Always."

[Raiders]

That said, I really liked how reluctant Snape was in offering Harry as a sacrificial lamb as Dumbledore suggested.

"Don't tell me you've grown to care for the boy?"
*casts Patronus*
"All this time?"
"Always."

Right, because he was Lily's son. He still loves her (hence the patronus and Dumbledore's question). The implication is that his undying love for her is the only thing that has kept him from completely joining Voldemort, not any real affection for Harry or really anyone else for that matter.

[lovejuice]

And the epilogue was silly in both the film and the book, but at least in the book we had Harry's inner thoughts to justify its existence.

Actually I think the movie pulls this scene off quite well. I like how they "dress" the kids up as adults, thereby, acknowledging how silly this is and yet at the same time adding some sweetness to it.


the Malfoys walking away from Hogwarts.

I much prefer the book's version though. If I remember correctly, the family desperately seeks out one another amid the battle and then just crumble down. That's a powerful moment. (In the movie, I like it when the mother whisper to the dead Harry. Not sure if that's in the book.)

[Fezzik]

I much prefer the book's version though. If I remember correctly, the family desperately seeks out one another amid the battle and then just crumble down. That's a powerful moment. (In the movie, I like it when the mother whisper to the dead Harry. Not sure if that's in the book.)

It is. I'm glad they left that bit intact. It showed that even after all that had happened, Narcissa was a mother first, everything else second.

[lovejuice]

It is. I'm glad they left that bit intact. It showed that even after all that had happened, Narcissa was a mother first, everything else second.

And it "justifies" Harry's risking the fire going back to save her son. (Not that an act of altruism needs any justification, mind you. :P)

[number8]

It was a different Slytherin kid who died in the fire in the book, right? I think they changed it because the actor got arrested for selling drugs or something.

[Mara]

It was a different Slytherin kid who died in the fire in the book, right? I think they changed it because the actor got arrested for selling drugs or something.

Oh, is that what happened? It was supposed to be Crabbe and Goyle and instead it was Goyle and Some Other Guy. (Oh, googling shows that it was Zabini. He was... mentioned in a couple of the books.)

Crabbe was supposed to die, Goyle did instead.

Okay.

[Mara]

Not sure if I mentioned how much I liked your review, 8.

[Mara]

By the way, it was clever in the films to make it so Harry could "hear" the horcruxes. It cut out unnecessary backstory.

[number8]

Oh, is that what happened? It was supposed to be Crabbe and Goyle and instead it was Goyle and Some Other Guy. (Oh, googling shows that it was Zabini. He was... mentioned in a couple of the books.)

Crabbe was supposed to die, Goyle did instead.

Okay.

Slytherins, man. Even if you grow up only playing one, something's bound to happen.

[number8]

Not sure if I mentioned how much I liked your review, 8.

Thanks!

[Mara]

Um, a little digging makes his arrest look really lame.

Apparently he was growing pot, not to sell, just for personal use. He's not in jail, he just had some community service to do. That's apparently SO SHOCKING that he can't be on screen for three minutes to DIE IN A FIRE?

I'm sorry, that's just silly.

[number8]

I just realized that Harry's wand blast is red and Voldermort's is green.

My inner Star Wars geek would've preferred the reverse.

[Mara]

I just realized that Harry's wand blast is red and Voldermort's is green.

My inner Star Wars geek would've preferred the reverse.

I assume it's because Gryffindor is red(gold) and Slytherin is green(silver.)

[Lazlo]

I assume it's because Gryffindor is red(gold) and Slytherin is green(silver.)

I always thought it was because Avada Kedavra is green. Not sure why Harry's is red. Not really sure what spell he's using there.

[Qrazy]

I think it's also because the conceptual underpinnings of the Star Wars and Potter universes are quite different. Green often stands for nature, harmony, growth and peace. This sums up Luke Skywalker and the Jedis quite well. They are all about balance. Alternatively the Sith are associated with rage, longing, desire (path to the darkside) and wrath, which are traditionally associated with red.

On the flip side red is also identified with strength, passion, love, leadership and courage. These traits typify Harry's character, particularly courage. Rowling's tale is much more about courage in the face of terror and the importance of friendship. While Star Wars has these features as well, it's core (at least for a jedi) is about freeing oneself from fear and desire. Harry faces his fears but he doesn't approach them in a Jedi-esque/Buddhist sense.

Green on the other hand can also stand for cowardice, sickness and jealousy which are distinctly Voldemortian traits. Voldemort's lust for power stems from jealousy (his troubled childhood), resentment and cowardice (a fear of death). The emperor's lust for power on the other hand has more to do with a desire for disharmony (in the force), for dominance and for power for it's own sake.

[Qrazy]

I always thought it was because Avada Kedavra is green. Not sure why Harry's is red. Not really sure what spell he's using there.

He's probably using stupefy which is red.

[number8]

It's expelliarmus.

[number8]

Pretty sure that in the movies, stupefy is just a glowing blue light, not a red streak.

[Qrazy]

Pretty sure that in the movies, stupefy is just a glowing blue light, not a red streak.

Yeah, I think you might be right about that.

[number8]

This conversation amuses me.

[Mara]

This conversation amuses me.

It makes me feel very affectionate towards you all.

[Morris Schæffer]

By the way, it was clever in the films to make it so Harry could "hear" the horcruxes. It cut out unnecessary backstory.

Maybe. How did Harry find Ravenclaws's diadem in the room of requirement in the book?

Feels cheap to have this gigantic room and the thing just calling out to him.

[number8]

Maybe. How did Harry find Ravenclaws's diadem in the room of requirement in the book?

Feels cheap to have this gigantic room and the thing just calling out to him.

He's found the diadem before, when he went into the room in Half-Blood Prince. He just didn't know what it was. That's why when the ghost told him what the Horcrux is, he knew immediately where to go.

[Raiders]

Maybe. How did Harry find Ravenclaws's diadem in the room of requirement in the book?

Feels cheap to have this gigantic room and the thing just calling out to him.

It isn't really "calling" out to him. He shares the connection through Voldemort and himself being a horcrux. It's an advantage they admit he has.