^oh, yes, he definitely vomited.
after which snape said something pretty close to "you've just earned yourself a week's detention" to cormac XD
[BUT with the added alan rickman pauses...so it was more like "you've..just earned your..self a week's...de..ten..tion" ]

_________________
V.T.W. 1/11/61-11/30/10

i didn't make this, but i can tell you who did.

Okay, time for my review. I'm sorry, in advance, to repeated comments or satirical criticism. And now . . . to begin.

First of all, I will state my negatives, as those are what people always want to hear first - before the good stuff.

The first thing that I questioned was the opening scene, moving across London. It was a cool effect bringing in the muggle world with the wizard world, but to be honest, it went too quickly. I actually got motion sickness by watching. It could have been caused by how close to the screen I was, but regardless it was too quick.

I also agree with the other statements that I wish they added Dumbledores Funeral. The main purpose of Dumbledores Funeral was replaced with a clever magic show - with light radiating through the dark mark, but I felt it fell short of the purpose of the funeral. Hope was shown in the one in the movie, but I felt we were not able to truly say goodbye to Dumbledore.

One thing that really unsettled me was the scene at Slughorn’s house. Dumbledore took this “dirty” magazine and went to the bathroom (I believe). This, I think, was the director’s stab at fixing JK’s mistake in saying that Dumbledore was homosexual. Not to say that he is or is not, I felt like this was unneeded emphasis on this controversial subject.

Wow, I have a lot of dislikes. Another dislike was the rating that United States gave this movie. There is NO way this movie is PG! There was blood, sexual connotations, and it was pretty scary at times (especially in the cave scene). Overall, I think the US was too lax in making this movie available for all ages (which I am sure was their objective - to get more money, another reason it was released later).

My final dislike, like many, was the "love" focus of the movie. Honestly, I was sick and tired of kissing and the googily-eyed romantic twist of this installment. I felt like there was another path that needed to be focused on, mainly on the development of Lord Voldemort and the kind-heartedness of Snape and Draco. I think these parts were greatly missed and will be greatly missed in the next film. The romance seemed to overtake the theme of the movie, and it was not well portrayed. The young actors tried but were unable to make this radical change. The kiss between Harry and Ginny was gross in the movie (in fact, it was already gross in the book). It was awkward, abrupt, and totally staged.

Alright, time for my likes - which will take just as long. I think this movie is either my top HP movie, if not second favorite. This movie was clever and witty - which was needed in the HP series.
Maggie Smith, although barely in the lime light, was exceptional. She is my favorite character in this entire movie series, and she portrays her character so well with so little words. That scene in the hallways made me laugh (with her little grin on her face - priceless). She is truly a talented actress.

I cried so hard when Dumbledore died! I wasn’t the only one, but fairly sure I was wet after that scene was over. :cry:

Hermione (Emma Watson) was perfect! Enough said. When she cried in that one scene, I couldn’t help but cry with her. I wanted to be, for the first time, Harry in that scene - just to be her shoulder (though he looked incredible awkward holding her. It was like he had no idea how to comfort her - which really, he didn’t). Flawless performance on her part.

Jim Broadbent did an exceptional job playing Slughorn. His character was perfectly timed, and gave us a rich flashback into the book - bravo!

Overall, an excellent film. I wish I could go into further detail, but this is already a very long post, and It will take at least another page and ½ to go over everything. Grade: 8.5/10

_________________
Annoying-Amount-of-Smileys Nazgul
Co-Force of Evil Posting

http://i28.tinypic.com/jph7a1.jpg


http://i25.tinypic.com/351wqk0.jpg

Here you are Larael, I was inspired by the quote in your sig so I went off of it =)

_________________

The waves that C R A S H E D upon
The R O C K S that you were trying to step along

And in my head I heard them play a S O N G

*screams loudly and proceeds to die an agonizingly slow painful Snape-induced death*

Dear Lord, Pandora, how do you come up with that stuff? It's gorgeous! I don't know what to do with myself now.

@ Maironiel: Oo, that's what that line was about. I feel really daft now. I have no idea how I could have missed that line part. A perfect Snape moment.

Ya know what I would've liked to see instead of the Death Eater attack on the Burrow? I would've liked the battle at Hogwarts after Dumbledore's death. That would've been epic, and would have made a thousand times more sense than the made up scene.

revives with some Snape concocted potion!

I am so glad that you liked it my dear, I thought it suited you well

I think that was my greatest disappointment, that that battle was not in the end of the movie, though I did like how they watched the Phoenix fly away, it reminded me of the funeral that did not take place in the movie ><

I also would have liked to see some more of Snape as the DAtDA teacher, just because it was such a big deal that he finally became what he wanted to become, but alas I made due with the other little Snape moments which were brilliant!

_________________

The waves that C R A S H E D upon
The R O C K S that you were trying to step along

And in my head I heard them play a S O N G

Agreed. We've apparently decided to be lax on ratings in general recently. Beowolf as a prime example.

I watched it yesterday, and I thought it was pretty faithful to the book, especially compared to OotP. And as for all the relationship stuff....well, I'll get to that. So, a kind of review here. By person, I guess.

Harry: Well, Dan Radcliffe seemed about the same as always. Neither outstanding or horrible. Though the scene in the cave was heartwrenching, and he did do an excellent job there. And when he took the potion...... I told my cousin he was either high or drunk, and I couldn't figure out which. It wasn't bad, just hilarious.

Ron: Meh. Ron as a character just hasn't really appealed to me since about book 3, so I don't have a ton to say about him. Rupert Grint doesn't help much, though I will say he does a good job with what they give him. He was quite amusing while under the influence of the love potion. It seems like his character has been relegated to only comic relief. Everything he does in the books is given to someone else. It's become Harry and Hermione instead of the trio. He even had to sit away from them when they did the required trio bonding at the end of the movie!

Hermione: Brilliant. Emma Watson does an excellent job with her. Really, that's all I have to say about her, because she was awesome.

Malfoy: FINALLY! I was never a Tom Felton fangirl, but I have to take a moment to say that he looks good in all black. Ahem. But back to the character. I feel sorry for him, in the same way as Ron. It was "introduce him as bad guy in movie one, forget him until movie six." And the emotion and acting he put into this movie.....they needed to give him more, because he was awesome. I really felt for him.

Snape: Oh Alan Rickman, you were great. HE was great, the director could've changed a few things. I really think they should have left you in doubt as to his character, like they did in the book. He was a bit too hesitant with the unbreakable vow, and he looked sorry after he killed Dumbledore. It was a little irritating to me.

Now for the general stuff.

See, again like I said with Snape. I don't think we *should* know about the kind-heartedness. For one thing, I wouldn't say they really are that nice of people, so I figure they went as far as they should with that. As for the Voldemort comment, couldn't agree more. I wish we could have seen more of the memories. Or even all of the memories, they weren't that long. It would've been awesome.

The Relationships
The majority of the book that I remember is 1) memories of Voldemort 2) Draco et al going after Dumbledore and 3) relationships. It was a light hearted book (for the most part) that focused on that stuff. So I figured the relationship stuff in the movie would be pretty prominent. I'm not mad about it, though I think they could have taken out a little to put in the memories. As is, I'm not a fan of Harry/Ginny. I'm sure I could write a long time about that, but I'll just leave it there unless anyone has a deep desire to hear more. So all the Harry/Ginny moments were just And the Ron/Hermione stuff (not a huge fan there either, so...) was alright, but still.

Battles
This is the main thing that ticked me off. They needed to the battle at the end in Hogwarts and NOT do the thing at the burrow. Stupid. It was like, "Let's show everyone how Harry and Ginny fight together and will lay down their lives for each other!" Pointless. And without the battle at the end, Draco's whole purpose in the movie was void. He was there to fix the cabinet and kill Dumbledore. Snape was backup to kill Dumbledore. If there was no battle, what did they need the cabinet for? Stupid stupid.

Overall though, it was good. Cave scene, excellent. McLaggen, wonderful to have him there to look at. Quidditch was great, and I loved that Luna had her lion hat. LUNA WAS AWESOME. And thank goodness they had Fred and George's shop.

_________________
going on a journey through my old claims

Yay, for Nurrshey's reviews too. I waited for you to post, dear, knowing what a Potter-fan you are!

I'm getting really excited about the cave-scene now! And Draco as you all seem to praise in this movie!

I'm watching it on Monday...

_________________
>>Be the change you wish to see in the world<<



Banner credit: Shadowcat & Nurrantiel Mashiara

_________________


Illuminate the way to my heart,
It's twisting on a thread
+ COME RAISE THE DEAD +

NuMa, why do you always have to write fabulous reviews? Really, you are a pro.

So, I saw the movie again yesterday with a friend who was unable to go with me at midnight. The second time around is definitely better. I caught a lot of things that I didn't catch before [like Cormac vomiting on Snape ], and I also found that some things that had been painful and awkward to watch weren't so much anymore [Harry/Ginny anyone?]

Overall, it's definitely worth seeing a second time. Things make more sense. I still stand by some of the negative things in my review though, and I'd like to add the missing battle scene at the end to that. It is a disappointment that it's not there.

Also, I, like Nurr, have turned into a Draco fangirl. For real, he is so angsty and broody through out the entire movie, and it just makes me swoon every time. I think he's captured my heart almost as much as Snape has. The only difference is Malfoy doesn't really have any redeeming qualities.

_________________




^ By me and my SS *squiggle hugs*

Aww....I didn't know I was such an anticipated reviewer.

JF, Cormac McLaggen, the jerky stand in keeper for Gryffindor. In the books you can't stand him because he's such a jerk, but in the movies he's just a pretty face. He's part of the Slug Club, and in the movie they have him vomit on Snape's shoes during the Christmas party.

Aw Lar, I think Malfoy has redeeming qualities. He was lowering his wand, remember. He didn't want to kill Dumbledore, but had to or die, bascially. Hang on, I just reread that today... *rifles for book*


Now there's no denying he's a nasty little git, but he isn't purely evil like some of the Death Eaters. And agreed JF, book Malfoy is a great character and Tom Felton is a great actor, too bad they didn't decide to develop that all through the movies.

_________________
going on a journey through my old claims

All right, all right, you've got me. I suppose that's why I love him so - because of that angst and the terrible situation he's in. Tom Felton's amazing acting skills have nothing to do with it. No, of course not.

[ Okay. This is the second attempt of putting up a review here. My first complete post got somehow deleted.. and I had to type it all over I. am. frustrated.

But enjoy.. this may contain many spoilers. ]




--

---

-----


I appreciated the short flashback at the very beginning of the film. Harry with Dumbledore at the Ministry of Magic. It sort of emphasises the rumours of Harry being the Chosen One which is actually kind of forgotten in the rest of the movie.

The opening scene in London was indeed very fast but not too fast in my opinion. It showed us the dangers in the Muggle and Wizarding world and that it was now an open war contrary to OotP. I had a hard time in finding whether it were Dementors or Deatheathers who did all the harm. Maybe it were both. ( I will spare you my rant on how terrible the Dementors are portrayed in the previous movies to my opinion. I think that the Dutch book cover artist did a better job to my taste. --> Click<---- )

The scene at the metrostation was a complete waste in my opnion. Why would Harry sit at the metro station with the Daily Prophet surrounded by so many Muggles? Why would he flirt with the girl? Because he likes the underground? Right. The most terrible thing was that Dumbledore actually commented on the girl (I felt the same horror when he asked later on if Harry had a thing about Hermoine). I mean, Dumbledore cares about Harry, but I don't think that he cares that much about that part of Harry's life. I think they made him a kind of playboy there. I didn't really like it. I would have enjoyed it much beter if Harry just departed from Private Drive.
Small detail: I loved how Dubledore was staring at the Coca Cola billboard which had a one liner about magic

The scene at Slughorn's house was great. It was not rushed but very magical. The mending spell was very well done, I loved those special effects because it seemed very real to me
This scene introduced Slughorn's character in a good way: how he loved to collect celebrities and how he adored Harry's mother. It was a pleasant surprise that Slughorn actually mentioned Sirius and his family then, I'm not sure if it was in the books but Harry's acting on that comment dfisappointed me greatly. He just seemed to stare into the distance at hearing the name of Sirius. There was no sign of mourning. But then you must know that I think that both the book and the movie omitted too much details about Sirius' death. It was actually never explained what the Curtain was and Sirius' death seemed only necessary to have Harry loose all his loved ones. He hardly mourns over his godfather (compared to how he mourns over Dumbledore in the end of HP and DH). That's why I was disappointed that the scene in the shed of the Weasley's was left out, where Dumbledore mentions Sirius. That is such an intimate scene.
I must have missed the detail Telpaeth mentioned on the magazine thing but then I can hardly believe that they would have put something like that in the movie. That's just gross.

On the Unbreakable Vow scene: didn't anyone just dislike Narcissa Malfoy??! Her acting.. her looks.. I hated her horrible blakc and blond colored hair and I thought she looked way too old and cocky. In the book Narcissa is broken and sobbing about her son but in the movie she hardly cries. I wasn't much impressed by the acting of Bellatrix in that scene either. She seemed way too hyper active which I didn't like. Snape was as mysterious as ever and I did enjoy his performance.

I was glad that they put the Diagon Alley scene in with the Twin's shop. Enough attention was paid to the fact that Olivander had gone missing and that Draco and other Deatheathers were at Borgin & Burkes. I didn't mind that Fenrir Greyback was already introduced in this film. From what I've seen he looked very scary and much like I had imagined him to be.

The scene on the Hogwarts express was good. I was just disappointed that it was not Tonks who discovered Harry before the train was to depart again but Luna was a fine replacement.

As someone already remarked I think that Maggie Smith's performance in this movie was outstanding. She plays her part to well. The short scene in the corridor made me laugh real hard. Then the first Potion lesson was very satisfying as well. Slughorn might be not as pompous as described in the book but his clear adoration for Harry was clearly present in the movie. Also Hermione's growing dislike for the book of the Half-Blood Prince is introduced in a very good way. I almost felt sorry for her when she didn't win Felix Felicis
I remember that I enjoyed the music during that scene. One note on that part is that I think it's a shame that they don't use the tune of the first movie anymore. John Williams composed a magical soundtrack and of course I know that other composer want to make their own piece of music, but it would have been nice if that one tune would come back in the other movies. Another remark is that I had hoped to see one lesson of Snape as Defense against the Dark Arts teacher. But I realise there was not enough time for that

The Quidditch scenes were very good although it was too that the whole depressed-Ron-who-was affraid-to-fail-part was omitted. I'm not a real Quidditch fan so I do not have alot to say on that part. The party after the Quidditch match was entertaining and Lavender was as annoying as she possibly could be. Jessie Cave did an excellent job! The relationships in the movie seemed to be , compared to OotP, an important storyline. It did not annoy me that much. I actually thought it was some comic relief. But I couldn't stand that it was so obvious from the start that Harry was in love with Ginny (and that Hermione knew it) and that Hermione and Ron had a crush on eachother. I mean no one actually knew that Harry had feelings for Ginny (and Ginny in the last place) and Hermione was indeed jealous of Ron's relationship with Lavender but I didn't think she was already in love with him.
So the whole scene where Hermione's crying on the stairs didn't really make sense to me.

The scenes of Harry's Voldemort lessons with all the memories were quite good. The room of Dumbledore is so aswesome and magical. The memory of the little Tom Riddle in the orphanage was perfect. I'm glad that they sticked to the scene in the book and the kid playing Tom Riddle is absolutely amazing as young Voldemort.
The teen version of Voldemort in the Slughorn memory was brilliant as well. The way he walks and talks are so good that it's creepy. It would have been nice if more background memories on Riddle would have been put in but as it is, it didn't bother me that they were left out. I agree with what director Yates says on that: "Flashbacks in movies are tricky things; they tend to hold up the momentum of the story you're telling."

I was glad to find that the scene of Katie Bell was left in the movie. The scene creeped me out in the book already and so it did in the movie. It was great to see a little more of Snape and McGonagall together in that scene. Too bad that it was already told that the necklace was supposed to be for Dumbledore.

The Christmas party of Slughorn was a highly entertaining scene. Those things like Neville being only allowed to be waiter at the party because he was out the Slugclub, Hermione who's desperately avoiding Cormac and Cormac vommiting over Snape were just hilarious. The little rendez-vous between Snape and Draco did add much to the plot as well. Especially because we have seen all the effort put in mending the Vanishing Cabinet. (I really really felt sorry for Draco when the bird seemed to be dead when it was transported back to Hogwarts ) Tom Felton did a very good job on Draco's character in this movie and I've more sympathy for Draco now than before.

The Christmas at the Burrow scene was awkward in my opinion. There seemed to be chemistry between Harry and Ginny already which shouldn't really have been there. What really disturbed me was the suggestion that Tonks and Remus were already a couple. What the heck?!
Then having Harry and Ginny running off into the fields and having it turn out into a battle was totally uncalled for. It was total rubbish! Why would the Burrow have to be destroyed? It made no sense at all. I know the scene kind of showed how 'unsafe' it actually was.. but I still think that shouldn't have been in there.

Then the Love Potion scene made up for it. Gosh I love Ron when he's pulling that face and declares to be in love. Pure brilliance. I had already seen some flashes of this scene in one of the trailers but I still loved it even after having seen it already. The mention of the Bezoar always reminds me of Harry and Snape's first encounter in PS and I was glad that it was in the movie. But then the hospital scene unsettled me again. During the encounter between Lavender and Hermione, which was great, the teachers are just standing there! I mean Snape, Dumbledore, McGonagall are just standing there when the girls when Lavender breaks up with Ron. I just thought that was awkward..

Sectumsempra! I really looked forward to see the encounter between Draco and Harry. I thought the scene was very well done and duel looked very realistic. Snape bursting into the men's room is always a present surprise. The healing thing was indeed very touching.
But then the following scene where Harry is to hide his book is just terribly awkward. Why did Ginny have to be there? She shouldn't have. Although I agree that the kiss should have been shot somewhere else than in the Room of Requirment, I think the kiss was not gross at all. I thought it was touching and sweet.

To my great relief the complete scene of Aragog's death was kept intact. I had feared that due a lack of time they would have cut it from the movie. Aragog was as always very scary, even when he was dead I only thought that Harry was behaving kind of odd when he'd drank Felix Felicis. He walked and moved somewhat strange but perhaps he was meant to do that. The whole story of the goldfish was very sweet and I loved this background story even if it was not in the book.

The Cave scene was amazing! The darkness of the scene, the music it was all perfect. The cliff was exactly as I had imagined it. The scene was not rushed and very detailed. The part where Dubledore had to drink the potion was a very important part in the scene. If the acting was poor it would have ruined everything for me. But I thought that Michael Gambon did a great job here and he played the part very well. I felt so sorry for him. Perhaps now after three and a half movie Michael Gambon finally reached the point where he "is" a real Dumbledore to me. Richard Harris however had convinced me in the first second that the was the true Dumbledore. I think Richard Harris would have been an infintely better headmaster but alas.. he is not among us anymore. I think that Michael Gambon was horrible in the third and fourth HP movies and only in the fifth and sixth he started to get into the role.
Anyway the part where Dubledore is driving the inferi away was very powerful. The music and the special effects.. it was perfect.

The scene on the tower was grand as well. I just do not understand why Harry was not frozen by Dumbledore. I think it's quite an important aspect which they have missed here. For I think that Harry would have helped Dumbledore as soon as he understood that the headmaster was in danger, regardless to what he had promised. By letting Harry watch the whole scene in full ability to do something makes him kind of a coward. Snape's performance was absolutely marvelous especially because he first encountered Harry. (Perhaps this is why Harry did not act.. as he believed that Snape would fix it.) Having Dumbledore fall from the tower in slowmotion made it intense and very emotional.

But why is there no battle scene??! Like many said before: the whole scene at the Burrow should have been replaced by a battle scene at the end of the movie. It's almost unbelievable that Ron, Hermione and the rest of Dumbledore's Army and the Order of the Phoenix are just letting the Deatheaters roam through Hogwarts! A big mistake from the director. I'm also wondering if they will just leave out that Bill was attacked by Fenrir. Probably.
On the other side.. I thought that Bellatrix destroying the great Hall kind of fitted with the mood of the movie at that point.

The revelation of Snape being the Half-Blood Prince was great. It was Snape at his best. I could almost feel the anger of Snape when he was called a coward. Bravo Alan Rickman!

I actually did not mind that there was the part of the funeral was left out. The raising of the wands of all students and teachers was a very intense moment as well which showed that all mourned. I was somewhat annoyed that Harry was crying over Dumbledore's body and Ginny comforting him with everyone around him just staring at them. I don't know.. it was just awkward.

The last scene was not what I had hoped to be: I had hoped that Ron and Hermione both would say whole heartedly that they would join Harry in the search for the Horcruxes. But Ron was kind of left out in this scene what kind of disappointed me.



In the end I really enjoyed the movie because it was not so rushed as OotP and it had many comical moments but very dark moments as well. I just think that they should have put in a battle scene at the end.

_________________


O children, lift up your voice, lift up your voice,
Children, rejoice, rejoice..



It doesn't matter you don't believe in God, He believes in you.

A perfectly detailed review, Will, thank you! I have a few things I'd like to respond to:

The short flashback at the beginning: I agree, that was really fantastic, and a great way to start the movie. It really set the tone for the rest of the story. I thought it was really touching to have Dumbledore put his arm around Harry.

Opening scene in London: Those were Death Eaters. They introduced that flying around cloaked in darkness thing back in OotP. I never really did understand it. I think it definitely would have made more sense to have Dementors out there.

Scene at the metrostation: I have mixed feelings about this scene. I think it did quite a good job of moving the story along, but at the same time I think there could of been better ways of opening the Harry storyline, like at the Dursley's, as you said Will. I disagree with you about Dumbledore asking about Hermione and the unidentified girl. It didn't feel awkward to me at all, so perhaps it's just personal opinion on that part.

Scene at Slughorn's house: Just to clarify about the magazine - It did have a woman on the cover, but I think it was a "home improvement" type magazine or something along those lines because Dumbledore does mention that he likes Muggle knitting patterns. I don't think knitting patterns would be in a "dirty" magazine.

Unbreakable Vow scene: The entire scene left something wanting, to be honest. I wasn't as disappointed in Bellatrix as you were, Will, but I do agree about Narcissa. She just didn't look the part to me, and that detracted greatly from her performance.

Scene with Hermione crying on the stairs: See, I thought that was a brilliant and very endearing scene between Harry and Hermione. It really was quite beautiful, and I don't necessarily think we are led to believe that Hermione loves Ron just yet. There's still some traces of awkwardness between them that have yet to be ironed out.

Scene of Aragog's death: LOL. Did anyone else think Harry was acting like a stoner in that scene? Seriously, he looked like he was high like the entire time. I guess that's what feeling confident and such does to you in the extreme though. Did anyone watch his face during the funeral scene? It was hilarious!

Last scene: Everyone so far has commented on the fact that Ron isn't really included in the last scene. I didn't really notice it before, but now I think you're right. It's down right awful. I would've liked some confirmation as to how Ron feels about Harry going off on a dangerous journey to defeat Voldemort. I really hope Ron gets his chance to shine in the next two movies. Poor kid...

Although, maybe they're already starting the "Ron is disappointed" storyline, or trying to hint at it. After all, he leaves them for a while. So that could be it. *shrug* Or they could just be neglecting his character, it isn't like we've never seen that before.

Awesomely detailed review Will! Agreed, Narcissa didn't seem right for me. Although maybe that's due to my excessive love for Makani's art.....

The magazine wasn't dirty. It was just a random magazine with knitting patterns.

As for Harry liking Ginny so early on...Well, I'm rather glad they did that so that it could be established and they didn't have to focus on it more than was necessary. Hermione and Ron are still awkward around each other, and I loved the bit with her crying in the stairs. She does get super upset when he starts going out with Lavender, so I felt like it fit.

_________________
going on a journey through my old claims

Oh yes, Makani's art has spoiled us all. Her portrayal of Narcissa and Bellatrix is perfect!