Great movie people who didnt like stay home and save room for the rest of us.
Added 11/7/2009
The original actor who played Dumbledore died he was very ill while filming the second Harry Potter movie.
I believe it was some form of cancer.. If you are a true Harry Potter fan you would know what happened to the actor.
I have a really great idea why dont people who didnt like the movie stay home next time so the theatres arent crammed full of smelly people who leave before the end of the credits, and save room for those of us who want to be there. Then the shows sould not sell out and real Harry Potter fans can see the movie. Stay Home next time. There are enough fans who will go see to make these movies successful.
Learn like other people have said that movies cannot always be a faithful adaptation of a book. Dont not judge this movie based on the others but what it was made for and probably how JK Rowling wrote the book for. The movie and book are made to set the scene for what is to come the final battle. Yes some things are left out but I feel if people read the books instead of just watching the movies then they will know these things that do not need to be spelled out in every movie. If you havent read the books I suggest you do so and you will see what JK was trying to do. It is pure laziness of those peoples part who refuse to read the books, get up get the books and quit complaining about it. And not be so critical of a movie that was great and enjoyable..
0 out of 4 people found this helpful.
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What a horrid thing.
Added 11/7/2009
Where to begin, where to begin? Well, I guess I'll tell you that there will be spoilers in this review and that this is coming from someone who has read this book over 5 times. Well, I guess I'll start with my reasons for hating this abomination.Nothing in this movie matches up to the book except for SOME of the most basic parts of the plot. They couldn't even put in some of the basic parts of the plot to this movie. I didn't expect an exact replica on the big screen, and I did tone down my expectations after the mess that was Phoenix. However, I did expect to see a Harry Potter movie. Not a teen romance with Malfoy randomly throwing a bird into his magic closet at random intervals. The character's had no emotion whatsoever. In the book, the students and staff are beside themselves crying because of Dumbledore dying. In the movie, they all look at his body with a straight face and shoot some magic light in the air.
If I remember correctly, the book had something at the end... hm... I remember it was the most exciting part... maybe, a fight? Yeah, there was a gigantic battle right after Dumbledore died, as I recall. What I DON'T recall is the deatheaters blowing up the school right underneath the bedrooms and classes, and just calmly walking out the door. I also remember a funeral scene vaguely, where the entire plot was set up for the next book including a wedding. Oh, wait one minute! I forgot. In the movies Fenrir Greyback is a human, Ron's brother Bill doesn't exist to be turned into a werewolf or get married, and the Weasly's home BURNED DOWN. Basically, they have destroyed the end of the movie to the point that the next movie is un-doable.
The entire movie is a crappy teen romantic comedy set in the wizard world. I remember that there was some romance in the book, there was the half blood prince plot, about three or four more flashbacks, an actual explanation of the horcruxes as opposed to dumbledore's "horcruxes are pieces of a soul in a random piece of crap" explanation in the movie, there was some of theDursley's, there was some stuff about Sirius, and there was some business with the Order of the Phoenix. Yeah, instead we get, "I love you more Harry" "No I love YOU more Ginny" and so on with other random characters. I wanted to walk out earlier than halfway through, but was waiting for the battle that never happened. I definitely think that Dobby deserved an appearance after getting cut out of his appearances in 4 and 5, and considering what happens in Hallows.
The acting was pretty mediocre. Rupert Grint was good as Ron with what he was given. Emma Watson was boring as Hermionie. Daniel Radcliffe needs to learn that there's more emotions than pissed off and dead serious. Michael Gambon epically fails as Dumbledore again (Who saw that one coming?), and the rest of the cast was pretty bland.
I felt no emotions other than pure disappointment and boredom coming out of this movie. I felt like an old rag when I came out and that mood lasted for a little while. I nearly laughed at how ridiculous Dumbledore looked falling off the tower in slow motion, and overall felt drained at the end.
Overall, the movie would be a complete waste of time to see, and a waste of money to bother paying for. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. I would give it less than zero stars if it was possible, and never plan on going anywhere near this abomination ever again. I don't know if I want to bother with Hallows at this point if this clown is going to be directing it. Well, that's all folks.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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A good film, but the Potter buff is still left wanting more...
Added 11/6/2009
*References to spoilers in book!*
It is difficult for me to give less than 5-stars for what I believe is a 6 out of 5 stars book. HBP, in my humble opinion, is one of the greatest of the Rowling series, as it gives a specific insight into the workings of the Dark Lord, and everything in Harry's life starts to make sense. I agree with previous reviewers that this is the darkest book yet, and I think that's one of the drawcards to reading this book. Dumbledore is Harry's protector, mentor, and in the end, the greatest sorcerer of all time; on the other hand, Snape's character is further developed and we are now finally forced to make the decision: is he, or isn't he??
-Good Things-
1) Jim Broadbent is an excellent selection for Slughorn, and his character is as jovial and unique as out of Rowling's novel.
2) I also believe this is the best performance by Michael Gambon as Dumbledore - he appeared too neurotic in the previous films, as Dumbledore is never supposed to be overly-nervous, as he always has an idea of what's going on. The scene in the cave is straight from the book, and we see Dumbledore exactly as Rowling had intended: a vulnerable person, just like everyone else. Plus, the setting was fantastic and very suspenseful.
3) Ron vs. Hermoine! Very enjoyable scenes between these two characters, adding extra humour to a very dark film.
4) Draco Malfoy's character is more prominent in this film, and viewers enjoy seeing a side of the younger Malfoy that perhaps is hinted in the previous films/books - overconfident on the outside, but different on the inside. This scene also shows a side of Harry's character that will further show in the final film.
-Bad Things-
1) For goodness sakes, WHY do they see it as their prerogative to change CRUCIAL sections of the book?? And then add other useless junk?? The waitress - completely unnecessary scene, as we get many glimpses of Harry's developing maturity in other scenes. It made no sense to add it. The fire at the Burrow - this is just plain ridiculous. The Burrow is the place of Harry's salvation, where the Order meet on countless occasions, etc. etc. I don't understand why they chose to burn the place up - where do they propose Ron's family live for the Dealthly Hallows dialogue??!
2) One thing I am really disappointed was removed from the films was the story of Neville's parents. They were NOT killed by Bellatrix Lestrange (as the previous film hinted) - and there was a key scene in this film that gives the background to Neville's determination to prove himself in the final book. Mr. Weasley's attack was removed completely. Moreover, there was what would have been a very funny revival of a glimpse of Lockhart connected with these events - I for one like these references back to earlier books, and am not happy with this exclusion.
3) They also seem to have removed the older Weasley boys from the movies, and this is not acceptible, as Bill, Fleur, and Charley play a key role in battle against the Dark Lord, and Bill's attack by the warewolf gives further credit to their parts to play. The upcoming wedding also sets the scene for the Deathly Hallows and I am sadly thinking perhaps this will be completely removed from the next film.
4) The pensieve scenes, including very interesting flashbacks, were also omitted. They were what makes the Dark Lord's story make sense, and the key flaw in his character. I think more time should have been invested into this story of Tom Riddle, rather than scenes that were not even in the book, and were silly to add.
5) Also, one word: SNAPE! WHY do they cut his role??! Alan Rickman is fantastic, and enjoyable to watch as Snape. They should retain his role, and stop putting his scenes on the cutting room floor.
So, why 4 stars?? Well, it is overall a good enough film, and it is enjoyable to watch. I am nit-picky as someone who has read the books several times, and has really enjoyed the intrigute story behind Harry Potter and Tom Riddle, so perhaps get a bit over-excited about scenes that are not specifically important. It is still a great film to watch, and it will certainly be interesting to see if they retain all the key parts of the final novel - since they're filming the final book in two films, let's hope they're doing this in order to keep all the important content and not simply for revenue raising.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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The best Potter yet
Added 11/6/2009
I've been a huge fan of the book series and have loved all the movies thus far. This latest installment is clearly the best: improved acting from the young stars, plenty of humor, romance, and thrills. If you've enjoyed the previous films than this is a MUST! Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Harry? Harry Potter, where ARE you?
Added 11/5/2009
Although I more or less enjoyed this latest installment in the Harry Potter film franchise, it clearly marks the final divergence of the films from their literary source material. From this point onwards the Harry Potter movies will have very little to do with the core of the Harry Potter novels.
There are a number of reasons for this, many of which can't really be blamed on anything other than the unusual circumstances under which the film series was created. Consider that the first HP film came out before the fifth of the novels had even been written. As a result some of the smaller details in that first film (and the subsequent three films) which at first glance through the pages of the book don't appear to have very much significance were, correctly (based on what the filmmakers knew at the time) cut or deleted from the films. The problem, now that the entire saga has been completed in the books, is that some of those seemingly meaningless details from the earlier books take on tremendous significance, some being absolutely vital for the correct and complete working out of the main story arc. Of course there is no way the filmmakers could have known this as even J.K. herself hadn't yet sat down and "discovered" their importance for the latter part of the tale herself.
But the overall effect on the film series is that vast swathes of the story have to either be dropped, clumsily crammed in with hasty and unconvincing supporting exposition that was missed in earlier installments, or totally changed in order to get to a suitable conclusion of the epic in its film version. In other words, the way the books conclude is now virtually impossible to accomplish with the final two films yet to come. (Think trynig to do "Hamlet" without Polonius, Ophelia or Laertes. While they might not, in and of themselves, be necessary to the action, without them how does Hamlet maneuver into the position he must occupy in the final show down with the King?)
The other disappointment at this point in the film series is that the "magic" is pretty much gone. The sense of wonder has now completely faded and magic is simply another ordinary aspect of the universe where a decidedly grim tale is occurring. In other words, watching this film (and I'm sure the final two yet to come) will be something of a trial. They are setting a tone that is unrelentingly grim, dark, depressing and, perhaps worst of all, rushed and shallow. I doubt if anyone who has never read any of the books or seen any of the other films would look at this installment and enjoy it very much. It now has the overall mood and feel of a cheesy Grade B horror flick. We tend to overlook or forgive that if we've followed every step so far, but in and of itself this latest HP is a weak, grim, sad little mish-mash that has long since left the books far behind.
3 out of 4 people found this helpful.
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Great movie people who didnt like stay home and save room for the rest of us.
Added 11/7/2009
The original actor who played Dumbledore died he was very ill while filming the second Harry Potter movie.
I believe it was some form of cancer.. If you are a true Harry Potter fan you would know what happened to the actor.
I have a really great idea why dont people who didnt like the movie stay home next time so the theatres arent crammed full of smelly people who leave before the end of the credits, and save room for those of us who want to be there. Then the shows sould not sell out and real Harry Potter fans can see the movie. Stay Home next time. There are enough fans who will go see to make these movies successful.
Learn like other people have said that movies cannot always be a faithful adaptation of a book. Dont not judge this movie based on the others but what it was made for and probably how JK Rowling wrote the book for. The movie and book are made to set the scene for what is to come the final battle. Yes some things are left out but I feel if people read the books instead of just watching the movies then they will know these things that do not need to be spelled out in every movie. If you havent read the books I suggest you do so and you will see what JK was trying to do. It is pure laziness of those peoples part who refuse to read the books, get up get the books and quit complaining about it. And not be so critical of a movie that was great and enjoyable..
0 out of 4 people found this helpful.
|
What a horrid thing.
Added 11/7/2009
Where to begin, where to begin? Well, I guess I'll tell you that there will be spoilers in this review and that this is coming from someone who has read this book over 5 times. Well, I guess I'll start with my reasons for hating this abomination.Nothing in this movie matches up to the book except for SOME of the most basic parts of the plot. They couldn't even put in some of the basic parts of the plot to this movie. I didn't expect an exact replica on the big screen, and I did tone down my expectations after the mess that was Phoenix. However, I did expect to see a Harry Potter movie. Not a teen romance with Malfoy randomly throwing a bird into his magic closet at random intervals. The character's had no emotion whatsoever. In the book, the students and staff are beside themselves crying because of Dumbledore dying. In the movie, they all look at his body with a straight face and shoot some magic light in the air.
If I remember correctly, the book had something at the end... hm... I remember it was the most exciting part... maybe, a fight? Yeah, there was a gigantic battle right after Dumbledore died, as I recall. What I DON'T recall is the deatheaters blowing up the school right underneath the bedrooms and classes, and just calmly walking out the door. I also remember a funeral scene vaguely, where the entire plot was set up for the next book including a wedding. Oh, wait one minute! I forgot. In the movies Fenrir Greyback is a human, Ron's brother Bill doesn't exist to be turned into a werewolf or get married, and the Weasly's home BURNED DOWN. Basically, they have destroyed the end of the movie to the point that the next movie is un-doable.
The entire movie is a crappy teen romantic comedy set in the wizard world. I remember that there was some romance in the book, there was the half blood prince plot, about three or four more flashbacks, an actual explanation of the horcruxes as opposed to dumbledore's "horcruxes are pieces of a soul in a random piece of crap" explanation in the movie, there was some of theDursley's, there was some stuff about Sirius, and there was some business with the Order of the Phoenix. Yeah, instead we get, "I love you more Harry" "No I love YOU more Ginny" and so on with other random characters. I wanted to walk out earlier than halfway through, but was waiting for the battle that never happened. I definitely think that Dobby deserved an appearance after getting cut out of his appearances in 4 and 5, and considering what happens in Hallows.
The acting was pretty mediocre. Rupert Grint was good as Ron with what he was given. Emma Watson was boring as Hermionie. Daniel Radcliffe needs to learn that there's more emotions than pissed off and dead serious. Michael Gambon epically fails as Dumbledore again (Who saw that one coming?), and the rest of the cast was pretty bland.
I felt no emotions other than pure disappointment and boredom coming out of this movie. I felt like an old rag when I came out and that mood lasted for a little while. I nearly laughed at how ridiculous Dumbledore looked falling off the tower in slow motion, and overall felt drained at the end.
Overall, the movie would be a complete waste of time to see, and a waste of money to bother paying for. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. I would give it less than zero stars if it was possible, and never plan on going anywhere near this abomination ever again. I don't know if I want to bother with Hallows at this point if this clown is going to be directing it. Well, that's all folks.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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A good film, but the Potter buff is still left wanting more...
Added 11/6/2009
*References to spoilers in book!*
It is difficult for me to give less than 5-stars for what I believe is a 6 out of 5 stars book. HBP, in my humble opinion, is one of the greatest of the Rowling series, as it gives a specific insight into the workings of the Dark Lord, and everything in Harry's life starts to make sense. I agree with previous reviewers that this is the darkest book yet, and I think that's one of the drawcards to reading this book. Dumbledore is Harry's protector, mentor, and in the end, the greatest sorcerer of all time; on the other hand, Snape's character is further developed and we are now finally forced to make the decision: is he, or isn't he??
-Good Things-
1) Jim Broadbent is an excellent selection for Slughorn, and his character is as jovial and unique as out of Rowling's novel.
2) I also believe this is the best performance by Michael Gambon as Dumbledore - he appeared too neurotic in the previous films, as Dumbledore is never supposed to be overly-nervous, as he always has an idea of what's going on. The scene in the cave is straight from the book, and we see Dumbledore exactly as Rowling had intended: a vulnerable person, just like everyone else. Plus, the setting was fantastic and very suspenseful.
3) Ron vs. Hermoine! Very enjoyable scenes between these two characters, adding extra humour to a very dark film.
4) Draco Malfoy's character is more prominent in this film, and viewers enjoy seeing a side of the younger Malfoy that perhaps is hinted in the previous films/books - overconfident on the outside, but different on the inside. This scene also shows a side of Harry's character that will further show in the final film.
-Bad Things-
1) For goodness sakes, WHY do they see it as their prerogative to change CRUCIAL sections of the book?? And then add other useless junk?? The waitress - completely unnecessary scene, as we get many glimpses of Harry's developing maturity in other scenes. It made no sense to add it. The fire at the Burrow - this is just plain ridiculous. The Burrow is the place of Harry's salvation, where the Order meet on countless occasions, etc. etc. I don't understand why they chose to burn the place up - where do they propose Ron's family live for the Dealthly Hallows dialogue??!
2) One thing I am really disappointed was removed from the films was the story of Neville's parents. They were NOT killed by Bellatrix Lestrange (as the previous film hinted) - and there was a key scene in this film that gives the background to Neville's determination to prove himself in the final book. Mr. Weasley's attack was removed completely. Moreover, there was what would have been a very funny revival of a glimpse of Lockhart connected with these events - I for one like these references back to earlier books, and am not happy with this exclusion.
3) They also seem to have removed the older Weasley boys from the movies, and this is not acceptible, as Bill, Fleur, and Charley play a key role in battle against the Dark Lord, and Bill's attack by the warewolf gives further credit to their parts to play. The upcoming wedding also sets the scene for the Deathly Hallows and I am sadly thinking perhaps this will be completely removed from the next film.
4) The pensieve scenes, including very interesting flashbacks, were also omitted. They were what makes the Dark Lord's story make sense, and the key flaw in his character. I think more time should have been invested into this story of Tom Riddle, rather than scenes that were not even in the book, and were silly to add.
5) Also, one word: SNAPE! WHY do they cut his role??! Alan Rickman is fantastic, and enjoyable to watch as Snape. They should retain his role, and stop putting his scenes on the cutting room floor.
So, why 4 stars?? Well, it is overall a good enough film, and it is enjoyable to watch. I am nit-picky as someone who has read the books several times, and has really enjoyed the intrigute story behind Harry Potter and Tom Riddle, so perhaps get a bit over-excited about scenes that are not specifically important. It is still a great film to watch, and it will certainly be interesting to see if they retain all the key parts of the final novel - since they're filming the final book in two films, let's hope they're doing this in order to keep all the important content and not simply for revenue raising.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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