Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Parts 1 & 2)

[Atreyu]

Sneak preview from the Blu-ray release of Half Blood Prince has found it's way online:

http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=alkrhz&s=6

Looks like John Hurt is back as Ollivander. :)

[Jedi Master Carr]

Cool, although the volume sucks on it but that is understandable. Nice to see John Hurt again, glad they are bringing him back. We should start seeing more things soon. I suspect a teaser with Clash of the Titans.

[Dasquian Belargic]

November 2010? Oh so far away :cry

[Droo]

Deathly Hallows is so action packed and awesome, these films could very well be the best of the lot, especially since it's spread over two films we won't get the same issue of rushed pacing like we did towards the end of the last the last two films.

[Miranda Tarkin]

Burning Nerd = Harry Potter? XD

[Dasquian Belargic]

Order of the Phoenix, Order of the Scorpion.. :o

[Shadow Storm]

I nominate that we create our own Order of the witches. Call it Order of the Ferrets, Order of the Mongoose, Order of the Pandas....something.

[Jedi Master Carr]

The Trailer is now online
http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthedeathlyhallows/

It looks awesome very epic. I love how they show scenes from both parts.

HD links
480p: http://wbads-60.vo.llnwd.net/e1/wbmovies/deathlyhallows/pt1/trl1/HP7PT1_TRL1_480.mov

720p: http://wbads-60.vo.llnwd.net/e1/wbmovies/deathlyhallows/pt1/trl1/HP7PT1_TRL1_720.mov

1080p: http://wbads-60.vo.llnwd.net/e1/wbmovies/deathlyhallows/pt1/trl1/HP7PT1_TRL1_1080.mov

[Droo]

Oh wow, I was just wondering about when a trailer would be released for this, downloading now! :D

Edit: Oh my God, that looks so incredible! I knew the book would make a hell of a film, or two in this case, and it looks mind-bogglingly epic and awesome!

[Miranda Tarkin]

I agree Droo. I recognized those scenes from the entire book and was all giddy.

Until the ... In 3D shows up :|

But I digress. I know what I want to watch for my birthday come November :eee

[Rutabaga]

Considering the fact that we are now having to suffer through massive hype for yet another Twilight piece of poo, it's nice to have a reminder that something much MUCH better is coming down the line pretty soon. I already know that when the final part comes out, I will need to take a large box of tissues with me, because I know I'm going to be bawling through the whole final battle at Hogwarts.

And yeah, I didn't really need to see that whole "see it in 3D" thing. Blargh. :\

[Droo]

I've already said where I stand on the 3D issue so I won't bang on about it anymore but I have to admit I cringed when I saw that message at the end. It makes what is an awesome trailer really tacky.

[Darth Turbogeek]

What see in 3D notice? I was too blown away :)

EXCELLENT trailer. And yep, fuck Twilight pieces of shit, this is something to see.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well the studios push 3D for two reasons, higher revenues and you can't pirate 3D movies. We will see how long the fad will last. I imagine eventually the studios will try to push holograms once that technology gets more advanced.

[Dasquian Belargic]

This trailer looks amazing!! :ohno

[Darth Turbogeek]

you can't pirate 3D movies. .


Ohhhhhh yes you can! And in 1080p rips too.

[Jedi Master Carr]

you can't pirate 3D movies. .


Ohhhhhh yes you can! And in 1080p rips too.

Not really successfully nobody has 3D computer monitors and only a handful of people own 3D tvs. You would be pirating for a market of a hundred people.

[Jedi Master Carr]

New poster
http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=/movie7/dhonesheet.jpg

Amazing poster, although very dark and sad. Hogwarts looks in poor shape.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

The last few HP movies have all been available in imax 3D so this isn't shocking to me.

[Droo]

New poster
http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=/movie7/dhonesheet.jpg

Amazing poster, although very dark and sad. Hogwarts looks in poor shape.

I'm starting to feel there are too many spoilers in the latest wave of advertising for this film. If that had been on the front of the book when it was released, I wouldn't have been impressed, but maybe it's because I know what each shot or still signifies from important moments in the book that my head is screaming "Spoilers!"

Regardless, it's a badass poster.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I think WB's just figures most people know what happens, so they don't mind showing the spoilers. I know the trailer had a few that revealed some of the ending.

[Rutabaga]

Awesome, I didn't realize that Bill Nighy is finally making his Harry Potter debut!

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/Rutabaga64/billnighypotter.jpg

(Yeah, yeah, yeah, I got the photo from Perez Hilton's site ;).)

[Jedi Master Carr]

new trailer it looks amazing.
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810004780/video/22060274

[Rutabaga]

Holy crap. :eek

I know I'm repeating myself, but this just reminds me of just what weak bullshit Twilight is.

[Rutabaga]

EXCELLENT news: Warner Bros. has announced that part one of The Deathly Hallows will NOT be in 3D. :eee

[Jedi Master Carr]

EXCELLENT news: Warner Bros. has announced that part one of The Deathly Hallows will NOT be in 3D. :eee

Well it wouldn't matter much since you would still have the option to see it in 2D. I have to admit I am a little disappointing since it will shed 30-50 million off its box office in the U.S. and over 100 million OS. I was hoping it would be #1 movie WW which will be tough to happen now. Well the second part will be in 3D and it does seem to be they are doing this for quality reasons. They should have the time to convert part 2 in seven months.

[Tear]

EXCELLENT news: Warner Bros. has announced that part one of The Deathly Hallows will NOT be in 3D. :eee

Boo. I remember seeing the first 10-15min of Order of the Phoenix in 3D and really enjoying it.

[Jedi Master Carr]

This is a good article about the problems
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118025463.html?categoryid=1009&cs=1

At least WB didn't pull another Clash of the Titans. I heard the 3D in that was horrible.

[Jedi Master Carr]

It opens tomorrow, I will be seeing it in less than 24 hours, anybody else seeing it on Friday? I can't wait the reviews have been very positive so far and so has the buzz. It should be a lot of fun.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I just got home from watching it. I thought it was an amazing movie, maybe one of the best ones. I would have to see it again to really decide on that. I do think it is much better than the last two, but for now I need to sleep.

[Droo]

For those of us who have read the book, could you tell us when in the story they choose to end this first film? I'm quite curious about that.

[Dragon]

How it ends: The movie ends after the escape from the Malfoys' dungeon. Harry buries Dobby by the house on the beach, and the final scene shows Voldemort taking the Elder Wand from Dumbledore's tomb.

Just saw it this afternoon, and it left me with mixed feelings. I think it was all done very well, and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. The script is full of sparkling character moments, and the three leads are arguably giving their best performances of the series. The visual flair is fantastic, and it's a thrill to see so many memorable scenes from the book so skillfully realized. There's a lot of emotional range in the film, and the director even handles the passage of time (and the tension and angst associated with it) in a satisfying way.

However, there's none of the structure you expect from a movie. There is no arc to the story, and it's hard even to identify any clearly discernible themes. More than any of the movies that came before it, we are marched through the events as they happened in the book, and the result is very episodic - not something that translates well to the big screen. Eighty percent of the way into the movie, you really don't feel any closer to the end than when you were forty percent of the way through, and the point they chose to end on doesn't feel any more final or climactic than five or so other big moments earlier in the film.

As a film adaptation, it's clunky, cluttered, and unfocused. I think it works better to look on it as a miniseries. We have several episodes that carry the story very well; it's just that, in movie form, we're forced to watch the first six all in one sitting and then wait half a year before we get to watch the rest. When the films come out on DVD/Blu Ray, you'll be able to watch through them like you would a season of Battlestar Galactica or some other episodic serial - there will be a number of natural points to break it off when it's time to grab a snack or go to the bathroom. But the theater doesn't give you that luxury.

My brother made an excellent point about the challenge of adapting the story. They could have chosen to greatly simplify the plot and produce something primarily for the movie-going audience. Instead, they chose a pacing that is much more like a dramatic reading of the book itself, much more a reward for fans who will recognize every scene and every exchange. I can't fully judge the work without seeing the second part (or parts seven through twelve, as it may be), but I think this approach sacrifices the strengths that made the previous two film adaptations work so well. Without a doubt, Deathly Hallows is a very difficult book to adapt, but I really wish they had put some more effort into better unifying the story and clarifying its themes so this part could better stand on its own.

Harry Potter fans will have a lot to love about this movie. However, they may also find themselves, as I did, checking their watches to see how much longer it'll be before the arbitrary cut-off point.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well its a catch-22 there. If they tried something that cut out parts of the book, the fans would bitch. I think WB just figured make the last two for the fans. I actually really enjoyed the movie, but need to see it again to truly judge it. I do think it is better than the last two and the first two. It is comparable to GOF for me at the moment so it might be the second best film of the series.

[Rutabaga]

Just got back from seeing the movie. Overall, I give it a strong thumbs up. It's not perfect--it sags right where I would knew it would sag (the seemingly endless scenes of nomadic life during their camping trip)--but they took a difficult, dark, loooooong book and did a really good job of adapting it. They also chose to end it at a really good point. The stage is now set for the huge events at the end of the book.

I think I was probably the only person on the face of the planet who felt that The Half-Blood Prince was a disappointment, because it left so much stuff out. I liked this movie a lot more. It does seem as if these last 2 movies are more for the book readers, because they left so much in as opposed to shaving everything down. I just figure that perhaps the older woman who was bitching so loudly as the credits started to roll about how terrible it was isn't a reader of the books :lol.

PS...I want Hermione's purse. Badly. :lol

[Jedi Master Carr]

Some people will never be happy. It would have had to be 4 hours to keep her happy I thought it was a great adaptation of the book.

[Droo]

Well, I am bracing myself for this film, the trailers have looked so great but I found the last two films quite dull and lacking in any real creative flair, and since they've kept the same director on to finish the series, I have my doubts. After the first two films, which carried the books like deadweight, we had Alfonso Cuaron's Prisoner of Azkaban, which is still far and away the best of the films to date. The films have since been liberated creatively, instead of being chained to the source material. The fourth was different again, and fun, but not of the same caliber but that's okay. Order of the Phoenix brought something different to the table once more but really failed to grip me, or entertain me, quite like the previous two films. Then inexplicably, rather than signing up a new director for the next film - a trend I really liked and appreciated for its adventurousness - they, inexplicably, kept David Yates.

And as I mentioned, Half-Blood Prince lacked any real creative flair once again, it was just more of the same, and for such a rich wizarding world of wonders, it's remarkable that a creative team can fail to keep things fresh and interesting. I won't quite write Yates off completely, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for this one but the luke warm reviews I've been reading are hardly encouraging.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well the problem for the critics has been the split. Most who disliked it complained about that the most. I think they believe it is for commercial thing and nothing else.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

We saw it last night, and thought the pacing was pretty bad. I think Dragon's post probably sums up my thoughts on that (or shaped them :uhoh). Ty said it felt really long. BUT we both really enjoyed it.

But please, please explain to me where (minor spoiler if one at all) Bill Weasley came from?! Who the heck is he? I mean I figure he's the oldest Weasley brother but... but... have we never seen him in the movies before? I was so confused. Did they recast the role? I NEED TO KNOW

edit: Part 1 ending spoilers I cried over Dobby. The shot on the beach of the back of him and everyone coming up to him... gulp! So sad. I apologize for ever thinking he was creepy. Its just like ET where you realize you're crying because some wrinkly pink thing died.

Re: The Deathly Hallows So the cloak of invisibility that Harry uses early on is one of the Hallows? INTERESTING. I'm guessing they'll have to go to Hogwarts to find it next movie.

And don't laugh at me, I haven't read any of the books.

[Figrin D'an]

But please, please explain to me where (minor spoiler if one at all) Bill Weasley came from?! Who the heck is he? I mean I figure he's the oldest Weasley brother but... but... have we never seen him in the movies before? I was so confused. Did they recast the role? I NEED TO KNOW


Bill Weasley is mentioned/discussed on a handful of occasions throughout the books, and actually appears in 'Goblet of Fire' during the Tri-Wizard Tournament (in the book, not the film). He hasn't appeared in the movies until now, but is mentioned maybe once by Ron. He is indeed the oldest of the Weasley children.

[Rutabaga]

We saw it last night, and thought the pacing was pretty bad. I think Dragon's post probably sums up my thoughts on that (or shaped them :uhoh). Ty said it felt really long. BUT we both really enjoyed it.

But please, please explain to me where (minor spoiler if one at all) Bill Weasley came from?! Who the heck is he? I mean I figure he's the oldest Weasley brother but... but... have we never seen him in the movies before? I was so confused. Did they recast the role? I NEED TO KNOW

edit: Part 1 ending spoilers I cried over Dobby. The shot on the beach of the back of him and everyone coming up to him... gulp! So sad. I apologize for ever thinking he was creepy. Its just like ET where you realize you're crying because some wrinkly pink thing died.

Re: The Deathly Hallows So the cloak of invisibility that Harry uses early on is one of the Hallows? INTERESTING. I'm guessing they'll have to go to Hogwarts to find it next movie.

And don't laugh at me, I haven't read any of the books.

Bill had already graduated from Hogwarts and was out in the wizarding world when the series began. If I recall correctly, they did mention him in GOF because of his involvement with dragons.

I also cried over Dobby, even though I knew it was coming. I also shed a tear over Hedwig. Since you haven't read the book, be prepared...those losses are only the first of many. :cry

[Jedi Master Carr]

We saw it last night, and thought the pacing was pretty bad. I think Dragon's post probably sums up my thoughts on that (or shaped them :uhoh). Ty said it felt really long. BUT we both really enjoyed it.

But please, please explain to me where (minor spoiler if one at all) Bill Weasley came from?! Who the heck is he? I mean I figure he's the oldest Weasley brother but... but... have we never seen him in the movies before? I was so confused. Did they recast the role? I NEED TO KNOW

edit: Part 1 ending spoilers I cried over Dobby. The shot on the beach of the back of him and everyone coming up to him... gulp! So sad. I apologize for ever thinking he was creepy. Its just like ET where you realize you're crying because some wrinkly pink thing died.

Re: The Deathly Hallows So the cloak of invisibility that Harry uses early on is one of the Hallows? INTERESTING. I'm guessing they'll have to go to Hogwarts to find it next movie.

And don't laugh at me, I haven't read any of the books.

Bill had already graduated from Hogwarts and was out in the wizarding world when the series began. If I recall correctly, they did mention him in GOF because of his involvement with dragons.

I also cried over Dobby, even though I knew it was coming. I also shed a tear over Hedwig. Since you haven't read the book, be prepared...those losses are only the first of many. :cry

Charlie worked with Dragons. Charlie worked for Gringotts. They probably should have found a way to fit him in one of the previous movies, even if it was only briefly. Yeah Dobby's death was very well done. It was very sad. The deaths will be worse in the second movie at least for me.
Other things I liked: The three Brothers scene, I really liked the animation. Goddrick Hollow was a touching scene and then scary with Nagini. Hermoine getting tortured by Bellatrix. It made you hate her and it was a chilling scene, especially when she carved mudblood on her arm

[Rutabaga]

Oops, you're right...sometimes I can't keep all those Weasley kids straight ;).

And yes, The 3 Brothers scene was wonderful, so unlike anything we've seen in a Potter movie up until now. And Helena Bonham Carter is terrific as Bellatrix...I sure hope we see the pivotal scene between her and Molly Weasley from the book!.

EDIT: Yup, there's a teeny Part 2 spoiler hidden there...might wanna avoid it if you haven't read the book. :)

[Dragon]

Rutabaga, possibly should edit to specify that you've dropped a slight Part 2 spoiler there. :)

And it probably doesn't need spoilering, but in the books, the Weasleys have six children: Bill (works for Gringott's), Charlie (works with dragons and supplied them for the first challenge in GoF), Percy (appears in movie one - a Gryffindor house prefect who ends up working for the Ministry of Magic and - book spoiler - disowns his family in OotP), Fred and George, Ron, and Ginny.

Bill, like Mundungus, got a shoehorn introduction at the beginning of this movie because they were finally necessary for the plot. That's one of the many things that comes off as clumsy and hurried for the non-book-reading audience. For the reading audience - well, it's still clumsy and hurried, but at least we understand why they did it.

It's interesting that there's a lot of difference of opinion on this forum as to the relative quality of the films. JMC liked GoF the best, but it was my least favorite. Droo thought OotP and HBP were poorly paced and creatively lacking, but I thought they were sleek and energetic adaptations of some very difficult source material.

I think this film may be the most polarizing of all. Evaluating it simply as a film, it's fairly incomprehensible. If this were a film series and not a book series, I think we'd say it was getting shamelessly padded out. Some people may make the same accusation about the book, but at least the book gives us the whole story all at once, and the way Rowling ties everything together is, in my opinion, nothing short of breathtaking. In any event, the book was not written to be a movie. To make the story work in movie form would almost require a re-write.

Here's an example. Rutabaga thought it dragged during the relatively quiet sequence where Harry, Ron, and Hermione were on the run. I actually thought that was among the strongest parts of the movie because it was largely character-focused and there was a steady build in tension. I actually thought the episodic structure of ACTION SEQUENCE exposition ACTION SEQUENCE exposition was far more of a drag. Why? In a plot, you expect a rising action that builds in intensity toward a climax. Instead, we kept bouncing between two levels of intensity with no real sense of accomplishment or progress. I found it tiresome and was ready for the movie to end a good forty minutes before it actually did.

[Rutabaga]

Added the little spoiler warning...I kept it vague, but it's still true that I hinted at something that non-book readers might be surprised about. :)

I may have actually been pre-disposed to feel those sequences dragged because that's how I felt about them in book form. It might have been a self-fulfilling prophecy, in a way.

I also agree that this might be the most polarizing of the movies in a lot of ways, at least in regards to storylines. I know how hard it was as a reader to read the seventh book in the series and have it be so different from the first 6...it simply did not follow the set pattern I was used to. I think that was a brilliant move, personally. It led to less predictability and kept the series from getting into a rut. I have no doubt that people who don't read the books will be going through some of those feelings as they see this movie and the final one. It's the old idea about people getting pissed if the finale doesn't fit their vision of how the story should end. Not everyone is going to be happy.

I don't think this is a spoiler but I'm going to spoilerize it anywas just in case: I'm going to be especially interested to see the reactions of non-book readers to the epilogue. I know there was some controversy and disagreement among readers when the book came out, and I have no doubt that controversy and disagreement will be revisited when the movie comes out.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Thanks for the info on elder brother Bill Weasley, I KNEW there was one who was at the school - Percy I guess - and he's been in the movies from time to time and I remember him well. I was trying to figure out if they'd just recast that part because the actor who plays Percy doesn't really look anything like the other Weasleys, lol

And yeah, (part 2)I know there are a lot of deaths coming up. I only really know one in particular though.

Back to part one, and Bellatrix, I thought the torturing of Hermoine was really well done, very scary, and Emma's screams were chilling!

We were going to have a HP Movie Marathon day before this movie came out, but ran out of weekends before it opened, lol. So I think we'll be doing it before Part 2, just so everything is as fresh as it can be.

[Dasquian Belargic]

I haven't seen the movie yet but...




And yes, The 3 Brothers scene was wonderful, so unlike anything we've seen in a Potter movie up until now. And Helena Bonham Carter is terrific as Bellatrix...I sure hope we see the pivotal scene between her and Molly Weasley from the book!.

EDIT: Yup, there's a teeny Part 2 spoiler hidden there...might wanna avoid it if you haven't read the book. :)

I reeeally hope so! I want to hear Molly Weasley utter that infamous line :3

[Droo]

It's definately in the film. Part 2 spoiler to follow: It was at the BAFTA's earlier this year, I think, when Julie Walters was recieving an award that she casually announced that she'd just recently killed Helena Bonham Carter in the new Harry Potter film. It was quite funny but I bet those who hadn't read the books weren't laughing. :uhoh

[Dragon]

I saw the movie again today, and I think I enjoyed it more the second time around, now that I knew what to expect.

Except I didn't expect to hear the lady three seats down from me say, "Is Dumbledore dead? When did that happen?"


:whaa

[Rutabaga]

I saw the movie again today, and I think I enjoyed it more the second time around, now that I knew what to expect.

Except I didn't expect to hear the lady three seats down from me say, "Is Dumbledore dead? When did that happen?"


:whaa

*facepalm*

That probably means she has no idea that he was gay too. :lol

[Droo]

Very disappointing. Like the previous two Yates contributions, moments unique to the film are done well while any and all plot relevant material is given lip service. There is little, if any, emotional resonance in the serious scenes; deaths are dealt with just as flippantly as those from Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince, and I did find myself incredibly frustrated that little moments from the book were excluded in key character scenes. Opportunities were missed: Bathilda Bagshot turning into Nagini should've been horrifying!

Overall, the plot was rushed, despite it being a very long and baggy film: three quarters of the entire book squeazed into what should've been the first half. From my experience, I'd imagine readers to be bored, and newbies to be indifferent, and somewhat confused. It's such a shame because as usual the acting was great, the cinematography was fine, and the production quality was excellent but it's all wasted on a film that rushes through the heart and soul of its story.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Opportunities were missed: Bathilda Bagshot turning into Nagini should've been horrifying!

I actually found that quite horrifying, personally. :uhoh

[Jedi Master Carr]

Very disappointing. Like the previous two Yates contributions, moments unique to the film are done well while any and all plot relevant material is given lip service. There is little, if any, emotional resonance in the serious scenes; deaths are dealt with just as flippantly as those from Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince, and I did find myself incredibly frustrated that little moments from the book were excluded in key character scenes. Opportunities were missed: Bathilda Bagshot turning into Nagini should've been horrifying!

Overall, the plot was rushed, despite it being a very long and baggy film: three quarters of the entire book squeazed into what should've been the first half. From my experience, I'd imagine readers to be bored, and newbies to be indifferent, and somewhat confused. It's such a shame because as usual the acting was great, the cinematography was fine, and the production quality was excellent but it's all wasted on a film that rushes through the heart and soul of its story.

You are entitled to your opinion but I really disagreed. I wasn't bored at all and from what I have read on other boards most Potter fans really love this one and some are calling it the best one yet (not sure if I will go there or not). I also found that one scene horrifying, but I guess we will just have to disagree.

[Dragon]

Giving the Bathilda into Nagini transformation sequence a big money shot with all the nightmarish details would have been disturbing enough to put this film way outside the bounds of appropriateness for children. As someone with younger cousins who are huge Harry Potter fans, I appreciated that they showed restraint.

That said, I was very disappointed by the battle with Nagini, which I had actually thought would be the climax of part one. In the book, it was Harry's single greatest moment of peril up until Hogwarts. While there were other traps set for him, this one had been engineered by Voldemort himself, and during the battle Harry even had visions of Voldemort shouting in triumph and coming to kill him. As I recall, Voldemort was on the doorstep of Bathilda's house when they escaped.

It should have been terrifying and chaotic - Nagini filling the room with coils, Harry and Hermione blasting away with their wands (it was supposed to be a ricochet that broke Harry's wand, but we never even saw any spells fired, let alone Harry's wand getting broken), a growing desperation and dread as Voldemort prepares to collect his prey, culminating in an explosion of magic that pretty much demolishes the house. Instead, we got a by-the-numbers monster sequence with a cheap jump scare at the end. So in that, I agree with you, Droo - opportunity lost, indeed.

[Droo]

Regarding the Nagini sequence, I believe in the book, it went as far as Harry actually seeing himself and Hermione(both of whom were disguised with polyjuice potion) twist and vanish in mid-air as they jumped out of the window and disapparated, him seeing through Voldemort's eyes as he arrived in the room and ran to the window. Voldemort cried out in frustration at Harry's narrow escape just as the church bells rang in Christmas Day.

Far be it from me to say that a film should be chained to its source material but come on! Don't just cut things out for the sake of making the film different, especially when the cuts damage marvellous moments like that!

Oh, and on the Potter fans issue, they may like their Potter books and like to talk about it on forums but that doesn't mean they know a good film when they see one. In fact, I met a girl on the train on the way home from seeing it and she agreed with me completely, to the point that she actually interrupted the conversation I was having with my sister just to say so. Then on Teamspeak, another Potter fan concurred with my views.

Don't get me wrong, there's a lot that works in this film, but I'm afraid that, criminally, the story isn't one of them.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Regarding the Nagini sequence, I believe in the book, it went as far as Harry actually seeing himself and Hermione(both of whom were disguised with polyjuice potion) twist and vanish in mid-air as they jumped out of the window and disapparated, him seeing through Voldemort's eyes as he arrived in the room and ran to the window. Voldemort cried out in frustration at Harry's narrow escape just as the church bells rang in Christmas Day.

Far be it from me to say that a film should be chained to its source material but come on! Don't just cut things out for the sake of making the film different, especially when the cuts damage marvellous moments like that!

Oh, and on the Potter fans issue, they may like their Potter books and like to talk about it on forums but that doesn't mean they know a good film when they see one. In fact, I met a girl on the train on the way home from seeing it and she agreed with me completely, to the point that she actually interrupted the conversation I was having with my sister just to say so. Then on Teamspeak, another Potter fan concurred with my views.

Don't get me wrong, there's a lot that works in this film, but I'm afraid that, criminally, the story isn't one of them.

My point is you generalized way too much, there is no way you can what other potter fans think. You also seem to imply that I don't know nothing about films. I loved it and I really don't care what anybody thinks and according imdb the public agrees with me. It has 8.1 rating and A- on those two places. Every potter fan I know (I mean my friends here where I live) all enjoyed it and thought it was a great movie. Your entitled to not liking it but you just seem to come off a little condescending.

[Droo]

My point is you generalized way too much, there is no way you can what other potter fans think. You also seem to imply that I don't know nothing about films.

You made a point about the opinion of Potter fans on other forums, I was simply stating that just because they like Harry Potter doesn't mean their verdict on the film, as a film alone, holds any water. The same argument can be made for me, so I wasn't implying anything about your appreciation for film but simply that popularity isn't an indicator of quality.

Also, I'm not claiming to know what Potter fans think, which is why I said "From my experience, I'd imagine readers to be bored..." Here, I am not claiming to be right, merely ruminating on what others in my position might feel, given my experience.

[Yog]

/enter Mr Grumpy Pants

I have not seen the latest Potter movie yet, and read very little of the books (I read the first book, and about half of the second). The little I read was ok, I guess. The writing was like childrens fairy tale, and not in an epic way such as LOTR (let alone the scope of Tolkien!). I will also take the story of Narnia any day over teenage wizards riding a broomstick and going to magic school experiencing trivial adventures.

Although, there have been some highlights through the movie series, my view of the franchise is basically this; they are definitely not my cup of tea. Still seems they are mostly for fans of the books. If anything, the quality seems to be going down a bit, because it strives to be epic, when it does not feel epic. One would also think as the series goes on, I would care more for the characters, not less. While visual effects and art design tend to be nice, I am not able to get emotionally involved or get a sense of suspense from these movies. Guess I'll never understand the appeal of the setting and characters.

I will still check out this latest movie at some point, but I doubt it will change my mind.

/end of Mr Grumpy Pants rant

:: takes cover from incoming rotten tomatoes ::

:p

[Jedi Master Carr]

/enter Mr Grumpy Pants

I have not seen the latest Potter movie yet, and read very little of the books (I read the first book, and about half of the second). The little I read was ok, I guess. The writing was like childrens fairy tale, and not in an epic way such as LOTR (let alone the scope of Tolkien!). I will also take the story of Narnia any day over teenage wizards riding a broomstick and going to magic school experiencing trivial adventures.

Although, there have been some highlights through the movie series, my view of the franchise is basically this; they are definitely not my cup of tea. Still seems they are mostly for fans of the books. If anything, the quality seems to be going down a bit, because it strives to be epic, when it does not feel epic. One would also think as the series goes on, I would care more for the characters, not less. While visual effects and art design tend to be nice, I am not able to get emotionally involved or get a sense of suspense from these movies. Guess I'll never understand the appeal of the setting and characters.

I will still check out this latest movie at some point, but I doubt it will change my mind.

/end of Mr Grumpy Pants rant

:: takes cover from incoming rotten tomatoes ::

:p

I won't throw any tomatoes at you :p I think the later books get a lot better. I thought the same way about the first two books but really got into by the time I got to GOF. I do think it is much better than Narnia. The big problem with Narnia is it never had a great villain and a story that connected the other books. Potter beats Narnia in those regard and also have better characters.
Droo, I won't keep arguing about it. Based on ratings and other things I think this one is more liked. We still have one more movie though so we shall see what happens.

[Yog]

I won't throw any tomatoes at you :p I think the later books get a lot better. I thought the same way about the first two books but really got into by the time I got to GOF. I do think it is much better than Narnia. The big problem with Narnia is it never had a great villain and a story that connected the other books. Potter beats Narnia in those regard and also have better characters.
Well, I do plan to give the Harry Potter books a second shot at some point, after I get my Kindle e-book reader. :)

[Darth Turbogeek]

Regarding the Nagini sequence, I believe in the book, it went as far as Harry actually seeing himself and Hermione(both of whom were disguised with polyjuice potion) twist and vanish in mid-air as they jumped out of the window and disapparated, him seeing through Voldemort's eyes as he arrived in the room and ran to the window. Voldemort cried out in frustration at Harry's narrow escape just as the church bells rang in Christmas Day.

Far be it from me to say that a film should be chained to its source material but come on! Don't just cut things out for the sake of making the film different, especially when the cuts damage marvellous moments like that!

Oh, and on the Potter fans issue, they may like their Potter books and like to talk about it on forums but that doesn't mean they know a good film when they see one. In fact, I met a girl on the train on the way home from seeing it and she agreed with me completely, to the point that she actually interrupted the conversation I was having with my sister just to say so. Then on Teamspeak, another Potter fan concurred with my views.

Don't get me wrong, there's a lot that works in this film, but I'm afraid that, criminally, the story isn't one of them.

My point is you generalized way too much, there is no way you can what other potter fans think. You also seem to imply that I don't know nothing about films. I loved it and I really don't care what anybody thinks and according imdb the public agrees with me. It has 8.1 rating and A- on those two places. Every potter fan I know (I mean my friends here where I live) all enjoyed it and thought it was a great movie. Your entitled to not liking it but you just seem to come off a little condescending.


The public likes foul toxic shit like Britney Spears. Dont appeal to the popular as a judge of what's good, Popular != good, far FAR from it usually.

Personally? I am struggling to remember HP7a. It's just simply an okay waste of 14 bucks. Yawn, move on.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Regarding the Nagini sequence, I believe in the book, it went as far as Harry actually seeing himself and Hermione(both of whom were disguised with polyjuice potion) twist and vanish in mid-air as they jumped out of the window and disapparated, him seeing through Voldemort's eyes as he arrived in the room and ran to the window. Voldemort cried out in frustration at Harry's narrow escape just as the church bells rang in Christmas Day.

Far be it from me to say that a film should be chained to its source material but come on! Don't just cut things out for the sake of making the film different, especially when the cuts damage marvellous moments like that!

Oh, and on the Potter fans issue, they may like their Potter books and like to talk about it on forums but that doesn't mean they know a good film when they see one. In fact, I met a girl on the train on the way home from seeing it and she agreed with me completely, to the point that she actually interrupted the conversation I was having with my sister just to say so. Then on Teamspeak, another Potter fan concurred with my views.

Don't get me wrong, there's a lot that works in this film, but I'm afraid that, criminally, the story isn't one of them.

My point is you generalized way too much, there is no way you can what other potter fans think. You also seem to imply that I don't know nothing about films. I loved it and I really don't care what anybody thinks and according imdb the public agrees with me. It has 8.1 rating and A- on those two places. Every potter fan I know (I mean my friends here where I live) all enjoyed it and thought it was a great movie. Your entitled to not liking it but you just seem to come off a little condescending.


The public likes foul toxic shit like Britney Spears. Dont appeal to the popular as a judge of what's good, Popular != good, far FAR from it usually.

Personally? I am struggling to remember HP7a. It's just simply an okay waste of 14 bucks. Yawn, move on.
It really depends on what you mean but popular is what is remembered. Charles Dickens was very popular in the Nineteenth century but so was Edward Bulwar-Lyton. I am sure there were other writers who wrote during the 19th century who were better but are forgotten as Dickens, Hugo, and Dumas are the ones who people remember. This could happen with movies of this century with things like Star Wars, Avatar, and Harry Potter being more remembered than things like the Hurt Locker and No Country for Old Men.
As for seeing it,. I didn't find it a waste and the majority of the fans liked it.

[Atreyu]

I have not seen the latest Potter movie yet, and read very little of the books (I read the first book, and about half of the second). The little I read was ok, I guess.

I think the later books get a lot better. I thought the same way about the first two books but really got into by the time I got to GOF.
I agree with Carr - the first 2 books are arguably the least, being a lot more episodic in feel compared to the later books which get more of a continuous plot theme running through. The 1st book gets a pass because it needs to setup the wizarding world for the benefit of the reader; unfortunately Rowling stuck too close to this structure in the 2nd book which results in the main plot not even kicking off until nearly 40% of the way through. And Gilderoy Lockhart, despite being an amusing character in his own way and featuring a fair bit (including getting an entire chapter named after him), ultimately doesn't contribute much to the plot in any real way and aside from a later cameo doesn't even feature in the rest of the series. I still found it enjoyable but compared to the rest of the series I definitely rank it last.

It's not until the 3rd book that the series really gets going, so I encourage Yog (and anyone else who hasn't read them) to try and have another crack at them and at least make it to that point. :)

Oh, and I saw the film the other week. Quite enjoyed it - it may end up becoming my favourite HP film after Prisoner of Azkaban, but I'll hold off final judgement until Part 2 comes out next year.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I have not seen the latest Potter movie yet, and read very little of the books (I read the first book, and about half of the second). The little I read was ok, I guess.

I think the later books get a lot better. I thought the same way about the first two books but really got into by the time I got to GOF.
I agree with Carr - the first 2 books are arguably the least, being a lot more episodic in feel compared to the later books which get more of a continuous plot theme running through. The 1st book gets a pass because it needs to setup the wizarding world for the benefit of the reader; unfortunately Rowling stuck too close to this structure in the 2nd book which results in the main plot not even kicking off until nearly 40% of the way through. And Gilderoy Lockhart, despite being an amusing character in his own way and featuring a fair bit (including getting an entire chapter named after him), ultimately doesn't contribute much to the plot in any real way and aside from a later cameo doesn't even feature in the rest of the series. I still found it enjoyable but compared to the rest of the series I definitely rank it last.

It's not until the 3rd book that the series really gets going, so I encourage Yog (and anyone else who hasn't read them) to try and have another crack at them and at least make it to that point. :)

Oh, and I saw the film the other week. Quite enjoyed it - it may end up becoming my favourite HP film after Prisoner of Azkaban, but I'll hold off final judgement until Part 2 comes out next year.


I agree, I think this film does feel like half the story, and it will depend on the last film. I would tentatively rank this one in the top 3 but I rather wait as well.

[Lykaios]

New poster for Deathly Hallows part 2

http://www.g4tv.com/attackoftheshow/blog/post/711356/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-2-debuts-epic-poster/

[Jedi Master Carr]

It looks great, I think, although the burning Hogwarts one was better but that was just an amazing poster. I am hoping we will now get a trailer here in the next few weeks.

[Dasquian Belargic]

I finally saw DH part 1 tonight and... meh. Possibly because it's been such a long time since I saw the previous movie, I felt pretty disconnected from what was going on and slightly confused by trying to remember who everyone was :uhoh I have read the books, and I did have a little sniffle at one or two scenes, but on the whole I came away from watching this thinking: "Oh well, at least we have (part 2 spoiler) the Battle of Hogwarts to look forward to."

[Jedi Master Carr]

The trailer for part two is up, it looks amazing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCU50Qc0HsM&feature=player_embedded
I think the final battle will be great to see, although they do spoil a few things for those who haven't read the books.

[Atreyu]

That's an awesome trailer. :cool: This film will be outstanding.

[Droo]

95% of that trailer was Battle of Hogwarts. It might look good but I'm highly dubious.

ps. Fred Weasley spoiler much?

[Jedi Master Carr]

I saw that spoiler too, I was kind of shocked they put that in there. Also probably 75% of the movie will be battle of Hogwarts from what I have heard.

[Tear]

Being as someone who has never read any of the books and was introduced to Harry Potter purely as a Movie. I've watched the trailer and the spoiler isn't apparent to me and still isn't apparent, although, I've avoided the spoiler tags.

It all looks like action and zap zap with a few characters thrown in. Some I recognize, some I don't. Whatever it is I am still blissfully clueless.:lol

[Atreyu]

Final Minutes Of Last Harry Potter Movie To Be Split Into Seven Separate Films (http://www.theonion.com/video/final-minutes-of-last-harry-potter-movie-to-be-spl,20528/)


:lol:lol:lol

[Jedi Master Carr]

Final Trailer released
http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/wb/harrypotterandthedeathlyhallowspart2/
I think it looks great. I can't wait for the Snape scenes.

[Miranda Tarkin]

Excellent and I agree. I can't wait for the Snape ones as well :)

[Dasquian Belargic]

I have tickets to a midnight showing :D

[Sanis Prent]

I need to finish my Potter collection and re-watch the series.

As somebody who originally hated the first movie, I'm glad I came back to it a decade later and gave it a chance. It's pretty good.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I got my tickets on Fandango a few days ago. It is hard to believe that a week from now I will be watching the last Harry Potter movie. It is the end of that era. The early reviews for the final movie have been very good, it is 100% at Rotten Tomatoes with 10 reviews. I think this will be the best Potter film since POA.
By the way if anybody goes to Universal Studios in Florida, I would check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I went there last week and it was amazing a lot of fun. They really captured the place, although was shocked at no Shrinking Shack.

[Jedieb]

Where to begin.... The only HP movie I can recall seeing in theaters was the first. After that I stayed away from them. I think I saw Chamber of Secrets on TV but I can't remember. The movies would come and go but I'd skip them. I never really gave them much thought. A few years ago I bought the first book for my kids but never got around to reading it. I just kept putting it off.

Around the time DH1 was released I decided I'd try to read the novels and watch the films. Not really sure why I finally decided to do it, but I figured what the hell. Once I finally finished David Copperfield I took out my old, unread copy of the Sorcerer's Stone and started reading it. I thought it was an excellent children's novel. When I finished it I re-watched that first movie and was impressed with what Chris Columbus had done. It's never easy to film a beloved novel and please both fans of the novel, and movie goers who just want to see a good film.

So, I was reading a book, then watching its movie. Reading, watching, reading, watching... Well, somewhere between Azkaban and Goblet I got hooked. Not on the films, but the books. They got to be friggin' CRACK for me. I think I read both Half Prince and Hallows in less than a week. I was impressed how the tone of the books changed as Harry aged and grew closer to his final year at Hogwarts and his inevitable final confrontation with You Know Who. Right now, I'd have no problem with my 10 year old daughter reading any of the first 3 HP books or watching any of their movies. But I'd wouldn't want her to read anything past that until she's in middle school. I like it when series like this matures along with its audience. It's one of the reason I love ESB so much. It's a more mature film than ANH and I felt as if I was growing up along side of Star Wars.

I find myself now counting the days and constantly refreshing RT to what the early critical response for DH2 is. It's looking great so far. The film premiered in Britain last week and most of the early reviews are from the British press. 18 reviews so far and it's at 100%. There's a good bet DH2 will finish with the best RT rating of the series. (I think it'll have a shot at being the first to finish at or even over 90%.) And with inflation, 3D, and a summer release I think it'll probably be the highest grossing of the franchise. It'll probably put the total franchise at close to $7.5 billion.

8 films in 10 years and pretty consistent in terms of quality. Warner Brothers, Rowling, Yates, Columbus, and Kloves did themselves proud.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Where to begin.... The only HP movie I can recall seeing in theaters was the first. After that I stayed away from them. I think I saw Chamber of Secrets on TV but I can't remember. The movies would come and go but I'd skip them. I never really gave them much thought. A few years ago I bought the first book for my kids but never got around to reading it. I just kept putting it off.

Around the time DH1 was released I decided I'd try to read the novels and watch the films. Not really sure why I finally decided to do it, but I figured what the hell. Once I finally finished David Copperfield I took out my old, unread copy of the Sorcerer's Stone and started reading it. I thought it was an excellent children's novel. When I finished it I re-watched that first movie and was impressed with what Chris Columbus had done. It's never easy to film a beloved novel and please both fans of the novel, and movie goers who just want to see a good film.

So, I was reading a book, then watching it's movie. Reading, watching, reading, watching... Well, somewhere between Azkaban and Goblet I got hooked. Not on the films, but the books. They got to be friggin' CRACK for me. I think I read both Half Prince and Hallows in less than a week. I was impressed how the tone of the books changed as Harry aged and grew closer to his final year at Hogwarts and his inevitable final confrontation with You Know Who. Right now, I'd have no problem with my 10 year old daughter reading any of the first 3 HP books or watching any of their movies. But I'd wouldn't want her to read anything past that until she's in middle school. I like it when series like this matures along with its audience. It's one of the reason I love ESB so much. It's a more mature film than ANH and I felt as if I was growing up along side of Star Wars.

I find myself now counting the days and constantly refreshing RT to what the early critical response for DH2 is. It's looking great so far. The film premiered in Britain last week and most of the early reviews are from the British press. 18 reviews so far and it's at 100%. There's a good bet DH2 will finish with the best RT rating of the series. (I think it'll have a shot at being the first to finish at or even over 90%.) And with inflation, 3D, and a summer release I think it'll probably be the highest grossing of the franchise. It'll probably put the total franchise at close to $7.5 billion.

8 films in 10 years and pretty consistent in terms of quality. Warner Brothers, Rowling, Yates, Columbus, and Kloves did themselves proud.


Hey Jedieb welcome back to the forum, its been a while since I have seen you around here. I imagine you had been very busy but it is good to hear from you again.

I had a similar experience to the books. I thought they were just kids books and read them out of curiosity and it was between reading POA and GOF that I became hooked. The reviews have been great for the last one so far 20/20 on RT. It will be fun to watch where it ends up critically.

[Droo]

Well, somewhere between Azkaban and Goblet I got hooked.

Yeah, those two pretty much hook everyone. :love

And I have to admit, the reviews sound very promising thus far...

[Peter McCoy]

I just could not get into the first book. I have tried reading it three times and did not get more than a few chapters into it. I will not try again. If the tone of the films is anything to go by I reckon I'd be the same with Chamber of Secrets. There's no way I'd start two or three books in either. I reckon I'd really enjoy Azkaban onwards, it's a shame I'll never read it.

[Jedieb]

The books get decidedly darker in tone. I just watched Goblet of Fire with my daughters and my oldest had to cover her face during the entire showdown at the graveyard.
"Sweetie, in some stories... some of the good guys actually die."

I'm trying to use HP to get her away from Twilight. It's either that or I send her off to some clinic to have her reprogrammed.

The reviews are starting to pour in and DHP2 is really holding up well. It's at 94% with only 2 negative reviews out of 37. And both of the negatives came from the two critics at the same website. And even they had to spend significant portions of their review praising the acting, the sets, the pace of the story, and even the reaction of the audience.

One opinion that I keep reading over and over is that not only is it better than Part 1, but it's the best of the series. Sweet.

[Atreyu]

Planning to see it this Friday - can't wait! :)

[Jedi Master Carr]

Reviews have been great the 8.4 rating on RT is impressive.

[Jedieb]

My boy isn't showing much interest but thanks to ABC's family channel and my DVR my oldest daughter and I saw the first 5 HP flicks and she's really into it. We're watching Half Blood tonight and we'll probably see HPDH1 tomorrow night. I'll leave it up to her if she wants to see the finale Friday night.

iTunes is renting DH1 for just $.99 this week and Half Blood was only $2.99. I haven't bought anything on DVD because I'm waiting for inevitable mega set that's sure to come out this X-Mas or next year.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

All the HP blurays are $9.99 at Costco right now. Just fyi. :) We actually got most of them on HD DVD when that format was on firesale everywhere.

[Miranda Tarkin]

waiting for the complete boxset. I have yet to purchase one single HP DVD. I waited what? Ten years. I think I can wait longer ;)

[Dasquian Belargic]

This time tomorrow I will be at the cinema, waiting for the movie to start!

[Miranda Tarkin]

jealous! I will see it 11pm on Friday night in comfy chairs and have a waiter wait on me XD

[Jedi Master Carr]

I am seeing the movie tonight. The reviews have still been fantastic. It is at 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and is getting equal to better reviews than the LOTR movies.

[Jedieb]

My youngest daughter is now BEGGING me to take her and the oldest one, (who's really into it and constantly asking me to pause the movies so we can go over what's happening) is having second thoughts because she might be scared. The boy has finally shown some interest because of its critical response. Speaking of which

RT rating 97%
148 Fresh 5 rotten

(100% of the top critics gave it a fresh rating.)

That's pretty impressive. I'll root for its box office desperately because Bayformers: Dark of the Beef doesn't deserve the title.

[Jedi Master Carr]

My youngest daughter is now BEGGING me to take her and the oldest one, (who's really into it and constantly asking me to pause the movies so we can go over what's happening) is having second thoughts because she might be scared. The boy has finally shown some interest because of its critical response. Speaking of which

RT rating 97%
148 Fresh 5 rotten

(100% of the top critics gave it a fresh rating.)

That's pretty impressive. I'll root for its box office desperately because Bayformers: Dark of the Beef doesn't deserve the title.


It will win worldwide for certain, the question is more by how much.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Just got in from seeing it - wow wow wow. More thoughts once I've had a chance to sleep!

[Jedi Master Carr]

Just got in from seeing it - wow wow wow. More thoughts once I've had a chance to sleep!

I just got home myself and had the same reaction. I really loved it but need to sleep to write a coherent review.

[Atreyu]

Just saw it myself. WOW. What a great finale. :)

[CMJ]

Never read the books, but seen all the films. I wouldn't say I'm a Potter fan per se, I often have issues remembering who some of the minor characters are, and their significance in previous films.

Anyways, getting that out of the way - I think it's somewhere in the middle of the 8 movies. Had some really fun AND epic stuff, yet it was also kind of a letdown at the same time. Perhaps I should revisit them again (I think the last time I watched one was around 6-7 months ago) - maybe a quick rewatch of all would've helped my experience.

Based on my recollections, the 4th is still my favorite - but it's been awhile since I watched it.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I can imagine that non fans might have some problems understanding some of plots and story in the film. i do think it lives up expectations for most hardcore fans and casual fans.
I need to watch the film, but after first viewing I would rank it above the Prisoner of Azkaban as my favorite. The best part by far was the Prince's Tale. I am not sure if it is possible but would love to see Alan Rickman get an Oscar nomination. He is probably a dark horse right now, although he probably has the BAFTA nod and maybe even win right now. I found it an amazing film that delivered the strengthens of the book.

[Miranda Tarkin]

The movie was fantastic but considering how they handled the deaths and changed a few things, I want to see it again next week to watch it more critically then a sobbing fangirl XD

[Dasquian Belargic]

Personally I loved it. I thought it was one of the best movies of the series. It's been so long since I read the book that I didn't notice any glaring errors or aspects that they skipped or changed, but all in all it felt like a fitting end to the saga. I really liked how they brought back the majority of the cast, even if they featured for only a scene or two. It gave the Battle of Hogwarts a real feeling of scale.

[Rutabaga]

Personally I loved it. I thought it was one of the best movies of the series. It's been so long since I read the book that I didn't notice any glaring errors or aspects that they skipped or changed, but all in all it felt like a fitting end to the saga. I really liked how they brought back the majority of the cast, even if they featured for only a scene or two. It gave the Battle of Hogwarts a real feeling of scale.

I agree completely. I have zero complaints about the movie. Absolutely none. In the immediate afterglow of seeing it, I'm thinking it's the best movie in the series. I was one of those people who, despite being a fan, scoffed a little when they announced that they were splitting the final book into 2 movies. But now in retrospect I think it was an extraordinarily wise thing. This gave them the ability to cover as much of the book as possible without giving anything short shrift.

The Prince's Tale was my favorite single chapter in any of the 7 books. I loved how in the course of a just a few pages, Snape's story became so powerful and so different from what we had assumed. From the moment I finished the book, I expected them to do justice to that chapter...if they didn't, I would be pissed. Well, they definitely did it justice. It was pitch perfect.

I also liked the way the deaths were handled so matter-of-factly, and without great melodrama. I loved Lupin and Tonks reaching for each other in death as they were doing in life the last time we saw them as the battle started.

And just as an aside, this is the first movie that I can really recall seeing in a theater where I didn't see a single person get up and go anywhere at any point. I think it's safe to say that everyone was enthralled.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Part of me wishes we had seen Tonks, Lupin, and Fred die. I wonder if they filmed Fred's death? However I did like it that Lupin was left in the scene with the resurrection stone and talked to Harry. The most shocking death was Lavender. In the book, you didn't know if she lived or died, but the movie made it clear with Greyback eating her. Yikes that was very disturbing.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Part of me wishes we had seen Tonks, Lupin, and Fred die. I wonder if they filmed Fred's death? However I did like it that Lupin was left in the scene with the resurrection stone and talked to Harry. The most shocking death was Lavender. In the book, you didn't know if she lived or died, but the movie made it clear with Greyback eating her. Yikes that was very disturbing.

I really liked the way that they handled their deaths, myself. It felt as if they were suitably understated, given the gravity of the situation and the amount of bodies that were strewn around Hogwarts. Lingering too long on any one death wouldn't have fitted the pacing of the battle scenes, which felt a lot like you were just getting quick glimpses into parts of the castle, never lingering for too long on anyone except Harry. It also avoided becoming melodramatic as Rutabaga said, which could have been easy, especially for Fred.

It's an interesting contrast to the way that Dobby's death was handled in the previous movie.

[Vince]

About halfway through the movie I was wishing for an intermission so I could use the restroom. As it was, there wasn't, so I ended almost exploding out of the theatre as the credits rolled.

The only part of the movie I wasn't really into was the 19 Years Later scene. I wasn't enthralled with it in the book, either, but I didn't overly dislike it either. "I know! Let's give Draco a beard! That'll make him look older!"

Bellatrix's death was perfect.

I was kinda of hoping for the ending fight between Voldemort and Harry to be more in tune with the books, but it wasn't bad. The few seconds they fought I was thinking that Harry would've died after throwing maybe one spell.

I enjoyed King's Cross Station, which was among my favourite chapters of the entire series. I did miss Dumbledore's backstory and how well it bolstered the plot, though I can understand why so much of it was cut, and I do enjoy loose ends in fiction as there are so many in life.

[Dasquian Belargic]

I didn't enjoy the '19 years later...' scene in the book itself and was fully expecting not to enjoy it in the movie. Luckily they kept it fairly short and didn't feel the need to explain the names of every child or what every Hogwarts student had done with their life. Most of the screen I was in were laughing for the duration of the scene. Still, I would have been happy with it ending on the shot of the three of them standing on the bridge.

[Rutabaga]

I actually cringed when the words "19 years later" came on the screen, because I was so afraid of what the makeup might look like. I was pleasantly surprised because I thought overall it looked okay. And they got the most important thing in there, which was the name Albus Severus. So I think they did the best with it that they could.

[Jedieb]

I loved it. And I was able to take all 3 of my kids to see it and despite the action and the death toll, they were all able to handle it. My oldest daughter (the only one of my brood who was ever really scared by the series, actually found other books/movies to be more frightening. The cemetery showdown in Goblet of Fire scared her more than anything in Hallows 2.

I thought it was a fitting end to the series. While the showdown between Harry and Voldemort was different from the novel, I actually thought they changed it in ways that suited the medium. I was worried how the jump off the bridge we kept seeing in the trailers was going to work, but I was pleasantly surprised. King's Cross was awesome and the Prince's Tale should earn Rickman a nomination.

If I have one regret is that we've never gotten extended editions of these movies. To me, the theatrical releases of the LOTR films don't exist. I rewatch the extended editions every summer and that's the only version of the films I can really remember. I wish the Potter flicks had been given the same treatment.

I can't wait for the eventual mega set of these. I've never seen any deleted or extended scenes and I hope that final set ends up having some for each film.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I wouldn't be shocked if WB has extended versions of the Potter films. They have released extended versions of the first two, and I know there are deleted scenes from the other films, and a lot of it never released.

[Atreyu]

I wouldn't be shocked if WB has extended versions of the Potter films. They have released extended versions of the first two, and I know there are deleted scenes from the other films, and a lot of it never released.
They have? Never knew that.

It's true as well there's a lot of filmed stuff that was left out - the 5th film IIRC had over an hour of extra footage that had to be cut to shorten the run-time. It would be awesome if that could all be put back in and re-released.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I wouldn't be shocked if WB has extended versions of the Potter films. They have released extended versions of the first two, and I know there are deleted scenes from the other films, and a lot of it never released.
They have? Never knew that.

It's true as well there's a lot of filmed stuff that was left out - the 5th film IIRC had over an hour of extra footage that had to be cut to shorten the run-time. It would be awesome if that could all be put back in and re-released.

Yep, about a year ago they released them on DVD and Blue-ray. They are called the Ultimate Editions. They have released the other films in the same series but nothing added to them. Knowing greedy WB, they decided to release expanded versions of those films at a later date.

[Jedieb]

I'd heard of the Ultimate Editions, but never knew they included extended editions. I hope the inevitable mega set has both theatrical and extended editions. Or at the very least, they release 2 different sets. Even though I'd always watch the extended editions, the originals should always be out there somewhere on bluray or DVD. Now if only Lucas would do the same...

[Atreyu]

The How It Should Have Ended people have finally released their version for Harry Potter:

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:lol

Bonus props for having Gandalf as the new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher at the end too. :)

[Jedi Master Carr]

lol that was funny, they are sure creative.