Just watched this today, and I loved it. The theater was packed with mostly kids, but a sprinkling of parents and grandparents which I think might have helped to keep the talking/whispering almost nonexistent.

First, a few scenes were included in an almost rushed fashion so that they could almost have been left out and there would have been no affect; it seemed they were wanting those who had read the books to not feel too slighted.

Second, I think they could have allowed the clock to run a bit longer and do a better job of filling out some of the scenes and continuity. It was about 135 to 140 minutes long, and another ten to twenty minutes could have made it more enjoyable.

All in all, it was much as I expected and the director and actors did a wonderful job of keeping even those youngsters who normally would be going "eewww" at the 'mushy' stuff engrossed in the story. And there were a lot of lines played for laughs, which everyone seemed to appreciate and chuckle at, from the shorties to the grandparents.

I am really looking forward to the final two episodes.



And, there was an absolutely fantastic preview of "Sherlock Holmes", to be released around Christmas and starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. It looks like a must see.

I enjoyed the movie could have split the book in 2 like they did final one, but they did good.

Watched it late last night - wow. Easily one of my favourites, right up there will Azkhaban. But while it could have easily been split in two, it would have been unnecessary. This one was such a scene setter, that now any delay until the finale would be mere dragging the heels somewhat. It was dark, it was humourous, it was edgy - the character develolpment was spot on.

9/10!

As someone who has never read the books but likes the movie series, it was great, but a little underwhelming after the wizard fight at the end of the last movie. I am sure it was a lot of set up for the final book.. I only wish it hadn't felt that way.

Most of the previous movies felt like a self contained movie that progressed the story line. This felt like a bridge. Maybe my complaint is more about how the story was written than the movie itself.

the end they cut out ALOT! an entire battle, and dumbledores funeral. (So i am told)

I was utterly underwhelmed at how the battle at hogwarts and the killing of Dumbledor was portrayed.

I wanted to really feel the anger in Harry, and I wanted his last scene with Snape to be SO MUCH MORE then it was.

I also was disgusted at how little of the actual fighting at Hogwarts was shown.

I just thought that last series of events would be MUCH more powerful then it was.

Spoilers people!!!!! ahhhhhhh :(

Yates said he purposefully left out the first Battle of Hogwarts so as not to seem to repetitive as, of course, another battle takes place there in the next instalment.

I see his point - but IMO they were two entirely different battles.

I have it on relatively good authority (the young lady in the area that knows everything to know about everything Harry Potter) that there will be an extended 'Director's cut' of this episode out around Christmas, with 20-30 minutes added. It has exceeded box office records in a few categories already, with the weekend not even here yet.


And please take note of Fildien's post, and watch *spoilers*. It is why I kept my review vague.

I watched it this afternoon, this is the first one I left saying "meh" to. Too much OMG TEENAGE HORMONES!!! and not enough story.

Harry dies.:devil











Ok not really.

Elmak this book is 50% about teenage hormones...

Katie Bell scene is PERFECT
I was confused about this movie, after realizing the running time was over 2.5 hours i was less mad as there was a lot of content in this book. I know a lot of people will complain about the whole teenage love thing but honestly that was a HUGE part of the book. I am a little mifffed they completely removed the Ron is the King from the story arch, but they have said in the past that quiddich is more fan boy stuff and eats up a lot of the special effects budget.

Things they did well:

Draco's angst throughout the movie, Hermoine struggling with her feeling about Ron, the Horcruxs/Cave scene (holy shit the fire was awesome), the attack on the Weasley house.

I am glad they did get to toss in the twins shop, was a nice little touch. and Helene Carter is a fucking awesome actress when it comes to Bellatrix....SPOT ON! Alan Rickman does his character so well!

Wasnt there a scene in the books where Draco and some people actually fuck up McGonacle (spelling!) pretty bad.

'Wasnt there a scene in the books where Draco and some people actually fuck up McGonacle (spelling!) pretty bad.'

- Nop, not that I can recall.

Actually I wasn't crazy about Draco in this movie. The transition from 'scrawny little git' to 'uber evil servant' was too abrupt, IMO. But having said that, I felt it was the same in the book.

The horcrux scene was teh win, definately. I'll catch it again before it leaves the cinema (my other half thinks my Potter obsession is definately border-line odd) and roll on the DVD!

Going to see it tonight since I'm finally off my stupid oncall rotation. I learned the last time I went to the movies with the pager it was a bad idea when I missed a good 30min of Transformers =\

Soooooooo weeeee :)

Actually got the chance to see it again today as our best friends hadn't seen it yet.

On second viewing, it is a far more sombre, less comical movie than I first concluded. There is a deep foreboding throughout, and the last fifteen minutes are very dark indeed. The movie as a whole felt more serious and part of a 'saga' this time, and I took in far more as I think the excitment of initially watching it meant that I missed a lot.

I also noticed this time around that the score was more naff than previously, barely any of the original Potter theme music was included (even in Phoenix they were adapted into the more vibrant and varied score). They could have done something wonderful and emotional for Dumbledore's finale - but it didn't materialise, as moving as the 'raising the wands' scene was. The score was definately lagging behind the story, in a painful way. But having said that, the Quidditch theme from Azkhaban did put in a very welcomed appearance.

Upon further relfection, as well, it was sad to see so much neglect go into the Half Blood Prince storyline, as for all the events connected with Voldermort in the book, this was nonetheless given prime place. Harry's 'sudden' attraction to Giny was completely unexplained, and therefore it felt forced, and didn't quite 'work' for me, but then the actress is such a plain jane. No sparkle, or, sadly, acting skills, IMO.

Slughorn was spot on, as well as the Tom Riddle flashbacks. I very much enjoyed the Aragog funeral scene, and Daniel Radcliff improves with every movie - his enthusiastic performance while under the Luck felix potion was almost the funniest part of the movie.

But more than anything, loved it even more the second time. A very Azkhaban feel, which is nothing but good.

I will be going to see it again either this Thursday or a week from Friday.

I like that they did not do anything too 'special' with the death you mentioned, Halo; it really seems important to have that continuity for Harry in that this is now the third father figure he has lost, and each has been taken abruptly without any chance for goodbyes. I do think the funeral would have been a nice touch, tho'.

As for Ginny, I like the girl cast; she is not flashy, but simply does what is called for, and seems more like the glimpses we have had of Harry's mother than any other character in the books/movies. And I liked the short scene where Harry was looking at her in her window when he was first dropped off at the house; it struck me as he was waking up to the notion that he was looking at the girl he wanted to be with when all is said and done. (I can put a lot into a silent scene, can't I?)

Looking forward to my second viewing.

None of you are real fans. (http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/07/21/lol-excited-japanese-fangirl-gives-best-harry-potter-interviews-ever/)

LMAO that was awesomely funny. was re-reading the series before goingto see this and sadly got behind and just almost done with OoP so will be another week or so till i'll get to go see it. if i can keep my butt off WoW that is.

ahahahahahaha that was awesome

I thought this movie was horrible and boring. I really don't get the hype. I wanted to like it, couldn't.

:devil

I thought this movie was horrible and boring. I really don't get the hype. I wanted to like it, couldn't.

:devil


It's ok, Trikki! We still luv ya.

As I put on my robe and wizard hat.....

'It's ok, Trikki! We still luv ya.'

- Speak for yourself, burn Trikki!!!

That Japanese thing was hillarious - she's as mad as a march hare.

I would have to agree this one was a little over hyped and not the best by any stretch. I wouldn't say it was horrible but it was slow. I know it was allot of lead up to the end stuff but still meh.

As I put on my robe and wizard hat.....

i just spit my drink all over the place - thx.

I was utterly underwhelmed at how the battle at hogwarts and the killing of Dumbledor was portrayed.

I wanted to really feel the anger in Harry, and I wanted his last scene with Snape to be SO MUCH MORE then it was.

I also was disgusted at how little of the actual fighting at Hogwarts was shown.

I just thought that last series of events would be MUCH more powerful then it was.


Exactly. what a waste of my 2.5 hours...

I don't wanna have to kill all of you...

AVARA KHADAVARA!

It was defenitely meant to set up the final movies. And there was a whole lot of teenage hormones. However, at least they didnt have a fantasy based rock-n-roll band like they did in the Goblet of Fire.

However, at least they didnt have a fantasy based rock-n-roll band like they did in the Goblet of Fire.

Come on, who doesn't like the Wyrd Sisters? I wish they played my highschool Yule ball.

Actually got the chance to see it again today as our best friends hadn't seen it yet.

On second viewing, it is a far more sombre, less comical movie than I first concluded. There is a deep foreboding throughout, and the last fifteen minutes are very dark indeed. The movie as a whole felt more serious and part of a 'saga' this time, and I took in far more as I think the excitment of initially watching it meant that I missed a lot.

I also noticed this time around that the score was more naff than previously, barely any of the original Potter theme music was included (even in Phoenix they were adapted into the more vibrant and varied score). They could have done something wonderful and emotional for Dumbledore's finale - but it didn't materialise, as moving as the 'raising the wands' scene was. The score was definately lagging behind the story, in a painful way. But having said that, the Quidditch theme from Azkhaban did put in a very welcomed appearance.

Upon further relfection, as well, it was sad to see so much neglect go into the Half Blood Prince storyline, as for all the events connected with Voldermort in the book, this was nonetheless given prime place. Harry's 'sudden' attraction to Giny was completely unexplained, and therefore it felt forced, and didn't quite 'work' for me, but then the actress is such a plain jane. No sparkle, or, sadly, acting skills, IMO.

Slughorn was spot on, as well as the Tom Riddle flashbacks. I very much enjoyed the Aragog funeral scene, and Daniel Radcliff improves with every movie - his enthusiastic performance while under the Luck felix potion was almost the funniest part of the movie.

But more than anything, loved it even more the second time. A very Azkhaban feel, which is nothing but good.


Just went and saw this again today, and being such a nice day out and a Friday, I had only 4 others in the theatre making it almost a private showing. I really think a second viewing is a must, as attention to detail is easier once you know basically what is happening.

I really liked this movie, as part 6 of an 8 part movie serial. It does not have the stand-alone quality of the others, but it really was not intended to in the larger sense. I agree with Halo in not liking the neglect of the Half-Blood Prince storyline, as it helps to better define one of the primary characters.

And on second viewing, I really do like the choice for Ginny, as she and Harry look a lot like James and Lily. And Helena Bonham Carter steals every scene she is in as Bellatrix; a great job of casting, she is a wonderful wacko!

I don't wanna have to kill all of you...

AVARA KHADAVARA!

Avada Kedavra. Work on your annunciation a bit and you should be good to go to start killing hapless bystanders.

Just saw it today. Can't say I was a big fan, it seems like with each and every movie, the emphasis on the classes is getting smaller and smaller. The whole "battle" was simply Helena Bonham Carter (who did well with the crazy role) smashing windows and glasses in some kind of childish tantrum.

I had fun with it, but I still haven't enjoyed any of the movies as much as I did the first two.

I really hated how there was basically no half blood prince in the movie. Its like it was thrown in as an after thought, and looking at the title it makes you scratch your head. Keep in mind I did not read the books, so perhaps thats all there is in the book as well.

I really hated how there was basically no half blood prince in the movie. Its like it was thrown in as an after thought, and looking at the title it makes you scratch your head. Keep in mind I did not read the books, so perhaps thats all there is in the book as well.

No, there was a very solid storyline in the book regarding their search to identify who the Half Blood Prince was, and how he came to assume that name. The uncovering of information about the owner of the book sheds a lot of light on that character.

I would like to see this edition of the series expanded by about an hour and much of that important info added as well as some of the other information regarding Voldemort's use of the Horcrux, but those decrying the "teenage angst" would just be more pissed about this episode being too long then. :rolleyes:

No, there was a very solid storyline in the book regarding their search to identify who the Half Blood Prince was, and how he came to assume that name. The uncovering of information about the owner of the book sheds a lot of light on that character.

I would like to see this edition of the series expanded by about an hour and much of that important info added as well as some of the other information regarding Voldemort's use of the Horcrux, but those decrying the "teenage angst" would just be more pissed about this episode being too long then. :rolleyes:

The Voldemort horcrux stuff is the same as a lich from Dungeons and Dragons, or Sauron in LOTR, so the shortness of that didn't bother me , because I figured there would be a lot more on it in the next movie as they track it down.

I would probably have enjoyed the movie more if there was more about the Half Blood Prince plot as well. This one was just way too short imo and I really hope they don't skimp on the others. I agree the first 2 were the best the rest have been good and ok but nothing like the first.

/mucho agreeo about HBP storyline.

Of course I understand that the transformation of a novel into a movie means things must be changed and cut, but this was such a fundamental part - nay, the entire arc - of the book that having one scene with harry reading the book, and another with Snape announcing he was the half blood prince, was such a weakness that it made the movie almost seem pointless in the form it was presented. When Snape revealed his identity in such an ominous way, it was a bit like 'Yeah? So? Is that a big deal?'

Having said that, it meant far more of the Voldermort storyline, and that can only be welcomed!