Other folks have made many comments already with which I agree, so I would like to restrict myself here to a few things that really bothered me, and kept me from giving this film a higher score.
When the bridge collapse was shown there were people running on the bridge, kinda towards the camera, in a close shot. Next long shot, as the bridge twists and falls into the Thames - no little CG people can be seen. Where did all they go? Not to nit-pick, but an otherwise spectacular sequence was spoiled by this oversight, as I was jolted from the magic of the film. Think of it - you are watching Titanic sink and in one shot suddenly the decks are devoid of screaming, sliding-to-their-death victims. WTF? This had the same effect. My teen noticed it too and commented on the lack of victims after the film, so I know it is not my tired old eyes deceiving me.
Harry being told by McGonagall that Slughorn will take students with only an E in Newt-level Potions. Then was it my imagination or was that (supposedly stupid) Crabbe and Goyle in Potions??? Along with half the Gryffindor class?
The Burrow under attack - what the ??? Deatheaters show up just to partake of a bit of arson? No murders? After Bellatrix taunts Harry out into the field, why did she not summon the big V? Not to mention (ok, I am mentioning it) the protections supposedly around the Burrow. Hope the Weasleys have good Magical Insurance to rebuilt before the next film!!!
Harry not petrified by Dumbledore and instead just standing there like a ninny during Dumbledore's death scene.
Another , to me, jarring note - Snape TELLING Harry at the end that he is the H.B.P. I understand how a book has to be altered to make a film (thank you Howard Suber for all those classes at UCLA on just that topic back in the '80s) but this seemed pure lazy writing, a cop-out.
On the other hand - kudos to the "kids" (hardly feel I can still refer to them as such) for great performances. Grint is developing into a fine comedian, Watson was truly touching as lovelorn Hermione, and Radcliffe has come a long way from the squeaky "frog" (his word, not mine) of the first films. His Harry high on the lucky potion was a crack-up! Wish there had been time to use Neville as more than a waiter - didn't mind Luna being substituted for Tonks in the train scene as any excuse to use Luna is fine with me.
Now, you lot, hurry up and make those next two films!!!!
When the bridge collapse was shown there were people running on the bridge, kinda towards the camera, in a close shot. Next long shot, as the bridge twists and falls into the Thames - no little CG people can be seen. Where did all they go? Not to nit-pick, but an otherwise spectacular sequence was spoiled by this oversight, as I was jolted from the magic of the film. Think of it - you are watching Titanic sink and in one shot suddenly the decks are devoid of screaming, sliding-to-their-death victims. WTF? This had the same effect. My teen noticed it too and commented on the lack of victims after the film, so I know it is not my tired old eyes deceiving me.
Harry being told by McGonagall that Slughorn will take students with only an E in Newt-level Potions. Then was it my imagination or was that (supposedly stupid) Crabbe and Goyle in Potions??? Along with half the Gryffindor class?
The Burrow under attack - what the ??? Deatheaters show up just to partake of a bit of arson? No murders? After Bellatrix taunts Harry out into the field, why did she not summon the big V? Not to mention (ok, I am mentioning it) the protections supposedly around the Burrow. Hope the Weasleys have good Magical Insurance to rebuilt before the next film!!!
Harry not petrified by Dumbledore and instead just standing there like a ninny during Dumbledore's death scene.
Another , to me, jarring note - Snape TELLING Harry at the end that he is the H.B.P. I understand how a book has to be altered to make a film (thank you Howard Suber for all those classes at UCLA on just that topic back in the '80s) but this seemed pure lazy writing, a cop-out.
On the other hand - kudos to the "kids" (hardly feel I can still refer to them as such) for great performances. Grint is developing into a fine comedian, Watson was truly touching as lovelorn Hermione, and Radcliffe has come a long way from the squeaky "frog" (his word, not mine) of the first films. His Harry high on the lucky potion was a crack-up! Wish there had been time to use Neville as more than a waiter - didn't mind Luna being substituted for Tonks in the train scene as any excuse to use Luna is fine with me.
Now, you lot, hurry up and make those next two films!!!!
Tell Your Friends