I do remember that a lot of people complained that Harry in Book 5 was really angry, really mean to his friends, and that it went on too long in the first 100 pages of the book. I’m happy to report that the movie played this JUST RIGHT. It helped that one 30 second scene in the movie could basically sum up at least 30 *pages* of booky angst. And Daniel Radcliffe has really matured with his acting and played it all VERY WELL.
The script was very well written and shouldn’t disappoint anyone. The director did a great job – I love how no one that is part of making the movie feels obligated to explain the reoccuring characters and just trusts that the audience knows who they all are. After all, if you are coming into Movie 5 without having seen Movie 1-4, how much are you REALLY going to get anyway, right?
I have to say that the scenes I loved most in the movie were the big battle at the end. In the book I think that battle lasted at least 100 pages. And the director did a great job in making that whole thing come to life. I admit that when I read the battle in the book, I couldn’t quite envision what it was supposed to look like – the Ministry of Magic, the “floating” room, the battle itself. But the movie did a spectacular job of that battle as well as the battle between Dumbledore and Voldemort.
The only part that disappointed me – I remember in the book there was a whole subplot about the house elf that Sirius inheritied along with his parents’ house, and where his loyalties lay. The movie had two scenes with that house elf, but didn’t bother going into that subplot AT ALL. I kept waiting for it, and it never happened. Is that because it happened in Book 6? Someone please refresh my memory if I’m off on that one.
In any event, I thought it was a great addition to the movie series, and did complete justice to the book. Movie 4 is still my favorite of that series, and Book 3 is still my favorite of THAT series. But having seen this movie I’m even MORE excited about Book 7 coming out in a couple weeks.
4 nargles out of five.
I’m so excited to hear it’s good! Dave and I will be seeing it
on the IMAX screen in NYC tomorrow. I can’t wait!
I have to admit, I’m a little happy that any house elf stuff was
cut. Book 2 and movie 2 will always be my least favorite due to
the house elf stuff, regardless of any importance it has to the
plots.
I may have to take a long lunch hour next week to catch it. I know that Beau has no interest in it at all. And I don’t want to have to wait for the DVD on this one.
Carrie – It’ll probably be AMAZING in IMAX! A theater here has it in IMAX and we debated briefly about going there to see it but opted for the location with the cheaper price and closer to home.
I think more comes out about the elf in the next book (6 vs. 5) – I don’t recall lots of drama with him in book 5, though there was plenty in 6. Still, they have to chop-chop at subplots for the movies anyway and I’m mostly ok with this one being one that gets axed. 🙂
I’m looking forward to seeing it – maybe this weekend if I can squeak away from my homework.
I’ve read one eh review from another friend (she complained about a lot that was left out). Glad to read this good review from you! Oh, and I recently re-read book 6, and that is when Harry finds out he inherits Sirius’ house and house lf.
Jean – thanks for the clarification on when the house elf stuff comes into play. I may have to re-read Book 6 to gear up for the new one…
I may have to go to the city on business this weekend. My girlie really wants to see it if we go, although I’m not caught up on the Potter flicks. Might just check it out based on your review though 🙂
You’re right about Kreacher. The whole backstory on him serving the Black family is in The Order of the Phoenix.
Your post totally reminded me why we get along so well. I agree with
everything you mentioned in this post. Everything! From your favorite
movie,(also mine),your favorite book (also mine), favorite part of book
5 being the end battle, (also mine) to you missing the part about the
the house elf. Doby is one of my favorite parts of the series and I
truly miss the sub plots with them in the movies. I loved your review
and can’t wait to see the movie.
Thanks!