Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Review (Spoilers)

I feel almost silly saying "spoilers", as most moviegoers have likely read the books, but I'll point in out anyhow.

You have to kind of go into this movie KNOWING there won't be a satisfying conclusion. It's like Empire in the Star Wars series...the heroes are on the ropes, struggling to survive, and it ends with the bad guys more powerful than ever. Any fan of the books knows this HAS to be the case...

I have to start off with saying I'm a huge fan of the franchise (the books, the movies, even the theme park). While I was a little disappointed with this installment, from the book, there wasn't a whole lot more that could have been done maybe... I mean, for the majority of the time, they are simply camping in the wilderness, moaning about the sad state they're in, and trying to not be at each others' throats.

The film starts with Hermoine and Harry getting their respective parents to safety (Hermoine by erasing her parents' memory of her, for their own protection, and Harry by getting the Dursleys to pack up and leave). One thing that bothered me here, is they don't show HOW Harry convinces them to do so. Voldemort meets with his fellow evil wizards, and plots how to abduct Harry when he leaves his home.

The scene where Harry leaves for the safehouse (Weasleys') is where we get more into the feel of the other films. A lot of action, but it's hard to follow, as it's very quick movements, fairly dark, etc. though some good scenes here. After this, we see the first death in the film, a theme that will be repeated through both parts of the last movie. Luckily for kids, the death is mentioned, not experienced, so this will be easier on parents.

There is a wedding for elder Weasley, and this is when things really go down. The Ministry of Magic falls to the Dark Lord and his forces, and attacks the wedding, forcing our heroes to flee to safety, and begin the search for more horcruxes, and how to destroy them. First, they go to Sirus' house, where they learn R.A.B. (from the last movie) is Regulas Black, learning Umbridge has the real locket horcrux. In a bold move, the heroes infiltrate the Ministry, and manage to make off with it, of course...and then they are on the run.

Thus begins the more boring part of the movie, and the story...made even moreso, by the lack of the characteristic musical score of most of the films... (it is there, but sparingly). They go from location to location, to evade those trying to follow them.

Things pick up when Ron returns after he left earlier after a falling out. He saves Harry, helps him recover the Griffindor sword, and they destroy the locket horcrux. They travel to Harry's home town, and find out more about what's going on. They learn about the three hallows (three items said to be from Death itself, an elder wand, a stone that can resurrect the dead, and an invisibility cloak). Voldemort is after the wand, and is going to get it. After a fight with Voldemort's pet snake, the heroes are once again racing to find and destroy more horcruxes. The illustration of the story about the three hallows was pretty different, and this was a nice touch I think (animation, with narration).

Some time around here, they get captured and brought to Lucius. With Dobbie's help, they escape. Special attention should be paid here, that Harry defeats Draco by disarming him of his wand. I don't feel the movie stressed this enough, as it's important for the next part of the film (part 2)... Still, the escape isn't without a casualty.

Meanwhile Voldemort gets the wand, and tests its power, which is where this part ends. There is no way to make a satisfying ending for this first part. We know we'll have to wait months for the final chapter here. At the same time though, it's fun to see the characters more mature, and more sure of themselves, and what they have to do.

There are a lot of great scenes sprinkled throughout the movie, and it's definitely a must see for any fan. Just don't expect to leave the theater with a sense of completion...because you won't, and it shouldn't be expected.

reply to post by Gazrok


I was wondering if they show what is going on at Hogwarts in Harry's absence very much?

SPOILER ALERT IN THIS POST

I took the missus to see it today she loves the books. I'm not a big fan as I never got into the books etc (more of a Tolkien kinda guy) but I have to say I really enjoyed it. Although the dance scene was quite strange...

Looking forward to the next one now to see how this bad boy turns out. One thing I found strange was them finding the sword in the woods, it didn't really explain the doe spirit guide thing. Maybe we will find out who's responsible for that in the next one!

Oh, I just love all the Harry Potter movies and can't wait to see this and part two.
I am absolutely enchanted by the Hogwarts castle and wish I had my own. I realise that this movie takes place away from the school though.

Watched it yesterday. I liked this movie a lot.

Saw this moviie yesterday and LOVED it!! Can't wait for part two!!

reply to post by Big Raging Loner


Can't recall too much from the book, but the sword (I believe) kind of has a mind of it's own, and can FIND it's purposeful wielder when needed. I'd have to check the book again to see if there was more explanation.

As for what's going on in Hogwarts, no, the movie doesn't touch on it at all, except a radio broadcast story that confirms Snape is the current Headmaster. We never see the happenings at the school during the movie. Will be a much bigger role in part II of course though....

there wasn't much in the book about what was going on at Hogwart's either because Harry was out of touch. They get updated later when Harry spotted "something" in the looking glass Sirius gave him and meet up with who was watching. Hope that's in the movie.

Saw the movie with my bro the day after the premieredate, it was really very good! Im glad they cut the movie in two,because the last one didnt work out so well. With this one, they got time to explain, and they took awhole bunch more from the book than the last time. Im satisfied,really satisfied with this one! we cant wait to see the next one, IT ENDS IN SUMMER 11'

reply to post by Night Star


If you ever get near Orlando, FL, the Islands of Adventure theme park as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as one of the areas... They have a nice recreation of Hogwarts, and the village of Hogsmeade... Really captured the look and feel of the films. This part of the park is included in the regular park admission.

Kind of like walking around in the world of the movies. I've actually been a fan of the series before it had all the hoopla (or the first film was made)... So sad to see the movies coming to an end...and no new books on the horizon.

reply to post by Gazrok


That sounds like an amazing place to see! Perhaps the author will come up with some other enchanting tale that we can follow.

I'm off to see this Sunday! I can't wait! I have read the books and am aware the first one wasn't going to have as much action as the second, but is more explanatory, like about the three hallows but most people seem to have forgotten about the very first scenes of the 6th one, where ollivander got captured. which gets explained in the seventh book. Oh and do the three go and see xenophillius or whatever his name is in this one? or does it get cut out?

I liked the series until the last book. The last book was hurried, poorly written. I actually predicted what would happen becuase as much as Rowling denies it, she completely ripped off star wars.
If you have seen Return of the Jedi, you know what happens in the last book.
I saw about four major stories ripped off in DH. Arthur, TLTWTW,SW,LOTR.

OH, and the scene where HP goes to let himself be killed by voldemort, is taken right out of the lion the witch and wardrobe when Aslan goes to sacrifice himself.

Anyone else get Solo and Leiga flashbacks when Ron starts fighting with HP over hermione?

Not to mention, we have been waiting an entire series for HP to become a competent character, other then him casting a patronus, he does nothing. Basically everyone else does the work and get killed, and Neville helps save the day. There was really nothing special about HP. So we are stuck with a whiney nerd.

I knew Dobby would be killed because he is Yoda.

I knew Snape was a good guy and would be killed because he is Lando.

The only surprise was one of the twins was killed.

I have not seen the last one, nor will I probably see this one, simply because the last book was so wretched, I have lost all taste for HP.

Watched this movie last night - didn't like it at all. The story line was almost predictable - too many useless scenes. It felt like the producer was trying hard to stretch the movie with useless banter. Found it worse among all the Potter movies. It was so boring I wanted to leave at the interval.

well i watched it and..... i LOVED it, didn't find it boring at all, although i can see why people did find it boring, i didn't and it was well worth the money! Roll on part 2!

I actually quite liked it, but I feel like they glossed over a lot of important things. There were some moments where if you hadn't have read the book, you just would have been incredibly confused. Like Griphook and why he was important...I must say, that dancing scene between Harry and Hermione warmed the cockles of my heart. So cute!

Also, that "Chasing Scene"...That was really weird. I kept screaming in my head "FIGHT! WHY ARE YOU NOT WHIPPING OUT YOUR WAND?". It just made no sense to have them running.

Originally posted by Gazrok
reply to post by Big Raging Loner

 

Can't recall too much from the book, but the sword (I believe) kind of has a mind of it's own, and can FIND it's purposeful wielder when needed. I'd have to check the book again to see if there was more explanation.

As for what's going on in Hogwarts, no, the movie doesn't touch on it at all, except a radio broadcast story that confirms Snape is the current Headmaster. We never see the happenings at the school during the movie. Will be a much bigger role in part II of course though....

The Gryffindor sword responds to loyalty to a Gryffindor
(Book three I believe)

reply to post by missvicky


Right, just couldn't remember if there was MORE to the explanation...as that is still leaving it kind of vague...of course "it's magic" always works as the explanation in such a tale...

I liked the series until the last book. The last book was hurried, poorly written. I actually predicted what would happen becuase as much as Rowling denies it, she completely ripped off star wars.
If you have seen Return of the Jedi, you know what happens in the last book.
I saw about four major stories ripped off in DH. Arthur, TLTWTW,SW,LOTR.

Let's face it, most things rip off or build upon what has gone before. Even Star Wars built off of classic, older movies with very similar themes. The themes are always timeless, it's the packaging that makes them "new" again. Being influenced and consciously ripping off are two different things. I used to think she got the name "Harry Potter" from the boy, aspiring wizard in the movie Troll....but as it turns out, it was actually from kids she used to play with as a child, and they were "The Potters"...just as the name "Dursely" came from a neighborhood street, etc.

The forlorn, reluctant hero, the world-shaking events, the "prodigy" the hero becomes, the best friend, the girl, the villain...it's the recipe for MANY stories...and will be the same recipe for many more to come.

Originally posted by Gazrok
reply to post by missvicky

 

Right, just couldn't remember if there was MORE to the explanation...as that is still leaving it kind of vague...of course "it's magic" always works as the explanation in such a tale...

I liked the series until the last book. The last book was hurried, poorly written. I actually predicted what would happen becuase as much as Rowling denies it, she completely ripped off star wars.
If you have seen Return of the Jedi, you know what happens in the last book.
I saw about four major stories ripped off in DH. Arthur, TLTWTW,SW,LOTR.

Let's face it, most things rip off or build upon what has gone before. Even Star Wars built off of classic, older movies with very similar themes. The themes are always timeless, it's the packaging that makes them "new" again. Being influenced and consciously ripping off are two different things. I used to think she got the name "Harry Potter" from the boy, aspiring wizard in the movie Troll....but as it turns out, it was actually from kids she used to play with as a child, and they were "The Potters"...just as the name "Dursely" came from a neighborhood street, etc.

The forlorn, reluctant hero, the world-shaking events, the "prodigy" the hero becomes, the best friend, the girl, the villain,...it's the recipe for MANY stories...and will be the same recipe for many more to come.

I used to subscribe to a magazine called , I think, "Writer's Magazine". Pretty unimaginative name for a writers' mag but there it is. I remember i got an issue that had an article along the lines of:" Ther are only 17 plots". I was flabbergasted: only 17 plots????????????? Well I read the article, and yeah it pretty much nailed it. Just like if you research personality types: maybe there are 30. So as for HP plots in the movies starting to seem like LOTR or StarWars, yeah I caught that early on before the movies came out. But it's the Hero plot. The only mystery to this series was "Is it going to be the dying hero" or "the victorious hero"?

reply to post by missvicky


I understand the Heros tale. But I am talking ripping off down to the scene. Like the sword in teh lake. Really? And the fight scene between HP and RW? Really?