SnitchSeeker.com - View Single Post - Discussion thread: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I

r+h4ever1 · 11-19-2010, 04:15 PM

I am an original Harry Potter fan. The book came out in 1997, and I picked it off the "New Releases" shelf when I was 7 years old. The summer after I graduated from high school in 2007, then 18, I finished Deathly Hallows, and it felt fitting that this series would end when my childhood would end. Now, in July 2011, the final Harry Potter movie will be released. It will be over. And yet again, it will help me mark my life as I will have graduated from college. This series is my childhood. That being said, I am always just a little bit disappointed with the movies. Even after all of the ones that have been released, Sorcerer's Stone has been my favorite film adaptation. After seeing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I last night, I have a new favorite film. And I have (basically) no complaints. I am completely satisfied. They should be so proud. BRAVO.

(Now here is my tedious review. Please excuse my indulgence. I am in a very, very emotional state right now.)

SCRIMGEOUR OPENING: I liked this opening. Bill Nighy did a great job, and I think it was great to start the film with "These are dark times..."

TRIO INTRODUCTIONS: This was breathtaking and emotional. I think the trio introductions really set the tone for what the film would end up being.
- Harry: While I wish they had had that moment with Dudley and Petunia, it was never a priority in the films, so I was okay with the way they simply had Harry watch as the Dursleys escaped.

- Hermione: This marked the first tears of the night. I usually am a little trepidacious when they add things, but this was absolutely genius. Emma was absolutely fantastic in this movie. She has really upped her game, and I was so impressed with her the whole film, starting with this. Watching her having to erase her parents' memories and watching as Hermione disappears from the pictures was heartbreaking. It was a wonderful way to demonstrate just how much Hermione had to sacrifice for Harry. Genius.

- Ron: Like Emma, I though Rupert was phenomenal in this film. He should be so proud, and I'm thrilled he got to show what he can do acting wise. I was blown away by his performance the whole film, and it started with this. It was simple enough, looking out into the horizon. But you can see just how scared he is, and when he looks back at his mother and sister in his warm kitchen, it really moved me.

FIRST MALFOY MANOR: Great scene. Ralph Fiennes and Alan Rickman were fantastic as always. It was exactly how I imagined that scene, but I want to mention my favorite part of that scene - Jason Isaacs as Lucius. I adored his performance because he drove home just how low the Malfoys are at this point, just how really terrified he is, and just how emasculating and humiliating it was for Voldemort to take and break off his own touch to his wand...which later gets destroyed. Helena Bonham Carter, as always, was Bellatrix to a t with her slavish behavior towards Voldemort. And the horror that was Charity Babbage's capture was really haunting. The pleading, Voldemort's speech about mating with Muggles and mixing bloods, as well as her appearance was spot on. It was absolutely horrific, and how it ends with Nagini was perfect. Alan Rickman as Snape, as I said, was fantastic as he had to watch Charity be killed. Great scene.

THE 7 POTTERS: I really loved this scene. First, Harry visiting and cupboard and finding the toy he was playing with in the first film had me crying again. It was full circle, and I almost couldn't take how much weight that had for me. This also continued with Hagrid saying how he was the one to bring him 16 years previous, and so he should be the one to take him away. Blubbering here. Otherwise, it was a great comedic scene. The transformations were great, if not hilarious when it came to Fleur and Hermione. And Oliver/James were great as well. I was a tad bit annoyed that this is the first time Harry meets Bill, but I got over it.

THE ESCAPE: I liked it. I loved the transition from the quiet night to the storm of Death Eaters. I thought that was done well. While I know it's more "dramatic" to have them being chased through the city with the cars and everything, I preferred the battle in the sky like the book. But my focus was on Hedwig. When he first let her free, I was like "Are they going to let her live?!" But when she was the one that "gave him away," and was killed, I started sobbing. Poor Hedwig. I wish it had been a bigger deal. (And the whole "Expelliarmus" part would have been nice to stay, but I can live with it.) The final Harry's Wand vs Voldemort was well done as well.

THE BURROW: First off, I have no problem that they went straight to the Burrow without stopping at the Tonks' house. I understand why that would have been changed. I wish Mrs. Weasley had been more hysterical about the situation, but everything was well done.
-George: The missing ear was good, and his little "holy" joke was a nice funny moment among the tenseness.
-Lupin: He was perfect, I thought. His intensity about the betrayer was great, and he and Tonks were sweet. Although, did they get to mention Tonks was having a baby? I know she was about to mention it at the Dursleys, but did they get to say it? (P.S. - I'm actually glad they cut out the part where Remus tries and leaves Tonks. I didn't like that in the books, so I didn't mind that they cut it. Though I wanted that moment of Harry becoming a godfather...)
-R/HR MOMENT: First off, I loved their moments throughout the film. They weren't too frequent, they weren't too in-your-face, but they were constant, and they were perfect. It started with this, I think, where Hermione runs right to Ron for a hug. The bit where she takes off the glasses, and they're just looking at each other was so sweet. It was very much an "only two people in the world" kind of moment. And, of course, the "Always the tone of surprise" moment was very much appreciated.
-Moody: I wish this had been a bigger deal where the group had the memorial or something over his death. Bravo to Bill and Fleur who seemed the most affected. I appreciated their tears because the others didn't really emote that much.

RON AND HARRY: Great friendship moment between the two of them. I thought it was very well acted, and Ron addresses the right questions regarding the Horcruxes. I love seeing Ron like this, the voice of reason. He was really great in this.

DUMBLEDORE'S WILL: First off, the H/G scene was surprisingly mature. I guess they got their PG-13 worth out of it. Haha. It was sensual and the kiss was sweet and showed that they really are together. And George's "Good Morning" was hilarious....I didn't mind that there wasn't a birthday for Harry. The will reading before the wedding was perfectly fine. Bill Nighy was fantastic, and the whole scene was well done. I also didn't mind that Scrimgeour was portrayed as a good guy. Since we meet him in this one instead of HBP, we didn't get that history of bad blood between him and Harry so I liked that he was kind of a good guy who was more or less an ally. Just the whole scene was great.

WEDDING: Loved it. First off, the R/HR look across the room was phenomenal, and I just loved it. (Wish they had danced.) The decision to not include Krum was fine with me because they introduced the Xenophilius's necklace just fine. I thought the bit with Aunt Muriel was perfect. It could have been funnier, but the end with "Are you sure you knew [Dumbledore] at all?" really hit me. I thought that bit was great. I also really loved Bill/Fleur. They were so lovely, especially when Shacklebolt's patronus came, and they put their foreheads together. They were great.

ATTACK: I liked that the Patronus took a look as to what happened at the Ministry. Also, I loved that Ron and Hermione immediately started to search for each other. And I ADORED Harry calling out for Ginny, but Lupin pushes him away. I thought that was sad and fitting.

DINER: Well done. Hermione is so awesome. The bit about her disappointment that they couldn't throw Harry a birthday party was funny, especially when she says "Perspective."

HOGWARTS EXPRESS: Neville was awesome standing up to the Death Eaters, and the bit with Cormac McLaggen was hilarious.

GRIMMAULD PLACE: The Dumbledore trap was kind of underwhelming, but... I'm so happy they kept in the part where it looks as if Ron and Hermione fell asleep holding hands.

The segway into RAB was good as well. (I did miss Sirius's Gryffindor room and finding the Lily letter and picture, but I'll get over it.) I was a little miffed that Kreacher's part wasn't bigger, but I actually really liked that Dobby came back with him so we have him before Malfoy Manor. (Him telling the story over Kreacher was hilarious.) And Mundungus Fletcher was PERFECT. Loved it.

MINISTRY: FANTASTIC SCENE. The three actors playing Runcorn, Cattermole, and Hopkirk were fantastic, and I thought they captured Dan, Rupert, and Emma's essence very, very well. Yaxley was fantastic, and the whole "my wife's downstairs all alone" was sweet and funny. I still hate Umbridge and want to punch her in the face. I loved the part in Umbridge's office where Harry finds the file with the Xs over Order members. Made me seethe. Fantastic. (I'm a little annoyed though that Harry didn't take Moody's eye and later bury it.

) The Dementors in the courtroom were freaking terrifying! It brought me back to CoS where Harry and Ron look up at the spiders in the forest. So creepy.

- Stand Outs: Harry saying to Umbridge: "You're lying, Dolores, and one mustn't tell lies..." (or something to that effect)
And the Ron/Mrs. Cattermole kiss was an AMAZING addition! I thought it was a great comedic moment among the tension. Rupert was fantastic, and the look on Hermione's face was HILARIOUS! Priceless scene, especially the confusion on both the Cattermoles' faces. AHAHAHA!!!

"Nice to meet you." Amazing.

SPLINCHING: The make up was really well done. It looked raw and ripped, and with Rupert's performance, it was so realistic. Emma was, again, just wonderful as she's trying to comfort him. I loved this actually. Because she's trying to be strong even though she's absolutely terrified, and I felt this vibe that she wanted to just hold him but held back. Really well done scene.

I also have to mention (because I can't remember the order) that the flashes with Voldemort and Ollivander, Gregorovich and Grindlewald were great.

CAMPING:
- Protective charms were great, and I'm thrilled they showed it.

- The scene where they're trying to destroy the locket was nice. It shows early on through Harry how the locket gives you a negative perspective, especially with Harry getting angry about Ron and the radio, how they'll have to walk since Ron can't Apparate, and then him yelling at Hermione that she's not doing enough. I liked how they addressed its effect. Emma was great again.

- I'm glad they included the radio. It shows just how worried Ron is, and Hermione's explanation to Harry was wonderful.

- Liked the moment with Hermione and the snatchers to show how her enchantments work.

- The camping montage was really well done to show them traveling and camping, Ron with the radio being so worried, the bit with Harry hearing for a second that Snape is Hogwarts Headmaster, Ron and Hermione discussing Harry, and then the Harry-Hermione moments that Ron witnesses; the haircut, them coming back from the forest together, Hermione giving Harry the water bottle. Good to show his paranoia and jealousy.

RON LEAVES; RUPERT GRINT IS PERFECT: This scene did the book justice. Rupert Grint's performance was spot on, and again, I'm in tears. First, the moment with Harry and Hermione figuring out about the sword was great, especially Hermione's nervous chatter about being logical was really wonderful. But then they address Ron, and Rupert hit it out of the park! The dialogue and tension, the fight, Hermione begging him to take off the locket to show that it was affecting how Ron was behaving was all just fantastic. I love how Ron "saw you two the other night." Hermione legitimately panics and says "that was nothing," and while I missed the line that "I get it. You choose him" line, I thought the scene was so well acted. (I also like how the romance between R/Hr is acknowledged between the two of them in this scene.) Hermione's reaction to him leaving was perfect as well where she immediately follows him and you hear her calling and yelling for him. Emma's acting after Ron leaves - the depression, the tears, leaving behind the scarf - was beautifully done.

HARRY AND HERMIONE DANCE: I understand their intention by adding this scene. I get that he wanted to cheer her up, and with the awkward dancing, it was good. Emma, again, was wonderful in this because you can see that she is cheering up, but at the end her eyes, to me, said: "Thanks for trying to cheer me up, but Ron's still gone, and I'm still devastated." The problem I had with it was that the look on Dan's face was kind of longing in a way, which gave me the wrong vibe. I thought the scene was a bit unnecessary. I feel like they could have figured out a different way to do it? Meh.

GODRIC'S HOLLOW: A very moving scene, I thought, and yes, I cried. I'm glad they didn't use the polyjuice potion for the reason Harry says. I thought it was very fitting, and it was a very emotional moment at the grave. Hermione conjuring a wreath was a beautiful gesture, and they introduced Peverell was great without stealing the emotion from Harry. Really great job. Bathilda Bagshot was creepy and disturbing. I thought the bit at her house was terrifying. (I did like Hermione finding the book and then the rotting body when Harry was upstairs. Well done.) The snake protruding from her was really well done, and the fight was, again, terrifying. Good job.

HARRY'S WAND: I just wanted to mention that this was wonderfully acted by Daniel. He could have easily been very dramatic and upset about the wand, but I loved how he chose to hurry past it, like he didn't even want to think about it. I found that to be more devastating at the loss than this brooding moment. Bravo, Dan.

THE SILVER DOE: This is my favorite scene in the book, and I thought it was just PHENOMENAL and PERFECT from the book. Once again, Rupert was something else.

The doe was lovely, and the struggle/almost drowning in the water with Harry made my heart stop. I loved that he clawed against the ice, that you could see a figure through the ice, that you saw him get the sword. It was all spectacularly done.

I loved that they addressed that Ron should be the one to destroy the locket, that he should because it affects him so. Great job.

THE LOCKET: I was so impressed with this. I loved Voldemort's voice and the smoke. Introducing the spiders with his worst fears was a brilliant touch! I have to say that the Locket!Harry and Locket!Hermione were absolutely spot on - they were themselves, but they were "more beautiful and more terrifying" than the real Harry and Hermione. I was in tears for Ron in this moment where Locket!Harry and Locket!Hermione are spewing off every fear Ron's ever had. I found the kiss to be slightly awkward, especially the more "passionate" one, but overall, I think they got the tone of it. It's not supposed to be romantic. It really was kind of disturbing and horrific since you know it's the manifestation of Ron's worst fear. I thought it looked great. (I didn't know why they had to be topless when they were clothed before, but...)

MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT #1: Like I said, I am satisfied with the movie. But there were only two major disappointments, and the following is the first. I wanted the moment after Ron destroyed the locket to be like the book.
- I missed the Ron-Harry friendship hug.
- I missed the line "She cried for days...She's like my sister. It's always been that way. I thought you know..."
- I just wish they had that real discussion about him leaving, seeing him be so affected, seeing them address how he really feels about Hermione. I was a little disappointed.

RON AND HERMIONE REUNITED...AND IT FEELS SOOOO GOOD! : This was priceless! Rupert was absolutely ADORABLE in this scene, and Emma's reaction was wonderful. I wish she had said, "I called your name," but it's alright. I really loved the explanation and the moment between the two. Just really well done.

- I also appreciated the alternative Ron-Harry heart-to-heart moment in the tent. Again, I wish they had stuck to the book, but the discussion about how he should just keeping talking about the light going to his heart so Hermione would forgive him was priceless and the bit with the fire was hilarious.

- Rupert was GOLD in the moments where he sides with Hermione about going to the Lovegoods' house.

He was just brilliant.

XENOPHILIUS LOVEGOOD: I pictured him differently, but he was good. You can see that he was really desperate (glad Harry addressed that), and the whole bit where the Death Eaters show up was really well done.

THE THREE BROTHERS: I was blown away by this scene. It was a stroke of GENIUS to choose to do it like this. I don't think it would have done to have Hermione sit there and read for three minutes. And I kind of knew they'd always have a portrayal. But the choice to have it be an illustration was literally GENIUS because it is a children's story. Holy Moses, I just loved it! And I really loved the style of the cartoon. It was just SO WELL DONE! Definitely a highlight of the film.

*Another side note: I'm undecided about how they handle the Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore story line. In one way, I always wish they address it. But on the other hand, we know Dumbledore didn't give Harry much to go on and that Harry is questioning how well he knew him as well as his losing faith in him. I don't know if we needed the other information. Undecided.

SNATCHERS: Again, this was another artistic choice that I found BRILLIANT - the choice to have the audience only hear their breathing and footsteps on the ground when they were running. It was SO MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE than having this big dramatic music playing. Such an amazing choice. Missed the bit with Dean, but that was expendable.

SECOND MALFOY MANOR: Though it was a little anticlimactic for me, it was really, really enjoyable. Bellatrix was wonderful per usual as was Tom as Draco and being so scared. It was just really well done.

- HERMIONE TORTURE scene was different, but Emma was sensational. I was really quite terrified, and the screaming and her performance really hit me hard. I commend Emma so much for this scene, especially when afterwards she's lying on the floor, limp, and you can see "Mudblood" carved into her arm. Chilling and horrible.

MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT #2:
This is the second major disappointment that brought the experience down just slightly for me: Ron's reaction to Hermione being tortured. He was supposed to pound against the stone walls, tears streaming down his face, screaming Hermione's name after saying Bellatrix should take him instead. Rupes had some great moments being angry and frantic (the "like hell" line to Bellatrix was amazing), but I missed the original. I love how protective he was throughout the film, though.

**SIDE NOTE: Angry/determined/focused/mature/protective Ron is EFFING HOT.

- DRACO-HARRY WAND FIGHT: Since this is so important, I'm glad they highlighted it the way they did. It wasn't life altering in the way they presented it, but the shed light on the event, which is good.

DOBBY: "Dobby is a free elf." I couldn't even keep it under control. I was sobbing the moment Dobby appeared. His speech about being free just set me off. Then, at Shell Cottage, the tiny monologue he had wasn't in the book, but I loved it. His little speech about being in a beautiful place with friends tore at my heart strings. At this point, I was blubbering as were many, many people in the theater. I fell to pieces. The funeral was lovely.

***Can I just bring to light a moment in Chamber of Secrets when Harry tells Dobby: "Never try to save my life again." Then you think of this scene, and I wept all over again.

VOLDEMORT AT DUMBLEDORE'S GRAVE:
I hate Voldemort, and it was prominent within me during this scene. It was very well done, and it was symbolic, and it was the perfect way to end the first film.

I had those two major complaints that brought my satisfaction down to a 98%, but overall, I give it an A+, my first A+ since CoS. It was fantastic.

STAND OUTS:
RUPERT GRINT and EMMA WATSON had two phenomenal performances. I was so impressed with them, and I felt like we truly saw them grow and change. They upped their game, their chemistry with each other and with Dan really carried the film, and they were just brilliant. I am so proud of them.

HERMIONE ERASING PARENTS' MEMORIES
THREE BROTHERS SCENE
RON LEAVES
RON RETURNS
DOBBY'S DEATH
RON/HERMIONE MOMENTS: I'm glad that Ron's affection is out in the open, and all of their moments were true to the book without being the sole focus on their relationship.

They should be so proud of this film. I cannot get over how phenomenal this film was. I can't wait to see it again. I'm so moved and so happy and so proud. WOW. THANK YOU.

11-19-2010, 04:15 PM	#27 (permalink)
r+h4ever1 SS Featured Author Snidget Join Date: May 2004 Location: The Burrow Posts: 2,923	Blown Away Fan Fic Queen I am an original Harry Potter fan. The book came out in 1997, and I picked it off the "New Releases" shelf when I was 7 years old. The summer after I graduated from high school in 2007, then 18, I finished Deathly Hallows, and it felt fitting that this series would end when my childhood would end. Now, in July 2011, the final Harry Potter movie will be released. It will be over. And yet again, it will help me mark my life as I will have graduated from college. This series is my childhood. That being said, I am always just a little bit disappointed with the movies. Even after all of the ones that have been released, Sorcerer's Stone has been my favorite film adaptation. After seeing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I last night, I have a new favorite film. And I have (basically) no complaints. I am completely satisfied. They should be so proud. BRAVO. (Now here is my tedious review. Please excuse my indulgence. I am in a very, very emotional state right now.) SCRIMGEOUR OPENING: I liked this opening. Bill Nighy did a great job, and I think it was great to start the film with "These are dark times..." TRIO INTRODUCTIONS: This was breathtaking and emotional. I think the trio introductions really set the tone for what the film would end up being. - Harry: While I wish they had had that moment with Dudley and Petunia, it was never a priority in the films, so I was okay with the way they simply had Harry watch as the Dursleys escaped. - Hermione: This marked the first tears of the night. I usually am a little trepidacious when they add things, but this was absolutely genius. Emma was absolutely fantastic in this movie. She has really upped her game, and I was so impressed with her the whole film, starting with this. Watching her having to erase her parents' memories and watching as Hermione disappears from the pictures was heartbreaking. It was a wonderful way to demonstrate just how much Hermione had to sacrifice for Harry. Genius. - Ron: Like Emma, I though Rupert was phenomenal in this film. He should be so proud, and I'm thrilled he got to show what he can do acting wise. I was blown away by his performance the whole film, and it started with this. It was simple enough, looking out into the horizon. But you can see just how scared he is, and when he looks back at his mother and sister in his warm kitchen, it really moved me. FIRST MALFOY MANOR: Great scene. Ralph Fiennes and Alan Rickman were fantastic as always. It was exactly how I imagined that scene, but I want to mention my favorite part of that scene - Jason Isaacs as Lucius. I adored his performance because he drove home just how low the Malfoys are at this point, just how really terrified he is, and just how emasculating and humiliating it was for Voldemort to take and break off his own touch to his wand...which later gets destroyed. Helena Bonham Carter, as always, was Bellatrix to a t with her slavish behavior towards Voldemort. And the horror that was Charity Babbage's capture was really haunting. The pleading, Voldemort's speech about mating with Muggles and mixing bloods, as well as her appearance was spot on. It was absolutely horrific, and how it ends with Nagini was perfect. Alan Rickman as Snape, as I said, was fantastic as he had to watch Charity be killed. Great scene. THE 7 POTTERS: I really loved this scene. First, Harry visiting and cupboard and finding the toy he was playing with in the first film had me crying again. It was full circle, and I almost couldn't take how much weight that had for me. This also continued with Hagrid saying how he was the one to bring him 16 years previous, and so he should be the one to take him away. Blubbering here. Otherwise, it was a great comedic scene. The transformations were great, if not hilarious when it came to Fleur and Hermione. And Oliver/James were great as well. I was a tad bit annoyed that this is the first time Harry meets Bill, but I got over it. THE ESCAPE: I liked it. I loved the transition from the quiet night to the storm of Death Eaters. I thought that was done well. While I know it's more "dramatic" to have them being chased through the city with the cars and everything, I preferred the battle in the sky like the book. But my focus was on Hedwig. When he first let her free, I was like "Are they going to let her live?!" But when she was the one that "gave him away," and was killed, I started sobbing. Poor Hedwig. I wish it had been a bigger deal. (And the whole "Expelliarmus" part would have been nice to stay, but I can live with it.) The final Harry's Wand vs Voldemort was well done as well. THE BURROW: First off, I have no problem that they went straight to the Burrow without stopping at the Tonks' house. I understand why that would have been changed. I wish Mrs. Weasley had been more hysterical about the situation, but everything was well done. -George: The missing ear was good, and his little "holy" joke was a nice funny moment among the tenseness. -Lupin: He was perfect, I thought. His intensity about the betrayer was great, and he and Tonks were sweet. Although, did they get to mention Tonks was having a baby? I know she was about to mention it at the Dursleys, but did they get to say it? (P.S. - I'm actually glad they cut out the part where Remus tries and leaves Tonks. I didn't like that in the books, so I didn't mind that they cut it. Though I wanted that moment of Harry becoming a godfather...) -R/HR MOMENT: First off, I loved their moments throughout the film. They weren't too frequent, they weren't too in-your-face, but they were constant, and they were perfect. It started with this, I think, where Hermione runs right to Ron for a hug. The bit where she takes off the glasses, and they're just looking at each other was so sweet. It was very much an "only two people in the world" kind of moment. And, of course, the "Always the tone of surprise" moment was very much appreciated. -Moody: I wish this had been a bigger deal where the group had the memorial or something over his death. Bravo to Bill and Fleur who seemed the most affected. I appreciated their tears because the others didn't really emote that much. RON AND HARRY: Great friendship moment between the two of them. I thought it was very well acted, and Ron addresses the right questions regarding the Horcruxes. I love seeing Ron like this, the voice of reason. He was really great in this. DUMBLEDORE'S WILL: First off, the H/G scene was surprisingly mature. I guess they got their PG-13 worth out of it. Haha. It was sensual and the kiss was sweet and showed that they really are together. And George's "Good Morning" was hilarious....I didn't mind that there wasn't a birthday for Harry. The will reading before the wedding was perfectly fine. Bill Nighy was fantastic, and the whole scene was well done. I also didn't mind that Scrimgeour was portrayed as a good guy. Since we meet him in this one instead of HBP, we didn't get that history of bad blood between him and Harry so I liked that he was kind of a good guy who was more or less an ally. Just the whole scene was great. WEDDING: Loved it. First off, the R/HR look across the room was phenomenal, and I just loved it. (Wish they had danced.) The decision to not include Krum was fine with me because they introduced the Xenophilius's necklace just fine. I thought the bit with Aunt Muriel was perfect. It could have been funnier, but the end with "Are you sure you knew [Dumbledore] at all?" really hit me. I thought that bit was great. I also really loved Bill/Fleur. They were so lovely, especially when Shacklebolt's patronus came, and they put their foreheads together. They were great. ATTACK: I liked that the Patronus took a look as to what happened at the Ministry. Also, I loved that Ron and Hermione immediately started to search for each other. And I ADORED Harry calling out for Ginny, but Lupin pushes him away. I thought that was sad and fitting. DINER: Well done. Hermione is so awesome. The bit about her disappointment that they couldn't throw Harry a birthday party was funny, especially when she says "Perspective." HOGWARTS EXPRESS: Neville was awesome standing up to the Death Eaters, and the bit with Cormac McLaggen was hilarious. GRIMMAULD PLACE: The Dumbledore trap was kind of underwhelming, but... I'm so happy they kept in the part where it looks as if Ron and Hermione fell asleep holding hands. The segway into RAB was good as well. (I did miss Sirius's Gryffindor room and finding the Lily letter and picture, but I'll get over it.) I was a little miffed that Kreacher's part wasn't bigger, but I actually really liked that Dobby came back with him so we have him before Malfoy Manor. (Him telling the story over Kreacher was hilarious.) And Mundungus Fletcher was PERFECT. Loved it. MINISTRY: FANTASTIC SCENE. The three actors playing Runcorn, Cattermole, and Hopkirk were fantastic, and I thought they captured Dan, Rupert, and Emma's essence very, very well. Yaxley was fantastic, and the whole "my wife's downstairs all alone" was sweet and funny. I still hate Umbridge and want to punch her in the face. I loved the part in Umbridge's office where Harry finds the file with the Xs over Order members. Made me seethe. Fantastic. (I'm a little annoyed though that Harry didn't take Moody's eye and later bury it. ) The Dementors in the courtroom were freaking terrifying! It brought me back to CoS where Harry and Ron look up at the spiders in the forest. So creepy. - Stand Outs: Harry saying to Umbridge: "You're lying, Dolores, and one mustn't tell lies..." (or something to that effect) And the Ron/Mrs. Cattermole kiss was an AMAZING addition! I thought it was a great comedic moment among the tension. Rupert was fantastic, and the look on Hermione's face was HILARIOUS! Priceless scene, especially the confusion on both the Cattermoles' faces. AHAHAHA!!! "Nice to meet you." Amazing. SPLINCHING: The make up was really well done. It looked raw and ripped, and with Rupert's performance, it was so realistic. Emma was, again, just wonderful as she's trying to comfort him. I loved this actually. Because she's trying to be strong even though she's absolutely terrified, and I felt this vibe that she wanted to just hold him but held back. Really well done scene. I also have to mention (because I can't remember the order) that the flashes with Voldemort and Ollivander, Gregorovich and Grindlewald were great. CAMPING: - Protective charms were great, and I'm thrilled they showed it. - The scene where they're trying to destroy the locket was nice. It shows early on through Harry how the locket gives you a negative perspective, especially with Harry getting angry about Ron and the radio, how they'll have to walk since Ron can't Apparate, and then him yelling at Hermione that she's not doing enough. I liked how they addressed its effect. Emma was great again. - I'm glad they included the radio. It shows just how worried Ron is, and Hermione's explanation to Harry was wonderful. - Liked the moment with Hermione and the snatchers to show how her enchantments work. - The camping montage was really well done to show them traveling and camping, Ron with the radio being so worried, the bit with Harry hearing for a second that Snape is Hogwarts Headmaster, Ron and Hermione discussing Harry, and then the Harry-Hermione moments that Ron witnesses; the haircut, them coming back from the forest together, Hermione giving Harry the water bottle. Good to show his paranoia and jealousy. RON LEAVES; RUPERT GRINT IS PERFECT: This scene did the book justice. Rupert Grint's performance was spot on, and again, I'm in tears. First, the moment with Harry and Hermione figuring out about the sword was great, especially Hermione's nervous chatter about being logical was really wonderful. But then they address Ron, and Rupert hit it out of the park! The dialogue and tension, the fight, Hermione begging him to take off the locket to show that it was affecting how Ron was behaving was all just fantastic. I love how Ron "saw you two the other night." Hermione legitimately panics and says "that was nothing," and while I missed the line that "I get it. You choose him" line, I thought the scene was so well acted. (I also like how the romance between R/Hr is acknowledged between the two of them in this scene.) Hermione's reaction to him leaving was perfect as well where she immediately follows him and you hear her calling and yelling for him. Emma's acting after Ron leaves - the depression, the tears, leaving behind the scarf - was beautifully done. HARRY AND HERMIONE DANCE: I understand their intention by adding this scene. I get that he wanted to cheer her up, and with the awkward dancing, it was good. Emma, again, was wonderful in this because you can see that she is cheering up, but at the end her eyes, to me, said: "Thanks for trying to cheer me up, but Ron's still gone, and I'm still devastated." The problem I had with it was that the look on Dan's face was kind of longing in a way, which gave me the wrong vibe. I thought the scene was a bit unnecessary. I feel like they could have figured out a different way to do it? Meh. GODRIC'S HOLLOW: A very moving scene, I thought, and yes, I cried. I'm glad they didn't use the polyjuice potion for the reason Harry says. I thought it was very fitting, and it was a very emotional moment at the grave. Hermione conjuring a wreath was a beautiful gesture, and they introduced Peverell was great without stealing the emotion from Harry. Really great job. Bathilda Bagshot was creepy and disturbing. I thought the bit at her house was terrifying. (I did like Hermione finding the book and then the rotting body when Harry was upstairs. Well done.) The snake protruding from her was really well done, and the fight was, again, terrifying. Good job. HARRY'S WAND: I just wanted to mention that this was wonderfully acted by Daniel. He could have easily been very dramatic and upset about the wand, but I loved how he chose to hurry past it, like he didn't even want to think about it. I found that to be more devastating at the loss than this brooding moment. Bravo, Dan. THE SILVER DOE: This is my favorite scene in the book, and I thought it was just PHENOMENAL and PERFECT from the book. Once again, Rupert was something else. The doe was lovely, and the struggle/almost drowning in the water with Harry made my heart stop. I loved that he clawed against the ice, that you could see a figure through the ice, that you saw him get the sword. It was all spectacularly done. I loved that they addressed that Ron should be the one to destroy the locket, that he should because it affects him so. Great job. THE LOCKET: I was so impressed with this. I loved Voldemort's voice and the smoke. Introducing the spiders with his worst fears was a brilliant touch! I have to say that the Locket!Harry and Locket!Hermione were absolutely spot on - they were themselves, but they were "more beautiful and more terrifying" than the real Harry and Hermione. I was in tears for Ron in this moment where Locket!Harry and Locket!Hermione are spewing off every fear Ron's ever had. I found the kiss to be slightly awkward, especially the more "passionate" one, but overall, I think they got the tone of it. It's not supposed to be romantic. It really was kind of disturbing and horrific since you know it's the manifestation of Ron's worst fear. I thought it looked great. (I didn't know why they had to be topless when they were clothed before, but...) MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT #1: Like I said, I am satisfied with the movie. But there were only two major disappointments, and the following is the first. I wanted the moment after Ron destroyed the locket to be like the book. - I missed the Ron-Harry friendship hug. - I missed the line "She cried for days...She's like my sister. It's always been that way. I thought you know..." - I just wish they had that real discussion about him leaving, seeing him be so affected, seeing them address how he really feels about Hermione. I was a little disappointed. *RON AND HERMIONE REUNITED...AND IT FEELS SOOOO* GOOD! : This was priceless! Rupert was absolutely ADORABLE in this scene, and Emma's reaction was wonderful. I wish she had said, "I called your name," but it's alright. I really loved the explanation and the moment between the two. Just really well done. - I also appreciated the alternative Ron-Harry heart-to-heart moment in the tent. Again, I wish they had stuck to the book, but the discussion about how he should just keeping talking about the light going to his heart so Hermione would forgive him was priceless and the bit with the fire was hilarious. - Rupert was GOLD in the moments where he sides with Hermione about going to the Lovegoods' house. He was just brilliant. XENOPHILIUS LOVEGOOD: I pictured him differently, but he was good. You can see that he was really desperate (glad Harry addressed that), and the whole bit where the Death Eaters show up was really well done. THE THREE BROTHERS:** I was blown away by this scene. It was a stroke of GENIUS to choose to do it like this. I don't think it would have done to have Hermione sit there and read for three minutes. And I kind of knew they'd always have a portrayal. But the choice to have it be an illustration was literally GENIUS because it is a children's story. Holy Moses, I just loved it! And I really loved the style of the cartoon. It was just SO WELL DONE! Definitely a highlight of the film. Another side note: I'm undecided about how they handle the Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore* story line. In one way, I always wish they address it. But on the other hand, we know Dumbledore didn't give Harry much to go on and that Harry is questioning how well he knew him as well as his losing faith in him. I don't know if we needed the other information. Undecided. SNATCHERS: Again, this was another artistic choice that I found BRILLIANT - the choice to have the audience only hear their breathing and footsteps on the ground when they were running. It was SO MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE than having this big dramatic music playing. Such an amazing choice. Missed the bit with Dean, but that was expendable. SECOND MALFOY MANOR: Though it was a little anticlimactic for me, it was really, really enjoyable. Bellatrix was wonderful per usual as was Tom as Draco and being so scared. It was just really well done. - HERMIONE TORTURE scene was different, but Emma was sensational. I was really quite terrified, and the screaming and her performance really hit me hard. I commend Emma so much for this scene, especially when afterwards she's lying on the floor, limp, and you can see "Mudblood" carved into her arm. Chilling and horrible. MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT #2: This is the second major disappointment that brought the experience down just slightly for me: Ron's reaction to Hermione being tortured. He was supposed to pound against the stone walls, tears streaming down his face, screaming Hermione's name after saying Bellatrix should take him instead. Rupes had some great moments being angry and frantic (the "like hell" line to Bellatrix was amazing), but I missed the original. I love how protective he was throughout the film, though. SIDE NOTE: Angry/determined/focused/mature/protective Ron is EFFING HOT. - DRACO-HARRY WAND FIGHT: Since this is so important, I'm glad they highlighted it the way they did. It wasn't life altering in the way they presented it, but the shed light on the event, which is good. DOBBY: "Dobby is a free elf." I couldn't even keep it under control. I was sobbing the moment Dobby appeared. His speech about being free just set me off. Then, at Shell Cottage, the tiny monologue he had wasn't in the book, but I loved it. His little speech about being in a beautiful place with friends tore at my heart strings. At this point, I was blubbering as were many, many people in the theater. I fell to pieces. The funeral was lovely. Can I just bring to light a moment in Chamber of Secrets* when Harry tells Dobby: "Never try to save my life again." Then you think of this scene, and I wept all over again. VOLDEMORT AT DUMBLEDORE'S GRAVE: I hate Voldemort, and it was prominent within me during this scene. It was very well done, and it was symbolic, and it was the perfect way to end the first film. I had those two major complaints that brought my satisfaction down to a 98%, but overall, I give it an A+, my first A+ since CoS. It was fantastic. STAND OUTS: RUPERT GRINT and EMMA WATSON had two phenomenal performances. I was so impressed with them, and I felt like we truly saw them grow and change. They upped their game, their chemistry with each other and with Dan really carried the film, and they were just brilliant. I am so proud of them. HERMIONE ERASING PARENTS' MEMORIES THREE BROTHERS SCENE RON LEAVES RON RETURNS DOBBY'S DEATH RON/HERMIONE MOMENTS: I'm glad that Ron's affection is out in the open, and all of their moments were true to the book without being the sole focus on their relationship. They should be so proud of this film. I cannot get over how phenomenal this film was. I can't wait to see it again. I'm so moved and so happy and so proud. WOW. THANK YOU.