Before we get to the review though… (Hey, you waited this long for the final movie, didn’t you?)
Amy at Ramblings of Amy is hosting the Retro Summer Blogfest this Wednesday, July 20. We’re to select an old mix tape or CD and talk about the songs. I intend to amuse you on Wednesday!
And while remakes annoy me, I am excited about the remake of Godzilla. The screenwriter is David Goyer (Nolan’s Dark Knight movies) and the director is Gareth Edwards, creator/director/editor/special effects guy of Monsters. Do it right guys, and the film will rock!
I caught Part II last Friday and can safely say - it’s the best of the series. The pacing is good and at times the film is thrilling. This one is full of action! The storyline is easy to follow, even for those of us who haven’t read the books. It wraps up the franchise in good form, tying up the loose ends and finally putting an end to Voldemort. Harry finally gets to grow up and show he can kick some butt. (I still don’t buy the relationship between Harry and Ginny, though - zero chemistry between the characters.) Overall, an excellent film and one of the best of the summer.
And I waited to share my thoughts on Part I until after seeing Part II. They are night and day. Part I was slow, plodding, and very frustrating. The storyline was unclear and our great wizard hero spends the whole time running. And hiding in the woods. And talking. More running. More talking in the woods… I’m afraid I found it rather boring. Longer than Part II, the first one would’ve benefited from the shaving of at least thirty to forty-five minutes from the film.
At some point, I do plan to watch the two as a whole. Of course, I’ve been planning an extended edition Lord of the Rings marathon for years, so not sure when that may happen!
All right, Potter fanatics – your turn! What did you think of the movie?
99 comments:
BTW, it's Ginny, not Jenny. ;) I agree about their on screen chemistry. In the books it really worked, but not in the movies. It felt like they were trying too hard in the movies to justify why he wasn't hooking up with Hermione.
I'm still waiting to see part II, but I think you're right about part I. Even as a book the first half is pretty slow and frustrating. If it hadn't been the culmination of an awesome series it wouldn't have worked.
I may be the only person on the planet who's not planning to see HP7. I will watch it though when it comes out on DVD.
GODZILLA is in remake?? Now THAT I would definitely see.
Nice review, I love Harry Potter!
I'm not reading this. In fact I probably shouldn't read any blogs today.
first part 1 was building in it's power to bring us to part 2. now i cannot wait to watch them both together as it was intended, but money is the selling point for the last book [which i have never read] and the franchise. i found the last part, last frame sort of sad because i believe there is more story to be told, without giving anything away. the tree of harry potter and the limbs that follow the end, branches of story lines to be told.
it was the strongest in the films and was very entertaining.
i want more, and the extended version will make their way to the world in the next several years... the george lucas of forever is on it's way... she will never have the success as this book/film project... unless we get a prequel... my precious...
Sarah, sorry - fixed! And good to know I wasn't the only one who felt that way.
Liz, expecially from those guys!
Matthew, haven't seen it yet?
Jeremy, not sure how they could do a prequel, but why not?
I'm not planning on seeing it - maybe on video sometime, but I'll be in the Lord of the Rings marathon! Sue !
I plan to see it beginning of August because it is impossible to get tickets for cinema showings in the next two weeks.
Did you the the 2D or the 3D version?
Great review. My daughter went to see Harry Potter last Friday. She's going again WITH ME and that's all there is to it.
I haven't gotten a chance to see the new and final Potter, I am so ashamed:(
Regardless, I too have planned to watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy as one long moviefest, for quite some time. Maybe we should organize a blog fest based on a weekend of LotR marathoners, watch it all together in a sense.
Nina
Read all the books but haven't seen the last movie. On vacay with fam so no chance. Hope to hit it on my return. It's killing me! :)
Hmm, don't know about the retro thing.
ABC of your state sounds cool.
A Godzilla movie? The last one sucked...must check it out.
I didn't go watch the HP movie, glad you posted your review. I didn't care for part 1 at all...I didn't care for part 1 of the book either. It depicted Harry as a whiny baby. I was hoping for a strong action packed finished...glad to see I'm won't be disappointed. I hope they added the ending...all of them grown up. Thanks for posting!
totally the story of "Dumbledore" and his rise to headmaster and more story of Riddle becoming well you know... more on Snape and Lily [pre-Potter]... even a side telling of the Weasley's... Luna and Neville... Bellatrix and Sirius... and their family tree. heck even more on Potter's Harry and Ginny...
Ron, Hermione... we have about 19 years of story telling....
Ginny loved Harry from the start. You picked it up in the books but you saw it in her eyes every time they were in the same room on screen.
Voldemort is dead but evil lives on.
Pt. 1 was a sleeper in both forms for sure.
I am yet to see HP pt 2 but pt 1 was PANTS. Seriously. I am so so so so so sorry fans of HP films but pt 1 and the film before that were PANTS. Did I say PANTS? Pants.
:-) I am so looking forward to PT 2 though!! Yay!!!!
p.s. but I LOVE THE BOOKS!! The books are beautiful!! The films.... PANTS. Apart from Azkaban. Ahem. Off I go now for my cold shower.
Take care
x
I'm excited about part 2! Glad to hear it's the best so far. The kids and I will see it this week.
Godzilla? Really? Thought that was remade a few years ago? Okay...maybe more like 10 or 15 years ago? :)
I'll be seeing the film on Friday night. Yet I've heard it's the best one in the series. My thrills this weekend included watching Torchwood, True Blood and Alphas. I didn't particularly like Alphas.
Sue, I'll let you know when the LOTR marathon begins.
Edi, sorry you'll have to wait. I just saw the 2D version.
Nina, that's a great idea!
Laila, everyone raved about Part I, so good to know others didn't like it. And yes, this one ended with a brief scene nineteen years later.
Kitty, I will have to adopt your term of PANTS!
Elizabeth, if you mean that one abou the giant iguana, it was around ten years ago. Time for a real Godzilla film!
Christine, I thought Alphas was better than Falling Skies.
Loved part II. Loved it. And you're not wrong about part I. In the book, its much the same, but it reads smoother combined with the ending and with other details that are cut out of the movie.
The blogfest sounds fun. Oh what memories from picking out an old cd!
I plan to see the HP movie, but not sure when. I've read all the books, so I already know what happens. Still, it's cool to see it all on the big screen.
I think I'm the only person on this planet who is not a fan of these books or movies. I must be missing the wizard chip! I'm glad you enjoyed the movie :D
I thought they remade Godzilla with Matthew Broderick. That was okay.
I loved HP7.2 I cried like crazy. Seeing Snape emotional totally undid me. Waaah.
Overall, it was what I've come to expect from the movies. Though I still wish they would have stuck a bit better to the book. I mean, they did the Snape scene in a boathouse... a boathouse? Really? And, the final showdown should have been in the Great Hall... with the ceiling lighting up with the morning sun and all. And, did anyone really care about the characters who died? It didn't appear so. Of course, I agree about Ginny and Harry. No chemistry. Perhaps I'm a bit harsh, but the first two films were the only ones that really nailed my image of what the books were.
I'm curious to see your list of retro songs. :)
I have yet to see a movie Hollywood makes that does any justice at all to the book it represents. Although in the case of certain reality star alums, it might not be that big of a challenge.
Hey Alex!
Thanks for the HP#8 review. I recently watched part 1 and loved it! I can't wait to see part 2 and I'm having a Harry Potter marathon this week.
JK Rowling is amazing. ;-)
Tara
Sarah, I figured it did.
Kris, not too late to sign up.
Karen, I hope so!
Lydia, they did, but I've blocked that Godzilla out of my head.
Alicia, guess I'm glad I haven't read the books then.
Totally with you on this. The first part was slow, but the 2nd kicked butt. Again though, I felt that way about the last book and thought it was the one didn't need to be split into two.
Alex, it's kind of interesting. If you haven't read the books, then you're not disappointed about the movies, but if you've watched the movies, the books won't have the big surprise effect. So, which is better?
Will I be an outcast if I admit I have not seen any of the HP movies?
Glad you liked the new HP. I haven't seen it yet.
Part II was awesome! I'm still crying at inopportune times over Snape's death, although I knew it was going to happen.
Part I was a bit slow, but it was like that in the book too. I think of it as the deep breath before the end.
I'm hoping to get to see it at least one more time in the movie theaters. *crosses fingers*
Saw HP & DH 2 on Friday, and even though I thoroughly enjoyed it, I was a bit disappointed with the lack of epicness. Full of action? Hm, I have to disagree here... the 'tresor' sequence in the first half was stunningly spectacular, but the rest of it not that much.
Glad to hear the movies ended on a high note. The Potter series of books certainly did.
So funny, because I think DH1 was the best of the series--sublimely done, and my first run through the second disappointed me. I watched again and like part 2 better, but Part 1 had set me up for SUBLIME. I think this may be a difference between book fans and not book fans. The first satisfied the canon junkie in me. It was the first since Prisoner of Azkaban I felt did justice to the book.
I haven'y seen it but it sure sounds exciting. Recently I watched the Star Wars 6 movies in order. That was neat.
Wow, lots happening, will have to check out the blogfest. Thanks for the info!
I'm late to the whole HP scene. Just finished reading Goblet of Fire and will start on book number five today. I want to read them before seeing the movies. I'll watch Deathly Hallows II in a couple weeks once I finish reading the series.
"The storyline is easy to follow, even for those of us who haven’t read the books." Excellent. I've had some trouble in the past following along, truth be told. Guess I should read those dang books one of these days...
Great review of Harry Potter! I couldn't agree more, about it being the best one of the series.
Thank you for the blogfest shoutout, I look forward to seeing your selection! :)
So I might be the only person on the planet who is NOT a HP fan. I saw bits and pieces of a couple of them but only under extreme force. It's just not my thing. Sorry for being so absent lately. I am hoping that in August to be back in the swing of things.
I haven't seen any of the films because my husband snores in them (zero imagination) and his grandchildren are still too young - I DID get to see Panda Kung Fu the other day, though LOL. I read the books instead. I think even in the book Harry and Ginny are a bit twee. And I could never imagine Ron and Hermione. Never mind (ooops...didn't spoil anything, did I?) Not sure where film 1 finishes..... I'll slink off now.
Loved Harry Potter. But of course, I also unconditionally love every minute of every Harry Potter movie.
I went to the theater to watch an extended LOTR marathon back when the third movie came out. It was a fantastic— if uber long— experience.
The mix tape blogfest sounds like a lot of fun. Looking forward to it.
I have not been able to watch it yet, but I plan to take my oldest to the movie- she is a huge fan.
I loved the movie too! And Godzilla? Could be awesome!!
TS, a three hour movie would've sufficed.
I think not being disappointed with the movies is better, Alicia.
Karen, no more than I am that I've not read the books!
George, heck of a lot more action than Part I!
Hart, that probably is the difference, although several fans have now commented the first one was indeed a little boring.
Clarissa, not sure I could ever sit through episodes two and three again...
Milo, you and me both.
Sue, at least you got to see Kung Fu Panda 2!
Looking forward to seeing HP - glad you enjoyed it! :)
Glad ot hear that aobut Part 2. I was a bit lost in Part 1, scratching my head. Looking forward to seeing it.
Oh, that wizard movie. Yes, I must get out and see that one. Of course, I still have to catch up on five, six, and seven (part one) first. Yeah, I'm a bad HP fan. :(
I didn't hate Part 1, but I don't think it was as good as it could have been--I'm really looking forward to seeing Part 2. :)
I agree completely on HP7. Part I was kind of dull, Part II much more exciting. Plus, I very much recommend the LotR marathon. 12 hours of non stop Rings make for an EPIC movie experience.
I just watched Part I of Deathly Hallows on DVD this weekend so I could go experience Part II in a theater. Looking forward to it.
Mary, Part II makes more sense.
Golden, I think if it had been much shorter, that would've helped.
Jamie, make it so!
Fantastic of course! I, too, do not buy the relationship between Harry and Ginny. Oh, and on a side note, in the very last battle when Harry and Voldemort are dueling, when the camera pans out just before the effects of their wands fade (after Nagini dies) you'll see a person saunter from behind the pillars in the background, and, upon realizing the camera spots him, tries to run back. LOL
If you don't believe me, see for yourself. Some might ask, if that person were either good or bad, why didn't they help Harry or Voldemort? Well, it could've been a mistake by an extra or something like that, and the director probably didn't notice it in editing. Either way, it's small things like this that, believe it or not, make me enjoy movies.
And Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows II is one I will never forget.
We;re having a Harry Potter season here on the TV S at last I will see this Genius.
Yvonne.
I enjoyed it, but not really into Harry Potter. Too bad I won't have time for the Retro Blogfest - I could've had fun with that one.
I've never bought into the whole Potter thing, maybe I'm just too grumpy...."It's for kids" and all that...
I saw it this weekend and loved it. Part 1 was a little slow, but did follow the book, so unsure how that could have been better. 2 was amazing. I was tense much of the time, cried, and smiled. I can't believe it is over. The only flaw is not enough Fred and George in it.
Yeah, that's what I heard too. Everyone seems to agree. Now I HAVE to see it!!!
Look away! I am ugly. Or at least I am not a Harry potter fan :).
I think that I have seen 2 previous movies, but given your recommendations and others, I plan on seeing this one.
For some reason none of the movies ever moved me like the books did. I've seen them all but would never put them up there with my other favorites.
Go figure, I think my son really wants to see this one so I'll probably go pretty soon.
The blogfest sound pretty interesting.
Hey Alex! I have to agree with you. The first one was slow and plodding... but then again, it was sort of that way in the book as well. But it was pertinent information that needed it's own time to be told. Part 2 was the best, by far. :D
I do have to agree that I there wasn't much chemistry there between Harry and Ginny like in the books. In the books there seemed to be an underlying tension that couldn't be expressed because of all her brothers willing to pound Harry should he hurt their baby sister. :D
Excellent post!
TD, I will have to look for that when the DVD comes out.
Copyboy, go!
Rusty, be glad your son doesn't want to see Pooh instead! Thank God I don't have kids...
Mel, good to know it was more apparent in the books.
glad to hear you enjoyed part 2. As you know, I didn't like part 1 at all so I haven't dashed out to see part 2. I might actually see now after reading your review.
Still haven't seen it, but can't wait to do so:)
Best one? Wow, sounds like some true entertainment!,thanks for the review. My daughter and I have a LOTR marathon once a year in the summer--just had it last week!! Those movies are what? 10 years old or more? And still awesome every time!!
~Scarlett
I totally agree with you about Harry and Ginny! I've never heard anyone else say it before. Even in the books, not a compelling couple.
I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed part II so much. I've not seen it yet but have heard only good things. Part I is a big success for those of us who read the books---the first part of book 7 was also much slower and more cerebral than the second, which is why I was ecstatic when I heard they were splitting the book into two films---but I can see why it doesn't appeal so much to those who haven't read the books.
Thanks for the review!
You are right, they didn't have a chance to really flesh out the Harry/Ginny thing in the movie. It was a lot bigger in the books. Its interesting to hear a viewpoint from someone who hasn't read the books. I bet part 1 is very hard if you haven't read the books. I loved it, but I knew what was going to happen and why they needed to build up to part 2. How many times can I say "read the books"? Anyway, I loved part 2 and thought it had all the great stuff from the books. It had been long enough since I've read them that I didn't remember every little detail that may have been changed or left out for the movie. Glad you liked it!
I don't want to watch the last two HP films until I watch all of the others. I want to do the Lord of the Rings marathon as well. I've seen the first two films but I want to watch them again before I watch the third one. Seems like I'm always behind in my movie watching.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Lynda, they really are totally different films. Go see it.
Scarlett, I envy you that marathon! I need to make time.
Nicki, I call them as I see them! And I'm sure the first part of Deathly Hallows is better in book form.
I enjoyed the last one, Abby! And these movies really were made for the fans of the books first.
Harry Potter is a dick. He turned my gam gam into a frog and never changed her back. I have to watch the cat all the time around her.
GASP - you've never read the books?!? This didn't get the best ranking in my line-up, that is reserved for the very first movie (but Richard Harris was my favorite Dumbledore and I never adjusted to this new guy). However, this is my second fave in the series. The Hubster hasn't read the books either and his complaint with Part 1 was the same as yours - he actually nodded off three times during that one. This one he managed to stay awake through! Looking forward to your Wednesday post!
As a film in general, I loved it. Great effect and action that translated well to the screen. But from Book to film, I had some issues that made me grit my teeth.
(And for those who didn't see it*Spoilers start now*)
I think what disappointed me the most was the ending (not the epilogue, that was pretty good. The fact that he just broke the wand and threw it away, not even fixing his old one which they made a big point in the books that it was attached to. I think Harrys whole "Preparation for death" scene worked better in the book as well, though I did end up crying again at the Resurrection stone scene (Every time he talks to his dead mother, it just gets to me!).
I could nitpick forever but I'll forgive the "little" mistakes and just say I'm probably going to see it again.
Dude; you need to read the books. So much of the overall story plot is lost in filming ONLY the high action scenes.
Yeah, I watched it too this weekend; and yeah, it was a good show for those who did not read the novel. My ex-hubby took me and the Bug. A couple months ago he asked me for the book. He said he didn't entirely understand all the story line in the previous movies, but after reading the novel, he was able to fill in most of the storyline gaps.
Oh; LOTR marathon :) I've accomplished a couple of those, and my family protests each time.
.......dhole
PTM, you sound bitter!
Jennie, no, I've never read them. And I thought Harris was the better Dumbledore as well.
Loneislander, it's just so difficult to include everything.
Donna, let them protest!
Maybe it's the age of the actors and their characters, but I never did feel the chemestry for any romance. They were full of adventure and magic, but not romance. Can't win'em all. In every other way the entire story is a huge success. It's one thing that my entire family loves.
Loved this final installment of the Harry series! We watched part 1 again on Thursday (our local theatre had a HP marathon for two days running before the new one came out) and then watched Part 2 on Friday.
Oddly, I liked Part 1 better this second time around, maybe just because I was building up my anticipationg for Part 2. I loved how well they handled all the "stuff" in part 2 that just had to happen, like the complexity of Snape's character, and Harry's need to face Voldemort on his own. I agree that the onscreen chemistry between Ginny and Harry was a little hard to believe, except the "Morning" scene at the Weasley's house. The books handled this part better.
Oh, and LOTR marathon blogfest? I would be there! Star Wars marathons are great too! Although my kids groan through every Star Wars movie . . .
I think I'll go over and join Amy's Retro Summer Blogfest. Confession... I haven't read any HP or seen any of the movies. Perhaps it's finality will inspire me to start the first book.
Can't wait to see HP. I don't buy the film relationship with Harry and Ginny, either. They took all Ginny's gifts and scenes from the books and gave them to Hermione in the films. But, in the films it's been all about Emma and I think that the film fans who have not read the books are disappointed that Harry and Hermione did not end up together.
Thanks for the vote, I appreciate it very much.
I'm yet another person on the planet who is not an HP fan. You all enjoy!
Thanks for telling us about the ABC of Your State weekly blogfest. Sounds interesting. I plan to check it out.
Happy movie viewing,
Monti
NotesAlongTheWay
Mary, maybe they're just trying to maintain the character's innocence.
Tyrean, your kids probably don't understand what those first three Star Wars movies meant to our generation.
Sand Castles, Amy will be happy you did!
Melissa, I agree - far more chemistry between Harry & Hermione.
Not only haven't I read any of the books, I haven't seen any of the movies. Even I think that is very odd. My granddaughter is reading the series right now and see told me I have to watch the movies with her. I will!
thanks for the review.
Catching up, Alex. Wow, I have actually seen a movie and can comment on your blog. LOL
I enjoyed the HP finale, very entertaining.
Read the books. The relationship between Harry and Ginny will make so much more sense and be so much more obvious that way.
I thought that, as a movie, Part II knocked it out of the park. I was disappointed that some of the major deaths weren't given enough time to have an impact, but that's the reader's perspective. As a movie, it was excellent.
I have not seen the new Potter film yet. I'll probably just wait until it's out on DVD/BluRay.
I want to extend a personal invitation to my own blogfest: http://writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/2011/07/wonderland-giveaway-blogfest-2011.html
I loved it. I cried like a baby. I want to see it again!
Harry Potter makes me feel so youthful :)
Pat, sounds like you have no choice!
Glynis, good for you!
Karen, yes it was.
Slyvia, I'll check it out.
Anne, it makes me feel old!
I loved the movie! Was horribly sad that the whole thing's now over, though. I agree with you about Harry and Ginny: no credibility there whatsoever, but then I didn't find it believable in the books either.
Can't wait to see your music post tomorrow, Alex. I'll be back.
Cheers,
xoRobyn
Not a Potter fan, I know, shame on me but I love Godzilla. That made my week hearing that bit of news. :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Agent Sarah LaPolla said the exact same thing about Harry and Ginny in her most recent post.
Great minds, I guess, huh?
I'm so behind on this series! Thanks for the review. I'm planning on catching up when the final one is out on DVD.
Movie marathons are great on lazy Sundays! :)
Sangu, at least I'm not alone then.
Robin, I hope it will amuse you.
Jules, Godzilla rocks!
Nancy, she probably has one!
Hey! I've been waitingt to do an extended version LOTR marathon too. My son is 6.5.... think he's ready? lol One day he will be, and I'm locking the doors and closing the drapes and we are having an all day extravaganza Peter Jackson style. ;)
I LOVED the movie, but I did find it a bit rushed in the beginning. As I am sure you're aware, I am a HUGE HP lover and have read the books at least a dozen times.
I;d like to see the movie again though, Sometimes when viewing it more than once you can appreciate it or hate it more.
As for part one. The hiding was necessary. Maybe a bit drawn out but it builds to the climax.
I have avoided the movies and the books after about the fourth. I heard a rumor that Harry Potter died and I could not face that possibility...that's like Lassie dying in a movie.
I am a softie, main characters cannot die. I cry evey time I watch Ann of Green Gables and she finds Richard Farnsworth dead in the field. My husband laughs and asked, do you think this will change in the next watching?
Now, you have made it safe for me to continue my exploration of Hogswart and Harry's life...thank you. I have missed him.
I saw the first movie after reading the book to my step daughters. But just never got into any of the others. Step daughter dragged me to Part II and I'm glad I got to see the end of Valdemort. I agree with you on the chemistry with Ginny. I was quite perplexed about that whole thing, but just figured that's what happens when you skip 6 movies in between.
Counting down the days till Cowboys and Aliens.
Post a Comment