Of course it is well nigh impossible to take an 870 page book and turn it into one of the shortest films of the series without leaving something out. No doubt there are a raft of critics ready to moan that their favourite bits are missing, but since no one is going to sit through a completely faithful ten-hour plus version, the viewer must be grateful for this thoroughly successful movie which gives the feeling of the source material without overstretching our tolerance.
This is the book in which the boffins at the Ministry of Magic are doing their utmost to undermine the warnings of Harry and Dumbledore, going so far as to attempt to expel Harry from Hogwarts (unsuccessful) and gradually getting the headmaster replaced by a hideous vision in pink, Imelda Staunton as the horrible Dolores Umbridge. She not only undermines any sense of fun amongst the students but also eschews any practical training in defending oneself against the dark arts. It is therefore up to Harry and his closest friends to train secretly and to form the so-called "Dumbledore's Army" before Umbridge discovers what they are doing. Hers is an enjoyably hateful embodiment of one of the book's most important new characters.
Against this some of the old faithfuls have little to do here, largely because of time restraints, although Gary Oldman as the doomed Sirius Black is impressive. Of the new characters, I was not overly taken with the mumbling Luna Lovegood, but could see that Helena Bonham Carter was having a whale of a time as the OTT Bellatrix LeStrange of whom there is more to come. As for the youngsters, I still feel that Daniel Radcliffe is a little stretched as Harry, especially now that things are coming to a serious crunch, but he tries hard, as do his best mates. Amongst the preparation for this film's showdown with Lord Voldemart we are given some wizard (pardon the pun) special effects which keep the film moving forward. In many ways this movie is probably one of the best of the series, but far blacker and less joyful and the earlier films.
4 comments:
What do you mean I didn't see this two times on the first day it was out. Still haven't, slacking I know. Luckily when I got to hold the tri-wizard cup for the promo for the last film it wasn't a portkey to Ralph Fiennes anymore. HBC sounds such a great match for Bellatrix. As awkward in his role as Mr. Radcliffe can be, according to some reviews, I think maybe it makes it more natural - you know when you look teenage up in th dictionary it gives the definition - awkward..... but then I'd never make a good reviewer because I look for the good points.
I have yet to see this one may see watch it with my son..hope you have a great weekend! Hugs,TerryAnn
I don't do Harry Potter.
http://journals.aol.co.uk/acoward15/andy-the-bastard
so who dies ??? Have not read it or seen it !!
regards
Shaun
http://journals.aol.co.uk/shauntanner/Tenthirteengoesforth/
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