Harry Potter movie SPOILERS

[Golf4food]

You're correct in that a director tells an actor what they are looking for. The director can't, however, force it out of an actor. I'm sorry if you are taking offense to my statement, but I don't think she is a very good actor. It isn't personal, it is just my opinion.

As for the acting school, most people can get into acting schools if they have enough money and/or prior experience. Many people who go to acting school never make it in the acting world. Going to school doesn't guarantee talent.

A director might not be able to force it out, but they can certainly suppress it. No offense taken, I just think some of the comments about her are a bit harsh without knowing more than we do. If you've not seen the filming or seen her in anything else there isn't much evidence to go on otherwise. Our opinions are based on our understandings of the books, but the movies are very much not the books and while Ginny has a larger role in the books the screen plays have limited her exposure. We expect more but they aren't giving it. The movies don't give her the chance to be a stronger character (mainly brief and limited scenes with few lines). Hard to act like like an Oscar worthy actress when you are given junk to work with... I'm just sayin'.

 

[2BigKIdz]

I was disappointed. I thought they left out many important things and totally don't understand how they could leave out Dumbledore's funeral, but ADD the running through the cornfield and the burning of the burrow scene. What was the point of adding that? It wasn't necessary at all, didn't add anything to the story and took up time they could have used for the funeral or some information about Merope and Dumbledore's other memories. I couldn't believe they left out the part about Tom Riddle getting Helga Hufflepuff's cup, that's pretty important, him getting something from all the house namesake's.

I wasn't wild about the cinematography and what in the heck was Professor Mc Gonegal wearing? It looked like a left over costume from Star Wars. Also what was up with Draco in the black suit? A minor thing I suppose, but it looked so out of place to me.

I'm most upset that they cut out Dumbledore's funeral the important memories of Dumbledore. I know it was a long book and things had to be cut, but again, then why add things? I hate that.

Yea I am also upset about leaving out the funeral...I don't know if it is because I am so tired, but I just wasn't WOWED like I have been with the other ones...I had SO many emotions when reading this book and didn't have any of them during the movie--maybe a little bit of sadness over Dumbledore's passing, but I just wish there had been more...

I felt the same way. I left the theater feeling very underwhelmed and that something vital was missing from the movie. My husband liked the movie but still felt he was missing something and he didn't read the books. He was definitely confused about the horcruxes and how Harry would be able to find them on his own, it certainly wasn't explained well in the movie.

I felt Dumbledore's death was so downplayed. I was fully prepared to cry during that scene but didn't even come close.

I'll have to see the movie again, but after 1 viewing it is by far my least favorite of the series.

 

[Kurby]

anyone else wonder if harry will have flash back memories or dreams of the funeral?

 

[Calliaz]

I have noticed that a lot of the people posting that HBP was their favorite book are also saying they were disappointed in the movie. I am wondering if its because of a higher expectation. I know before seeing OOTP, I was so looking forward to seeing certain things on the screen and then get there and find if was cut--very disappointing!

That's a good theory. My favorite book is probably Goblet of Fire, and I didn't like the movie that much because so much was cut.

In general I am understanding of the process of turning a book into a movie, but there were several changed in HBP that were just unnecesary. I also thought they left out a lot of little details that could have made the movie better. I mean, why couldn't they just show a shot of the Diadem when Harry and Ginny were in the Room of Requirement?

 

[Feralpeg]

A director might not be able to force it out, but they can certainly suppress it. No offense taken, I just think some of the comments about her are a bit harsh without knowing more than we do. If you've not seen the filming or seen her in anything else there isn't much evidence to go on otherwise. Our opinions are based on our understandings of the books, but the movies are very much not the books and while Ginny has a larger role in the books the screen plays have limited her exposure. We expect more but they aren't giving it. The movies don't give her the chance to be a stronger character (mainly brief and limited scenes with few lines). Hard to act like like an Oscar worthy actress when you are given junk to work with... I'm just sayin'.

You're certainly entitled to your opinion. I don't feel the same way. No big deal. I really don't think my comments will affect her acting career anyway.

 

[Kurby]

moving on....

while everyone in the house is sleeping i'm up - board - and surfing around.

i've found Hermione and Malfoy's twitter pages.

some of the stuff the post is funny but it was interesting reading tom write while he was in NY and Emma talk about filming in Wales

 

[Kycha]

In general I am understanding of the process of turning a book into a movie, but there were several changed in HBP that were just unnecesary. I also thought they left out a lot of little details that could have made the movie better.

I agree. And I think it is terribly confusing and disappointing to the casual fan. I read the books and I watch the movies. I don't get fanatic about it. So, a lot of the things that have been mentioned on this thread about the changes made to HPB are news to me(ie Dumbledores funeral will be in DH, final battle scene in HPB was nixed in favor of the utlimate battle scene in DH, etc). I'm not even sure why they bothered making HBP if they are just going to push some of the crucial(IMO) details off until DH.

I know one thing, I'm not going to read DH right before the movie premieres. As a PP mentioned, my expectations were too high for HBP. And the fact that I had just finished reading HBP right before the premiere. All the details of the book were fresh in my mind. So, it was very obvious what was left out and what was changed. When OOTP premiered, it had been a while since I read the book. So, the changes/omissions weren't as noticeable to me.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I know one thing, I'm not going to read DH right before the movie premieres. As a PP mentioned, my expectations were too high for HBP. And the fact that I had just finished reading HBP right before the premiere. All the details of the book were fresh in my mind. So, it was very obvious what was left out and what was changed. When OOTP premiered, it had been a while since I read the book. So, the changes/omissions weren't as noticeable to me.

I agree with you on this! I reread the entire series this spring, so it was all fresh in my mind, now I realize I've done a disservice to myself. DS as well, because he reread the 6th book too on my recommendation. I told him several of the scenes that are deleated and he was dissapointed as he was looking forward to them. I am so glad I told him what was cut.

I will not be rereading the series until AFTER the DH films are out.

 

[Katieinwonderland]

So I finally got to see this movie and my first thought was to come and post on here!

To me, this movie strayed farthest from the book - not only were things missing, but I HATED that things were added in! Having said that, if I don't compare it to the book then I liked it overall as a movie. I thought the acting was great, the pace of the film was good - it didn't feel like 2 1/2 hours - and it did get me excited for the next movie.

Some of my thoughts:

- I thought Rupert Grint was really funny in this movie...I can definitely see him as a comedic actor after HP. I actually thought this movie showed how far all three of the main actors had come since the first movie, I was impressed. I wasn't overly impressed with Bonnie Wright as Ginny though, but I agree with the PP who said that perhaps she was cast before it was really known how big a role she would play in Harry's life. The actress is very pretty though!

- I honestly didn't miss Dumbledore's funeral...I loved the wand tribute and light piercing the dark, I thought that was really moving and the only time during the whole movie that I cried! I did miss other things, like the Bill/Fleur and Lupin/Tonks relationships, and the fight between Harry and Snape at the end of the movie (I felt like that was very half-hearted) but more than anything, I hated that the burrow scene and the waitress scene were added. What was the point?

- The vanishing cabinets!!! This made me SO mad!!! I know someone already mentioned this, and I totally agree. The cabinet kept coming up during the movie, although I didn't think it was obvious Draco was trying to fix it, I thought it just looked like he was playing with it! But then the death eaters came through, Snape killed Dumbledore, Bellatrix did some dancing on the tables in the Great Hall then they all left!!!

Overall I did like the movie and, having seen the set pictures from Deathly Hallows, I feel like that will stay more true to the book. The Half Blood Prince wasn't one of my favorite books, so I wasn't that dissapointed but DH is my FAVORITE book and if they mess that up, I'll be so upset.

 

[CapeCodTenor]

First off, I know I haven't posted here in a while, so many of you may not know me, or for those who have been around for a while, remember me, but I saw this thread and had to throw out my .02 worth.

I didn't read all 16 pages, so forgive me if these have been covered before, but I had to air them out.

Things I didn't like about the movie:

1) I did not like the opening sequence; I would have much preferred the opening sequence in the book. I was really looking forward to the scene with the Durlsey's. To me, that scene, while it would have been funny to watch, starts to wrap up that part of Harry's life by Dumbledore asking that the Dursley's allow Harry to come back for one more summer. I was also a bit bothered with Harry reading a newspaper about the magical world in full view of other muggles. Isn't that a breach of the wizarding secrecy? Especially since that muggle waitress saw one of the pictures move.

2) There needed to be more of the lessons Harry took from Dumbledore. By not having these extra lessons, and subsequent memories, we don't get the set up of what Tom was really looking for. Sure, Dumbledore glosses over it when he shows Harry the journal and ring, but that's it. To me that's not enough.

3) The Weasley's house burning during the Christmas break; didn't happen in the book and I thought it shouldn't have happened here. I don't see the reasoning behind the need to burn the Weasley's house down.

4) I didn’t like how they ended the movie; I really wanted to see the funeral of Dumbledore.

5) There was supposed to be a bigger battle at the school, and I would have liked to have seen it.

6) There were some other minor things that were different that didn’t bother me as much, but could be fun pointing out.

Well, that's my opinion on the movie. I'm going to try and see it again this weekend. I know I've missed some things, and will hopefully catch those things a second time around. Well, thanks for letting me post.

CCT

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

We finally saw the movie, and I loved it! But probably because I had read so many negative statements here that I went in with very low expectations. I KNOW it could have been so much better, but I guess I am going to just appreciate the movie for what it was.

 

[MrsPete]

seriously???? i was hoping to see kreacher doing the "i won't i won't i won't" then have his mouth slammed shut because harry ordered him to be quiet

Yeah, I thought Kreature was quite important to the storyline, and he should've been included! But then, the whole house elf -SPEW thing has been omitted from the movies. That subplot IS important to the overall storyline.

Dudley IS a tool!!!!

Oh, but he redeems himself in the final book. I can kind of imagine him and Harry getting together as adults. Not becoming friends -- that'd be going too far -- but getting together to talk and reconnect briefly. His parents, though, I cannot ever imagine even speaking Harry's name.

i'm also starting to wonder where the cut is going to be in 7a and 7b.

My prediction: It'll be cut at the spot where Ron leaves.

The only thing that annoyed me was the no-battle at the end of the film, and no funeral. Other then that, I liked the movie. I loved Draco's performance.

Agreed, agreed, and agreed.

I just remembered one other thing that was left out- the whole Bill/Fleur romance. They weren't even in the movie at all. I wonder how that will get worked into Movie #7.

I thought it was wrong to omit the part about him becoming a werewolf. I thought that part was important because it hints that lots of people will be affected in the coming war -- and not only those who, like Dumbledore, actually die. It shows that sacrafices will be made and that families will be hurt.

i'm actually ok with leaving out tonks and lupin - it doesn't forward the movie

Disagree! Without knowing about their relationship, you're going to miss the emotional punch at the end of the 7th book when they're both dead and you realize that Teddy is left alone -- just like Harry was as a baby.

But I also have never read any of the books and really don't feel the need to . . . I personally thought it was very strung out and boring . . . I just couldn't get into it . . .

If you'd read the books, you'd "get it". The movies leave out TONS of important information.

Alan Rickman's portrayal of Snape is, in some ways, spot on with the book, and in other ways (the yum factor), WAAAAAAYYYY better.

I don't think he's written as sexy in the books, but in the movies, oh boy! Rickman brings it!

(They better do "the Prince's Tale" chapter justice in Deathly Hallows!)

I'm a huge Alan Rickman fan, and I agree with every word!

Here was another thing that's been bothering me. Where were their robes? I don't remember seeing them wear robes at school. Am I crazy? They've always worn robes in the past. I don't remember seeing them at all.

I also don't remember Hermione wearing pants as a part of her uniform.

I wasn't overly impressed with Bonnie Wright as Ginny though

Overall the casting is brilliant. Harry is spot on, the Weasley twins are hillarious together, Bellatrix exudes evil . . . but Ginny is a weak spot, which is too bad since she's so very important now.

One last thing: I can't believe no one's mentioned HOW WONDERFUL the Weasley twins' joke shop looked!

 

[Kurby]

Disagree! Without knowing about their relationship, you're going to miss the emotional punch at the end of the 7th book when they're both dead and you realize that Teddy is left alone -- just like Harry was as a baby. If you'd read the books, you'd "get it".
!

i understand that but since there relationship isn't really that important it's easy to gloss over it in the movie and mention something about a wedding and have lupin talk about tonks being pregnant then making harry a godfather before their deaths in the end

plus lets not forget that they have got to include the 19 years later scene which can somehow mention teddy being raised partly by his grandparents and partly by harry and ginny

 

[Kurby]

i was reading through some of Tom Feltmen's (draco) twitter page and he's been talking about long emotional days of filming this and last week. he can't say what scene but it sounds like it may be the fight scenes at the end. they have a few days left before they head over to Japan for the opening of the film there.

i wonder why the films don't opened at the same time - guess it's so they can have the cast fly to the different countys.

 

[elgerber]

Ok, I'm jumping in here, a week late. I too, finished the book for the second time the day before the movie came out. BIG MISTAKE! I will NOT do that with book 7, I am going to reread it now.

I could not believe they cut out the battle at the end. And I was also not pleased that they left out most of the relationship with Tonks and Lupin.

I also really did not like the burrows scene, I thought it was completely unnecessary! There was a lot more stuff they could have left in, had they not added that.

I thought giving us the info with the vanishing cabinets right away was a little odd, but didn't bother me that much. I did not like however, that Harry was not put under a spell by Dumbledore at the end. I don't buy that no matter what Dumbledore told him, that he would just stand there and watch.

I also really missed having Dobby/Kreature, Bill/Fleur and the Dursleys. I think they are all important to the final movie even if they didn't play all that much in this book.

Overall I loved the movie, I love them all, but I always pick them apart. As long as I can watch Rupert Grint, I am happy, he is so darn funny and adorable!!! And Snape, Alan Rickman is wonderful!

 

[Kurby]

just found a pic of the burrow in #2 film - why can't they keep things as they were in films before

i liked the park harry went to in POA but hated it in OOTP

they changed the castle from film to film and hagrids hut too agrrrr

 

[CapeCodTenor]

just found a pic of the burrow in #2 film - why can't they keep things as they were in films before

i liked the park harry went to in POA but hated it in OOTP

they changed the castle from film to film and hagrids hut too agrrrr

Thank you! That irritates the snot out of me too.

 

[Deb in IA]

Also have not read all 16 pages here, but finally got back to the computer after seeing the movie last weekend!


As with many of you, I too have read and re-read the books and am irritated with some of the changes for the movie, including:

1. Opening sequence in a diner (!) with a flirty waitress. WHAT was THAT?? All the other books and movies have opened with Harry at the Dursley's in Little Winging, and in this movie in particular, Dumbledore's visit is crucial, because he tells Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon why is it so important that Harry return to Privet Drive next summer.

2. WHY burn down the Burrow? Where are Bill and Fleur going to get married now??

3. Harry should have been petrified and under the Invisibility Cloak for the Dumbledore death scene in the Astronomy Tower. I can't believe that Harry would just stand there and do nothing when Dumbledore's life is in danger.

4. One of the BEST lines in the movie was cut out - when Harry and Dumbledore are in the cave and he turns to Harry and says, "I'm not afraid, Harry. I'm with you" Come on, Steve Kloves - that took all of 3 seconds - couldn't you leave that in?

5. Some background on Tom Riddle/Voldemort's maternal family would have been good, especially to explain the horcruxes.

6. More emphasis on the Half-Blood Prince. It was almost an afterthought that Snape says it to Harry at the end. They should have at least discussed Eileen Prince and what her relationship was to Snape (his mother).

7. I thought Slughorn was good. Ron was also great when he was under the love potion. And Malfoy was superb - he really showed his conflict and his terror over what he was supposed to do.

But all in all, I really enjoyed it and can't wait to see the last 2 movies! I guess we just have to keep in mind what JK Rowling said, that the books and the movies are 2 completely different media, and they have to be recognized differently.

 

[Kurby]

yes they are and yes they do but why add stuff that's not in the book and delete stuff that is? it doesn't make sense - if they aren't going to to do the wedding how are the trio going to escape fora year on the run?

why burn down the burrow only to have the wedding somewhere else???

i didn't mind the waitress that much - it did show that harry was appealing not only to witches but the rest of us too BUT i hated that he had that paper with him since he's been sited twice for using magic in front of muggles - what the hell is that paper if not magical??

there is enough great writing - descriptive writing in the books that there is absolutely no need to add their own stuff.

write a completely original script if you want to have your own stuff in there but don't change something that has sold millions and millions of copies.

 

[Kurby]

i'm waiting for the listings to come out for next weeks drive ins - we want to go but i don't like what Harry is paired up with this week - The Hangover.

sorry if someone here likes it but it looks totally stupid to me and i'd rather it be paired with A night in the Museum or the Proposal