Midnight GOF Review. Warning-Spoilers.

[Sparx]

*yawn* well last night we went to the midnight release of GOF. There was NO line. We walked right in. There were maybe 20 other people in the theater. I've got my Dr Pepper, my chocolate covered peanuts and I'm set for a Movie. As soon as it starts I know its going to be amazing, and it was.

They did cut out dobby, winky, Mrs. weasly, and several other characters I would like to see, but I understood the sacrifice. The twins were in it a lot more than the previous ones (not that I'm complaining! )

The attraction between Ron and Hermione was beautifully done. I was about to start crying at the ball scene with Hermione on the steps!

And Cedric. Its one thing to read about the death of this character. It is quite another to watch it. It is a brutal scene. But it, like the rest of the movie, was beautifully done. It couldn't have been improved on. When Harry brings his body back to his father, and Mr. Digory is crying, that scene is so hauntingly REAL that it hurts just a little to watch it.

The service for Cedric was an amazing scene. It HAD to be in the movie. You just couldn't go from death to the schools leaving.

I would have liked to have more of the Quidditch cup in there. Because they cut out the Vela(sp) dancers, it never explained that the girls from the school were also part that.

Ron and Harry trying to get a date is hilarious. It helps lighten what could've been a very dark movie.

Humor is well spread through the movie. Just like the others, it keeps the movie flowing.

Over all, I give this one 4 out of 5.

 

[Bbgrizzle]

I just got back from seeing GOF; took the whole family. GOF was my favorite of all the HP books, I've read it at least 6 times. My hubby and I were disappointed in the movie. So much was left out or changed or not as developed as it should have been. I knew in advance which parts were going to be left out, so I wasn't surprised, and I understand that they couldn't put in everything due to time constraints. It just had a choppy and rushed feel to it for me. Not sure who directed this one, but I wish is was Chris Columbus. You could really tell the difference. I have LOVED all the other HP movies, but this one let me down!

 

[L107ANGEL]

Hey Sparx I haven't seen you in a while.
I am going with my Mom, 2 of my daughters and they are each bringing a guest. (correction one guest dropped out so I may have an extra ticket) I can't wait! Your review just made me more exicted to go. Nice to see you again and thank you for the reivew

 

[mtblujeans]

I was going to go see it this afternoon by myself. The guys aren't interested in seeing this movie. But, DS tore his contact at school and I had to run his glasses in to him....so, that took care of that! I would really like to see it on a big screen...!

 

[Daxx]

We went to see it right after school today and DS9 and I both loved it!!!! We thought it was well done, the actors were great and loved everything about it.

I agree that I wish they had included the Veela scene from the World Cup -- Maybe they omitted it b/c they couldn't find women beautiful enough to play Veela?

We can't wait to see the movie again! I really, really wanted to see the part where Dobby tells Harry that he (Harry) has to find his Wheezy. I love that part in the book! We enjoyed seeing more of the Weasley twins than in the past movies. They added a nice, humorous touch to things. Of course, I enjoyed seeing Jason Issacs (Lucius Malfoy) again, as well as Alan Rickman (Prof. Snape).

I have to heartily agree w/Sparx about Cedric's death. It made me cry b/c it was so real. We really don't get to "know" Cedric as a character in the movie (not as well as we get to know Ron, Harry & Hermione) ... so you don't have this "huge" attachment to him. But, his father's grief, as well as that of Harry's, is played so genuinely and honestly that it does hurt to watch it.

DS9 and I agreed that, aside from movie 1, this is our favorite one! We're hoping to see it again on Sat. or Sun.!!! How obsessed is that?!!?

ETA = I loved how Dumbledore's more "human" side showed through. We always see him as the wise wizard ... and in this film, he is really in a dilemma that he doesn't know what to do about. It was nice to see him in a more vulnerable role.

Warmly,

Daxx's Wife

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

This was my favorite book too, and am almost scared to see the movie because it won't do it justice.....

So Bbgrizzle, what was left out? I guess I would rather know before I go so I am not dissapointed... Thanks!

On a side note... I read all the Harry Potter books to my DS. He wanted to reread GOF on his own before we go see the movie. He wants to finish the book before we go see the movie.... he has 200 more pages to read!!! Do you think he would find out if I just "peaked" at the movie before he was done? I know I will wait for him to be done.... but it is going to be a long wait!

 

[SueM in MN]

TOn a side note... I read all the Harry Potter books to my DS. He wanted to reread GOF on his own before we go see the movie. He wants to finish the book before we go see the movie.... he has 200 more pages to read!!! Do you think he would find out if I just "peaked" at the movie before he was done? I know I will wait for him to be done.... but it is going to be a long wait!

My youngest DD is disabled and is not able to read books like Harry Potter herself (but I've read all but the last one to her). We started re-reading the series and are in the same boat as you - about 200 pages from the end of the GOF book. I hate to take her to the movie before we finish (because I don't think she'll have incentive to finish it), but on the other hand, it's been too busy to read very much.

 

[DisneyCP2002]

Another midnight showing review. I enjoyed the movie immensly. One of my favorites was Prof. Snape whacking the boys upside the head, I got a good laugh out of that. The movie overall lived up to my expectations.

 

[TwingleMum]

This was my favorite book too, and am almost scared to see the movie because it won't do it justice.....

So Bbgrizzle, what was left out? I guess I would rather know before I go so I am not dissapointed... Thanks!

On a side note... I read all the Harry Potter books to my DS. He wanted to reread GOF on his own before we go see the movie. He wants to finish the book before we go see the movie.... he has 200 more pages to read!!! Do you think he would find out if I just "peaked" at the movie before he was done? I know I will wait for him to be done.... but it is going to be a long wait!

Doby, winky and most of the Quidich World Cup are left out. They do not sit in the MOM's box. The Veelas aren't explained. The Leprachauns and Veelas don't fight. They don't show just how popular Krum is (Krum is an equivalent to Michael Jordan but they don't delve into that aspect so Ron's adoration is a little unexplained. They also don't include the Dursleys or the funny scene with the Weasleys and the Dursley fireplace. They don't really explain the Deatheaters rampage well. They also didn't deal with Herminone and Krum at all. They dont speak you don't hear Krum mispronouncing her name. But all of a sudden she goes to the Yule Ball with him. Ron's anger at Harry isn't explained well either. A small scene of H & R discussing and abandoning plans to add their names to the GOF would have explained Ron's feeling betrayed better. Neville gives Harry the gillyweed not Doby. I too missed Doby telling Harry He needs to find his Weasley. Rita Skeeter is toned down and Hermonine doesn't bust her.GOF is one of my favorites in the series (tied with the first) I will agree to a 4 out of 5 rating. The movie is close to 3 hrs but the time flies. And yes I cried at Cedrics death. I think Ralph Feinnes and Miranda Richardson are fab additions. There are many funny moments where you'll find yourself laughing.So all in all I'd say they did a wonderful job and I will go to see it again with Dneice when she comes home from college for T DAy.

WARNING**** There were a few young kids there who had to leave because it was too dark and intense, use good judgement. ***

Harry Potter the boy who lived

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

TwingleMum, thanks for the update! I would have LOVED to see the fireplace scene... that was such a funny scene in the book... oh well...

I can't wait to see it! I have already decided to see it 2-3 times in the theatre... and I almost always only see movies once in the theatre! I can't wait.. I think I might have to "encourage" DS's to read the book a little faster!... LOL!

 

[golfgal]

If you haven't read the books you will probably really like the movie. There is a lot of action and a lot of humor, BUT if you like the books and know them well, they just left out too much. I could have easily sat through another 1/2 of the movie and been fine and they could have included a lot more. I am hoping when the DVD comes out they release and expanded edition so we can see more of the movie. The other movies when you add the cuts flow so much better. I think the quality of this movie is the best so far, the effects are great.

 

[ougrad86]

They've had expanded versions of the first two Harry Potter movies on the Family Channel. Some deleted scenes that weren't even shown in the deleted scenes part of the DVD. I've been keeping an eye out, but so far the extended version hasn't come to DVD.
I know that keeping the movie time down is important for theater's profits (although if the movies are sold so often, it is probably doing way better than many of the other movies), but to tell the truth if they made a four hour long movie with an intermission and charged double the price to make up for the fact that they couldn't show two movies in the same time frame, I would pay that for this movie, and I think mos others would as well. Four hours worth would be able to cover the book much better, and it would be like seeing two movies.
Honestly, I won't miss Dobby...he just was really annoying to me, and I didn't like the SPEW stuff either, so I won't miss that.
We're seeing it tomorrow at 10 am. The movies are on right now...my DS and DH wanted to watch all three before we go tomorrow morning...I didn't argue! I think my DH and I are bigger fans than DS!

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

DD 11, DS 7 and I went to the midnight showing on Thursday, and again this afternoon. Both kids loved the movie, and I wanted to see it again to decide how I felt about it (it takes me a while to process it all). The midnight showing was packed - two theaters originally slated for the showing filled up with so many people still buying tickets that the cinema opened another theater! We arrived over an hour early to the pleasant surprise that the theater had been remodeled to provide stadium seating and fantastic new speakers. A group of college students kept everyone entertained before the movie began by holding an impromptu trivia contest, even dividing the theater into the four Hogwarts houses to keep score. My kids want to attend the midnight shows for the rest of the films from now on!

[ rant mode ] Today's experience was the worst I've had in a theater. We went to our small, local cinema for this time, and it too was packed. Two young women in front of us kept checking their cell phones throughout the movie, and a family behind us brought two toddlers and an infant. The baby alternately whimpered and screamed until the father finally left with it after an hour or so. One toddler, apparently a future sports broadcaster, enthusiastically announced every move the actors made throughout ("The dragon breathed fire on Harry, mommy. Now Harry has his broom. Harry is flying on the broom," ad infinitum...), while the other toddler continually either demanded candy and drinks at the top of her voice or cried, whining that she didn't like the movie. Interestingly, both children were quiet during the maze and Voldemort sequences. Go figure. [ / rant ]

Since I was so distracted at the second viewing, I still haven't made up my mind overall, but some moments stand out:

+ Fred and George were fabulous! Loved every frame they were in!
+ Neville's little arc was so sweet! My heart went out to him at least three times (was anyone else counting?). I just wish the movie had made a stronger connection between his past and his reaction to the Cruciatus curse.
+ Harry's bath scene was hilarious. Poor Myrtle - or rather, poor Harry!
+ Cedric's death was indeed very moving. I had doubts about Robert Pattinson when he was cast, but he was perfect as Cedric.
+ Ralph Fiennes was Voldemort. His eyes - yikes!
- "My" Dumbledore, the one I envision while reading the books, was not there. I'm trying to keep an open mind about it, but I've read an interview with Michael Gambon that confirms my feeling that he didn't "get" Dumbledore in GoF.
~ The film moved VERY quickly. I would have happily sat through another half hour to have had more depth (if that's the right word). It seems like the movie flew so fast just over the surface, with many glimpses of characters or events that had unseen depth, more to be seen. Eh, I can always hope for the extended version on DVD!

Right now, I'd say the film either ranks first or second of the four HP movies. I'll have to see it again - undistracted! - before I decide if it tops current favorite PoA. It took a while for Cuaron's quirky style to appeal to me, so I'll wait and see on this one.

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

Wow, this forum moves quickly! I'm bumping this to hopefully hear others' opinions on the movie.

 

[Daxx]

Daxx's Wife here! I loved when Snape pushed Ron's head down during class, then hit Ron and Harry over the head w/his book ... then when they wouldn't stop, he pushed up his sleeves and pushed both their heads down onto the desk. A true Snape moment!!!

I also loved seeing more of Fred and George in this movie. And, I love, love, loved seeing Lucius Malfoy! I tell Daxx that if Jason Isaacs ever came to our door dressed up in his Malfoy costume, there's not telling what I'd do!

I agree w/Mickeymonstersmom that it was a bit distracting that they didn't say anything about Neville's parents being tortured by the Cruciatus curse before his witnessing it in Mad-Eye's classroom. I had to fill Daxx in on that before the movie so he would understand it. I think those who have not read the books would wonder why Neville would be so upset after seeing it.

And, I loved the Malfoy ferret scene. Moaning Myrtle was great, too. Poor Harry!!! I thought the actor who played Cedric was perfect for the role -- handsome, a bit of a "big man on campus" but not a total Malfoy type.

I was happy to see they included the badges "Potter Stinks" like they did in the book! A nice touch!

 

[OzFan]

GOF is my favorite book, I read it again just before the movie was released so it would be fresh in my mind. I think I should have done that after i saw the movie. Don't get me wrong, I thought the movie was done really well considering what had to be cut. The only problem I have with the movie was the ending. It was wrong. Barty Jr. dies at the end of the book, in the movie he is sent back to Azkaban. It just doesn't jive, how can they discredit Dumbledore and Harry in the next movie. That is just 1 more thing they are going to have to cover in the next movie thus cutting out more stuff. Also the trial scene when they were interrogating Karakoff (sp), I thought Harry also saw Bellatrix there, that would explain Neville's parents and her appearance in the next movie, which she plays a HUGE part. Anyways, I saw it a midnight and then took the rest of the gang back Friday afternoon, I'm glad I saw it again because I was SOOOO excited the first time I missed alot just trying to take it in. It makes you leaving wanting MORE!>>>>

 

[Daxx]

It makes you leaving wanting MORE!>>>>

It most certainly does!!!!

 

[mcnuss]

I agree that some things were just too glossed over for my taste. Taking out Winky & Dobby means that all the foreshadowing about Barty Crouch Jr. and Sr. is missing. They never really explained how Barty escaped from Azkeban, and that was a big hole! There needed to be more time spent at the beginning of the movie setting up the Deatheaters scene. I felt like they did the first 300 pages of the book in 15 minutes.

I too missed the Dursley's but agree to sacrifice them. More development of the mystery aspect of the plot - there seemed to be little speculation about how Harry's name got into the Goblet - would have been great. It was just taken as a given in the movie. I missed the Veela's too. Bc of that early scene being cut out, the part when Ron asked Fleur out made less sense. For the record, I didn't miss the SPEW stuff either. It was tedious in the books.

Interestingly, my husband, who has never read the books, adored this movie. It's probably true that if you don't know what's missing, it's a better movie experience. Ironically, in general, I have a policy that I won't see a film if I've loved the book (started that one after Spielberg (sp) butchered Jurassic Park!). Today I am remembering why!

I had heard that they thought about breaking this one into 2 movies. I think they should have just added 30 minutes or so to it. The first one was the longest, if I recall right, and it has been the most profitable. I suspect there is a connection to its faithfulness to the plot.

Finally, I do not think another Chris Columbus would have done a better job, but I am glad that Alfonso Cuaron passed on this one. I thought the last one was over-stylized. I think the problem was the screenplay more than the direction. Mike Newell got terrific performances from the actors. For instance, I thought Michael Gambon began to show his own style of acting this time, vs trying to copy cat Richard Harris. Not saying that I love the selection...but he was better. I also thought the adolescent angst was well-played, especially by Emma Watson.

I think we're going to go try to see it again in imax!

 

[eeyore kelly]

I loved when Snape pushed Ron's head down during class, then hit Ron and Harry over the head w/his book ... then when they wouldn't stop, he pushed up his sleeves and pushed both their heads down onto the desk. A true Snape moment!!!

And, I loved the Malfoy ferret scene. Moaning Myrtle was great, too. Poor Harry!!!

I am glad that Alfonso Cuaron passed on this one.

I agree with all of this and I thought I was going to be disappointed thatMad-eye wasn't as foreboding in the Movie, but when he stuck his tongue out and Mongonall's back I rolled.

 

[ougrad86]

I saw the movie yesterday, and although there was alot missing, I understand why they needed to cut. I did not miss Dobby and Winky, or SPEW. Sometimes I believe that they assume we have read the book so they don't need to explain everything, while as someone mentioned, if you haven't read the book you don't know what you are missing.
I do not like the new Dumbledore . He does not act like an elderly Wizard should act. Richard Harris was perfect in the role, and they should have gotten someone more along his line. He has always seemed all knowing, and his pitching a fit at Harry about putting his name in the goblet, shrieking "Did you put your name in the goblet" is not in character. He knows Harry, and the book followed the character. Not sure if this was the director or Gambon who decided Dumbledore should freak out, but do not like this version of Dumbledore anymore than the one in #3.
All in all, I enjoyed this movie . Much better than #3, and not as gory as I feared with the rating. My DS is 9, but really wanted to see the dragons (the smile on his face at those scenes said it all!). He wasn't bothered by it, wants to see it again. But a friend of his, same age, I know for sure wouldn't be able to handle it. It just depends on the child.
Now I want to see it again!