SPOILERS welcome!! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movie - Part 2

[Allison]

Everyone cheered at that one at my show. Me too.

(and for the record, I saw Aliens in the theater when I was 12, and remember the cheers when Sigourney Weaver shouted a similar line)

She never "undermines her sons." She said "not my daughter" because Bellatrix had just specifically shot a curse at her daughter. If it had been one of her boys, she would have said "not my son".

There's nothing in the books or the movies that indicates that Ginny is the favorite. And certainly not because of that line. It was a reaction to what happened in that moment. I don't believe for a second she wouldn't have jumped up and defended any of her children any less than the other.

In fact, in the book, as she's fighting Bellatrix (who tossed out a snide remark about Fred's death), she shouts at her "You will never touch our children again!"

Mrs. Weasley had had enough. Of all of it. She'd lost one of her boys, another had been maimed by a werewolf and there wasn't a thing she could have done to stop any of it. When Bellatrix went after another one of her children, she did what she had to, language and all. And good for her.

I agree. That scene wasn't about Ginny being a favorite. It was a reaction to the fact that she had just lost a son and now wasn't going to let it happen to a daughter.

 

[Ceila]

I didn't notice any kids at the theater either, and I think that's good. I don't think it's really a children's movie, and that it has the PG-13 rating for a reason. There's nothing really bad in it, but there are definatly some dark moments, and there were times I was cringing, and I even knew what to expect. I think some kids could handle it, a friend was asking if I thought her kids would be okay seeing it, and I answered, her mature 12 year old would probably be fine, but her easily upset 9 year old would be better off waiting to see it.

I took my 9-year-old to the midnight premiere. She loved it. You are right - it really depends on the maturity and interest level of the child in question.

I agree. That scene wasn't about Ginny being a favorite. It was a reaction to the fact that she had just lost a son and now wasn't going to let it happen to a daughter.

Absolutely. People read way too much into things sometimes! Mrs. Weasley was reacting to what was happening right in front of her at that moment. Her daughter was being attacked. Had her character been present and able to do something to prevent Fred's death I believe Rowling would have had her say something similar.

 

[karly05]

I must have imagined this but I thought that this scene WAS in the movie (part 1). I have to go check my DVD. I thought that he was at the base of the stairs in the dungeon at Malfoy Manor and they show the silver hand going to his throat

Well, I can't get the multi-quote thing to work but...
That's where Pettigrew was supposed to die (in Part 1), but I don't recall them showing anything. Now that I'm thinking about it - I'll never find this now, but I recall reading/hearing an interview with Timothy Spall after Part 1 where they talked about the fact that Pettigrew didn't die in the movie where he died in the book, and Spall teased it as if this would be resolved in Part 2 but he couldn't talk about it...

JenM, thanks for your post. I have to believe there was a Pettigrew death scene that got cut; hopefully, we'll know when the Home Version comes out!

Oh, and on the other topic, I just want to chip in one thought on the Molly/Ginny debate - in the book and the movie, the Voldy Voice from the Locket taunts Ron about being "Least loved, always, by the mother who craved a daughter" (the line from the book) - of course, that's just Ron's perception, and he thinks Hermione's in love with Harry, too, but the "Ginny's the Favorite" idea isn't totally out of left field.

 

[MrsPete]

I wasn't angry that he snapped the Elder Wand in two, I was more angry that he didn't fix his own wand first! So angry in fact that I practically shouted, "what's he going to do without his wand?!" as he threw the pieces into the abyss...

Yeah, I'm sure I wasn't the only person left wondering what he was going to do for a wand. Of course, he knows where Olivander is, and certainly he'll make Harry a new wand; but as a matter of practicality, wouldn't you hang onto whatever you had 'til you were able to get what you really wanted? Especially since an odd Death Eater might still be waiting for you back in the castle? But, no . . . he still had Draco's wand at that point too.

On the subject of wands, I kind of imagine that since Luna and Olivander became close during their shared imprisonment that she might become his apprentice and become the next generation's great wandmaker. Nothing in the book suggests this, but I think it'd be a nice ending for the two of them.

She never "undermines her sons." She said "not my daughter" because Bellatrix had just specifically shot a curse at her daughter. If it had been one of her boys, she would have said "not my son".

There's nothing in the books or the movies that indicates that Ginny is the favorite. And certainly not because of that line. It was a reaction to what happened in that moment. I don't believe for a second she wouldn't have jumped up and defended any of her children any less than the other.

In fact, in the book, as she's fighting Bellatrix (who tossed out a snide remark about Fred's death), she shouts at her "You will never touch our children again!"

Mrs. Weasley had had enough. Of all of it. She'd lost one of her boys, another had been maimed by a werewolf and there wasn't a thing she could have done to stop any of it. When Bellatrix went after another one of her children, she did what she had to, language and all. And good for her.

Nope, totally disagree. Ginny is the much-loved girl born after all those boys -- note that they had a child just about every year 'til they finally got their girl -- and raising Fred and George surely wasn't easy for Molly. Note that Molly is protective of all her children, but Ginny is the one she keeps close by her at all times, and it doesn't seem to be because she's the youngest; she's only youngest by a single year. As the youngest boy, Ron certainly feels "least" in his family -- especially at a younger age -- though he seems to outgrow that feeling as he finds success at school: Being made Prefect and making the Quiddich team. Sure, Bellatrix may've been shooting at Ginny at that particular moment, but that's the particular moment that the author chooses to show us -- just one more example of the Ginny-as-favorite motif.

Certainly Molly'd had "enough" from this war -- she's been in the thick of it for years, both physically and emotionally. It's rather amazing that Fred was the only Weasley who actually died. But in light of all that, it seems even more likely that her cry would've been something along the lines of, "No more of my family". To fight, especially in defense of her children, is absolutely in character for her, but the details don't ring true. I hate that scene.

Oops I forgot that Teddy was much older....I really need to re-read the book!

My girls and I have two theories on that -- neither one outstanding:

1. Teddy could be a very young professor. Lupin did ride the train with the students. At first glance I thought this was to underscore his poverty (he can't get himself to his job), though that makes little sense because he could apparate into Hogsmeade easily enough, then walk to the castle. Clearly he's riding the train because the plot requires someone with a knowledge of Dementors, and it's nice that he meets Harry for the first time outside of school. Anyway, back to Teddy -- it's not outside the realm of possibilty that he's a professor, though the big hole in that theory is that he's snogging Victorie, who is clearly a student.

2. Teddy could be Victorie's slightly-older, just-graduated boyfriend who's escorted her to the train station, but who will not be taking the train himself. Even if he's ON the train, he -- a recent graduate -- could've done so from nostaligia, to see his friends again, to carry Victorie's trunk for her.

Or maybe JK Rowling just isn't strong on dates and this is a big mistake!

That was Mirope Gaunt from the 6th book.

I didn't realize she was the one who supposedly came to magic late in life -- when that spoiler came out, I was looking for it to be Petunia (wouldn't that have burned Vernon's biscuits?), though that was always impossible -- Dumbledore turned her down from a young age, and he is clearly very skilled at knowing where magic exists.

Anyway, Merope -- It's been a long time since I read that book, but I thought she HAD magic from a young age, but it was sort of "stunted" by her abusive, overbearing father and brother. And in addition to being none-too-bright in the first place, she received no formal magical education. Hmmm, must re-read.

 

[golfgal]

I must have imagined this but I thought that this scene WAS in the movie (part 1). I have to go check my DVD. I thought that he was at the base of the stairs in the dungeon at Malfoy Manor and they show the silver hand going to his throat

Well, I can't get the multi-quote thing to work but...
That's where Pettigrew was supposed to die (in Part 1), but I don't recall them showing anything. Now that I'm thinking about it - I'll never find this now, but I recall reading/hearing an interview with Timothy Spall after Part 1 where they talked about the fact that Pettigrew didn't die in the movie where he died in the book, and Spall teased it as if this would be resolved in Part 2 but he couldn't talk about it...

JenM, thanks for your post. I have to believe there was a Pettigrew death scene that got cut; hopefully, we'll know when the Home Version comes out!

Oh, and on the other topic, I just want to chip in one thought on the Molly/Ginny debate - in the book and the movie, the Voldy Voice from the Locket taunts Ron about being "Least loved, always, by the mother who craved a daughter" (the line from the book) - of course, that's just Ron's perception, and he thinks Hermione's in love with Harry, too, but the "Ginny's the Favorite" idea isn't totally out of left field.

Ok, I just checked the DVD, it was my imagination-they just show Dobby zapping Pettigrew and Pettigrew saying "ouch".

 

[luvsJack]

Good grief. Molly is fighting for her life and the life of her children and loved ones. She isn't out there picking favorites. Besides she says "you will never harm (touch?) our children again"--meaning all wizarding children not just her own. To me it was a testament to her being a motherly figure and protective of ALL children (look at how she has taken Harry in) not just her own.

Bellatrix totured Neville's parents, killed Dobby, tortured Hermoine, killed Sirrus and was trying to kill Ginny--I think the name she called her was QUITE appropriate. I cheered when I read it in the book and again when I saw it in the theater.

Teddy was seen at the station seeing his girlfriend off, I think the book makes it pretty clear? Maybe because he was mentioned so little in the movie, they just decided to cut that out. The whole Harry being his Godfather isn't there so no real reason to leave it in.

Lupin is on the train in 3 because Dumbledore knew that there was a chance that Harry would need protection. Remember that they knew who Sirrus was and that he had escaped and they thought he was a danger to Harry.

As for the question of the wands, Dracos wand WAS Harry's wand. Remember Olivander said "it used to be Draco Malfoy's" Harry disarmed Draco and the wand became Harry's. So he did have a wand. He got rid of the Elder wand because if someone ever defeated him (whether it was while he had the wand in his possession or not) the Elder wand would become their's. He knew that there didn't need to be anything that could help someone else come to the power that Voldemort did.

We have been watching movies 1-7.1 and are really seeing how fantastic Alan Rickman's portrayal of Snape has been. At no time can you say "but that doesn't match with what he did in the end". You can see in his facial expressions that there was always something in his thoughts not matching with his actions. He is truly a brilliant actor.

 

[JenM]

Nope, totally disagree. Ginny is the much-loved girl born after all those boys -- note that they had a child just about every year 'til they finally got their girl -- and raising Fred and George surely wasn't easy for Molly. Note that Molly is protective of all her children, but Ginny is the one she keeps close by her at all times, and it doesn't seem to be because she's the youngest; she's only youngest by a single year. As the youngest boy, Ron certainly feels "least" in his family -- especially at a younger age -- though he seems to outgrow that feeling as he finds success at school: Being made Prefect and making the Quiddich team. Sure, Bellatrix may've been shooting at Ginny at that particular moment, but that's the particular moment that the author chooses to show us -- just one more example of the Ginny-as-favorite motif.

Certainly Molly'd had "enough" from this war -- she's been in the thick of it for years, both physically and emotionally. It's rather amazing that Fred was the only Weasley who actually died. But in light of all that, it seems even more likely that her cry would've been something along the lines of, "No more of my family". To fight, especially in defense of her children, is absolutely in character for her, but the details don't ring true. I hate that scene.My girls and I have two theories on that -- neither one outstanding:

Now that's not even remotely true. Nowhere was it ever indicated in the books or the movies that Ginny was the favorite Weasley child.

How often was Mrs. Weasley doting over Percy's good behavior and status as both a Prefect and Head Boy? And the same when Ron was made a Prefect in Order of the Phoenix?

Or in Goblet of Fire, when Mrs. Weasley and the twins had fought before they left for the World Cup and weren't speaking. When they came back after the Death Eater attack, she was crying how upset she was that they had left angry and how terrible she felt if those had been the final words they'd had with each other?

Remember in Order of the Phoenix, when Mrs. Weasley found a Boggart in one of the rooms in Grimmauld Place and it kept turning into the things she feared most? It turned into the dead bodies of every member of her family, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't make it stop. She was inconsolable at the thought of losing any of them. Someone else had to use the Riddikulus charm to put it out, because she was crying too much to do it herself.

Or in Half-Blood Prince, how she at first thought how Fleur wasn't good enough for Bill, until that moment after Bill was bitten by Greyback?

Why would she take Harry in if she already had a "favorite" in Ginny and didn't care as much for the others? She was the one who came as the family member (along with Bill) for the last event, and held him in her arms when he started to cry in the hospital wing over what happened to Cedric. Harry realized at the time that it was the first time he'd ever known as being held, "as if by a mother."

And on Harry's 17th birthday, she had given him a watch from one of their own family, which was a tradition Harry wouldn't have been able to have since his family was gone.

If Ginny was doted on differently, it was because she was the youngest. And she was possessed by Voldemort in her very first year at Hogwarts, which would certainly make them more watchful over Ginny since she'd been attacked. Although, it's worth nothing that the Weasley came to Hogwarts when Ginny was kidnapped and after Ron was poisoned in Half-Blood Prince.

As for the movie-universe, Bellatrix was one of the Death Eaters who had burned down their house and could have killed her entire family. That's enough for a few naughty names directed her way as well.

She didn't go after Bellatrix just because of her daughter. She did it for everyone.

The "daughter" part was because Bellatrix had just tried to kill her daughter. A moment later (in the book), she had said "You will never touch our children again!"

She needed to end it, once and for all.

 

[TDC Nala]

No problems here with Molly Weasley using the curse word she uses in the book. Sigourney Weaver had almost the same line during another epic female fight in "Aliens," 25 years ago. I know I wondered if Rowling had seen "Aliens." That film was rated R (for many things including language) but that WAS 25 years ago. you hear that word on TV now.

 

[elgerber]

Now that's not even remotely true. Nowhere was it ever indicated in the books or the movies that Ginny was the favorite Weasley child.

How often was Mrs. Weasley doting over Percy's good behavior and status as both a Prefect and Head Boy? And the same when Ron was made a Prefect in Order of the Phoenix?

Or in Goblet of Fire, when Mrs. Weasley and the twins had fought before they left for the World Cup and weren't speaking. When they came back after the Death Eater attack, she was crying how upset she was that they had left angry and how terrible she felt if those had been the final words they'd had with each other?

Remember in Order of the Phoenix, when Mrs. Weasley found a Boggart in one of the rooms in Grimmauld Place and it kept turning into the things she feared most? It turned into the dead bodies of every member of her family, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't make it stop. She was inconsolable at the thought of losing any of them. Someone else had to use the Riddikulus charm to put it out, because she was crying too much to do it herself.

Or in Half-Blood Prince, how she at first thought how Fleur wasn't good enough for Bill, until that moment after Bill was bitten by Greyback?

Why would she take Harry in if she already had a "favorite" in Ginny and didn't care as much for the others? She was the one who came as the family member (along with Bill) for the last event, and held him in her arms when he started to cry in the hospital wing over what happened to Cedric. Harry realized at the time that it was the first time he'd ever known as being held, "as if by a mother."

And on Harry's 17th birthday, she had given him a watch from one of their own family, which was a tradition Harry wouldn't have been able to have since his family was gone.

If Ginny was doted on differently, it was because she was the youngest. And she was possessed by Voldemort in her very first year at Hogwarts, which would certainly make them more watchful over Ginny since she'd been attacked. Although, it's worth nothing that the Weasley came to Hogwarts when Ginny was kidnapped and after Ron was poisoned in Half-Blood Prince.

As for the movie-universe, Bellatrix was one of the Death Eaters who had burned down their house and could have killed her entire family. That's enough for a few naughty names directed her way as well.

She didn't go after Bellatrix just because of her daughter. She did it for everyone.

The "daughter" part was because Bellatrix had just tried to kill her daughter. A moment later (in the book), she had said "You will never touch our children again!"

She needed to end it, once and for all.

I completely agree!!! And I really don't consider the B word to be all that vulgar. Yes, it 's not very nice (but neither is Bellatrix) but there are many more vulgar words out there than that one.

 

[The_Alice]

I wasn't angry that he snapped the Elder Wand in two, I was more angry that he didn't fix his own wand first! So angry in fact that I practically shouted, "what's he going to do without his wand?!" as he threw the pieces into the abyss...

Totally right there with you. I kept waiting like, he's gonna fix it right now... maybe now... wait here comes the Elder Wand... and DO WHA?????????!!!!!

Crap.

With regards to the B word, there's no way my kids have lived in our house for 8 years and not heard it. I am sure if I stub my toe they have heard worse.

Also, the 19 years later scene, anyone notice how they didn't really age them that much? Chronologically I am the same age as Harry, Hermione & Ron and trust me everybody from my graduating class looks at least a bit more different. Hermione looked like she changed her hair style and that was about it. Added some crows feet on Harry, and lopped off Ginny's hair. But, I was a bit underwhelmed by the aging in that scene. Maybe it's MAGIC? Who knows. LOL.

 

[elgerber]

Totally right there with you. I kept waiting like, he's gonna fix it right now... maybe now... wait here comes the Elder Wand... and DO WHA?????????!!!!!

Crap.

With regards to the B word, there's no way my kids have lived in our house for 8 years and not heard it. I am sure if I stub my toe they have heard worse.

Also, the 19 years later scene, anyone notice how they didn't really age them that much? Chronologically I am the same age as Harry, Hermione & Ron and trust me everybody from my graduating class looks at least a bit more different. Hermione looked like she changed her hair style and that was about it. Added some crows feet on Harry, and lopped off Ginny's hair. But, I was a bit underwhelmed by the aging in that scene. Maybe it's MAGIC? Who knows. LOL.

I'm sure it's magic LOL, but I thought they made Ron look pretty darn frumpy! I didn't appreciate it LOL.

 

[Ceila]

Also, the 19 years later scene, anyone notice how they didn't really age them that much? Chronologically I am the same age as Harry, Hermione & Ron and trust me everybody from my graduating class looks at least a bit more different. Hermione looked like she changed her hair style and that was about it. Added some crows feet on Harry, and lopped off Ginny's hair. But, I was a bit underwhelmed by the aging in that scene. Maybe it's MAGIC? Who knows. LOL.

For me, that is one place where I am really glad that they didn't follow the book exactly (i.e., making them truly look 19 years older). I'm glad that my Last visual impression of them is not too different than the last few movies. And for what it's worth, I'm in my early 40s and a LOT of my friends don't look vastly different than they did back at the end of high school or in college.

 

[college_student]

First off, I really enjoyed the movie. I am sad that the series is over, but I still really enjoyed the movie.

I noticed that they had omitted or changed some small points of the plot (for example, no scene with Percy's dramatic entrance and reunion). I have to remember that producers do take creative license with the movies, and they can't throw in a part if the rest of the subplot was missing from the rest of the books. That would be confusing.

My favorite parts of the movie were Snape's memories and McGonagall going all "commando" and rallying up the school. I thought that the scene in the Room of Requirement and Gringotts was really good.

I am kind of iffy on the last part of the movie. While I wish that Harry had defeated Voldemort with everyone around them (like it is in the book) I have to admit that the scene in the movie was pretty cool and that the producers do take creative licensing. So, I guess I'm okay with that. I also think that the scene with Ron and Hermione trying to kill Nagini was cool, although when watching it, I found myself thinking how exactly are they supposed to get close enough to stab Nagini...the snake is kind of quick??? That part didn't make sense. I'm glad Neville did actually kill the snake.

I loved the scene where Molly and Bellatrix fought it out. AWESOME!

There are two points that I am not happy they omitted/changed:
1) Harry breaking the elder wand with no explanation. Why did Harry break the wand? For someone just watching the movie, Harry wouldn't have a wand. There's no mention of Harry mending his old wand with the elder wand. I didn't like that.

2) While Snape's memories was probably my favorite part of the whole movie, they omitted one big part: Snape calling Lilly a mudblood. This was one of the crucial turning points of their relationship (other than being sorted into two different houses). I don't feel they really answered why Lilly went with James instead.

One last thing is when Harry sees Ginny after like 6 months. He sees her. She looks like she's ready to run over and hug him. What does he say??? Hi. Talk about no emotion for the girl he's supposed to love. What the heck?

I'm sure there's other points I have issue with, but those are some of my biggest. Having said that, I am so glad I saw the movie. I cannot wait to buy it around Christmas or Thanksgiving (hopefully!!!). I think it's possibly the best movie of the whole series!

 

[Missy1961]

college student, you may want to edit your post--Harry didn't defeat Dumbledore.

 

[college_student]

college student, you may want to edit your post--Harry didn't defeat Dumbledore.

Woops...sorry...I know who I was talking about, but I typed the wrong person. Sorry! Thanks

 

[JenM]

For me, that is one place where I am really glad that they didn't follow the book exactly (i.e., making them truly look 19 years older). I'm glad that my Last visual impression of them is not too different than the last few movies. And for what it's worth, I'm in my early 40s and a LOT of my friends don't look vastly different than they did back at the end of high school or in college.

Me too. They actually re-shot the epilogue back in December. I had read that the studio thought the aging makeup on the trio looked pretty bad, so they made it more so subtle for the reshoots.

I thought Dan played a very convincing dad in that scene. It was very beautifully done.

I also loved how you saw students in Quidditch uniforms, and chocolate frogs, and all of that kind of stuff again. It showed that Hogwarts was alive and thriving, and life went on. (or to quote the book "All was well.")

 

[Conservative Hippie]

Me too. They actually re-shot the epilogue back in December. I had read that the studio thought the aging makeup on the trio looked pretty bad, so they made it more so subtle for the reshoots.

I thought Dan played a very convincing dad in that scene. It was very beautifully done.

I also loved how you saw students in Quidditch uniforms, and chocolate frogs, and all of that kind of stuff again. It showed that Hogwarts was alive and thriving, and life went on. (or to quote the book "All was well.")

I agree, I loved seeing the next generation of Hogwarts students!

 

[luvsJack]

I agree, I loved seeing the next generation of Hogwarts students!

now, if we could just see them in a new set of books!! Or from the time James and the rest of the Marauders are there!

 

[MyManGoofy!]

I loved the movie. It was so well done. I cried so hard during the Snape memory scenes. Alan Rickman is amazing. I am very glad they didn't show Fred's death - I would have lost it even more.

Someone up thread said something about how if they had stayed completely true to the books that would have taken 20 or so movies. My response is: the problem with that would be??

As geeky as it may sound - I think I am in mourning. I mean - this is it and I am more than a little bummed.

 

[Dancind]

My Man Goofy, my DD is right there with you. She started reading these books when she was 8, and she's the same age as the actors. We saw the movie today, and the sniffling in the theater WAS distracting. It started right next to me as soon as the trio got to Hogwarts and didn't stop.

We loved it. Will probably see it again.