tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post6398199066429465473..comments2024-03-01T21:01:15.174-06:00Comments on Biblical Christianity: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" — movie reviewDJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-52960145419191565692011-08-01T16:01:56.920-05:002011-08-01T16:01:56.920-05:00Thank you for a thorough and insightful review. Y...Thank you for a thorough and insightful review. You got me interested in going back and reading the books, time allowing.<br /><br />P.S., Glad you said that about the mirror shard. That was something that left me scratching my head.Shaun Marksburyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10181166499490318238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-62442339059732475542011-07-31T09:12:54.380-05:002011-07-31T09:12:54.380-05:00Well, oftentimes in book series, repeat exposition...Well, oftentimes in book series, repeat exposition or long explanations are simply NEEDED. That is part of the sheer difficulty of doing a proper film adaptation of a literary work<br /><br />I'm currently reading alot of John Ringo, and while he can pack the action in there are times when pages upon pages are devoted in between dialogue that cover some back material that the reader really needs to have explained that context just can't handle. if they did a movie based upon some of his works, alot of that would be gone. But for the books, it is needed.Sir Brasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01893578064434019702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-43303650452784834192011-07-30T17:33:31.508-05:002011-07-30T17:33:31.508-05:00Yes to all you said, Sir Brass. I don't want t...Yes to all you said, Sir Brass. I don't want to "over-sell" Rowling's theological depth or clarity, but the Gospel parallel is much clearer in the book. And Ginny is one of many, many characters who got short shrift in the movies. She's barely there, and then it's like "Oh, crackers, she needs to be his girlfriend in this one. Um, let's see... we'll give her some lines and a close-up or two..."<br /><br />Like the mirror. It has a whole back-story in the books. In the movies, again, it's like "Oh sticklebats, we really need that mirror shard in this one... well, let's just have it pop up, and maybe no one will notice..."<br /><br />OTOH, the books do have some repetition and exposition and filler that isn't missed in the movies. But a lot of character-development and backstory also goes by the wayside. To say nothing of the entire character of Albus Dumbledore.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-89182939596178040902011-07-30T17:18:10.858-05:002011-07-30T17:18:10.858-05:00You know, I thought that it really was Watson dres...You know, I thought that it really was Watson dressed as Carter (with appropriate CG mods) at the bank, not Carter playing Watson playing Hermione playing Bellatrix. That just goes to show the level of skill.<br /><br />Also, while I missed the explicit gospel reference, I DID see in Harry's constant melancholy and toss back to Frodo's similar mood in LoTR towards the end. The weight of the burden they both carried (Harry as the final Horcrux and Frodo's calling as THE ring bearer), both deeply affecting them.<br /><br />I have not yet read the books (I will now, as soon as they get released for Kindle), but I have heard that a deeper exposition of Ginny is there, which would make Harry x Ginny make more sense. Looking forward to that.<br /><br />As one who has only seen the movies and at first was antagonistic towards the books (thank my mother for cajoling me into seeing the movies with her at first... once again, the phrase "you'll thank me later" comes to mind clearly), the movies have certainly made me want to read the books.<br /><br />One can only hope that George Lucas is watching and taking copious notes that fall into the category of valid self-criticism.Sir Brasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01893578064434019702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-13753281318794442502011-07-20T22:43:41.663-05:002011-07-20T22:43:41.663-05:00Rebekah, well-said; I appreciate your comments. So...Rebekah, well-said; I appreciate your comments. Someone once said that the happiest way to approach the movies was as <i>based on</i> the HP books — not movies <i>of</i> the books. But I do agree: the sets, and the "feel," are a marvel. Also the effects, generally, are not sheer flash and awe, but often understated little marvels.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-27432716570782017942011-07-20T22:40:44.867-05:002011-07-20T22:40:44.867-05:00Debbie: welcome, thanks, and very well-put. "...Debbie: welcome, thanks, and very well-put. "Telling," indeed. And no revisiting or highlight of the Scripture in the graveyard at Godric's Hollow.<br /><br />)c:DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-55481468872397401932011-07-20T22:36:03.094-05:002011-07-20T22:36:03.094-05:00Hello, Dan!
My first reading of your blog, that I...Hello, Dan!<br /><br />My first reading of your blog, that I found in search of HP7B reviews on imdb.com - brilliant, as our Ron would say.<br /><br />Your review was spot on, in detailing the characters [yay Maggie Smith] and the action [that snake was way too life-like, blek!].<br /><br />Most especially, I appreciated your comments about the glossing over of the Gospel message so well-detailed in the book. I had been looking forward to the director's telling of this and it was rather telling, disappointingly so. *sigh* <br /><br />Perhaps that's why, despite such amazing effects and inspirational acting, I am somewhat let down by this one.<br /><br />Look forward to reading more of your blog.Debbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08092353057859945716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-8518394205011240522011-07-20T15:41:59.295-05:002011-07-20T15:41:59.295-05:00I enjoyed the movie. I took my 10-year-old to see ...I enjoyed the movie. I took my 10-year-old to see it last night, and I'll take my 12-year-old next week when he gets home from his week with his grandparents. <br /><br />I gave up on expecting the movies to truly capture the books early on after being disappointed in that expectation. I decided that I really like how the music and effects and costuming and great casting (except for Dumbledore, IMO) do really evoke the 'feel' and mood of the books, and I enjoyed the movies much better when I quit expecting them to get the story exactly right. <br /><br />Having said that, what disappointed me most in this last was that Dumbledore seems to come across as pretty cold and calculating regarding Harry, and that is just not at all how it is in the books. That goes directly back to what you said about the actor not taking the time to get to know the character and by how much of Dumbledore's and Harry's interaction is left out in earlier movies, IMO. <br /><br />I was also disappointed with how they changed Neville's big moment. He and Luna were two of my favorite of the secondary characters and I LOVED that moment in the book when Neville killed Nagini. It lost some of its power by changing how it happens in the movie, I thought.<br /><br />I also agree that it is disappointing that the glimmers of the Gospel are pretty much left out, but again, I don't really expect them to 'get' how important those themes really are. Look how the movie-makers totally miss the point repeatedly in the Narnia movies, for instance. I'm glad that they are in the books, because I had some wonderful discussions w/my sons along the way. <br /><br />All in all, though, I enjoyed the movie anyway. Thanks for your review - and the rest of the discussion on the series that I've read here over the years. Your enthusiasm (and that of some other Christian bloggers I know and respect) for the books helped me to decide to try them for myself when my boys got old enough to be asking to read them. I had been leaning toward 'no' because of all the negative press they got at first from certain Christian groups. Once I read them I became a fan and they have sparked some great discussions with my boys. So thanks!Rebekahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14959946409918907667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-46165426183692895402011-07-19T13:36:27.453-05:002011-07-19T13:36:27.453-05:00Thanks for all that, Brandon. No, I haven't. I...Thanks for all that, Brandon. No, I haven't. I'll have to check that out later, thanks.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-53993363254798376532011-07-19T13:30:58.885-05:002011-07-19T13:30:58.885-05:00Great review, Dan.
I finally made it to the theat...Great review, Dan.<br /><br />I finally made it to the theater last night with my wife. It was a bittersweet experience going into it knowing that there are no more books and now no more movies. Like you, I would be at the midnight release of the books surrounded by children, but with none of them being my own! I re-read the entire series as each book came out and each book as it's respective movie came out. So...I have a lot of time invested in the series, to say the least.<br /><br />A few days after storming out of the theater at the end of LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001 I started my journey towards resolving my anger towards movies that butcher/neuter/random verb books I love. At the end of the day, I am a fan of the fantasy/sci-fi genre. If there were no LOTR or Harry Potter books, I would still enjoy the films for what they are. I had to actively separate in my mind books from movies, and since then I have found I enjoy adaptations much more. (except for Half-Blood Prince; favorite book, least favorite movie).<br /><br />I think it would have been nearly impossible to have adapted Deathly Hallows more accurately without sacrificing pacing. There are some things I wish had been better covered:<br /><br />1. Deeper focus and exploration of the Hallows, particularly Albus and Grindlewald's quest for them. (although, thinking about it now, they probably would have brought up 'gay' aspect of this. ok, leave that out)<br /><br />2. Agree with others about the deaths being passed over too quickly. Also agree that Neville should have killed Nagini in the same manor as in the book<br /><br />3. Extended dialogue. I wish there were more meaningful conversations/discussions rather than hurried expositions to move the film along. I totally understand why, but still...<br /><br />4. In addition to McGonagall and others being weaker, I always thought the movie version of Draco was a wuss and barely a rival for Harry.<br /><br />5. Already mentioned, but again, the Gospel elements were watered down, mainly by removal or changing of better writing in the books. Still, I think it is impossible to have a passing knowledge of Christianity and not see it in the film. I'm honestly looking forward to years of using this movie as a jumping off point in discussions with unsaved folks and turning it to a witnessing encounter.<br /><br />6. The only thing that I REALLY wish was different was that the duel between Harry and Voldemort had been in front of other people. As best I can tell in the movie, they are by themselves in the courtyard. What was that conversation back inside like? "Hey guys, just killed Voldemort." "Are you sure, we've heard that before..." "Yeah,totally. Turned to ash. It was pretty sweet." "Ok..."<br /><br />Overall, loved the film, loved the series, love the books. Even though a lot of the concepts and ideas are ripped off from other fantasy writers, JK really created something special in Harry Potter.<br /><br />Sidenote: Dan, have you heard of Wizard Rock? There are tons of bands that only record Harry Potter related music. My fav is Ministry of Magic: http://youtu.be/JybrDuxRN78Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06252517509804029546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-3124093499568340412011-07-19T06:21:24.586-05:002011-07-19T06:21:24.586-05:00Excellent observations, Sonja. Thanks.Excellent observations, Sonja. Thanks.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-90018503060983974942011-07-19T01:15:18.345-05:002011-07-19T01:15:18.345-05:00My hubby & I just saw it last night (I was at ...My hubby & I just saw it last night (I was at the Women Discipling Women conference near the non-existent Carmegeddon on Friday & Saturday and couldn't wait to return to watch it on Sunday).<br /><br />My husband hasn't read the books (yet!), but he and I enjoyed the film as a substantial, thought-provoking summer blockbuster. We thought it was the best film of the series due to its layered and subtle performances, the best visual F/X (esp. in 3D), the gorgeous cinematography and production design, and the emotional scenes throughout. Rickman deserves an Oscar nod as his character was by far one of the most complex in the series. His struggle to keep up a facade with Voldemort while secretly collaborating with Dumbledore provides the film with its greatest tension and heartbreak. As someone stated earlier, Snape’s unsettling expression in the opening establishes the haunting tone for the whole film.<br /><br />Nonetheless, and as an avid fan of the books, I have many of the same disappointments as previously mentioned by all. The death of Lupin, Tonks & Fred (as well as Dobby in Pt 1) lacks the emotional wallop I experienced when reading the books. I was devastated and tearful when reading those scenes, but didn't feel the same while watching the films. I wish the film would've lingered a bit more on the death of Fred and the reactions of the family members. Mrs. Weasley's grief over Fred’s death seems strangely calm as it did in Pt. 1 when George lost part of his ear. To me, the book better conveys Harry’s subsequent turmoil and agony when surveying the carnage around him. It becomes the symbol for the consequences of evil, power, greed and even sin itself. The film only reveals a cursory glance at a few students who seem dazed and mildly injured after the battle.<br /><br />As a former film exec, I understand the director and producers’ choices to build great momentum towards an intense climax with movement and action in the final battle between Harry and Voldemort; those definitely heighten the cinematic ante. That said, Voldemort’s demise is still anti-climactic and the scene just peters out, lacking the satisfying conclusion in the novel when Harry asks him to “repent” in front of everyone, then shares the reasons why he’ll be defeated. I miss the scene in which Harry reveals to Voldemort that he underestimates the power of love (Snape for Lily, Lily for Harry, and Harry for his friends) as well as overestimates his own magical prowess by not understanding the pecking order behind the elder wand. I loved how everyone witnesses Voldemort’s humiliating death, unlike the weak filmed version between just the two of them.<br /><br />As for the actual Deathly Hallows, the film makes them seem irrelevant. The film omits the wrap-up on these objects when Harry chooses to relinquish both the resurrection stone and elder wand. This moment reveals how Harry does not succumb to the same fleshly desires and ambitions that gravely affected Dumbledore, and later twisted Voldemort. <br /><br />Lastly, my poor husband missed the beat in Snape’s memories that Dumbledore had only a year to live, making it easier for Snape to “assassinate” him.<br /><br />To sum it all up: the strengths of the film made it an enjoyable viewing experience and a real "event." The weaknesses are the important omissions that Christians love about the book: redemption, sacrificial love, and substitutionary atonement. My husband said it best and I agree with him that the novels would’ve been better served in television. Each book could’ve easily been adapted into 13-22 episodes. Perhaps one day, when television production and special effects become less cost-prohibitive, a visionary will re-imagine the books for that medium. I hope I’ll be alive to see it…<br /><br />P.S. Dan--We can't wait to read your book!Sonjahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14938147018164703524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-47774595987114567172011-07-19T01:14:44.042-05:002011-07-19T01:14:44.042-05:00My hubby & I just saw it last night (I was at ...My hubby & I just saw it last night (I was at the Women Discipling Women conference near the non-existent Carmegeddon on Friday & Saturday and couldn't wait to return to watch it on Sunday).<br /><br />My husband hasn't read the books (yet!), but he and I enjoyed the film as a substantial, thought-provoking summer blockbuster. We thought it was the best film of the series due to its layered and subtle performances, the best visual F/X (esp. in 3D), the gorgeous cinematography and production design, and the emotional scenes throughout. Rickman deserves an Oscar nod as his character was by far one of the most complex in the series. His struggle to keep up a facade with Voldemort while secretly collaborating with Dumbledore provides the film with its greatest tension and heartbreak. As someone stated earlier, Snape’s unsettling expression in the opening establishes the haunting tone for the whole film.<br /><br />Nonetheless, and as an avid fan of the books, I have many of the same disappointments as previously mentioned by all. The death of Lupin, Tonks & Fred (as well as Dobby in Pt 1) lacks the emotional wallop I experienced when reading the books. I was devastated and tearful when reading those scenes, but didn't feel the same while watching the films. I wish the film would've lingered a bit more on the death of Fred and the reactions of the family members. Mrs. Weasley's grief over Fred’s death seems strangely calm as it did in Pt. 1 when George lost part of his ear. To me, the book better conveys Harry’s subsequent turmoil and agony when surveying the carnage around him. It becomes the symbol for the consequences of evil, power, greed and even sin itself. The film only reveals a cursory glance at a few students who seem dazed and mildly injured after the battle.<br /><br />As a former film exec, I understand the director and producers’ choices to build great momentum towards an intense climax with movement and action in the final battle between Harry and Voldemort; those definitely heighten the cinematic ante. That said, Voldemort’s demise is still anti-climactic and the scene just peters out, lacking the satisfying conclusion in the novel when Harry asks him to “repent” in front of everyone, then shares the reasons why he’ll be defeated. I miss the scene in which Harry reveals to Voldemort that he underestimates the power of love (Snape for Lily, Lily for Harry, and Harry for his friends) as well as overestimates his own magical prowess by not understanding the pecking order behind the elder wand. I loved how everyone witnesses Voldemort’s humiliating death, unlike the weak filmed version between just the two of them.<br /><br />As for the actual Deathly Hallows, the film makes them seem irrelevant. The film omits the wrap-up on these objects when Harry chooses to relinquish both the resurrection stone and elder wand. This moment reveals how Harry does not succumb to the same fleshly desires and ambitions that gravely affected Dumbledore, and later twisted Voldemort. <br /><br />Lastly, my poor husband missed the beat in Snape’s memories that Dumbledore had only a year to live, making it easier for Snape to “assassinate” him.<br /><br />To sum it all up: the strengths of the film made it an enjoyable viewing experience and a real "event." The weaknesses are the important omissions that Christians love about the book: redemption, sacrificial love, and substitutionary atonement. My husband said it best and I agree with him that the novels would’ve been better served in television. Each book could’ve easily been adapted into 13-22 episodes. Perhaps one day, when television production and special effects become less cost-prohibitive, a visionary will re-imagine the books for that medium. I hope I’ll be alive to see it…<br /><br />P.S. Dan--We can't wait to read your book!Sonjahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14938147018164703524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-63616830560626038982011-07-18T14:51:27.775-05:002011-07-18T14:51:27.775-05:00Harry still has his scar in the epilogue in the bo...Harry still has his scar in the epilogue in the book. It's just a scar though not a connection anymore. I can't remember if you could see that in the movie but at least that is how it is in the book. It didn't give him anymore pain.<br /><br />I have to say as someone who began reading the books at age 7 and as someone who is the same age group as the cast, this was a pretty emotional movie for me. Before I was a Christian, HP was what I connected to the most. Hermione helped me grow out of my shell.<br /><br />I was actually very angry when I was watching it yesterday. I haven't been that way since the first movie. Looking back on it though, I agree with your review that it is a good movie.<br /><br />One of the most important things that they did right was Snape's story. He is one of my favourite characters from the series.<br /><br />I think the thing I was just upset about was the final battle between Harry and Voldemort. It made me angry that it was flashy instead of the dialogue that took place. I feel like it betrayed the story. Not just with Harry confronting Voldemort with the reality of Snape and attempting to get him to be remorseful. Harry didn't use the killing curse to kill voldemort. He used one of the spells he is most closely idenitfied with -- expelliarmus. Harry's use of the disarming charm is significant because it shows his true character. Voldemort is the one who uses the killing curse and as a result kills himself. <br /><br />That scene followed by Harry breaking the elder wand made me leave the theatre a bit upset despite the epilogue. The time they had him breaking the elder wand should have been spent on him repairing his wand (which has served him faithfully throughout the entire series). I honestly could careless if he breaks it after. Maybe not a big deal but it was just a little thing that made me upset.<br /><br />When I see it a second time, I will probably like it more as I did with the 6th. I am just disappointed I did not like it as much as the part 1. <br /><br />LaurenNerda Puellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05286912794374301474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-62472147120428860282011-07-17T19:34:41.921-05:002011-07-17T19:34:41.921-05:00Having seen it, and it felt like a bit of an anti-...Having seen it, and it felt like a bit of an anti-climax - perhaps I'm being too much of a book purist here and the film will grow on me.<br /><br />Given the irrelevance of the Hallows to the plot of the film, why have Ollivander fill the viewers in at the beginning, when he's never heard of them in the book (with good plot reasons)? At least they had the cloak appear for a bit at Gringotts, unlike the zero appearances of it in pt 1 (compare the book with its almost constant use). This is probably the thing that'll bug me most - that it's not obvious that Harry owned all three Hallows and was master of death when in the forest. The stone was pretty pointless without all the 'not pulling them out, them receiving me in' stuff, and the endless discussions about it in the book. It was all about the Elder Wand, and they didn't even get that as clear as in the book.<br /><br />Not having the scene in Ravenclaw tower, with the Carrows, is a disappointment - but then I guess they are barely mentioned and you aren't that invested in the downfall of those who turned Hogwarts into a prison camp and did that stuff to Neville, etc. And McGonagall still shines anyway, plus Radcliffe wouldn't make Harry's respect for her look convincing...<br /><br />As with Mad Eye's death in pt 1, Fred's death in pt2 was underwhelming. Hedwig, Tonks and Lupin are almost secondary, skimmed over but Mad Eye, Dobby and Fred are the big three in the book, the deaths with mourning and grief.<br /><br />And Dan, when in London, there's a photo op at Kings Cross station for Potterheads like yourself.Si Holletthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01928376477302729848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-26887799465554953352011-07-17T19:19:53.614-05:002011-07-17T19:19:53.614-05:00Dan: Completely agree. My wife and I saw the film ...Dan: Completely agree. My wife and I saw the film yesterday morning and were thoroughly delighted. Of course, I had to go back and read the last 150 pages of the book when we got home.Ken Abbotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01398980914190503708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-69992781453290043262011-07-16T21:45:51.115-05:002011-07-16T21:45:51.115-05:00I appreciate the devotion, even to the point of yo...I appreciate the devotion, even to the point of your cat. I guess I would be much more concerned if you gave the same level of passion to the Twilight films.Fred Butlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16025967176465685306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-4136610505656215162011-07-16T16:54:27.869-05:002011-07-16T16:54:27.869-05:001. Frank, I think HBC had that rebel spirit in he...1. Frank, I think HBC had that rebel spirit in her much earlier than her association with Tim Burton (he perhaps amplified it?). I've seen a clip of her at an awards ceremony when she was much younger, and I was surprised at how "harshly" she spoke in real life. (Then again, didn't her Edwardian heroine roles convey a certain defiance as well? So was her portrayal of the Duchess of York--I saw more of her in that role than I did the young Queen Mother, even though I still think she performs well.)<br /><br />2. Not to be completely off topic, I would highly recommend watching HP-7 in 3D; that is, if you can get a seat that's in the middle section of the theater. I sat off to the left side, and not all of the special 3D effects were "in my face", so that's something to be considered if you like the full-blown 3D effects.Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08289347868497438542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-73054402422381945342011-07-16T12:46:17.253-05:002011-07-16T12:46:17.253-05:00True, also I suppose the wand technically "be...True, also I suppose the wand technically "belonged" to him even when it was not in his possession.CGrimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03257084521984285384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-6231614448529807592011-07-16T12:32:39.442-05:002011-07-16T12:32:39.442-05:00I think you're right (from memory), and it'...I think you're right (from memory), and it's why I said "possesses" - in the sense that he'd dropped the stone and, IIRC, might have found it. He asked Dumbledore about it; my memory is that he could probably have found it again, but figured no one else would.<br /><br />A more recent reader (or one with better memory) will set us right.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-82014681721393587892011-07-16T12:29:50.607-05:002011-07-16T12:29:50.607-05:00The audience applauded twice during the movie when...The audience applauded twice during the movie when I saw it: after McGonagall's duel with Snape, and after Molly Weasley's duel with Bellatrix. People like to see women in mama-bear mode, it seems.<br /><br />The audience laughed uproariously during the entire "19-yrs-later" bit. I mostly chuckled, but I couldn't contain myself when I saw 19-yrs-later-Draco. I laughed and laughed, and my wife poked me in the ribs.<br /><br />My two minor gripes: Like you, I wish they had Harry explain to Voldemort before he died WHY he lost. It would have been more satisfying and more accurate... on the other hand, I'm not at all convinced that Radcliffe could have delivered it correctly, so...<br /><br />My other gripe is that I wish they had Neville kill Nagini as soon as he whipped the sword out. That would have been so much more emotionally satisfying, Voldemort being humbled face-to-face before the least assuming of characters. It's been 4 years, but I'm pretty sure that's how it happened in the book, isn't it? I was especially looking forward to Neville's vindication in this movie, and I feel they diluted it a tad.<br /><br />I was also looking forward to Snape's vindication, which was excellent. The flashbacks were perfect.<br /><br />Did Harry actually have the Hallows simultaneously? He dropped the stone in the forest before he got the wand, I thought.<br /><br />Standout characters in the film: McGonagall, Snape, Neville, Luna, and I agree that Radcliffe did his best acting in this one.CGrimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03257084521984285384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-87667892482078002082011-07-16T11:47:37.080-05:002011-07-16T11:47:37.080-05:00"Harry Potter, you listen to me!" Great ..."Harry Potter, you listen to me!" Great moment.<br /><br />(c:DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-72938969133526552002011-07-16T11:45:24.511-05:002011-07-16T11:45:24.511-05:00Excellent review, Dan. I agree with just about ev...Excellent review, Dan. I agree with just about every point! We saw it at midnight, as part of a double feature that showed part 1 at 9pm. I highly recommend watching the films back-to-back if you can. Our family has read the books together, seen the films together, and all four of us give this one our heartiest double thumbs up. It's the best of the lot. <br /><br />Major plusses: the growth of the acting abilities of Dan, Rupert, and Matthew Lewis (Neville); the spot-on performance of Evanna Lynch (Luna); and Helena Bonham Carter's performance is so convincing that I actually thought, “wow, Emma is really, really good. Wait. That's Helena." <br /><br />THE Snape scene is nearly everything I had hoped it would be.<br /><br />We wished for greater roles for Lupin, Tonks, and Hagrid. Also wished for more time to mourn when we learned of certain characters' deaths. Heartily wished Richard Harris could come back as Dumbledore. Why is Gambon so unmindful, so off-handed in his treatment of Dumbledore???<br /><br />From a parental perspective, there's nothing new on the scary front BUT the emotional wringing your heart takes is greater than any of the previous films. My 10 year old son unashamedly sobbed aloud in three places, and he knew from great familiarity with the book what was coming in those moments. Bring tissues and be ready to comfort the yoots. <br /><br />I already want to go see it again. Not at midnight. :)Colloquisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08530006843488477150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-12356619836579910562011-07-16T11:19:46.853-05:002011-07-16T11:19:46.853-05:00On HP7B in 3D: we saw it in 3D. It gave my dear wi...<b>On HP7B in 3D</b>: we saw it in 3D. It gave my dear wife a bit of a headache. I thought it was fine and well-done, in some scenes pretty persuasive. Ebert dismisses it and says see it in 2D. I plan to see it again in a week or so, in 2D, and will try to remember to add my thoughts.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-69261095400066005182011-07-16T11:18:11.829-05:002011-07-16T11:18:11.829-05:00William Dicks — What would you say to people that ...<b>William Dicks</b> — <i>What would you say to people that claim that Christians should not be watching HP because of its depiction of evil and witch craft and magic?</i><br /><br />I've discussed this before, but too lazy and busy to look it up. So in brief:<br /><br />Every Christian should be convinced in his own mind, have his own convictions, and allow others to have theirs (Rom. 14:5). HSAT...<br /><br /><i>The Bible</i> depicts evil and witchcraft, so that in itself shouldn't be an instant disqualifier.<br /><br />The issue is: does Rowling depict it positively? For the most part, the answer is an emphatic "no." In Rowling's world, <i>no one can "become" a witch or wizard</i>. You're either born one, or you're not. So magic <i>cannot</i> be depicted as a laudable goal to seek, because in her definition it is no more "seekable" than skin-color. Less.<br /><br />Further, she depicts the magical world as full of wonder, yes, but also full of ugliness, selfishness, greed, folly. Its justice system is ridiculous, its hierarchy worthless, and many of its practitioners corrupt and horrid.<br /><br />I don't like her friendly portrayal of lying in Harry, but what she really highlights are love, loyalty, and sacrifice.<br /><br />Final thought: the absolutist position would rule out enjoying or even viewing <i>any</i> secular art. <i>Any</i> non-Christian book, play or painting that portrays life without Christ as good and positive and meaningful is a lie and preaches a lie. But to avoid even viewing such things with discernment altogether wouldn't follow Paul's standard, and would end up more silly than adorning.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.com