Showing posts with label Harry Potter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harry Potter. Show all posts

Friday, November 19, 2010

Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows movie review


Film starts a bit differently than the book, but that is ok, because we get our first glimpse of “Minister of Magic, Rufus Scrimogeur,” as he was absent in the previous film. I was happy to hear that Bill Nighy would be portraying the Minister of Magic, but was disheartened after the opening scene. He seemed to be overacting a bit, and just seemed to be doing a repeat performance of “Davy Jones” from “Pirates of the Caribbean.” I was expecting “Jack Sparrow” to saunter into the scene.

Then, we get to what was the opening scene in the book, only slightly different. We see “Severus Snape” flying through the air, landing in-front of a tall, iron gate. Walking at a steady pace, he walks straight through it. In the book, he was accompanied by “Yaxley,” another Death Eater. Everything else following seems to shadow the book rather closely. Following, we are treated to 2 scenes not included in the book, but really helps to advance the character development of “Ron Weasley” and “Hermione Granger.” But, these scenes came with the price of not getting that sense of closure felt in the book during the third chapter, “The Dursley’s Departing.” But, I guess that wasn’t all that important to the development of the main plot.

When the time comes for Harry to depart from Number Four, Privet Drive, the events are very similar to that of the book, with a couple of changes. Number one would be how Harry is discovered to be the real “Harry Potter.” In the book, it is a spell, that has become a bit of a “trademark” of Harry’s, that outs Harry. But the change made flows directly into the second, major, change: the unfortunate death of “Hedwig.” In the book, she dies in a rather anti-climactic way, stuck in her cage. In the film, Harry is discovered to be the real “Harry Potter” when Hedwig, who has been released from her cage by Harry before they take-off, attacks a Death Eater who is attempting to kill Harry. She is struck with the Killing Curse, giving her a “Hero’s Exit.” This change was welcomed, as I felt that it gave “Hedwig” her “moment.”

The filmmakers decided to leave off the introduction of “Tonks’s” parents, choosing to have Harry and Hagrid land outside of The Burrow. Everything from now, until the departure of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, is very condensed, but that is fine. The only gripe I have about it is that when “Rufus Scrimogeur” appears to give Harry, Ron, and Hermione what was left to them by “Albus Dumbledore,” no mention is made of the absurdity that the Ministry of Magic took 31 days to examine Dumbledore’s belongins, thinking that he left the 3 of them items to help in the fight against “Lord Voldemort,” and not wanting the Ministry to look bad. Nor is there mention about the cover-ups by the Ministry. And, again, missing was the intense confrontation between Harry and Scrimogeur.

When they depart, the film follows the events in the book very closely, omitting a lot of the dragging traveling scenes. But, thankfully, they kept in(and honored very much) the scene in the book when Ron, who has kept the locket on for far too long, argues with Harry, and leaves them behind. Rupert Grint really did an outstanding job in this scene. Then, we stumble along a bit, until we reach the much anticipated “Godric’s Hollow” scene.

This was everything I expected it to be, right down to “Bathilda Bagshot’s” secret. When reading the book, I was curious how they could possibly make a scene in-which a snake possesses a corpse, and then does battle with Harry and Hermione. But, David Yates did a fantastic job of making this a reality. Next up, is the return of Ron. This was an excellently done scene, which included the destruction of the first Horcrux, in this book. It was beautifully shot, and the graphics were exquisite. With the only exception being the, awkward, semi-nude, make-out vision presented to Ron, of Hermione(whom he has taken a real liking to) and Harry(his, obvious, best friend), to dissuade him in destroying the Horcrux. The feeling, during this part, was of distinct discomfort, sprinkled with a few chuckles.

Everything following these events is almost directly read out of the book, leading up to the climax of the film. I was extremely happy with where, and how, they decided to end this film. I felt that the scene showing “Voldemort” destroying “Albus Dumbledore’s” sarcophagus to retrieve the “Elder Wand,” which was buried with the great wizard, was expertly done. But, the greatest moments of this film, is in the final moments of my favorite character: “Dobby the Freed House Elf.”

I won’t lie, I was a bit bummed when I read the book, when I reached the part in-which Dobby dies. Even going so far as to say that my eyes became misty, but I never imagined that this wonderful, understated character, would get the glorious treatment that he did, in his final moments on film. They kept in his speech, showing that he truly loved Harry Potter and his friends, and would do whatever he could to protect them. The speech was emotional, and wonderfully spoke by Toby Jones.

So, in conclusion, I must say: This film is probably the best one of the series, in-terms of acting, character development, and story-telling. Things could have been changed to portray characters better, such as “Scrimogeur” and “Bill Weasley.” I also wish that “Viktor Krum” would have been included. Although he only had a small part in the book, it was important. This film really feels like the “Empire Strikes Back” of the series, and leaves me excitedly anticipating the final installment. This is a great movie for, not only Potter fans, but film buffs, as well. Go check it out.

Source: comicbookmovie.com

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince generated $158 million in 5 days


“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” generated $158 million in sales in its first five days in U.S. and Canadian theaters, trailing “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” for the best such opening this year.

The film, released by Time Warner Inc. on July 15, had ticket revenue of $77.8 million for the three-day weekend, researcher Hollywood.com Box-Office said today in an e-mailed statement.

“This is amazing because the franchise is eight years in, and really still that relevant,” said Paul Dergarabedian, an analyst at Hollywood.com Box-Office, in a telephone interview.

The company’s Warner Bros. film studio plans two more Potter movies based on the seventh book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” The first five grossed $1.4 billion in the U.S. and Canada starting in 2001 and $4.48 billion worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo LLC, which also tracks receipts.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince


Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort’s defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn't counted on Romilda Vane's chocolates! And then there's Hermione, simmering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings.
Source:Fandango

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Daniel Radcliffe and Bonnie Wright is about to kiss

Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) is about to kiss . This scene may be in Dumbledore's burial in Harry Potter and the Half'-Blood Prince

Friday, November 21, 2008

Harry Potter & Ginny Weasley


Fred Weasley, Ginny Weasley, George Weasley, and Ron Weasley


(L-r) JAMES PHELPS as Fred Weasley, BONNIE WRIGHT as Ginny Weasley, RUPERT GRINT as Ron Weasley, and OLIVER PHELPS as George Weasley in Warner Bros. Pictures' fantasy "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE USED SOLELY FOR ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, PUBLICITY OR REVIEWS OF THIS SPECIFIC MOTION PICTURE AND TO REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF THE STUDIO. NOT FOR SALE OR REDISTRIBUTION

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

New Harry Potter Released

source: metro.co.uk
Yet another trailer has been released for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Just a few weeks after the international teaser which debuted on the internet last month, the full US trailer has emerged online.

The new trailer introduces new characters and shows a love-struck Ron Weasley.

The latest Potter film follows Harry as he embarks on his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is released in cinemas in July 2009

Monday, November 10, 2008

Friday, November 7, 2008

Update: Emma Updates Blog on Uni, DH, and Despereaux

Emma Watson (Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films) has updated her blog on her official site letting everyone know what she's been up to.
She says that she's been busy traveling, which most everyone already knows, and that she's trying to apply for uni. She's also getting excited for the release of her next film, The Tales of Despereaux, in which she does the voice of the character Princess Pea. The film will be in theatres on December 19th.
She also stated that she is rereading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows to help prepare herself for the filming that begins in February. She says she can't put the book down, "Reading it for a second time has made it no less addictive."
Source: Harry potter page

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Daniel plans to Party for Potter End

Source: metro.co.uk

"We'll have a massive party," he told OK! Magazine [US Edition].

"We haven't had any wrap parties, which I think is sinful. We haven't got around to organising. We'll probably go out on holiday and do all the stuff the insurance hasn't covered like rock-climbing and hand gliding."

The actor admitted he had no qualms in signing up to play the world's most famous child wizard for the remaining Potter movies.

"I'm 19 now, and I still have the energy of a four-year-old," he said

"I don't have fatigue. For me, it would be very hard to see someone else do it - especially if he was cute. Also, I'd come this far."

Despite Daniel's enthusiasm for more Potter, 18-year-old Emma Watson, who plays Hermione, was apparently more hesitant to continue in her role.

"I completed my education and she was going into A-Levels," said Daniel.

"It's a hard decision to further your education. I totally understood. She really thought about it. She wanted to weigh her options. It would be two or three more years. It's not something to rush into lightly."

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Daniel Radcliffe and Tom Felton


ca. 2008 --- Daniel Radcliffe and Tom Felton --- Image by © James Dimmock/Corbis Outline

Friday, October 3, 2008

JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, earns £3million a week

HARRY Potter author JK Rowling has been named the richest author in the world, after it was revealed she earns £3million a week.

Sales from the final instalment of the seven-part series mean Ms Rowling, 43, now has a £560million fortune.
Ms Rowling has sold more than 375 million books and shares creative control over the films, which star Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson.
She also receives a share from toy merchandising and video games.
A Harry Potter amusement park is currently being built at Universal Studios' Orlando park in Florida.
Ms Rowling lives in a £1.5million mansion in Edinburgh and also owns homes in Perthshire and London.
She said: "I know I am the luckiest woman in the world. I am immensely privileged."
for more about this story visit OK magazine

Tuesday, September 23, 2008