I saw the movie today- I just got back actually. My opinion? Glad you asked, because I was going to go on and on about it with or without anyone asking for my opinion on the movie, so at least now I have a valid reason to do so.
Towards the beginning of the movie I could already feel the suspenseful build up that had been purposely injected into the introduction; I had watched, wide-eyed as Hermione had wiped her parents’ memories clean- but something was missing. It felt as if the introduction could have been drawn out more; they decided to make two separate parts after all, so why not take advantage of that fact and squeeze in as much of the book as possible? I was really hoping that the movie would begin to seem more detailed as it continued on past the introduction, but during the entire first part of the movie I felt as if I were watching the movie while fast-forwarding through it.
I finally was able to sigh with relief when the search for the horcruxes began, but could not stop thinking about how oddly proportioned the film had already been; I felt the same way during many other great movies as well, but perhaps my obsession with the books has made me overcritical when it comes to the detailing of the navel-based movies. Now, I understand that the director wanted to somewhat separate the movie from the book by including as much of the book as “possible”, but giving it a different feel, however, there were a few parts that were left within the pages of the book that I felt would have been a great addition to the movie.
Anyhow, moving on to other things.
There were many parts during the movie that only those who had read the book would catch; things that clicked in my head, but left my brother wondering what the hell that had to do with anything. One example of this was the scene that showed Moody’s eye upon Dolores Umbridge’s door- in fact, he leaned over and said, “that looks like that one guy’s fake eye…ye’ know, the one that died.” It just didn’t click for him. Poor fellow. There were many other scenes such as that one, but I can not recall them all, as I have very poor short-term memory. =P Perhaps they should have attempted to explain those scenes in a not direct, but understandable way for those who have not picked up a book in decades.
The Tale of The Three Brothers was brilliant animated. I greatly enjoyed watching that story come to life after having read it from my copy of Tales of Beatle the Bard.
I also felt somewhat cheated when Bellatrix’s scene was cut from the film- that is, assuming that they even filmed the full scene when Bellatrix had tortured Hermione mercilessly- but I can see the reason for leaving that scene out, what with there already being quite a bit of blood and skin throughout the movie. There is no need to turn a rated PG13 movie into one that is rated R for “Red can’t go to see that movie because it is rated R”. Helena Bonham Carter’s acting was still brilliant though, despite the fact that she was fighting for screen time.
Now, now, what have I left out….?
OH! I adored Dobby; he had me laughing like a maniac when he replied to Bellatrix with “No, Dobby never meant to kill… he only meant to impale or seriously injure”. Way to go Dobby- brilliant until the very end.
Speaking of ends, I love where they chose to end part 1 of Deathly Hallows because it didn’t feel too cliffhanger-ish, but it did leave me fidgeting in my seat, wondering how the second part would turn out. I so desperately hope they do Voldamort justice during his final scene- a loss of yet another, perfect villain. The world will never be the same without you-know-who. =P
Despite my criticizing, I did enjoy the movie, and I hope the 2nd part meets my high expectations.
by 
and Voldy being a Tomb raider by taking the elder wand
