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
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