Two WTF moments in the movie (spoilers)

[kennyg1864]

Just saw the movie last night, and:

1. I'd heard beforehand that the DE battle was cut from the script, due to the Hogwarts battle in the 7th movie.

a. Well first of all, that battle is going to be in the *second half* of the 7th movie, which is almost two years away.  It's not like anyone in 2011 will complain "hey we already saw this", since presumably the final Battle of Hogwarts is going to be quite bombastic and prolonged.  Not likely to be confused with the quick Stunning spells etc of four DE's.

b. More important, we had *multiple* scenes of Draco fixing the Vanishing Cabinet, and...for what?  To have witnesses to Dumbledore's death?  So they could... commit two acts of vandalism?  *Way* too much buildup for such a small payoff.  Instead, the director could have dropped one of Draco's VC scenes in favor of a minute or so of "below Tower" curses and screaming.  As filmed, there seemed to be no reason for Draco to go to such lengths to bring DE's to Hogwarts.

2. Why change DD's Petrificus curse to DD ordering Harry to wait below?

a. I suppose it was to show how much Harry trusted DD but (1) Harry already demonstrated this in the Cave and (2) it was awkward to have Harry watching 5 or 6 DE's against 1 DD.  More dramatic to have Harry immobilized (and invisible), unable to help.

b. Not to mention that in the book, DD taking a moment to immobilize Harry was *the* only reason that Draco got the drop on DD.  Without this, there was no way (in the WW) that Draco could have done so.

On a totally unrelated note, I am grateful once again that the actress who portrayed Narcissa was pregnant before the filming of OoTP began, as it allowed Helena Bonham Carter to play Bellatrix instead of her.  HBC's looks are so much better suited to play BL, and she is so perfectly manic in that role.

Other than the two WTF parts above, I thought this was an excellent movie.  It felt more like an "interesting mainstream film" and less like a "fantasy school movie".  The scenes had more "real" moments that the average moviegoer could relate to, instead of just enjoyment by HP fans.  

Don't get me wrong--I've loved all the movies (well except for #3); I just thought this one had a wider appeal.  Partly because our little wizards and witches are growing up and dealing with adult feelings...

kennyg1864, who was glad to see a few people at the 10:20 pm showing who were older than he was