Steve's GOF movie review - spoilers

[Gabriela]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, LunaLovesHarry at a... wrote:
>
> Hi,
> 
> Before I give my opinion I want to make a comment about something. 
With all 
> the 'pre-released' teaser scenes and trailers, did anyone feel like
they could 
> sit at their home computers, download them all and then edit the movie 
> together?  I mean, we'd loved the trailers, but I was starting to
feel like I 
> wouldn't have to spend my $10 to see it with all the marketing that
was being done 
> by WB ... all I'd have to do is assemble the movie at home!  And, as
I watched 
> the movie yesterday, in some ways, it was like watching a re-run as
we'd seen 
> soooo many of the scenes already.
 
-SNIP 

I agree with this a hundred percent, that was the way I felt for the
past month. Fortunately I managed to stay away from all
these clips and spoilerish pictures because I felt there were too many
of them and it would take all the fun from the movie. I also agree
that the marketing was a bit excessive.

I went to the midnight release to be among the first to watch the
movie and also to avoid small children and/or annoying teenagers, but
I went back at 5pm with my daughter (the only one dressed up at the
theatre), my sister, 6 of my ex-students (5th graders now) and a
friend from work. I also liked the movie a lot, I feel it was more
emotional than the other three, there was no abuse of special effects
and the acting was a lot better. I also agree with Steve's review, but
I have my own thigs to add.

Three things I liked about it:

1.- Gred and Forge had more presence here, I loved the fact that they
were providing the comic relief this time, as it is in the books; in
the previous movies they were practically non-existent and it was a
shame because I love the twins. I also adored Neville, I'm really glad
that this movie gave more screen time to other not-so-big characters
and not only the trio.

2.- The tasks were great. The first task was amazing, I liked it
better in the movie, it was action-packed. The second task was as good
as it is in the book. The third task was different, because the
champions didn't have monsters/spells/riddles to confront, but when
they were inside the maze, I felt shivers down my spine. It was spooky.

3.- Voldemort. I was stunned by Fiennes acting, wow! IMO he stole the
movie, even if his part was short. Of course the voice was not as high
pitched and cold, and his eyes not snake like; but I think no matter
what they did it was impossible to make Ralph Fiennes's eyes look bad.
He has the most gorgeous eyes in the world.(I wanted so bad that he'd
been Sirius Black)

Three things I didn't like:

1.- Barty Crouch Sr. looked like a sorry little man, speaking in this
way that it seemed he would start stuttering any time. I always
thought he was a strong character, doing always "the right thing" to
the point of being cruel. I think Fudge showed more personality. 

2.- Snape was not his own-usual-evil-self. I am not a Snape lover, but
this time he lacked both screen time and evilness. And I have to admit
that even though I almost hate him, his presence and his viciousness
are necessary. I also missed Draco.

3.- The end of the movie didn't make you want OoP badly. I know books
and movies are not the same, but I think this movie had a too happy
ending. Probably they thought of non-readers or children; but hey, the
sales of OoP would go as high as the sky if the ending had this sense
of uncertainty and foreboding.

My two cents. In general I liked it a lot, and definitely will watch
it one or two more times. Have a great HP weekend everyone.

Gabriela