Storyline: 9
Suspense: 9
Humor: 8
Originality: 8
Overall: 8.5
David Yates (2007)
Rated PG-13
Comments: I have to admit, when I read the reviews about this movie I was worried. I hated the fifth Harry Potter book; it was filled with anguished rants from Harry (played by Daniel Radcliffe), which were enough to make even the most beloved Harry Potter fan want to break Harry's wand in half and shove it where the sun doesn't shine. (Neville's parents are worse than dead and you don't hear him complain!)
However, producer David Yates was smart and kept away from Harry's whining for the majority of the movie. When Harry did whine, at least it helped build the tension between him and the other characters. The movie has been lashed at because of its apparent "overwhelming darkness," but I didn't see anything overwhelming at all about the movie. It wasn't overwhelmingly funny (though Fred and George did deliver some pretty good laughs), suspenseful (though it did bring a stir of emotions in me), or original (which actually helped the movie this time). It was a movie I would have let my eight-year-old see. The only really scary parts were thanks to Lord Voldemort himself (played by Ralph Fiennes), which is good considering he's the bad guy and all. Other than that, it was a pretty tame movie.
I have to say I'm happy that the script was pretty close to what happened in the book. Other than Harry's whining, not much was taken out, at least nothing important that I could notice. The computer graphics were good to say the least, especially in the firework scene and the fight between "Dumbledore's Army" and the dark wizards. Another thing I was happy about was Dumbledore (Michael Gambon): he's finally calmed down. I was tired of the hyperactive Dumbledore; this one is much more reserved and contemplative. That in my opinion is more true to the book.
Other notable acts? Emma Watson's role as Hermione Granger really stood out to me; there is no wonder England loves her so much. She's a really talented actress who will go far in life. Daniel Radcliffe has a hard role, and I personally think he did well. It's not every day you have to play a person who is possibly being possessed or haunted by visions. And I'm glad Ron Weasley is getting a larger role; Rupert Grint should start thanking the script writers. Finally, Matthew Lewis, playing Neville Longbottom, and Evanna Lynch, playing Looney Luna Lovegood, stepped up to the plate as well. Kudos goes to the casting crew for those two. Neville has always been one of my favorite characters in the movie; he has enough nervousness to make him funny but not so much that he's annoying. And Evanna Lynch nailed Luna's personality. She had the right amount of distance and abstract thinking.
Overall, this is probably the best of the current five Harry Potter movies, which completely contradicts with my feeling of hatred for the fifth Harry Potter book. I left the movie theater satisfied for once. Maybe I'll have to read the book again.
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