|
Well, I unabashedly loved it. I think I was just so relieved it had some directorial style, and managed to convey the story while obviously cutting out tons of stuff and changing things a bit.
Wow, the cast is getting big. Everyone in every Potter movie was in this one for at least a moment. Sheesh. On top of that, some great characters were added. Luna Lovegood = fabulous. Imelda Stuanton was, as I expected, perfect as Umbridge. And I want a spinoff series about Beatrix LaStrange!
Um, the Hogwarts kiddies are getting a little long in the tooth, though. It's looking a bit like those old (and alas, current) shows where 28 year-olds are playing high school students. Krikey, how much did Nevelle age! And, yeah, the twins are cute ... for 37-year-olds!
Emma and Rupert are looking mighty cute this time around, from a very gauky stage they were both in for the last film, imo. But, ugh, Daniel Radcliff seems to have long past his prime cuteness. He does a pretty good job as cranky Harry, though ... and I think it's a good thing the script toned down his grumpy prissyness from the book.
This is not you papa's Harry Potter ... the first truly dark and complely non-happy entry of the series. But on those terms, I thought it was a great movie, and it looked wonderful, and had some pinache to the proceedings.
Easily my second favorite Potter film (after the very stylish and decidely happy Prisoner of Azkaban.)
Bravo.
Now, if I can only brave the next book in 10 days. I was pleasantly surprised by the movie. Here's to hope that Rowling pulls off a similar nice surprise.
|