Harry Potter lives up to book!!

Rating: 9/10 (19 November 2010)

When you look at the fans of the franchise, there are usually two types, the hardcore fans of the books wanting the films to live up to their expectation, and those who want it to be another great film. I believe that the latest instalment, directed by David Yates satisfies both groups of people. There is drama (with some pretty good acting from the trio), action, which is truly unique and elements of horror that as a collective make this film work.
The opening seen sees the three hero's leaving their homes, before setting off on the epic journey, which from the start sets the tone of the film well. Brilliantly cast Bill Nighy, as Rufus Scrimgour, warns the audience of there being 'dark times' ahead, and indeed there were.
The 'Seven Potters' scene added a bit of comic relief, before sending us on a whirl wind adventure into a sky battle, passing through familiar settings such as the Dartford Crossing. The scene was truly thrilling and showed the chaotic escape as I would hope many book fans would have imagined.
We are next brought down to earth with the fact that a number of characters have already died. During the wedding scene, drama comes to the hero's once more as the reception is sent into madness when another death eater attack ensues. I particularly liked the scene following in the cafe which came from no where into a gripping duel.
Some have said the pace of the film becomes rather slow during the camping scenes. I would have to argue that the director has portrayed these scenes incredibly well, with good choice of location to make the trio appear to be highly isolated.
So that I don't go on forever, i'll pick out some of my favourite parts. The scene in the ministry was very exciting and well paced. Don't need to say anything but creepy, for the scene with Bathilda (I was cringing from the moment she appeared on screen). One scene in-particular that i wasn't expecting to be so well done was the destruction of the locket scene. It was visually very impressive and innovative. Finally I loved the Malfoy Manor scene, where we see Dobby save the day. This then leads us to the saddest part of the film which was the death of little Dobby which was touchingly acted.
In terms of criticism, I would have to say that the end of film did seem to come out no where, and caught me by surprise. It felt a tad rushed after the previous scene. With the nature of a book adaptation, there didn't seem to be any character development of many of the new characters who appeared and disappeared before an audience could get to grips with who they were (Bill Weasley, Rufus Scrimgour, Aunt Marge are a few examples)
As a whole, loved it, cant believe how long we have to wait for the finale, but seeing whats left in the book for the last film, its gna be one hell of an ending!!!