They finally got one right...

Rating: 8/10 (25 November 2010)

Now, as a hardcore Potter book reader, i have been particularly annoyed at how short and relatively unconvincing the previous 6 films had been. Six (Half-blood Prince) in particular was a major disappoint - Yates and Kloves absolutely destroyed what was my favourite book...
However, scepticism aside, i chanced a Potter 7 viewing, only at the cheap night at my local cinema mind, and dared the film to fulfil it's potential and finally live up to what is arguably one of the greatest book series... ever.
After the opening sequence and some truly dreadful acting from young Mr. Radcliffe, i was beginning to wonder whether it would be another for the "it could have been amazing"-pile. However, the Hedwig charge to save Harry's life had me wondering... perhaps it's actually been written well for once? The heartwarming exchanged thereafter between the weasleys and their brother and son, George, were the big start to the roller-coaster ride of emotion that film geeks, book geeks, and people that just fancied abit of potter were treated to.
Not only has the film VASTLY improved on the previous 6, it very nearly lives up to the genius that was displayed in the book. quick shot changes and classic slow pan to extreme close up switches, were a bevy of the shots that us young film making 'wannabe's' aspire to reproduce. Yates finally convinced me he is not only a half decent director, but that he hasn't given up on his roots as an aspiring artist, displaying his masterpiece through film.
The script and good use of camera work had us as an audience jumping out of our seat one minute, and crying at the tragic death of an old, albeit annoying, friend the next. Even the vacancy in the bafilda bagshot character that was displayed in the book was perfectly produced to a tee.
Although it did miss out one or two things from the book, and certain story elements were slightly changed, the overall emotional ride created was enough to have me convinced - this film is going to score high. However i have to hark back to a previous point, Daniel Radcliffe REALLY cannot act. If it were not for his bratish nature and unconvincing anger issues, this film would easily hit the top of the 9 star bracket... however, all things considered, 8/10 seems fitting.
One thing it does do is leave me wondering, if this is what Yates can do with some time and a movie split in two, can it be possible for him to pull off the shere epic-ness that is - The Battle Of Hogwarts? Now that remains to be seen.