Unsatisfying

Rating: Null/10 (14 July 2011)

Yes this film has amazing special effects, and the Hogwarts fight really keeps you on edge for the entire film. The fight between Voldemort and Harry was really well done, even though it deviates from the book, but being a film it has to.
Where this film loses point is where it omits far too much from the book. This goes for the Half-blood prince too. In fact, I think all of Yates' films follow this pattern:
I know they have to make some tough choices by cutting out what is not really essential. Though an extra 10 minutes would not have hurt. Dumbledore's past is only slightly hinted at in both films, but never explored. Leaves you wondering why they even bothered to mention it in either film. One thing I was really looking forward to was the fight between Dumbledore and Grindewald in a flashback of some sort. Aberforth neglected to mention anything though. I was also looking forward to the three-way duel between Voldemort, McGonnagal and someone else (I can't remember who), but that was also omitted.
The Deathly Hallows aren't really explained, we never know that Harry's cloak is one of them, or that Dumbledore possessed all 3 at one stage. Makes the film's name seem a little pointless. Horcruxs are also rushed. No explanation for their significance. Also, why Harry is able to go back to life, the significance of Voldemort using Harry's blood back in film 4, is all left out.
Most disappointing of all, is the ending. When Frodo destroys the ring, the movie doesn't just end. But when Voldemort dies, the movie ends a minute or two later. Lets not forget the 100s of death eaters that are still alive....what happened to them? There's no happy endings, rejoicing, no thankyous, nothing.
This is another point where I think Yates gets it wrong. There really is no interaction between Harry, Ron and Hermione. In fact, Harry doesn't have much dialog either. He doesn't even look at his Dad in the forest. This really make the film feel rushed. As I said, once Voldemort dies there really is nothing else. You kind of expect some sort of happy ending with Hagrid, the Weasleys, the Gryffindor kids.
But look, the film was still pretty good. I give it a 7 out of 10 and there's a load of review that will tell you why. Go read those.
Also, the giants looked stupid.