You've gotta see it to believe it

Rating: 10/10 (19 July 2007)

Saw the film last night and what can I say? BRILLIANT! The great thing about these films is that they keep on improving, which seems like a hard thing to do as they are all extremely good films.
Critics say this is the best one yet, and they are not wrong. These films have the knack of turning Non-Believers into major fans. It's great to hear professional critics rave about the films.
It is sad also, that just because these films are a "franchise", they are written off as something not worthy of an Oscar or any other prestigious awards. They are constantly being compared to their predecessors and so it can be hard for them to get the positive recognition they deserve.
It sux, because if these films were not in a series (say if Order of the Phoenix was released as an independent film) I would bet just about anything that it would be nominated for an Oscar or something.
But enough of that, this film follows Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe) personal journey of being suppressed by authority (authority comes dressed in pink in this film) when most of the Wizarding Community (Harry's only real home and comfort) feels he is lying about the return of the evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes).
There are claims that this film has too many plots and is hard to follow, but I found it quite straight forward (more so than the last film). Director David Yates has a great knack of explaining all the necessary details clearly and in minimal time. (This is the shortest film, which comes as quite a relief).
For all of the media attention to how "grim" and "dark" this film is, I entered the cinema thinking all I would leave with severe depression. But I was surprised. This film has quite a few funny moments, but yes, it is grim and rather sad towards the end, but it wasn't that depressing.
Yates has a good sense of visual imagery, despite what some may believe (a shot I particularly liked was after Death Eater Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter) murdered Harry's Godfather Sirius Black (Gary Oldman). Harry (after a moment of slow-motion grief whilst he watches his Godfather die) is overcome with anger and charges after Bellatrix. The camera work is shaky (for a "rush of anger" effect) and is just simply brilliant. These kind of rare shots are the kinds of things you wouldn't see in a previous Potter installment.
A sequence I enjoyed (and it hasn't been done in a Potter film before) was when Professor Umbrige (played brilliantly by Imelda Staunton) was exercising her power as High Inquisitor. It is tied to together with a series of juxtaposed scenes. It's fresh and ingenious.
The special effects are again, great. I loved the scene with Grawp (Hagrid's giant half-bro). It was hilarious. Watch out for the hint of romance between Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) not only in this scene but throughout the whole film.
On the subject of romance, the kissing scene between Harry and Cho (Katie Leung) is beautiful. It actually made me a little sad because I wished I was in Cho's position.
Speaking of the actors, I'm not surprised someone wanted to kiss Harry, he's looking damn fine in this film. The three main actors (Radcliffe, Grint and Watson) are all looking more handsome and beautiful, but not only that, they give their best performances to date. They seem to slip into their roles so comfortably.
Grint's performance isn't just about stupid jokes this time, he gets to show more depth in his character (though he does have a rather funny line when he calls another student a "tosspot"). Watson is still as bright a star as she ever was, and I'm becoming so concerned she's going to leap off of the screen anytime now she's that good.
Daniel Radcliffe has this ability to slip into the role of Harry and give a raw and deep performance, making the audience really sympathize for him. (I wanted to cry in several parts of the movie). He really give a great performance in this film. I was so impressed.
There is a real sense of unity between the three; you can really tell that they have spent the last 7 or so years together. One especially beautiful scene in this film is after Harry gets his first kiss. The trio are just sitting by the fire in the Common-Room together talking. It's a real stunner of a scene.
The adult actors are brilliant, all of them. It's altogether a phenomenal cast.
All in all, these films are not really kids films anymore (ever since the 3rd film). This film is the most mature out of the lot. And as I said, the best.
As a book fan, I was very pleased with what had been left in the film. It was a good adaptation, but moreover a stunning film. The books and the films are two different mediums, so everyone stop moaning about the films not being "faithful" and get a life.
Loved the film. Loved it , loved it, LOVED IT! Go see it, everyone.