At last, a Potter that stands head and shoulders above its origins

Rating: 8/10 (31 July 2007)

The above heading might be a bit misleading. it birth in books was no mean feat---Rowling clearly dipped into a pool of immeasurable imagination to spring seven consecutive stories upon us in a rather short time. But where the books have begun to fail, and where this film triumphs, is in INDEPENDENCE.
Watch any of the previous films out of order and you'll be more vexed than Ron Weasley. They depend on one another to fully articulate their characters' situations and general characteristics. Plots spill over onto one another. non-fans were put off.
That's where this little beauty wins out. Unlike the previous four, this one feels like a movie, rather than a well-made but verily similar segment of one long film. It has a beginning and end. Its feelings are worn on its sleeve. the acting has actually reached applaudible standards, especially with the younger cast (Daniel really has matured as an actor---though God knows Hermione could be a better-acted character. All that eager breathlessness makes my head hurt!).
Fiennes too, excels at bringing magic to the show. Despite his relatively small part in a large (2hr 30min) story, he sticks in the mind as much as his character does within the confines of potter's brain. the "background cast"---Snape, Dumbledore etc finally seem to do more than tell Harry what to do, they are part of the overall tapestry and instrumental in...nope, you have to see it.
The plot itself exceeds the book's reach by cutting out unwanted and rather unnecessary fat. Gone are the endless expeditionary scenes and moments of Potter complaining and moping. The fans may not like it but us, the general audience, appreciate a film with bite and briskness, which this has in spades.
As for the climax---it seems there was some last-minute editing. One can't help but wonder if the DVD will contain extra scenes of magic-war. This is no criticism, though. It is truly the best end to a Potter film yet, and without giving anything away, clearly hints at the chaos and truly dark proceedings that await in Film Six.
Go see.