Impressive... but not as amazing as the book

Rating: 5/10 (11 July 2007)

As many other people are saying, the movie was impressive, but not as impressive as the book. I understand that it is nearly impossible to fit certain details into the movie, but I felt that there were some of vital importance that were left out. For example, Hermione and Ron becoming prefects was a big deal in the book, at least as I remember it. Didn't that create some of the turmoil between the three that was clearly shown in the movie? I could list many other things that the director left out, but although they may not have been the most important details that JK provides in the book, everything connected back to each other. I felt that the movie was choppy and switched from scene to scene without really detailing how the characters got there. I was extremely disappointed with the plot line at the end of the movie, at the Ministry, because they did leave out all the battles that Harry and friends face before he and Dumbledore battle Voldemort. I don't know about you, but I was interested in seeing how the movie would portray Ron being attacked by a vat of brains. I thought the effects were great during that whole part, but I was annoyed that they revealed the prophecy to Harry in the presence of his friends. In the book, he doesn't learn what the prophecy says until after wards, when he and Dumbledore finally meet in his office. This also unleashes a problem for the 6th movie, because in the book, no one knows if Harry really is "The Chosen One", except for Dumbledore, and Ron and Hermione, who he tells later.
Besides the movie not being nearly as riveting as the book, the scenes were portrayed well and I was impressed by the effects in this particular movie. The new characters were perfect for their parts, Luna and Umbridge couldn't have been played any better (although I had always pictured the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher to be a little bit fatter). All of the acting impressed me, especially Daniel Radcliffe. He truly captured the essence of Harry's emotions in this movie, which I don't think has been up to par before.
Overall, I'd give it a 50%, just because I'm in love with the books. The Deathly Hollows is the premiere I'm truly waiting for!