Potter or Plotter?

Rating: 7/10 (11 July 2007)

First, let us look at the good. The movie had some unique aspects. The use of The Daily Prophet in the spinning newspaper reminiscent of earlier film making is really cool. The final action scene is extremely well done. I believe that Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe give much improved performances along with other members of the supporting cast. When I say Rupert Grint's performance is improved, I mean that I found him completely believable as the best friend. Emma Watson had a few good moments and well delivered lines, but I think she is still lagging behind the others. Editing was very well done and just when the movie started to talk too much, it would cut. Special Effects gets an A+. Basically, as a movie this one stands in the ranks of the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and even The Sorcerers Stone (which I appreciate for capturing the book very well and really starting the movies off on a good foot).
My problem is that the movie does not do justice to the longest book of the series. It's also the shortest movie. I know that when they write the script they talk to J.K. Rowling to make sure she approves; thus the movie should work out to hold all the necessary components to make sure all the relationships and intricacies are in place so the movies will make sense independently from the books. Therefore, I am not worried that the movie cut out all the important stuff; I'm upset that it has only the important stuff. Umbridge's tyranny is represented my Mr. Filch hanging decrees on the wall; meanwhile, Dumbledore's Army is going along cheerily. Harry went through a lot of personal pain going through the book, but he is cheated out of the pain in this movie. It pops up a few times, but it seems random and inconsistent with the rest of the movie. In the scene when Sirius dies, they muted the Harry's screams, a trend that is growing in modern film making that I like, but disliked in this film.
I am afraid of ranting too much, so I will stop. I'll just say this for those who haven't seen the movie: I'm sorry for the spoiler; I give the movie a 7 for having the razzle of an epic, but missing the dazzle of the HP world.