Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - Opinions?

Tummy said:
I think, in regards to missing things out, they could of written the films in such a way so that they don't need to miss things out of the last two films for fear of confusing people. I think they could have worked things better, and as I said, shot it almost scene for scene, just do a Lord of the Rings, release extended editions for hardcores like me.
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Agreed. I guess the target audience of these films wouldn't mind at all extended versions and scene-for-scene adaptation although having said that I don't really like the LoTR movies and probably couldn't sit through a 3:30 hour DVD/Blu-Ray release for example (depending on subject matter of course).

But also, I think a valid point would be that the long running time suited LoTR which had a decent pace, eventful intervals and action scenes written in and intertwined with the overall story. Harry Potter does not and is basically as follows;

Harry goes to school
Plays some Quidditch
Has some arguments
Talks to Dumbledore
Something happens at the end

And rinse and repeat seven times. Truth is they're probably just not that exciting in visual form, in written text granted Harry's school-days are interesting but unless you have awesome actors and dialogue then its going to seem lacking in film form and possibly even more so with a longer running time. Also, characters like Snape aren't made to seem half as evil as was given the impression in the books.
 
I quite enjoyed it, this was the first one i've actually gone out to see, i've normally just waited for them to come to Sky.

Looking forward to the next 2.


Oh and mmm. Emma.
 
I haven't seen the latest one but I've read all the books and seen the previous ones - not a big enough fan to buy boxed sets etc though and only have the first on DVD!

To be perfectly honest the acting is on a par with Ep 1-3 of Star Wars as are most of the effects, if not better. So I really don't see what people are whinging about, if you want serious acting, which frankly would be difficult to do whilst still appealing to children (target audience) then look elsewhere. These are primarily childrens books and movies, some adults enjoying them is simply an added bonus for J.K.'s bank balance.

Even the best actors who have appeared in the movies have struggled to pull of performances that don't appear to pander too much to the child audience, but those that have really have been superb. There's a couple in particular that are poor though and unfortunately they're a few main characters..

All my opinion of course, but I really don't see why people get so wound up about it. They simply can't stick fully with the book plots lines as frankly they don't always make sense, hves too many sub plots and would give too little screen time to important characters in the main plot.
 
I went to see it again tonight and on the second viewing it wasn't so bad, perhaps because my expectations had already been shattered.
 
My Ideas.

Opening scenes, flash backs of what happened, with Fudge talking to the Prime Minister, Explaining that the Dark Lord is back and both worlds are in grave danger, the start of the second Wizarding War.

Quick scene about Snape and the unbreakable vow.

Cut to Dumbledore arriving at Privet drive, taking Harry away and explaining that he needs Slughorn to come back, they arrive, explore Slughorns house and then he take Harry to the Burrow. Mentioning about lessons this year.

Scenes at The Weasley's shop, following Draco.

Scenes following Malfoy on the train, Harry getting attacked, Tonks finding him and explaining about Hogwarts been under extra protection, and taking him up to the school. Dumbledore's start of year speech.

Lessons, mixed in with Dumbledore and Harry's lessons, memories lessons explaining a bit more about the Dark Lord. Harry using the book and his relationship with Slughorn improving, Hermione's anger about using the book. Harry kissing Ginny and revealing how much he feels for her.

Quidditch trials. Ron and Hermione's fall out over Lavender, Slug Club party. Katie Bell being attacked. Harry asking Dobby to follow Malfoy, after visiting him in the kitchen. Harry stating it was Malfoy.

Harry's doubts over Malfoy with Lupin and Mr Weasley at Christmas.

Back to Hogwarts, receiving a lesson and knowing he has to get a memory from Slughorn. coupled with the attack on Ron. Hermione and Ron getting back to being friends.

Dobby helping by telling Harry that Malfoy has been using the room of requirement, Harry attacking Malfoy after questioning Katie.

Harry getting the memory for Dumbledore, after using the potion. Going to visit Dumbledore, meeting professor Trelawney, the conversation about her prophecy, Snape learning about it and telling the Dark Lord, which in turn led to his mother and father being killed.

Dumbledore and Harry Travelling to the cave to find the locket. The Fight in the cave, return to Hogwarts to see the Dark Mark, they both rush to the Astronomy tower, Dumbledore is Killed by Snape. Snape and the Death Eaters try and flee.

Battle at the Astronomy Tower. Harry chasing Snape across the grounds, Snape and Harry duel, Snape revealing it was his book, and his spells, Snape escaping.

Harry returning to the castle, seeing Dumbledore's body, everyone gathering round.

Dumbledore's Funeral, Harry saying that he's going after the remaining Horcruxes, and that he won't be coming back. Ron and Hermione saying they are coming with him. Opening the locket and getting the note.

* written after a drink ;)

I think as a very basic outline about what happened would have done a lot better.
 
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I was very disappointed. I didn't rate it much it all. Granted it was funny in parts, i still found it rather crap. I went with a friend of mine to watch it, who may i add is like one of the biggest HP fans, and she found it rather boring and dull. She also said they had mist a fair bit out from the book. Oh well, it's safe to say this is a film I wouldn't watch twice.
 
Saw it last night with my wife who is a big fan and has read all the books. I thought it was the biggest pile of poo I've ever seen - I'd sooner watch Battlefield Earth again than this. The other Potter films were enjoyable but this just went nowhere. I couldn't wait for it to end and I can't remember th last time I went to the cinema and looked at my watch so much. Of course if you're a potter fanatic you'll love it. Me, I'll just stay at home for the next film (unless they all get violently killed that is!).
 
I don't really get the hate for this film - I saw it on Saturday and I loved it. I also don't understand why people get so irritated that a 2 hour film misses parts of 1,000 page book - how could it not?

I loved all the books and I have loved all the films! The acting of most of the kids is appalling but I can live with that.
 
Saw it yesterday, my boyfriend probably gave the best summary as we walked out of the cinema. I asked him if he could tell me what happened in the film and his reply was:

'Dumbledore died, the blond kid got a tattoo and Harry got it on with the ginger girl. Other than that, no idea.'

It was the biggest waste of what felt like 3 hours ever. I can't even begin to tell you how much they left out, and how important some of the things they left out were. The acting was, as usual, terrible. With the exception of the guy who plays Malfoy, he was actually rather good.

Being a girl, I cry when I read the end of the book (when a certain character departs) but in the film I couldn't have been less emotional. In fact I was hoping they'd just hurry up and get on with it.

And who thought up the cornfield scene? It was completely pointless and in no way relevant to the story.

Nothing is explained, the film makes no sense. It should be avoided imo :)
 
I was VERY disappointed in this film.

A lot of important information was left out, yet irrelevant scenes were left in. I have no idea what the director was playing at. A completely crap adaptation IMHO.

I wish they would just leave things the way they were, Dumbledore and Potter arrived at the top of the tower on brooms FFS, they did not apparate. Also, what happened to McGonnagal getting stunned down? What happened to Hagrid being attacked and then running off?

Crap :mad:

*Edit*

OMFG! I completely forgot! Where was Dumbledore's funeral?
 
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Skidder said:
I don't really get the hate for this film - I saw it on Saturday and I loved it. I also don't understand why people get so irritated that a 2 hour film misses parts of 1,000 page book - how could it not?

I loved all the books and I have loved all the films! The acting of most of the kids is appalling but I can live with that.
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I want the film to be EXACTLY like the book. I don't give a **** if I have to sit there for 5 hours. Make it exactly like the book, or don't bother.
 
The Mad Rapper said:
Agreed - he's amazing! :D

The actor that plays Dumbledore is hideous. The original was far better, shame he died :(
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Thank you! I have being saying for ages how horrifically bad he is. In the goblet of fire he actually pushes Harry up against the wall aggressively :confused:

It's like he hasn't even read the books.

We should hook up ;)
 
When Gambon first took over I couldn't get used to his west country intrepretation of Dumbledore. He sounded like one of the Wurzels. I'm over it now and like him in it.
 
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