After five months of its record breaking release in theaters, I finally watched this movie and I must say it was surprisingly un-epic and anti-climactic. Some may argue that this lack of satisfaction is due to the fact that I watched it on DVD in my living-room instead of immersing myself in the in-your-face 3D visuals, surround sound, theater experience, but I've seen many a movie on the small screen of my iPad that has given feelings of ethereal euphoria or the hibbi-jibbies. To be fair, I will make a list of likes to counterbalance my overall dissatisfaction.
1. The trio's initial daring adventure into and out of Gringotts - Quite exhilarating and kept me at the edge of my seat, metaphorically speaking since I was sitting on a sofa.
2. Not necessarily likable but certainly unforgettable was the eye-piercing scene of shirtless Harry and Ron. I'm sure you'll hate me for simply mentioning it and putting that image in your head. I apologize. Another unforgettable scene was Voldemort hugging Draco. Awkward and uncomfortable is an understatement.
3. "I've always wanted to use that spell." -Professor Minerva McGonagall
"How can you live with yourself, Lucius?" - Voldemort
"I don't know."
4. Neville Longbottom.
5. Severus Snape and his backstory. Probably didn't cause as strong emotions as it did with others, but oh how full of emotion!
6. The soundtrack. Specifically the track "Statues." That track helped carry the emotions of urgency and terror, but also of hope and unity. Very powerful.
7. My absolute favorite part of the whole movie is when they're securing Hogwarts. That was the epic moment of the movie for me. The music, the visuals, feeling like you wanted to be a witch or wizard right then and there and point your wand to the sky and help create that massive shield. Ooh... I got chills. Watch it from 1:35 - 3:15.
Maybe it wasn't as satisfying as I expected due to the lack of surprise that results from watching a movie based on a book-series that you simply can't put down until you finish reading. I highly doubt I'm the only one who's own imagination was more satisfying than the final product of Warner Bros. Overall, a good ending to the series. Not great, but good.
After watching this movie for the first time I felt very much the same. I thought it was good and it fulfilled the need for an ending. After watching this movie a second time however, I was able to really absorb a lot more of the movie and I fell in love. Upon reading the last book I still felt a great dislike and distrust towards Snape. After watching this movie I had a change of heart and now feel great compassion towards Snape. This movie altered my thinking and had great influence on me. With the combination of the screenplay, the score, and visual effects, I thought it was possibly the best of the Harry Potter movies.
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