257 replies to this topic

[Mr. Blofeld]

I know George Lucas loves to milk the cow, but at least he was able to provide us his Dark Lord operetta within three installments totaling no more than 8 hours done over 8 years.

...but all of which, however, with crappy editing and boring- continuity between them.

[bond 16.05.72]

As much as I enjoy the books and the films ( the first 2 are bearable but better than any of the SW prequels, The 3rd & 4th are the best) yes it is a shameless way to make more money, Warner saw the end of their franchise and then conveniently after editing loads of content (some quite controversially for some fans) they hit on the idea of using the fact they have to include all the facts to make it into 2 movies.

As much as I like most of the HP movies, I feel that the SW Prequels are much better than any of them. Including PRISONER OF AZKABAN.

Much better? Really?

I don't how old you are but I watched Star Wars in 1978 on the big screen when it was released in the UK and the build up to 1999 for Ep 1 was massive and none of those films lived up to the hype.

Prisoner of Azkabahn shows you how it's done and knocks spots off those god awful films, I couldn't disagree more if I tried.

I don't think you can understand the disappointment properly if you didn't see from the beginning and waited all through your childhood to adulthood to get those 3 big budget toy commercials, I'm only speculating if you did see them at the same time then fair play but I usually find those who watched them on TV years later tend to cut those prequels more slack.

[bond 16.05.72]

Harry Potter is drivel. The writing is atrocious. The characters are pitiful charicatures. The movies are dismal and with the exception of the Ginger boy, none of the kids can act. They should have made it in America or Australia where the kids are all natural talents. I cannot fathom how anyone can read the stuff and get through it without editing in pencil the print while tut tutting. What makes me rant is Stephen Fry's literary snobbery over Dan Brown and then has the cheek to endorse this badly written muck.

Fin.

Please don't hold back!

I don't see them as great literary achievments but I enjoy then stories if that makes me a un-intelligent moron then so be it.

The books are set in the UK the characters British based, I for one would not like a an American or an Australian playing these parts.

It does seem to bring out the most venomous reactions this franchise, whereas millions upon millions enjoy this series many people consider them abominable and undeserving of their success.

I guess horses for courses.

Back on topic.


I have heard they will tackle Voldemort's roots in more detail in the The Deathly Hallows.

I can see something like Peter Jackson did with Gollum at the start of Return of the King to bring everyone up to speed, I did very much enjoy Halfblood Prince but would have liked more Fenir Greyback and as someone has already pointed out the plot point about Fenir biting Bill Weasley has been completely forgotten about.

I did think the removal of the Dark Mark sequence as opposed to Dumbledore's funeral was a smart move and that sequence was very moving, it illustrated everyones feelings brilliantly and the funeral in my view wouldn't have said it any better. I would agree that the 6th film was indeed the most cinematic of all the Potters so far. The cinematography was exceptional.

The excuse they don't have the time to cover everything will not be able to be used with DH becoming 2 films and those who have read DH must agree the camping stuff is quite boring and meandering, DH has pacing problems. Hopefully Yates will employ some new ideas that exciting sequence with the Death Eater over London at the start of THBP was a great move to kick the proceedings off.

I wouldn't be surprised if some ideas from previous books might be employed a little like in Jurassic Park 3 they went back to Crichtons original and borrowed ideas not that it didn't stop it from being utterly atrocious.

I think DH will need quite of bit adding to it to justify 5 hours as its been proposed both films will run at 2 1/2 hrs.

Edited by bond 16.05.72, 21 July 2009 - 01:51 PM.

[Harmsway]

Harry Potter is not particularly well-written literature, nor is it excellent cinema. But it's hardly drivel. For lightweight entertainment, you can do much, much worse.

[bond 16.05.72]

Harry Potter is not particularly well-written literature, nor is it excellent cinema. But it's hardly drivel. For lightweight entertainment, you can do much, much worse.

Couldn't agree more, see the SW prequels for proof of that.

[danielcraigisjamesbond007]

I wonder what it'd be like to have NOT read any of the books, and to just have the story of Harry Potter from the cinematic perspective. I'm sure that the producers, etc. don't need to worry about 99% of their audience, because most people have read the books. But what about those who haven't? It'd be an interesting discussion.....

[Mr. Blofeld]

Just saw HBP today; I found it very moving, and the cinematography and scoring, on the whole, was beyond satisfactory, but I wish Nicholas Hooper weren't so in love with the "Fireworks" cue: It's for the Weasley twins, not to act as musical balm during the end credits!

Regardless, I liked that Hooper used Hedwig's Theme more throughout the film, but it seems that Steve Kloves never will learn how to write a proper film script.

[DamnCoffee]

Just saw HBP today; I found it very moving, and the cinematography and scoring, on the whole, was beyond satisfactory, but I wish Nicholas Hooper weren't so in love with the "Fireworks" cue: It's for the Weasley twins, not to act as musical balm during the end credits!

OMG I know! That was SUCH a mood killer!

Regardless, I liked that Hooper used Hedwig's Theme more throughout the film...

I think Hedwig's theme is criminally underused in the Potter movies, I would love, just for once, to hear it in an action cue. Like the Bond theme. It's as if Hooper is scared to use it. I hope Williams will give us some great variations upon his return.

[Mike00spy]

Ah yes, this is exactly what CBN was missing...ANOTHER thread about Harry Potter

Yes. Considerably.

I suppose with a kazillion Potter fans out there, leakage into the premier Bond forums was going to be inevitable.

I know George Lucas loves to milk the cow, but at least he was able to provide us his Dark Lord operetta within three installments totaling no more than 8 hours done over 8 years.

Here we get eight installments over, probably, 21 hours and squished into 10 years or so! Lovely!

...and people wonder why there are problems with quality control with these Warners pics.

Part of his "restraint" was naming the original Star Wars "Episode IV." I wonder if he felt guilty about it afterwards. Sorry, though, the prequels can't hold a candle to these Potter films. They are all flat emotionally, have weird to laughable dialogue, showcase horrible acting, contain no suspense, characters acting like idiots over and over again, characters dying without any kind of logical reasoning (Amidala), and finally- Jar Jar.

Edited by Mike00spy, 23 July 2009 - 11:07 PM.

[Mr. Blofeld]

Regardless, I liked that Hooper used Hedwig's Theme more throughout the film...

I think Hedwig's theme is criminally underused in the Potter movies, I would love, just for once, to hear it in an action cue. Like the Bond theme. It's as if Hooper is scared to use it. I hope Williams will give us some great variations upon his return.

You know, I had an arrangement in my head of an action-oriented Hedwig's Theme, complete with Williams-esque flourishes, but, unfortunately, I am not musically gifted, and, as such, cannot put such music down on paper or properly expess it in musical terms.

Also, two quibbles: Where was Ron when the Burrow burned down, and did Hedwig get killed in the blaze?

[Safari Suit]

Part of his "restraint" was naming the original Star Wars "Episode IV." I wonder if he felt guilty about it afterwards.

I'm pretty sure it wasn't called Episode IV on its original release.

[HildebrandRarity]

Well it was called Star Wars when I was a child, though the front crawl header was Episode IV: A New Hope before the gigantic Imperial Cruiser entered the frame.

[Safari Suit]

I wasn't alive in 77 and I'm not a Star Wars expert by any means, but I have read in the past that the "Episode IV" stuff was a subsequent addition. Whether I read this from reliable or correct sources is another matter.

[bond 16.05.72]

I wasn't alive in 77 and I'm not a Star Wars expert by any means, but I have read in the past that the "Episode IV" stuff was a subsequent addition. Whether I read this from reliable or correct sources is another matter.

If I remember rightly The New Hope part was always there but the Episode IV bit was added later when that was I don't know.

Whether it was during the reissues at the cinema or it was later when the special editions were released.

[Mr. Blofeld]

I wasn't alive in 77 and I'm not a Star Wars expert by any means, but I have read in the past that the "Episode IV" stuff was a subsequent addition. Whether I read this from reliable or correct sources is another matter.

If I remember rightly The New Hope part was always there but the Episode IV bit was added later when that was I don't know.

Whether it was during the reissues at the cinema or it was later when the special editions were released.

It was put in in 1981, to accomodate a major rewrite Lucas had done of the series back in 1978; namely, being that Darth Vader was combined with Luke Skywalker's dead father to become the revelation-dropping, son-attacking Dark Lord we all know and love today.

Hope that clears things up for you.

[Safari Suit]

It does, thank you.

[DamnCoffee]

Regardless, I liked that Hooper used Hedwig's Theme more throughout the film...

I think Hedwig's theme is criminally underused in the Potter movies, I would love, just for once, to hear it in an action cue. Like the Bond theme. It's as if Hooper is scared to use it. I hope Williams will give us some great variations upon his return.

You know, I had an arrangement in my head of an action-oriented Hedwig's Theme, complete with Williams-esque flourishes, but, unfortunately, I am not musically gifted, and, as such, cannot put such music down on paper or properly expess it in musical terms.

Take a look at this!



1:20 onwards is the type of Hedwig's theme I would like now and again.

[danielcraigisjamesbond007]

Did Hedwig get killed in the blaze?

Spoiler

Well, it'd prevent her from being killed in Deathly Hallows.

I had one complaint about HBP: Why didn't they include the scene about Merope??? It's criminally important to understanding Voldemort.

[DamnCoffee]

News Updates:

Nicholas Hooper stepping down as composer:

You may remember earlier this month there were rumors that Nicholas Hooper would not return to compose Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and we can now confirm that he, in fact, is stepping down.

iF: After two POTTER movies, and I imagine the next two, do you hope to bring your own wealth of themes to Harry that will be as memorable as the music that started it all?

HOOPER: I have made the decision not to do the next two HARRY POTTER films. I’ll be handing the baton on to another composer. It has been a roller coaster ride, and, I feel, an enormous privilege to have the opportunity to have scored such great films and such a fantastic story.

Cast Updates:

Several actors have confirmed their return in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in recent days and here's a quick summary:
Stanislav Ianevski (Viktor Krum)
Joshua Herdman (Gregory Goyle)
Louis Cordice (Blaise Zabini)
Angelica Mandy (Gabrielle Delacour)
Katie Leung (Cho Chang)

[DamnCoffee]

Here's some pictures I came across of the Seven Potters sequence, Hagrid and Harry's escape from Privet Drive.











Also, here's a Q&A with David Yates I came across.

[Mr. Blofeld]

You know, I have a bit of a theory about the Harry Potter and James Bond films:

Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets = Dr. No and From Russia with Love, which makes Chris Columbus the Potter version of Terence Young
Prisoner of Azkaban = Goldfinger, which makes Alfonso Cuaron the Potter version of Guy Hamilton
Goblet of Fire = You Only Live Twice, which makes Mike Newell the Potter version of Lewis Gilbert
Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, and Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2 = For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy, The Living Daylights, and Licence to Kill, which makes David Yates the Potter version of John Glen

A bit offbeat, I know, but it's only a theory.

[HildebrandRarity]

So I finally succumbed to my offsprings' goadings and insistances and - after having seen all the films on opening day - decided to delve into the final book. (I hasten to add that part of it has to do with not wanting to wait 2 years to see what happens with Snape and Potter and co.)

Anyhoo, i'm 5/8ths through Deathly Hallows or past the section where they escape from the Goblin bank, Gringotts or whathaveyou...

I have a question but it does not involve plot points.

Question:

In the Potterverse, what is the difference between a wizard and a warlock?

Enlighten me please...

[danielcraigisjamesbond007]

So I finally succumbed to my offsprings' goadings and insistances and - after having seen all the films on opening day - decided to delve into the final book. (I hasten to add that part of it has to do with not wanting to wait 2 years to see what happens with Snape and Potter and co.)

Anyhoo, i'm 5/8ths through Deathly Hallows or past the section where they escape from the Goblin bank, Gringotts or whathaveyou...

I have a question but it does not involve plot points.

Question:

In the Potterverse, what is the difference between a wizard and a warlock?

Enlighten me please...

Maybe I can help:
A warlock is a magician that practices the DARK arts, whereas a wizard is just the opposite.
BTW, I hope you enjoy Deathly Hallows. It's now my favorite of the entire series...

[Tybre]

Azkaban still holds up as my favorite, film and book. Hallows for me had far too much wandering to nowhere early on and I still think the final battle was a massive cop-out. Still, hope you enjoy it Hildebrand.

[HildebrandRarity]

Thanks. I would not have thought that was the answer because Voldemort is constantly referred to as a wizard and never a warlock. I have never yet heard him/read him as being the 'most dangerous dark warlock of all time', for instance.

Thanks, though!

[danielcraigisjamesbond007]

Azkaban still holds up as my favorite, film and book. Hallows for me had far too much wandering to nowhere early on and I still think the final battle was a massive cop-out.

I wonder why it is that people consider Azkaban to be their favorite. Not that there's anything wrong with it, but I don't think that Azkaban holds up to the two previous films/books. I wonder what the fascination with it is...

Thanks. I would not have thought that was the answer because Voldemort is referred to as a wizard and never a warlock.

Thanks, though!

Not a problem! Enjoy the book!

[Tybre]

Thanks. I would not have thought that was the answer because Voldemort is referred to as a wizard and never a warlock.

Thanks, though!

I'm going to trust the Harry Potter Wiki, since it's generated by rabid fanboys of Potterdom:

Warlock is a very old term that has two meanings: to describe a wizard of unusually fierce appearance or as a title denoting particular skill or achievement. It originally denoted one learned in dueling and all martial magic or given as a title to a wizard who had preformed feats of bravery (as muggles are sometimes knighted). It is, sometimes, incorrectly used as interchangeable with the term "wizard". Albus Dumbledore was the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot.

So does that mean Dumbledore ought to be called Sir Albus?

@Daniel
I dunno. Could be that I have something of a fancy for time travel. Could just be the whole of the plot itself. Could be Sirius Black. Can't quite place my finger on it, it's just my favorite.

[HildebrandRarity]

Ok thanks.

[danielcraigisjamesbond007]

@Daniel
I dunno. Could be that I have something of a fancy for time travel. Could just be the whole of the plot itself. Could be Sirius Black. Can't quite place my finger on it, it's just my favorite.

Don't get me wrong. I love ALL of the Potter books equally, and it's not like it was a chore to finish Azkaban. But, I still consider Azkaban to be the "filler" book of all of the seven. Now, the counterargument is that OOTP is the "filler," but I say that OOTP gave us the set up for Deathly Hallows (what with the prophecy and all.).

[Mr. Blofeld]

Hmmmm... I'm surprised no one's responded to my post, whjich I'm sure would have stirred up controversy on any other board.