This table-setting chapter is a remarkable example of efficient character introduction (three of four main adults, Hagrid, Dumbledore and McGonagall, appear fully-formed in the prologue), and the sheer inexperience of our young actors puts the “burden” on the elder pros. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) Even with an overindulgence in hormonal hijinks, this one still works as a visual differentiation while Tom Felton’s Malfoy shines as a young man tortured by the implications of actually doing evil as opposed to merely “being” evil.Įmma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint (Photo by DMIPhoto/FilmMagic) FilmMagic Moreover, and this is not necessarily a criticism (because it works for this adaptation, but the film painfully telegraphs what in the book was a jaw-dropping plot twist.
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We get almost no “origins of Voldemort” material and very little in terms of Snape’s backstory, instead saving that for one long montage in the final picture. I’m a little “biased” as they say, because this sixth film is based on one of my favorite books in the series, and yet seems to omit the very things that make the book pop. Opening weekend: $77.84 million ($158 million Wed-Sun) Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage) WireImage Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" premiere at Ziegfeld Theatre on Jin New York City. Had it all ended here, without the thus-far botched prequel franchise (and, yeah, without the author earning the ire of her fandom), I still think Harry Potter would still stand alongside (or above) Star Wars as a definitive pop culture myth.NEW YORK - JULY 09: (L-R) Actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint attend the "Harry.
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Hell, in this pop culture, a smooth landing is the biggest surprise of all. Especially ten years later, after so many other pop culture juggernauts came to a whimpering end, it’s beyond impressive that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part II just ended its story in a logical and satisfying fashion without trying to outsmart the fans or subvert expectations.
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These kids didn’t want to be kings and masters, they just (like Sam and Frodo) wanted to live another day. Oh, and the epilogue is as effective now as it was in print form. Rickman shines, the forest walk hits like a ton of bricks, and the Harry/Voldemort showdown cleverly adds a physicality to what was mostly a point-and-shoot duel.
BEST HARRY POTTER FILM SERIES
This series finale nails the landing, giving big character moments (including Julie Walters’ Molly Weasley righteously killing of Helena Bonham Carter’s Bellatrix Lestrange) to everyone of consequence and prioritizing a satisfying finale over jaw-dropping twists.
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Nonetheless, if the last 2/3 feel a little rushed, with much of the “battle of Hogwarts” feeling a little truncated, at least it doesn’t wear out its welcome. I’m not sure why director David Yates (who helmed the last four of these) decided that this series finale should the one to run barely two hours, especially when they spend much of the first act in a side quest to fetch a Horcrux from Gringotts bank.