Topic: Harry Potter Fans!

[Dragonfire]

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The dance was fine..it sort of seemed a little out of place at first, but it worked I think.  They were under all sorts of stress from trying to stay safe..and Ron was gone at that point.  I don't remember if that was in the book.  I didn't get to read it again before seeing the movie.  But I think I'm going to start it again later tonight.  I should be through the parts covered by the movie in time.

Oh I didn't think they were naked during the filming or anything.  I figured they did something with CGI to remove her shirt..or she was wearing a flesh covered shirt or something like that.  I just hadn't expected that part to get that...racy I guess.  That's something else I can't remember for sure..if there was that embrace going on in the book or just Hermione saying how no one would want Ron when they could have Harry.  But considering how old they are in this movie, it makes sense that they would think more about that sort of stuff.

[Achim]

Now I can't wait to see the movie so I can open up all those spoilers...

[Dragonfire]

Well hurry up..you've had a few days.  Quit dragging your feet and get to the theater.

[Critter]

Yeah Achim, get a move on! We need more people in this spoiler conversation.
Speaking of spoilers...

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Marie, how did you think they handled the Hermione/Bellatrix torture scene? I loved it, like really loved it! Both actors were amazing, Emma especially was outstanding. I only wish they showed a little more of it though, we never actually once saw Bella use the cruciatus curse. Of course everyone who has read the books knew that's what was happening, but people who haven't wouldn't know how she was being tortured. And I loved the addition of her carving 'mudblood' into the arm. That didn't happen in the book but I thought it was a great touch!

[Dragonfire]

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I thought that scene was done well.  I didn't think she carved mudblood into Hermione's arm in the book, but I couldn't remember for sure.
People who saw the 4th movie may remember that curse and figure that is what Bellatrix was using.  Though I can't remember if the movie said that she used that Neville's parents or not.  Hmmm.

[Critter]

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The torture scene was way more horrific in the book than on the screen for me. The way it was written was so powerful and frightening, and by that point I really cared for Hermione so it was hard to read at some points. At the same time though it was just such a strong scene in the book that I have been waiting to see how it went on the screen version for a long time. I'm glad to say I was not dissapointed at all. I heard that there could have been an extended scene of it thought that was cut out in the final film. Here's hoping for extended/deleted scenes on the DVD!

[Najemikon]

Empire have done a Potter feature you might appreciate...

http://www.empireonline.com/features/lost-plots-of-harry-potter/

[Critter]

Thanks for that, it's a good article. Although I think some of those things mentioned were touched on in the films somewhat. Some of those other parts though I had completely forgotten about, such as when Rufus Scrimgeour visits the Prime Minister. Now I really wish they had included that, it would have been very cool.

[Dragonfire]

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I don't think there was a lot about the torture scene in the book...I'm not to that part again yet.  If they had shown much more of that, it would have gotten way more disturbing.

That is a good article.  Some of those things might have been touched on, but not enough.  The backstory for many characters is very important in these books and I do think it hurts the story for those things to be cut.  It would have just taken a few minutes to explain most of the backstory.   And Snape's memory in Order of the Phoenix was handled horribly.  The thing was so short, if I hadn't read the book, I wouldn't have had a clue what it was supposed to mean.

This first spoiler is tied to Prisoner of Azkaban.

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It really irked me that there was no explanation about the origin of the Maurader's Map and that James and his friends were Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs.  It still hasn't been shared in the movies that James was an animagi...self taught at that.  Or that the friends did that to help Lupin when he was in werewolf form.  Knowing that James managed that type of magic at a young age shows that he was powerful...and I think that helps explain why Harry is able to do complex spells - like the patronus - at such a young age.

This spoiler is for the new movie.

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The Dursleys have never been my favorite characters, but their leaving was not handled right.  I was bothered that Dumbledore didn't have his little talk with them at the beginning of the sixth movie too.  Those little bits show that there is some...decency in them somewhere.  Like Dudley thanking Harry for saving his life.  I have a feeling the bit about Petunia having wanted to go to Hogwarts is gonna be cut in the final movie...and that sucks.  That little bit from the memory explains so much about her and why she is so bitter about everything tied to Lily and Harry.  Every memory shared in the last book is important to explaining some things, but I have a bad feeling they are going to be cut to hell.  I hope they won't be, but I won't be surprised if they are.

[Najemikon]

Well I haven't read the books and did feel I understood Snape's memory, but how Empire explained it, it would have been nice to see more of it and understand the nuances. Basically what was there is efficient but no more.

[Dragonfire]

Yup...and it isn't like the memory was super long to begin with.  It would have just taken a minute or so more to deal with it better...and include something that becomes very important in the last book.

[Najemikon]

It would never be perfect though and this is what I meant earlier. If they wanted to make a series of films that actually meant something and could stand aside the books, they should have waited and reviewed the books together, identify the really interesting stuff like the Potter/Snape relationship and make a core for the screenplay. Instead they will always stay one step behind.

Put it another way; George Lucas may be a lot of things, but he would have known who Lukes dad was long before he started the first film even.

The Potter films sold flow better as a saga, but instead they weirdly run as standalone sequels.

[Dragonfire]

That is a good point.
But they wanted to jump on the movies while the books were so popular.  There is no way they would have waited till 7 was out to start..The studio wanted to cash in on the popularity as soon as possible.  And if they had waited to start the first movie, we wouldn't have the cast we have...which is perfect.

Rowling did has some say in what was going on..like they were going to leave Kreacher out of 5 at first, but she stopped them.  I just wish she would have stepped in a few more times like that.  But still, the movies are really good overall.

[Dragonfire]

Ohh..something I was going to mention before but forgot.

A critic was on this one entertainment show talking about the movie.  No clue who now.  He has seen all the movies but hasn't read the books.  He calls the movie disappointing and was complaining that nothing happened.
While the movie isn't action packed, there is still a lot going on.  The stuff that is in the movie is important to the overall story and the ultimate resolution.

[Critter]

Has anyone here seen both Disney's The Emporer's New Groove and Deathly Hallows? If so I hope this picture will make you laugh as much as it did me... genius!