‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’ Reviews

Early reviews for ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’ were positive sans 2 reviews from the same site I personally never heard of. (Click HERE for those reviews and some behind the scenes photos…) Since the midnight release it is currently sitting at a 97% critic approval rate on Rotten Tomatoes with the audience agreeing at a 92%. (As of the time I am posting this.)

The 2 negative reviews which sang the praises of the film but ended with a I DIDN’T LIKE IT stamp have been joined by just 3 more.

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‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’ London Premiere – WATCH IT LIVE

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’ London Premiere

Harry Potter is finally meeting the end of the series. Of course if you have read the books you know the boy wizard’s fate. Movie fans, who I encourage with vigor to read the books as the films leave out SO much, will finally get know who survives the final battle between Voldemort and Harry. It will deliver its tag line promise, “It all ends here.”

Until the official release on July 15th for the rest of us, Cinema Blend has some fresh clips to entice you. I will put a bit of a SPOILER ALERT here as some details that haven’t made trailers and previous clips are shown.

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Daniel Radcliffe Battles Alcohol Problem with His Girlfriend

Daniel Radcliffe revealed that the pressures of being a child star nearly lured him into a drinking problem. He told GQ that he fell in love with the sweet nectar to have a good time because being one of the richest kids ever wasn’t fun enough.

Fortunately, for those of us who would sell our grandmothers to take a picture with DanRad while dressed as Bellatrix and have him autograph our underwear, he was able to realize his alcohol problem before it became his downfall. (Much like one of his costars who is now in jail and left out of the final film. Click HERE to see what Harry Potter alumni had a pot farm…)

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‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’ TRAILER, PHOTOS

I will be taking the rest of the day off to get my geek on and watch the new and final ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’ trailer on repeat. It is by far the best trailer of the final movie.

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’ TRAILER and PHOTOS after the cut. Click ‘Read More…’

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James Franco Inspired Emma Watson – VOGUE SPREAD

Unless this ends with a joke about pot, I am not sure how pure a conversation between James Franco and any human being would truly be. I digress, Emma Watson credits James Franco for giving her advice on navigating the waters of fame and college.

Watson was trying to a blooming career in fashion, press junkets, filming the final two Harry Potter films all while attending Brown University. It became overwhelming and Franco shed some light on her attempt at combining work and school.

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‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ Reviews

It is finally November 19th and Harry Potter fans are finally getting to see the final installment of the saga. ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ was one of the most anticipated books as well as one of the top selling books. (8.3 million copies in 24 hours. Just for comparison…’Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn’ sold 1.3 million copies in 24 hours.) The weight of bringing the much adored book to life on film rested in the hands of David Yates. The pressure to do J.K. Rowling’s work justice along with delivering a package suitable for children and still pleasing to adults must have been crushing. At midnight last night (technically early this morning) the first showing opened to eager fans. So what is the verdict?

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ reviews are mostly positive. Most negative reviews surround the question of the film’s suitability for children. The heavy nature of the context of the books speaks for itself. I am guessing that those who have read the books will have to make a judgment call knowing what is in store for the wizarding trio. The film was given a PG-13 rating.

Rotten Tomatoes has the rating hovering around the 76% approval mark as of this Friday morning. (This will fluctuate as more reviews surface.) Critics are giving the 2 and a half hour film a 7.3 out of 10 rating while 90% audience members weighing in give it a solid approval. One factor that remains undisputed is the film’s animated telling of ‘The Three Brothers’ which explains the title of the film and ultimately plays a large role in the very end. Everyone is giving the segment praise.

Entertainment Weekly: “I don’t know which had the greater effect: my real melancholy at the thought of looming finality, or the elegance of this necessarily dark and serious penultimate film, in which characters/actors we have watched since childhood are now resourceful young adults. But I do know I felt a swell of love and awe wash over me from the very first wickedly creepy scene until the profoundly moving last one.”

New York Times: “While there is still one more film to go (Part 2 is scheduled for release in July), this one manages to be both a steppingstone and a reasonably satisfying experience in its own right. Some plot elements are handled with busy, “DaVinci Code”-like mumbo jumbo as the three friends must hunt down not only a bunch of horcruxes, but also the mysterious objects alluded to in the title. The deathly hallows at least provide the occasion for a lovely animated sequence, much as the inevitable preliminary battle scenes allow for episodes of explosive wand work. Even though it ends in the middle, “Deathly Hallows: Part 1” finds notes of anxious suspense and grave emotion to send its characters, and its fans, into the last round. ”

Washington Post: “‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1′ can’t be anything but unsatisfying. As the first part of the last movie in a 10-year franchise that has taken on almost theological meaning for a generation of readers and filmgoers, it’s meant to leave audiences wanting more. It’s half of a really good movie, full of the enchantment, emotion and incident for which the Potter series has become so fanatically cherished.” – 3 out of 4 Stars

The NY Post wasn’t so kind…“While this is no doubt a solid business decision and may well please devotees who demand extreme fidelity to Rowling’s text, I suspect many of my fellow Muggles will join me in checking their watches at regular intervals during this extremely s-l-o-w movie. Beautifully shot but a soulless cash machine, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” delivers no dramatic payoff, no resolution and not much fun. Hopefully we’ll get that in the final installment next summer.

I am guessing the critic at the NY Post has not picked up the book. If he would have, then perhaps he wouldn’t have expected to see something “fun.” Last I checked the title was ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ not “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure at Hogwarts.” The thing about this series is it’s details and information. It’s not a written work that is easy by any means easy to bring to film in a package under 3 hours. It isn’t muscley shirtless teens running around with pale and brooding boys who shop at Hot Topic and wear Armani Exchange. Potter isn’t about sex appeal/puppy love, nor does it need explosions and machine guns to keep you enthralled because there is an actual story with an insane amount of details, thought and planning beyond who has what super power.

There is a reason it is the second highest grossing film series (#1 is the Star Wars series). Even the 23 films of James Bond pales in comparison. I digress. I think the critic at USA Today put it best…

“Menacing and meditative, Hallows is arguably the best installment of the planned eight-film franchise, though audiences who haven’t kept up with previous chapters will be hopelessly lost.”

The film is for those who have actually picked up a book from the series. Directors of the previous films were forced to leave out vital characters (who were so prominent and now pivotal in the books), details and events. That vital information fell to the cutting room floor in the interest of time, so it’s no surprise some moviegoers will be lost. I’d say that the real treat is obviously the books. Hate to read? Get the books on CD or download them to your iPod. Listen to them in the car on the way to the grocery or working out. Jim Dale, the man who read the audio entire series, did an impeccable job. You will see that the films are great but are nothing compared to Rowling’s actual story of Harry Potter.

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Images Via: Warner Brothers

More ‘Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows’ New Posters – SEE THEM HERE

Here you are, Harry Potter fans … a new installment of posters for the upcoming ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows‘ movie. “Trust No One” is the tagline for the heroes shots while the villians get “The Hunt Begins” as their motto. The upcoming movie promises to be darker and scarier than any of its predecessors as Harry, Ron and Hermione set out to destroy the Horcruxes, the secret to destroying the immortal Lord Voldemort.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I opens in theaters on November 19th and Part II opens on July 15, 2011. Both films are directed by David Yates.

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Rhys Ifans Offered Role To Play Villain in ‘Spider-Man’

Sony has revealed that Rhys Ifans has scored the role of the villain in their reboot of the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise if he wants it. Unfortunately that is about all we know at this point, as Sony are staying tight lipped as to who that actual villain will be.

Per MTV:

If he accepts the offer, Ifans will join a growing cast list that already includes Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker and Emma Stone as his ill-fated first love Gwen Stacy.

You may not know the actor’s name, but you’ve likely seen him in quirky roles in films like ‘Notting Hill‘, ‘Pirate Radio‘, and a great supporting performance in last year’s ‘Greenberg‘. In addition to this Spider-Man casting, Ifans is likely to become more familiar following his upcoming appearance in the first part of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.’

What do you think? Does Ifans project enough menace for a Spider-Man villain? And what villain do you think that will be? (I’m going to throw The Lizard out as a left-field suggestion.)

Click here to see who wants to guest-direct ‘Glee.’

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Images Via: WENN.com

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ New Trailer – SEE IT HERE

[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' New Trailer - VIDEO]

The new Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows trailer hath cometh!

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Images Via: WB

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ Screening Info

I continue to squee as more Harry Potter film news bleeds onto the net. A screening for the first installment of the last Harry Potter film took place in Chicago. Details were shared by a gracious and obscenely lucky Potter fan. (Click HERE for HP7 movie stills…)

SPOILER ALERT

The movie goer reported that the actors “give their best performances to date; practically disappearing into their characters.” The film seems to give more details on how Ron, Harry and Hermione prepare for the journey ahead as the film starts Rufus Scrimgeour promising the wizarding world to do it’s best to survive the return of Voldemort.

The scene I have been hungry to see shows members of the Order of the Phoenix transform into Harry Potters to throw off the looming Death Eaters who are awaiting to ambush Harry as he leaves the safety of the Dursley’s home. The report sounds fantastic!

Via The Leaky Cauldron:

“ The Seven Potters scene was nearly complete in this cut. The transformation takes place in a single 360 degree camera shot, with each character transforming into Harry in their own unique way. Fred and George shrink about a foot, Mundungus grows about a foot, and Fleur gets Harry’s eyebrows as the first thing on her body to change. When the Seven Potters are waking around the room in their original character’s clothes, they are distinguished by their original voices and mannerisms. They then strip to change into Harry’s outfit. The production went all out here- even having Fluer’s Harry take off a white, lacy bra in order to change clothes. Once in the air, we see the Death Eaters dive on the Order like bats, swooping in casting spells and curses. Death Eaters take Harry and Hagrid on a chase down the highway, diving in between cars, and even doing a flip around a tunnel ceiling.”

The first death in this film takes place here as Harry, contrary to the book, lets Hedwig fly free. She returns to Harry in effort to help protect him and is hit with the Avada Kedavra curse which signals the real Harry to Voldemort and the first run in ensues.

The Weasly house is fully reconstructed which was another question that had I burning after the Half Blood Prince left it destroyed and in flames. Scrimgeour returns to read the will of Dumbledore. This is where Ginny and Harry share a brief kiss before being interrupted by George and his bandage ear. (He lost it during the Death Eater chase in case you weren’t up to date on the book.) Another battle ensues as Kinsley’s patronus appears and announces Rufus’ death and the Ministry being taken by Voldemort and his crew. Ron, Harry and Hermione escape as Lupin shows up to give the trio cover as they try to make it to Grimmauld place.

Dobby FINALLY returns! His character, in my opinion was far more important that directors assumed. I am glad to see his return. The reporter stated that the test audience cheered upon his arrival back on the screen.

“ The crowd cheered when Dobby appeared on screen, and was further endeared at the elf when he and Krecher vie for Harry’s attention. Mundungs’ information leads them to infiltrate the Ministry, which also is presented just as it was in the books. Umbridge, portrayed by Imelda Staunton, gets to recapture her former sinister self presiding over a courtroom with a swirl of Dememntors revolving overhead. The Ministry now seems to be operation to create forms of propaganda against Muggles, which are being produced in mass quantities (When Muggles Attack). They’ve also replaced the former statue in the atrium with a new totalitarian-themed creation, which is made up of jumble of twisted Muggles holding up wizards on a pedestal. “Muggles in their rightful place,” says Hermione.”

They continue through the ministry and make to Umbridge’s office. Moody’s eye is in the door to her office, but the reporter stated that it wasn’t clear whether or not Harry recovers it or not.

Remember those reports that Harry and Hermione get naked and played slap and tickle? Well, it appears to be TRUE. The lucky sneak preview reporter stated that camping scene involving the Horcrux features some odd twists…

“This part of the film shows the progression of Ron’s jealousy of Harry and Hermione’s friendship, spurred on by wearing the Horcrux. Rupert Grint plays this very well, storming out of the tent and into the winter, leaving Harry and Hermione unsure of how to go on. Following his exit, a scene not in the books remains one of the most touching and poignant: In an effort to cheer up a sullen Hermione, Harry removes the Horcrux from his neck, and shares an awkward high school prom-style dance with Hermione to the Nick Cave song, “O’Children.”

This awkwardness is then halted as Harry and Hermione go to Godric’s Hollow where they find Lily and James’ gravesite and Bathilda’s house. There is a run in with Voldemort’s snake, Nagini, which leaves Harry unconscious in the Forest of Dean with Hermione for several days. The scene was incomplete as CGI wasn’t finished.

Soon, Ron returns to save Harry and the nakedness rumored before ensues…

“This leads into, perhaps, the most thrilling and emotional part of the film: the Silver Doe. Rupert Grint’s performance is spectacular as he makes his return, pulling Harry from underneath the icy depths and destroying the Horcrux. After Harry opens the locket, a tornado of Voldemort’s dark soul rises above Ron, unleashing spiders on the ground and taunting him. In a very sensual turn, silvery porcelain visions of Riddle-Harry and Riddle-Hermione appear in the tornado and taunt Ron’s jealousy by sharing a long and intense kiss. In an effort not to truly represent the evil of Voldemort and the situation, the Riddle-Harry and Riddle-Hermione, in the swirling mass of the tornado, appear topless during the final seconds of their kiss before Ron swings Gryffindor’s sword down on the locket, destroying it.”

Harry, Ron and Hermione are reunited the final leg of this part of the final film comes to a close. They are captured and imprisoned at Malfoy Manor after more information is revealed as a 3 minute story of the three brothers and the Elder Wand rolls. Another stray from the book features Wormtail only being stunned and not killed by his the silver hand that Voldemort gave him. Dobby saves the trio after Bellatrix tortures Hermione and we are left with watching the Dark Lord break into Dumbledore’s tomb.

“Wormtail aside, Emma Watson’s shrieking as Bella’s character tortures her own (Bellatrix brands “mudblood” onto Hermione’s arm) still gives me chills. Bellatrix continues to be in top form when she uses her wand as a whip to take the sword from the low-rank Snatchers who captured the Trio. The Malfoy’s also get to show their complete desperation, with Lucius, drink in hand, talking a defeated Draco into identify Harry. Throughout this sequence the suspense builds until that final moment when the dagger is thrown by Bella and disapparates along with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Dobby to Shell Cottage.

Hands down, one of the most emotional sequences of this film was Dobby dying in Harry’s arms on she shores of Shell Cottage. The burial of Dobby takes place on a bluff overlooking the sea. Harry digs the grave himself, and places the small House Elf in his resting place with Ron and Hermione. The final scene in the movie takes place at Hogwarts, on a small island just off the banks of the lake. Dumbledore’s tomb is cracked open by Voldemort, who looks into the blank face of Dumbledore before taking the wand from his grasp and firing a lightning bolt into the air.”

Yes, this is where the first of the two part film will end leaving Potter fans amped up for the second half of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” Currently the process of putting together the last film is in the beginning stages.

Are you ready? Accio November 19th!!!


Get this and other HP countdowns at LeakyNews.com