5 Scenes that I would have liked to see in Deathly Hallows part 1

If you haven't seen Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, you may not want to read this, as I talk about what is and isn't in the film. If you haven't read the book, you'll be confused.

5. Phineas Nigellus in the beaded bag

4. Harry stealing and eventually burying Mad-Eye Moody's magical eye

3. Harry, Ron, and Hermione listening to their friends on Potterwatch radio

2. Dudley's heartfelt goodbye with Harry

1. Harry telling off Lupin at Grimmauld place

To make room for some or all of these scenes I could have gone without the Harry-Hermione dance. It was a little weird and didn't really go with the flow of the movie. I didn't hate it, but I could have gone without it.

What do you think? What scenes did you want or did you not like?

The Half that is more whole than what a whole would have been: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 Review

About 12 hours ago I got home after a great night at the Movie. The Movie that millions have waited for. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1. This movie wasn't a whole movie, but it was a whole half.

Part 1 will please the most fans of the books since Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in its true-ness to the books. It was exceedingly true to the books, it was more naturally adapted than some of the recent Harry Potter films, and it was very well paced. This is mostly to do with the wise decision that Warner Bros. made to split Hallows into two films. WB's decision was good for them (more $$$) and good for fans (fewer fans angry about what they left out).

The pace of this film is what made me really happy. In the past 3 films the plot just seemed rushed and I was disappointed about certain things that were missing (especially the key plot points that are now plot holes.) In the Hallows book, the first half is mostly fearful, figuring-out-what-to-do-next camping. It is a little slow and anxious feeling. I believe that the filmmakers did an excellent job creating this feeling and pace onscreen. They really set the tone for the film right at the beginning with Voldemort and his disregard for life. He is really evil.

The acting was phenomenal. Rupert Grint gave us an outstanding emotional performance of Ron. Radcliffe is excellent and Watson is completely rid of her trying-too-hard facial expressions. The amount of care and effort is definitely visible. Also, while watching the credits I got to realize how many top-notch actors this franchise has, all of which are British (of course).

The cinematography is amazing. This film was very beautiful and the scenes were very visually pleasing. New composer for Harry Potter Alexandre Desplat's score is superb. The only thing I wish would have been included was some more of Hedwig's theme from John Williams' original score. There was a little, but I would have like a little more. Other than that little detail, I loved Desplat's work. (I'm listening to it as I type this.)

There are a few scenes from the book I wish would have been included, but I will wait until my next post to divulge.

As a story, it was incomplete. But since that is what the filmmakers were intending, I'm fine with it. It was much better than the split between Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3 as the film was just better. For those people who haven't read the books and are casual fans of the films, this one might be a little tough to follow. That is because it isn't shallow or flaky, it is pure plot meat. Mmm....meat. To the die hard fans, you will be pleased.

Part 1 runs 146 minutes and is rated PG-13. Definitely not a kid's movie. I give it 10 ramheads out of 10.