Incognito Critics # 69! INVITE ONLY! - Page 9

I just came back from watching the 6th installment of the Harry Potter films. And trust me, after the film ended, everyone in the hall kept sitting for a few moments for the actual feeling to set in. It was only after a few silent moments that people started to walk out. This gesture is significant enough to show what a magnificent film it was. I was not only awed by the smooth flow of the film, I was also amazed by the perfect visual effects.

The opening scene itself sets the tone of the film - The Millennium Bridge being destroyed by the Death Eaters. It hooks you to the film immediately. This is exactly the way I had imagined the Death Eater attack to be when I was reading the book, in fact, it surpassed my imagination in a lot of ways. Everyone, including the muggle world, is beginning to realize that everything is not as it seems. Evil forces from the Wizarding world have now begun to descend upon the muggles and danger lurks behind every tree, every bush, every door. The thick line separating the muggle and the wizarding world has started to blur. I think this is one of the most important messages that Half blood prince as a book had to get across it's readers, and undeniably the movie gets this message across brilliantly.

I was going through some of the user comments on IMDB. Few people had included a long list in their comments comprising of the parts that were left out. Yes, Stuff was left out. Let's sit down and count the things that were not included and scrutinize the film. The important part is that the film had all the important elements to keep the story progressing smoothly. All the significant parts, that the film actually needed to maintain a familiarity with the book, were present. And this is exactly what I look for in the HP films. A sense of watching my favorite book of all time come alive on screen. Only a 12 hour long documentary type film can capture every minuscule element of the book and fit it in.

There are a lot of scenes that are applause-worthy:

1) The opening scene - Terrific. Visually stunning, it sets the pace and tone of the entire film. Excitement begins to bubble inside you right from the moment the death eaters come into the picture.

2) All trio scenes - It is breath-taking to see how the three kids ( now adults ) have grown as actors which is reflected onscreen aswell. 'The golden trio' lives up to their name. They're indeed, the golden trio. Their scenes capture the essence of their friendship, how it has strengthened and developed over the years. All the three actors have become so comfortable in their characters that numerous people refer to them as 'Harry, Hermione and Ron'.

3) The attack on the burrow - Even though this part was not in the book, it seemed to fit into the storyline like a missing piece in a puzzle. It was perfect. Harry running breathlessly amidst the huge bushes and Bellatrix running around yelling, "I killed Sirius Black"

4) On screen romance + Comedy - This film was hilarious. Period. I was laughing throughout the first half. We're exposed to Daniel Radcliffe's comic side for the first time and it rocks. He has perfect comic timing. Eg - The scene with Slughorn after he drinks Felix Felicis. The entire scene was extremely funny. Although I'm not a fan of Harry/Ginny or Ron/Hermione, I must say I quite enjoyed watching the developing tension between the couples. It captures the essence of growing up better than any other Potter film. I loved it when Harry and Hermione see Ron cuddling with Lavender and Hermione says, "Excuse me I need to go vomit"

5) The scene in the cave - It was awesome. Micheal Gambon fully transformed himself into Dumbledore in this one. I doubt he will be criticized this time. Dumbledore's strength, determination and intellect were brilliantly displayed by Gambon. The scene, as I had envisioned, required an uncanny thrill and a sombre aura at the sametime. I think the film had both. I was excited, yet gloomy because of Dumbledore's deteriorating health while he drank that potion. Besides, The entire scene was done wonderfully. The inferi looked real and dangerous, and Dumbledore swirling the fire around them to keep the Inferi away left my mouth agape.

Coming to the cast - They all were brilliant. Special mention - Jim Broadbent ( Horace Slughorn ), he was exceptionally brilliant as the funny, attention-seeking and bizarre Professor Slughorn. He was perfect for this role. Alan Rickman was as usual, outstanding. His 'Avada Kedavra' gave me the chills. Helena Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange is like 'Bull's eye'. The eerie yet audacious and brutal personality is grasped so well by Helena that I feel as if the two distinct personalities are one. Tom Felton was surprisingly brilliant in the film. Perhaps because we have not been exposed to much of Draco's character except the scenes where he constantly tries to irk Harry in the past, we had begun to underestimate the character aswell as the actor. There is so much more to his character in this film. He doesn't run around Hogwarts saying 'Potter Stinks' or 'You filthy mudblood'. He is much more solemn and calm in this film. Tom Felton shines through as an exceptional actor. He makes Draco cool in a mysterious way ;)

As for the main cast, They have grown and developed beautifully. Emma Watson was absolutely stunning in the film. All her scenes were top-notch. Specially the one where she cries on Harry's shoulder. Daniel Radcliffe, with his film, has outdone himself. He has improved in every way possible, plus we get to see a funny and sarcastic Harry in this one. His acting skills have developed since Equus and it shows. Harry=Daniel. Rupert Grint is awesome as usual. I love him in the 'Love Potion' scene, the quidditch scenes, and his scenes with Lavender. He has always proved himself to be a great actor, and he only raises the bar with every film.

P.S - I loved the moments between Harry and Hermione. They displayed a perfect platonic relationship, and although Harry/Hermione are not a romantic couple, I must say that Daniel and Emma look terrific together. I had never really mused over the fact before I saw the film.

I think every HP fan ( And non-fan ) should go and watch this film. It's the movie of the summer and the best HP film yet. It's a visual treat, and extremely entertaining and exciting at the same time.