I really enjoyed HP5, though I wouldn't say it's my favorite (that's still #3 for me). I'd put it on par with #4. The pacing is problematic, and that affected my reactions to some scenes that should have been more powerful. In fact, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think it would have worked better if it had been a half hour longer. It needed a little more time to establish some key elements like the purpose and importance of Harry's Occlumency lessons with Snape, or the role that each kid plays in the climactic fight at the Ministry, or the impact of the prophecy.

But as noted, the acting is great, much improved over the last ones. I was quite impressed with Daniel Radcliffe (and, okay, I know I'm late to the party, but when did he actually get hot?? rowr!) and Imelda Staunton was *brilliant*. I also loved the girl who played Luna Lovegood. I thought Emma Watson was the weak link, though -- she came off kind of flat in a lot of her scenes. I've really liked her in the previous movies, so I don't know what's up with her now.

My favorite bits were the Dumbledore's Army scenes -- you really get the sense of these kids' fear of what's coming, but also their excitement at finally learning how to defend themselves and maybe even make a difference in the fight against Voldemort. Plus, Neville! Also all the teen-romance bits, often just throwaway things like a great reaction shot from Ginny when Hermione is teasing Harry about Cho Chang.

Best post-movie comment from one of my friends: "I love how Bellatrix LeStrange escaped from Azkaban -- by actually gnawing her way through the scenery."

I figured 5 would make a good movie, whereas it's a really depressing (and almost oppressive) book.

I'll believe it's better than 3 when I see it, though. Which...won't be for a while.

I figured 5 would make a good movie, whereas it's a really depressing (and almost oppressive) book.

Nodding in agreement. Umbridge was the kind of villain who is nigh intolerable in an 870 page novel, but can work very well in a movie (and given how the reviews have been praising Staunton, it sounds like that's exactly what happened).

Umbridge was the kind of villain who is nigh intolerable in an 870 page novel, but can work very well in a movie

Without having yet seen the movie, I'm in complete agreement.

I will certainly agree with the first part. Lord, did I hate her. And not in a love-to-hate way.

From her first "hem-hem" to being carried off by the cenataurs, you hate her and she's just fucking bang on perfect.

Am I correct in thinking that Rowling modeled her after Thatcher?

She was by far the scariest villain to me in the series. Can't wait for the movie!!! (Seeing it on Friday evening)

She was by far the scariest villain to me in the series.

I was explaining this to my mother yesterday... she watches the movies, but hasn't read all the books. She's on the side of good, and she's that nasty? That's creepy as hell.

(Should we be whitefonting? This is so weird.)

In fact, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think it would have worked better if it had been a half hour longer.

Heh, someone on my flist said the same thing! I have to get through a whole day of work before I can see it toniiiiiiiight.