David Yates (1) (1963–)

The first DVD in the two-part 'Deathly Hallows' is fast-paced, action-packed, and rather confusing for anyone who doesn't know the story, or who hasn't seen the earlier 'Harry Potter' films. Rather too tense for my tastes, but very well done. Four stars.

Review of the first part here: rel="nofollow" target="_top">https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2023/11/harry-potter-and-deathly-hallows-par....

The second part is also fast-paced and exciting, and makes a superb finale to the series. Five stars.

Review of the second part here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2023/11/harry-potter-and-deathly-hallows-par....… (mere)

A tense and dark film covering the main events of the sixth Harry Potter book. It's not my favourite book, nor my favourite of the films, but it prepares the way for the final confrontations that form the climax to the series.

Quite a bit of violence, including wholesale devastation of London in the opening sequences, and some disturbing scenes - intended for teens rather than children, and rated 12 for this reason. Some lighter moments including the beginnings of romances between some of the students, but a dramatic and poignant ending which is a huge shock for anyone who does not know what's coming.

There's much more in the book, but I think the film is done well, given the limitations of the media. Too fast in places for my tastes, and too much rapid action - but worth seeing as part of the series.

Longer review here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2023/11/harry-potter-and-half-blood-prince.h...… (mere)

Darker and more tense than the previous films in the series, this is rightly (in my view) rated 12 rather than PG. Inevitably a lot has been cut from the longest book in the series, but I thought it was done very well.

The main storylines are covered and the acting is excellent. Perhaps not surprising from the mostly well-known adult actors, but the starring trio - Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson - are still teenagers, but entirely believable in their roles.

Longer review here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2023/10/harry-potter-and-order-of-phoenix.ht...… (mere)