THE BORE

General => The Superdeep Borehole => Topic started by: Phoenix Dark on December 26, 2007, 11:30:08 PM

Title: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on December 26, 2007, 11:30:08 PM
Well maybe not, but god damn I'm pretty bummed. My brother bought it earlier today and I just got finished watching it.

I was shocked at how uninspired and dead everything looked. Obviously the same Hogwarts castle is used, but it seemed like all the life was sucked out - color, lighting, everything. The same goes for the surrounding environments. You could argue that this realer art direction makes sense considering the events that occur in the book but it still felt depressing, and not in a good Tim Burton way; hell many of the portraits on the walls don't even move. The direction really didn't help bring things to life either - out of all the films this one seemed to have the least style. On more than one occasion I couldn't help but be annoyed at how average everything was. Harry's dream sequences and the Occlumency flashbacks were especially unimaginative. The Ministry of Magic goes from a giant, sprawling government building to what looks like a big mall. Where's the magic?

I'm not the type of person who demands the films follow the books 100%, in fact my favorite one is still PoA which takes many creative liberties. I've read OOTP more than the other books and essentially know it front to end - it's simply too long and layered to faithfully adapt to film. But despite that I was still shocked at how much was skipped, ignored, and altered. The changes are apparent from the first scene, which I felt was logical for pacing issues. But the complete absence of Mundungus and the tagged-on Ms. Fig were jarring to me.

I'm not going to bitch about the cutting of much of the Grimwauld stuff; while I enjoyed Mrs. Black, Buckbeat, Sirius vs Snape, etc I realize that stuff wasn't too important for the film. Interestingly the script originally cut out Kreatcher but Rowling lobbied for him to be included due to his importance in the seventh book. But while Kreatcher is in the film for a couple minutes, Dobby is totally missing - instead of him finding the Room of Requirements for Harry, Neville seems to find it somehow. There's no Quidditch, Hagrid and many other characters make weak cameos, the more interesting rooms in the Department of Mysteries are missing...eh, no more bitching.

I'm also bummed there weren't more Sirius scenes. The few scenes Oldman has are great. I also thought Belletrix was done pretty awesome, as was Tonks - although she was in few scenes as well. I loved Umbridge. In terms of acting, I thought this was Radcliff's best stint as Harry; it wasn't his fault that Sirius's death was handled so poorly, not allowing him to react much. Grunt was funny as Ron. I'd agree that Emma Watson was the weak link; her idea of acting seems to be furrowing the brow and turning all dialogue into breathless, overly dramatic yelling.

Overall I honestly thought GoF was better. Both films are flawed but at least GoF seemed to emit a sense of magic, life, and humor in the environments, characters, and music; speaking of music, the Potter theme shows up maybe once in OOTP and is replaced with a rather boring, forgettable score.

5.5/10


SS: 7/10
CoS: 6/10
PoA: 9/10
GoF: 7/10
OOTP: 5.5/10

Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Howard Alan Treesong on December 26, 2007, 11:37:02 PM
You prefer Goblet of Fire? Really? REALLY?
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on December 26, 2007, 11:38:37 PM
Goblet of Fire didn't even make sense if you weren't familiar with the book.  OOTP is at least coherent on its own merits.  PD fails again.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on December 26, 2007, 11:42:12 PM
GoF comes on absolutely horrible, but it regains it feet once everyone gets to Hogwarts.

OOTP is accessible but I wouldn't consider that while reviewing the film from my perspective; I'd argue GoF is accessible if you haven't read the book as well, especially considering how different it is from the book. But like I said, at least GoF gets the important things right (for the most part) and is imaginative. I didn't see anything fresh or interesting in OOTP
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: MrAngryFace on December 26, 2007, 11:43:33 PM
5 is in no fucking way a 5, jesus christ. Just get a job at 1up and be done with it.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Flannel Boy on December 26, 2007, 11:46:32 PM
I have not read a single Harry Potter book nor have I watched a single Harry Potter movie. This fact alone should elevate me to the status of a god. Unfortunately, the other facts get in the way. 
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on December 26, 2007, 11:46:47 PM
GoF is INCOHERENT from scene to scene, and you can't follow it if you haven't read the book.  That means it is a total and complete failure!
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Van Cruncheon on December 26, 2007, 11:47:52 PM
where is the mega rolleyes gif when we need it

pd, jesus. just jesus.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Van Cruncheon on December 26, 2007, 11:49:46 PM
GoF is INCOHERENT from scene to scene, and you can't follow it if you haven't read the book.

pretty much. i'm hardly an idiot, but i couldn't make heads or tails of shit during my original gof viewing -- i had to have my wife explain it to me. also, gof's videogame plot is just lolworthy, and the trio trying to channel teen angst was hilariously awful. what the fuck was up with all the time spent on that stupid dance segue? oh yeah: mike fucking newell
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on December 26, 2007, 11:51:57 PM
Maybe we watched a different film; I saw GoF three days ago and have seen it multiple times since its release without noticing that.

OOTP is coherent but fails to be interesting. So much of the most interesting scenes from the book are simply ruined to the point of being anti-climatic. Mr. Weasly being attacked by the snake is just wtf. You'd think something that dramatic would muster some drama, but instead its put on the back burner, and he shows up at Christmas dinner as if he just had a headache or something. Same thing with Sirius' death and the Weasly brother's final school prank.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on December 26, 2007, 11:57:42 PM
Sorry, PD, your terrible taste loses again.  GoF is the only movie in the series that I consider disappointing.  They tried to cram too much in and it ended up a mess.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Van Cruncheon on December 26, 2007, 11:58:55 PM
Sorry, PD, your terrible taste loses again.  GoF is the only movie in the series that I consider disappointing.  They tried to cram too much in and it ended up a mess.

:bow :bow :bow
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on December 27, 2007, 12:01:04 AM
Sorry, PD, your terrible taste loses again.  GoF is the only movie in the series that I consider disappointing.  They tried to cram too much in and it ended up a mess.

I agree its a mess, but it's still watchable and gets the basic themes and atmosphere right. OOTP is extremely disappointing to me considering I've read the book so many times and doesn't do anything interesting. There are just too many *rolls eyes* moments in it for me.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on December 27, 2007, 12:04:00 AM
I think you are being blind to GoF's very obvious problems, like the unexplained bipolar reactions to Harry in the school.  These are all explained in the book, but not in the movie.  In one scene, everyone hates Harry.  In the next, they love him again.  It doesn't feel natural and it's not explained in anything resembling a satisfying manner.  Everyone in the school just comes off as FUCKING CRAZY.  It makes NO FUCKING SENSE.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 12:05:04 AM
Oh, Maurice, when will you learn.  The last film adaptation was at least one billion times better than Goblet of Fire, which in reality, should've been the easiest book to translate to film.  Instead it is pretty much incoherent and a disaster - Order of the Phoenix was at least watchable and entertaining at times.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: brawndolicious on December 27, 2007, 12:06:20 AM
why the hell would you read a harry potter book multiple times?
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on December 27, 2007, 12:07:00 AM
I think you are being blind to GoF's very obvious problems, like the unexplained bipolar reactions to Harry in the school.  These are all explained in the book, but not in the movie.  In one scene, everyone hates Harry.  In the next, they love him again.  It doesn't feel natural and it's not explained in anything resembling a satisfying manner.  Everyone in the school just comes off as FUCKING CRAZY.  It makes NO FUCKING SENSE.

Why would I be blind to them, the movie isn't worth blindly defending. Everyone hates Harry for the same reason Ron hates him - for being a show boat and allegedly putting his name into the Goblet. When he starts competing they finally come around to him, along with Ron.

If that was confusing you just weren't paying attention
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: MrAngryFace on December 27, 2007, 12:07:44 AM
4 was my least favorite for the reasons tvc stated. The school's reactions to Harry are all over the place, the movie jumps to events all over the place, probably the worst acting of the 5 movies from the standard cast, and the whole first part of the movie looked like crap and was shot horribly.

EVEN THEN, I found enough to enjoy to save the 4th movie from a 5.5 that you have so carelessly tossed in the direction of OOTP.

I swear PD, you've become so damned predictable.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 12:08:32 AM
FIVE POINT FIVE IS THE NEW B-
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Van Cruncheon on December 27, 2007, 12:11:45 AM
no, willco. you do not yet escape your transformers love-in legacy.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 12:12:24 AM
OCARINA OF TIME NEVAR FORGET U NINTHING
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Van Cruncheon on December 27, 2007, 12:13:13 AM
10 years later, and NOBODY has forgot! this too is YOUR FATE.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 12:14:15 AM
If I only knew. :'(
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Gay Boy on December 27, 2007, 12:21:11 AM
PD...what the fuck?
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on December 27, 2007, 12:22:10 AM
PD...what the fuck?

Out of all people, you know I figured the movie would at least be ok. My brothers said it was sucky, and they were right for once.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Van Cruncheon on December 27, 2007, 12:22:59 AM
home-schoolies think alike
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 12:24:19 AM
Do you think when Maurice and Jake are post-coital, spooning after an intimiate, sweaty session of passionate man sex, that they have a lively debate on Harry Potter adaptations as Maurice curls Jake's hair with his fingers?
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Flannel Boy on December 27, 2007, 12:26:39 AM
Do you think when Maurice and Jake are post-coital, spooning after an intimiate, sweaty session of passionate man sex, that they have a lively debate on Harry Potter adaptations as Maurice curls Jake's hair with his fingers?
/me shutters
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on December 27, 2007, 12:26:53 AM
Whatever, as a Harry Potter fanboy even I can't make excuses for this movie. I ignored a lot of sentimentality to give this a low score, but I had to make a point. Overall it's a flawed, disappointing mess and I'm pissed Yates is coming back to direct HBP
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on December 27, 2007, 12:27:08 AM
I think you are being blind to GoF's very obvious problems, like the unexplained bipolar reactions to Harry in the school.  These are all explained in the book, but not in the movie.  In one scene, everyone hates Harry.  In the next, they love him again.  It doesn't feel natural and it's not explained in anything resembling a satisfying manner.  Everyone in the school just comes off as FUCKING CRAZY.  It makes NO FUCKING SENSE.

Why would I be blind to them, the movie isn't worth blindly defending. Everyone hates Harry for the same reason Ron hates him - for being a show boat and allegedly putting his name into the Goblet. When he starts competing they finally come around to him, along with Ron.

If that was confusing you just weren't paying attention

You're totally blind.  It wasn't so clear to me in the movie and I have read the book multiple times.  You see, I can compartmentalize the book from the movie and keep them as distinct entities in my head.  The book communicates what's going on effectively, whereas the movie does not.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: MrAngryFace on December 27, 2007, 12:27:29 AM
I think you ignored a lot of common sense ya dumb
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 12:27:31 AM
Better Yates that the jerk that directed Goblet of Fire.  That movie blew chunks.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Gay Boy on December 27, 2007, 12:28:41 AM
PD you and your brothers are the only people on the planet who think OOTP is worse than GOF. I have no idea what movie the COOKS saw but it wasnt OOTP.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on December 27, 2007, 12:30:27 AM
I think you are being blind to GoF's very obvious problems, like the unexplained bipolar reactions to Harry in the school.  These are all explained in the book, but not in the movie.  In one scene, everyone hates Harry.  In the next, they love him again.  It doesn't feel natural and it's not explained in anything resembling a satisfying manner.  Everyone in the school just comes off as FUCKING CRAZY.  It makes NO FUCKING SENSE.

Why would I be blind to them, the movie isn't worth blindly defending. Everyone hates Harry for the same reason Ron hates him - for being a show boat and allegedly putting his name into the Goblet. When he starts competing they finally come around to him, along with Ron.

If that was confusing you just weren't paying attention

You're totally blind.  It wasn't so clear to me in the movie and I have read the book multiple times.  You see, I can compartmentalize the book from the movie and keep them as distinct entities in my head.  The book communicates what's going on effectively, whereas the movie does not.

I read the book once and saw that; in fact, I've never heard this specific complaint before. It's rather weak and you probably know it, considering how obvious the pacing is in the movie. But it's your opinion not mine.



Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 12:30:51 AM
Meet the Cooks, 2007 (dir. Will Federman)

A touching dramedy about an interracial gay couple who go home to Michigan for the holidays, as the home-schooled, conservative Cook family comes to terms with their new homosexual, caucasian inlaw... and a learn a little about themselves too.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Van Cruncheon on December 27, 2007, 12:31:51 AM
pd, you haven't heard a LOT of things in your creepy insular world, much less anything resembling real criticism of your precious harry potter. now you know: the bizarre canon in your head isn't gospel.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on December 27, 2007, 12:32:10 AM
No, PD, I am most certainly correct.  I have seen that movie at least three times and I've read the book that many times as well.  I call em as I see em and I have no reason to make shit up.  I have no problem admitting when I am wrong, and I am not a bullshit artist, at least when it comes to books and movies.  The issue is as I described it.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Flannel Boy on December 27, 2007, 12:32:15 AM
Meet the Cooks, 2007 (dir. Will Federman)

A touching dramedy about an interracial gay couple who go home to Michigan for the holidays, as the home-schooled, conservative Cook family comes to terms with their new homosexual, caucasian inlaw... and a learn a little about themselves too.
Brokeback Mountin' Accountants
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 12:33:16 AM
Prole, quit playing stupid - J.K. Rowling's fantasy masterpiece is only matched by the archaic writings of Tolkien in terms of the fantasy genre.  It's probably the greatest collection of stories since The New Testatment, but your snobby Wall Street Journal sensibilities wouldn't understand that.  You're too jaded and cynical and full of bitterness to grasp the magical world of a child.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Gay Boy on December 27, 2007, 12:33:23 AM
GoF was confusing if you didnt have knowledge of the novel. It was a mess in editing. OOTP was solid as an adaption
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on December 27, 2007, 12:34:36 AM
GoF was confusing if you didnt have knowledge of the novel. It was a mess in editing. OOTP was solid as an adaption

Exactly.  I wouldn't exactly give OOTP an academy award, but it was totally a competent movie.  The only truly memorable thing about Goblet, for me, was the Riddle House/Graveyard at the end.  But that's a hard scene to mess up, I think.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 12:35:35 AM
I would give Order of the Phoenix an Academy Award, but - hey! - I also gave Transformers a B-, so what do I know?
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on December 27, 2007, 12:36:55 AM
No, PD, I am most certainly correct.  I have seen that movie at least three times and I've read the book that many times as well.  I call em as I see em and I have no reason to make shit up.  I have no problem admitting when I am wrong, and I am not a bullshit artist, at least when it comes to books and movies.  The issue is as I described it.

What do you mean you're correct with respect to your opinion on a movie; didn't you throw a bitch fest at me over me doing something similar (albeit dumber)? Jeez. The pacing is pretty obvious, and having seen the film more than three times it couldn't have been clearer; at the least Ron gives it way most overtly. And I'm sorry, but giving one weak example of so called coherency issues isn't a particularly impressive argument
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 12:38:05 AM
O SNAP
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Van Cruncheon on December 27, 2007, 12:38:20 AM
like i said, i have no problem following complicated movies with subverted narratives or bizarre chronologies. but gof made no fucking sense if you hadn't read the book. what's the quidditch shit at the beginning have to do with anything? who are all these people at these tribunals, and who the fuck is barty crouch -- and why should i care? hell, who the fuck are most of these new people, anyhow? why does everyone hate harry and then love him? why does ron flip out over something that's clearly not of harry's doing? what's this stupid high school dance subplot doing? what're all these deus ex machina resolutions to harry's videogame trials -- is harry good at anything? and why can't anybody act?
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Van Cruncheon on December 27, 2007, 12:39:22 AM
pd, attacking tvc and his cinematic knowledge/experience won't save your clueless ass from a reaming. you couldn't fuckin' interpret unforgiven correctly!
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 12:40:48 AM
If there's anyone I don't dare to assume I can toe-to-toe with in terms of film knowledge and structure, it's probably TVC.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on December 27, 2007, 12:41:16 AM
No, PD, I am most certainly correct.  I have seen that movie at least three times and I've read the book that many times as well.  I call em as I see em and I have no reason to make shit up.  I have no problem admitting when I am wrong, and I am not a bullshit artist, at least when it comes to books and movies.  The issue is as I described it.

What do you mean you're correct with respect to your opinion on a movie; didn't you throw a bitch fest at me over me doing something similar (albeit dumber)? Jeez. The pacing is pretty obvious, and having seen the film more than three times it couldn't have been clearer; at the least Ron gives it way most overtly. And I'm sorry, but giving one weak example of so called coherency issues isn't a particularly impressive argument

I am most definitely correct in that the movie has pacing problems, and that it has serious issues with coherency.  Those things aren't arguable.  That's not my opinion; the film speaks the fact for itself.  Hell, it screams it.

My opinion on GoF is that it is the weakest of the movies by a considerable margin.  At the same time, I don't think it is that bad, and I enjoy it as a fan of the books, similar to how I like the Dune movie--both movies FAIL as adaptations because the source material is too much to be adapted accurately, but both movies succeed at presenting SCENES from their respective books.  So they both are inadequate adaptations, but they are fair keepsakes for the fans.  That's my opinion on the movie.  The fact of the matter, the science, is that the movie has serious pacing problems due to it trying to fit everything in.  It glosses over things and this makes things less clear and more confusing than they should be.  

You FAIL, PD.  You illustrate again that your taste is at best, wonky.  Leave the taste testing to us professionals.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Van Cruncheon on December 27, 2007, 12:41:39 AM
tvc, my money says that pd loves gof so much because it aspires to little more than slavishly recreating scenes from his precious books. connecting them together in the name of creating a movie apparently isn't in his interest.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 12:42:27 AM
Prole hit the nail on the head in regards to Goblet of Fire - it throws a ton of crap at you with the belief that we're somehow reading the book while watching the movie.  Well, fuck you!  I wasn't!

The acting also hits a series low point and Daniel Radcock wins the Spidey Emo Award of the Year for his portrayal as the angsty, emo Harry Potter.  All it needed was a My Chemical Romance soundtrack.  Woe is Harry Potter!
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Van Cruncheon on December 27, 2007, 12:43:54 AM
also, michael gambon played a spazzy-ass dumbledore. i hope richard harris' angry ghost rapes him into acting sobriety.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 12:45:11 AM
Michael Gambon has perverted the film version of Dumbledore from Richard Harris' wise sage with ridiculous screen presence to a wily child molestor.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Van Cruncheon on December 27, 2007, 12:45:41 AM
for what it's worth, gof's baffling plot construction made me go back and read the book (and 5-7 as well), so now i can mock the books as a credible reader of the series, rather than a gaf-esque know-it-all bystander!
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on December 27, 2007, 12:45:55 AM
Also, Ron Weasley looks like a total blobby pizza face in GoF.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 12:46:34 AM
Apparently Ron's family is also too poor to afford acne magick.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on December 27, 2007, 12:47:02 AM
pd, attacking tvc and his cinematic knowledge/experience won't save your clueless ass from a reaming. you couldn't fuckin' interpret unforgiven correctly!

I'm not attacking him at all, although not being able to "get" Harry flippin Potter isn't the greatest stamp on a cinematic resume.

I agree with TVC that the film is severely flawed and has pacing problems, non of which have to do with the sparse example he gave. With respect to your own arguments - it's explained that Harry and the gang are going to the World Cup for fun, Crouch is explained at the Hogwarts banquet, and Ron's discontent with Harry is pretty obvious considering his character. While an average audience may not have a great understanding of Ron, they will know he's the poor, semi-untalented sidekick constantly being outshined by his popular friend, and naturally he would snap eventually.

TVC, along with Ichi and Solo, are considerably smarter than most people here with respect to film. But that doesn't mean they're opinion is always right, fact, or binding. It's opinion
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 12:48:47 AM
You really didn't address any of our problems with the film and almost all the counterpoints you cited require a ridiculous amount of assuming.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Van Cruncheon on December 27, 2007, 12:49:54 AM
i'm not talking about CHARACTER motivations, dipshit, since at this point NEITHER of us can separate our knowledge of the book from our initial experience with the movie. however, when watching a film, even an adaptation, i presume each scene has a greater purpose in a movie. the first scene was fucking useless -- OH BOY DEATH-EATERS ARE BACK THAT SURE FIT WELL IN A PLOT THAT DWELLED ON HIGH-SCHOOL ANGST AND A SET OF VIDEOGAME TRIALS. that scene was there for the fans and no-one else; it, like several other scenes, was throwaway and existed solely for fanservice, and it made the larger movie fucking confusing.

again, the movie tosses a ton of seemingly-random characters and scenes at you and assumes you've read the book. it relies on exposition to fill several gaps -- ever a no-no -- and lets your prior knowledge fill in the gaps. if you have zero knowledge of the book, it is a baffling, bumpy funhouse ride from scene to scene.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on December 27, 2007, 12:51:03 AM
I'm right, PD  I just gave you my opinion on the movie, and it was more favorable than the opinion of most here.  My opinion is my subjective opinion.  What isn't my opinion is the actual problems of the movie, which as you can see, there is a nice concensus about.

I took you to task the other day for talking out your ass, and not only doing that, but trying to do it with authority.  Me, here?  I'm backed up here.  People agree that the problems, as objective as such things get in movies, are as I describe them, and you're stuck trying to be contrary.

Don't even try to say that I didn't "get" the fucking movie.  The movie just didn't do a great job of conveying what it was supposed to convey, for reasons I have said elsewhere in this thread.

Either way, I'm done fighting about Harry Potter.  Arguing with you is like TEARS IN RAIN.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: brawndolicious on December 27, 2007, 12:52:24 AM
why the hell would you read a harry potter book multiple times?
and I suggest that PD's name be changed to "Maurice the Battle Dancer"...temporarily maybe?

PD, assuming that much about a movie would not keep an audience in their seats for 15 minutes.  most of the people annoyed by the movie (read: have half a brain) are parents who never read the books and are there to babysit their shit stain brats.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on December 27, 2007, 01:00:01 AM
i'm not talking about CHARACTER motivations, dipshit; i presume each scene has a greater purpose in a movie. the first scene was fucking useless -- OH BOY DEATH-EATERS ARE BACK THAT SURE FIT WELL IN A PLOT THAT DWELLED ON HIGH-SCHOOL ANGST AND A SET OF VIDEOGAME TRIALS. that scene was there for the fans and no-one else; it, like several other scenes, was throwaway and existed solely for fanservice, and it made the larger movie fucking confusing.

It wasn't confusing in the least considering it was explained clearly afterwards, and until you issue forth an argument with any merit your position will remain weak.

I'm not defending GoF anymore, it's a waste of time. It's a flawed film with many issues, and I would imagine this pathetic exercise for sub par gang rape trolling has nothing to do with Potter, and everything to do with me. Not that I give a shit but I would prefer trolls to at least be coherent, consistent, and entertaining.

OOTP features almost as much bad acting, but then again I don't watch Harry Potter films expecting great acting. I watch them in anticipation of lively adaption of my favorite book series, films which may not be totally accurate but at least bring the magic to life while getting basic themes and atmospheres right. OOTP didn't do that for me, GoF did. In fact, OOTP didn't do much right, or interesting for that matter. Everything about it, from the sets to the pacing, is rather average at best compared to even the Columbus films; those weren't great examples of acting or pacing either, but at least they brought the world to life. OOTP seemed as dead as Hogwarts must have been under Umbridge's rule
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on December 27, 2007, 01:02:03 AM
This user is currently ignored.

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Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: MrAngryFace on December 27, 2007, 01:02:24 AM
u suk, go buy an introduction to film book before FoC beats you to it
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Van Cruncheon on December 27, 2007, 01:02:51 AM
maurice cook, the black crusaders are coming for you.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Flannel Boy on December 27, 2007, 01:03:35 AM
u suk, go buy an introduction to film book before FoC beats you to it
oh shit.  :rofl
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on December 27, 2007, 01:03:50 AM
Actually I am looking for a good book on understanding film
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on December 27, 2007, 01:04:28 AM
This user is currently ignored.

[youtube=425,350]ZQcUS4chhc4[/youtube][youtube=425,350]ZQcUS4chhc4[/youtube]
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Eric P on December 27, 2007, 01:30:51 AM
Actually I am looking for a good book on understanding film

http://www.amazon.com/Short-Guide-Writing-about-Guides/dp/0321412281

i would suggest this.

you've grown up with the language of film and so you probably already know a great deal about cinematic language and such inherent in just being an avid watcher of film.  it's more important that you be able to coherently express your ideas about film.

trying to learn the right way to "read a film" will basically have you chasing at things that aren't there or trying to find deep hidden meaning in something the director thought would just look cool.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Christopher on December 27, 2007, 01:56:48 AM
I've only seen up to 4, but the first two and the last two feel totally different.  The style of one and two were much better imo.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Bloodwake on December 27, 2007, 03:20:28 AM
God, PD, you fail yet again.

OOTP was probably my second favorite behind Azkaban. It IS brandonh83's favorite. Definitely a well done adaptation and very, very entertaining film on all levels. Not only that, the Blu-Ray transfer is GORGEOUS.

I'm shaking my head at you, sir.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: MrAngryFace on December 27, 2007, 03:58:01 AM
OOTP is what got me to buy all the other movies after naysaying for so long
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Gay Boy on December 27, 2007, 09:16:51 AM
GoF was confusing if you didnt have knowledge of the novel. It was a mess in editing. OOTP was solid as an adaption

Exactly.  I wouldn't exactly give OOTP an academy award, but it was totally a competent movie.  The only truly memorable thing about Goblet, for me, was the Riddle House/Graveyard at the end.  But that's a hard scene to mess up, I think.
Yeah. OOTP is not a great film, but it gets the job done as an adaption. I've seen all the HP films with a friend who never read the books. He was into the first 3 but nearly gave up after GoF cause he had no idea what was going on half the time. I had to basically explain the entire plot afterwards.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on December 27, 2007, 09:32:32 AM
I think what helps make it a mess is that GoF really isn't so hot of a book, either.  It was the series experiencing growing pains, I think.  I mean, it came out fine and all, but it was really where the ineffective devices used thus far in the series drew attention to themselves.  Allow me to elaborate.  Sorry if this is a bit muddled but lol insomniac.

Even since reading the first book, I questioned the importance of the books' use of MacGuffins.  And I don't mean in the plot.  I mean useless plot devices, namely the prominence of Quidditch in early books (it never really has much purpose in the plots, although sometimes events that happen at games have importance), and the house points things.

In the early books, a Quidditch chapter was basically a sign you should quit reading for the night, because you were about to fall asleep.  Not only are those chapters fuck boring, but the scoring rules of the game make little sense.  So you have a shitty MacGuffin plot device, prominent and useless, and it doesn't even make sense internally.  Unsurprisingly, the Quidditch World Cup in GoF pads the fucking book like a pillow filled with lard, drawing more attention to itself than ever before.

Similarly, but not quite as badly is the house cup/house points thing that is prominent in early books, but all but dropped by the time books 4-5 roll around. As near as I can tell, the only purpose this lame plot device serves is to add a bit to the conclusion of the first book; an extra hurrah for the ending.  But the fact that it exists, that it is important in the first book and basically ONLY the first few books, is silly and inconsistent.  The house cup is a big WE GOTTA CHEER FOR IT thing at the end of book one, but it means jack squat in the rest of the series?  Lame.  I understand that JK made the right decision in getting rid of this, but the fact that it was ever in has me smh.

Also, the Tri-Wizard Tourney makes little sense when you think about it, and I thought it brinked close on making the whole wizarding world make little sense.  Previous books made Hogwarts seem like it was one of a kind in the world.  This muddles things, kind of in an interesting way, but I don't think JK has played her full hand on explaining the inner details and structure of the wizarding world and school system.  I will wait until she brings out her encyclopedia.  Without getting into details on this one, earlier books make Hogwarts seem like one of a kind (no other schools are ever mentioned--you'd think they'd come up), but in GoF we get the Tri-Wizard tourney that turns our conceptions of the world on their ear.  Why weren't these other schools ever mentioned.

I also think the actual Tournament was wonky, too, but I think that is getting into subjective territory.  I feel that objectively, Rowling did a pretty haphazard job with constructing Hogwarts, and possibly with the wizarding world at large.  It turned out alright though, so no shame.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Bloodwake on December 27, 2007, 03:55:56 PM
Yeah, I think the encyclopedia will help things out.

I doubt she's done writing Potter books either. Not Potter books exclusively, but other books that take place in the realm of Potter.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: MrAngryFace on December 27, 2007, 04:00:14 PM
I mostly like how the tri-wizard tourney could be completed by distinguished mentally-challenged fellows
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on December 27, 2007, 04:00:14 PM
Nah I don't see her re-entering the Potter realm, she's over that phase of her life. She'll do the encyclopedia, maybe more than one version, and that's it. She already started writing her next book which is not fantasy related allegedly
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 04:19:37 PM
Obviously, Maurice is privy to the inner workings of J.K. Rowling and her life!
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on December 27, 2007, 04:37:09 PM
According to friends, Rowling has already started work on her next book. All of her comments since DH suggest she's done with Potter, outside of the encyclopedia and maybe some other guides. I just hope the encyclopedia is HUGE  :hyper
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: bud on December 27, 2007, 04:57:25 PM
my favorite of the bunch was poa, and after watching oottp--yesterday--it still is. this whole voldemort situation is getting tiring. they keep saving him for the last parts of the movies, and when he finally does his thing, it's totally anti-climactic.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: brandonh83 on December 27, 2007, 05:40:39 PM
I just felt all the important stuff in the book was nailed down pretty well. I've read the book too, just the same as anyone else, and while there were important things cut out novel wise, the direction the movies are going in don't really need them (mainly the Harry/Dumbledore talk at the end - there were significant plot points cut out, but I understand why they were). Plus it was shot exceptionally well, had the best acting in all five movies, the best pacing (long book, shorter movie, but if you really think about it, the novel was packed with detail and many, many things that didn't need to be in the movie at all). So while the book is Bible-lite in length, it's not because of the plot development. The movies don't need all that fuckin shit, they simply need to follow the main story and I think OOTP did the best job in that regard so far. The movie turned out pretty much how I expected and I thought it was fucking great.

As for Sirius' death, I don't see how that was mishandled at all. It happened practically the same way it did in the book - fast, and unexpected. Go read that part again. Even in the book it was like, wait, what the hell? The fuck just happened? It was realistic and thank the fucking lord they didn't treat it like some big Hollywood death scene, where it takes 10 minutes for the fucker to die and every character sits around bawling their eyes out. Instead it was gritty, Daniel did a great job at the what the fuck just happened, and the ensuing Bellatrix chasedown was pretty fantastic. I just don't know what some people want out of these movies but I'm glad I'm not in the same boat.

One more thing before I get shot down -- emo Harry -- was much more, much much more emo Harry in the book. Although I understand why he's pissy, I would be too, the movie I think actually did a better job with emo Harry. There was much less of it, obviously, and Harry, in the movie, didn't really do or say anything during the "Im pissed" moments to make me roll my eyes or groan or anything. Thought it was pretty realistic and Dan did a great job with it, IMO.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 27, 2007, 06:27:53 PM
This is what I think of Daniel Radcliffe, PD...

spoiler (click to show/hide)
(http://www.evilbore.com/images/radcliffebutt.jpg)
[close]
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: demi on December 28, 2007, 06:18:29 AM
yeah i bet that was fun to photoshop
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Solo on January 11, 2008, 02:18:12 PM
LTTP, but I finally checked out OOTP (HD version is a real eyepopper, by the way). I really liked it. Briskly paced, well-directed, and a few pretty cool scenes. Its funny, because GOF is my favorite of the books, but the movie was a festering turd. On the other hand, OOTP is probably my least favorite of the books, but I thought it was a good adaptation. Other than Prisoner, Id say its the best a Harry Potter movie has fared thusfar.

I wouldnt be against Yates directing another movie. Who is helming HBP?
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Gay Boy on January 11, 2008, 06:35:14 PM
LTTP, but I finally checked out OOTP (HD version is a real eyepopper, by the way). I really liked it. Briskly paced, well-directed, and a few pretty cool scenes. Its funny, because GOF is my favorite of the books, but the movie was a festering turd. On the other hand, OOTP is probably my least favorite of the books, but I thought it was a good adaptation. Other than Prisoner, Id say its the best a Harry Potter movie has fared thusfar.

I wouldnt be against Yates directing another movie. Who is helming HBP?
Yates is again
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on January 11, 2008, 06:36:02 PM
LTTP, but I finally checked out OOTP (HD version is a real eyepopper, by the way). I really liked it. Briskly paced, well-directed, and a few pretty cool scenes. Its funny, because GOF is my favorite of the books, but the movie was a festering turd. On the other hand, OOTP is probably my least favorite of the books, but I thought it was a good adaptation. Other than Prisoner, Id say its the best a Harry Potter movie has fared thusfar.

I wouldnt be against Yates directing another movie. Who is helming HBP?

meh
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Gay Boy on January 11, 2008, 06:39:06 PM
LTTP, but I finally checked out OOTP (HD version is a real eyepopper, by the way). I really liked it. Briskly paced, well-directed, and a few pretty cool scenes. Its funny, because GOF is my favorite of the books, but the movie was a festering turd. On the other hand, OOTP is probably my least favorite of the books, but I thought it was a good adaptation. Other than Prisoner, Id say its the best a Harry Potter movie has fared thusfar.

I wouldnt be against Yates directing another movie. Who is helming HBP?

meh
you are the only person in the world who says GoF is better than OoTP. Seriously.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on January 11, 2008, 06:41:24 PM
All the Potter fans I know say GOF>OOTP :bow

It's a bad movie with no saving graces.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Gay Boy on January 11, 2008, 06:42:41 PM
All the Potter fans I know say GOF>OOTP :bow

It's a bad movie with no saving graces.
what potter fans do you know?
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on January 11, 2008, 06:45:13 PM
More than you.  :o
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Gay Boy on January 11, 2008, 06:46:25 PM
More than you.  :o
then why is basically EVERYONE on the internet say OOTP>GOF but you?

Also knowing less harry potter fanboys is a GOOD thing  :lol
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on January 11, 2008, 06:48:14 PM
I will speak of this disaster no more. Definitely the most disappointing film since Corpse Bride

Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on January 11, 2008, 06:52:32 PM
Definitely the most disappointing film since Corpse Bride



Don't you mean since The Departed?
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on January 11, 2008, 06:55:25 PM
Definitely the most disappointing film since Corpse Bride



Don't you mean since The Departed?

The Departed: I wasn't really hyped about it, even after Shake said it was the best thing ever.

Corpse Bride: I couldn't wait for it to come out, followed every tidbit of news, etc

THE VILLAGE: I spent days posting on long gone messageboards over "clues" and "secrets" Shamalyananan would allegedly give out, I watched the teaser trailer every day, I taped the Sci Fi special on it, etc


And then I saw The Village and was like WTF  :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Solo on January 14, 2008, 02:15:57 PM
LTTP, but I finally checked out OOTP (HD version is a real eyepopper, by the way). I really liked it. Briskly paced, well-directed, and a few pretty cool scenes. Its funny, because GOF is my favorite of the books, but the movie was a festering turd. On the other hand, OOTP is probably my least favorite of the books, but I thought it was a good adaptation. Other than Prisoner, Id say its the best a Harry Potter movie has fared thusfar.

I wouldnt be against Yates directing another movie. Who is helming HBP?
Yates is again

Cool. Im down with that.

Cuaron for movie 7 please.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: AdmiralViscen on January 14, 2008, 02:36:21 PM
Either way, I'm done fighting about Harry Potter.  Arguing with you is like TEARS IN RAIN.

:rofl
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Bloodwake on January 14, 2008, 02:55:26 PM
So, this seventh Potter film... who's going to direct it?

God, so many good names being tossed around. Basically every name besides Newell is in the run, and I agree wholeheartedly with that decision. SO, I'm going to separate it into "who's done a Potter film" and "who hasn't done a Potter film"

Previous directors who's names are being tossed around:
Alfonso Cuaron (oh please god bring Children of Men cinematography to the Deathly Hallows action sequences oh shit orgasm)
Chris Columbus (fuck him, first two films were merely okay, and it made Cuaron's film an even better breeze of fresh air on the franchise)
David Yates (eh, not my first choice, but he did a pretty damn good job with OOTP. Hell, even PD hated it, which is basically a mark of greatness)

New directors:
Steven Spielberg (he was considered for the first film, but wanted to Americanize it. Fuck that shit. Glad they didn't go with him the first time. As far as now, if he's willing to follow what the others have done, that's great. I doubt he would be willing to direct this film though)
Guillermo Del Toro (after Pan's Labryinth, anything fantasy related with some sort of real life relation to it needs to be directed by this man. While he's more of a monster type of director, and Deathly Hallows doesn't really contain the creatures the other films do. Still probably a welcome addition to the director's chair.)

My current front-runner? Cuaron, with Del Toro in a close second. Cuaron knows what the hell he's doing with Potter, it's the best film in terms of overall cinematography, and if he brings some of the long takes with him from Children of Men and puts them into the Gringotts sequence as well as others, it could be the best film in the series. Hell, the word on the street is that Warner Bros. wants this fucker to be in serious Academy Award contention, so they really do need to step up their game with this film.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on January 14, 2008, 03:02:28 PM
WILL PEOPLE PLEASE STOP BUMPING/MAKING PD HARRY POTTER DISCUSSION

BAN!

And the third movie was great, but do I REALLY want Cuaron to waste his considerable talents on yet another Potter movie?  Fuck no.  Let the man do his own thang.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Bloodwake on January 14, 2008, 03:06:34 PM
WILL PEOPLE PLEASE STOP BUMPING/MAKING PD HARRY POTTER DISCUSSION

BAN!

And the third movie was great, but do I REALLY want Cuaron to waste his considerable talents on yet another Potter movie?  Fuck no.  Let the man do his own thang.

He's the one who said he was interested.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on January 14, 2008, 03:08:08 PM
I'd rather see Cuaron do something else; PoA is easily the best Potter film but after CoM I want to see Cuaron branch out to bigger things. Del Toro FTW :bow
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on January 14, 2008, 03:11:29 PM
WILL PEOPLE PLEASE STOP BUMPING/MAKING PD HARRY POTTER DISCUSSION

BAN!

And the third movie was great, but do I REALLY want Cuaron to waste his considerable talents on yet another Potter movie?  Fuck no.  Let the man do his own thang.

He's the one who said he was interested.

He'd still be spinning his wheels, wasting his time.  For a director of talent, making a fucking Harry Potter movie is like the directorial equivalent of making fanfic.

Same goes for del Toro, too.  Do something else, something good, something personal.  Please!
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Phoenix Dark on January 14, 2008, 03:13:11 PM
Maybe Harry Potter IS personal to them
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on January 14, 2008, 03:30:31 PM
I'd like to think that they are more intelligent than that.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Bloodwake on January 14, 2008, 03:52:09 PM
WILL PEOPLE PLEASE STOP BUMPING/MAKING PD HARRY POTTER DISCUSSION

BAN!

And the third movie was great, but do I REALLY want Cuaron to waste his considerable talents on yet another Potter movie?  Fuck no.  Let the man do his own thang.

He's the one who said he was interested.

He'd still be spinning his wheels, wasting his time.  For a director of talent, making a fucking Harry Potter movie is like the directorial equivalent of making fanfic.

Same goes for del Toro, too.  Do something else, something good, something personal.  Please!

HELLBOY 2: OUT THIS SUMMER

lolz.
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: Tauntaun on January 14, 2008, 04:09:46 PM
The last two (three) HP films should be directed by the Wachowski brothers and we could have "Wand Time" battles and I'm sure Keanu Reeves could be worked in somewhere.  :hyper
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: brawndolicious on January 14, 2008, 05:08:32 PM
Keanu on Radcliffe sex orgy!!

spoiler (click to show/hide)
fun fact: that sex scene in the matrix took 3 months to choreograph.
[close]

spoiler (click to show/hide)
agree with TVC.  nuke this discussion from like orbit or something.
[close]
Title: Re: OOTP...meh :(
Post by: TVC15 on January 14, 2008, 05:47:59 PM
HELLBOY 2: OUT THIS SUMMER

lolz.

I'd rather another great Hellboy movie than yet another decent Potter movie.  There aren't 2 dozen people in the world that can successfully pull off Hellboy, whereas Potter is so pre-defined and ruled by rules that any director can piece together something passable.