Why leave out the best line/scene between Ron and Hermoine with the save the elves speech = smooch. Why not actually show Fred's death scene? Why leave out Percy's reconciliation with his family? And Oliver Wood and co returning to fight? And the centaurs and house elves joining in the battle? Also, why keep the school full of screaming children? And not mention Teddy Tonks at all! Keeping Harry's and Voldemort's battle out of the Hall and away from specators was visually better, but I felt everyone needed to see the Dark Lord's defeat. And I can't recall, but does Harry actually say 'Expelliarmus' in the movie?

THIS!

I couldn't have said it better. And no, I did not hear Harry say 'Expelliarmus' in the movie.

I don't kow, maybe it is my Gary Oldman thing, but PoA and OotP continue to be my two favorite HP movies. Maybe I expected too much from the last two movies, but I didn't get as much as I wanted. And I know that the final battle had to be more visual than the book, but I kept thinking that I was watching a retread of any number LOTR battle scenes, and that is not what I wanted to see in an HP movie as much as I love LOTR.

You are also right about the fanvid, the SPN version is much better, but I do love that song.

I am glad you have plot bunnies now. Maybe the emotional release of writing a resingation letter, even though you haven't turned it in, has helped lift a weight. Good luck finding what you are looking for :)