Ron and Hermione

What the filmmakers, actors, and critics are saying about Rupert Grint

OotP Movie Review [Metroactive.com]
It is time the Potter films break the frame of the preromantic,
school-kid adventure, particularly since the leads are growing mature.
This series need a serious love story. The increasingly suave comic
actor Rupert Grint, who consistently steals every scene he's in, ought
to be given a more serious intrigue now that he is so much more than
just the silly ginger-headed Ron Weasley. Or is this something else
they're saving for later?

OotP Movie Review [sofiaecho.com]
Of the three friends that take most of the screen time, it is Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley who displays the most promise as an actor, but ironically his is the least used of the three.

OotP Movie Review [browardtimes]
Rupert Grint, on the other hand, gave Ronald Weasley a tremendous back bone.

OotP Movie Review [Rollingstone.com]
Among Harry's core group, Emma Watson paints a striking portrait of
emerging womanhood as Hermoine Granger. And blimey if Rupert Grint
doesn't storm the barricades of boyishness to find something emergent,
touching and vital in Ron Weasley.

OotP Movie Review [Lariat.org]
Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) has an important part in this film and Grint
shows how he has grown into this role. He's much more impressive this
time around.

OotP Movie Review [TheMovieBoy.com]
Grint is the superb middleman between Harry and Hermione, and has
nearly switched places with Hermione to be the "levelheaded" one of the
group.

OotP Movie Review [mainstreammatt]
Hermione and Ron are concealed for a large chunk of the story, but Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have evolved as actors and characters so much that when they do appear they are naturally convincing, Grint is given more to say than “bloody hell” at regular intervals and his touching defence of Harry is a highlight.

OotP Movie Review [Edge]
And Grint, although he has less to do in this film, manages to begin the process of inserting a backbone into Ron’s character.

OotP Movie Review [Javno]
Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) got little screen time in this one but, at the same time, he grew into an excellent scene stealer.

OotP Movie Review [plymouth.wickedlocal.com]
Grint and Watson have far less screen time than usual but make the most
of it. Grint, as he has shown throughout the series, is a fine comic
actor that has a great sense of timing and tone.

OotP Movie Review [Geekinthecity]
The same can be said for Ron Wesley played by Rupert Grint, who once
again steals the screen whenever he says a line. That actor will go far
if he lands good roles once the Potter series ends.

OotP Movie Review [Variagate]
Grint is improving as a lumbering but lovable presence, adding more to the ensemble than he has before.

OotP Movie Review [icscotland]
No longer is Ron Weasley at the butt-end of all the jokes, with Rupert Grint giving us what is his most accomplished performance yet.

OotP Movie Review [Blogcritics.org]
Most of Harry’s help comes from Rupert Grint and Emma Watson respectively starring as Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. Grint may look ordinary but the realism and resolve he puts into Ron translates well on screen. Watson emits charm and appealing personality in every scene.

OotP Movie Review [Reel Reviews]
Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint have developed into fine actors.
Radcliffe had an opportunity to show his range (and a few other things)
in a much publicized stage performance while Grint has honed his talent
in the British film Driving Lesson.

OotP Movie Review [Killer Movie Reviews]
Radcliffe has, like the films, become darker. His owlish cuteness giving way to a distinct edginess as his character suffers the feelings of isolation not assuaged by his budding romance with Cho (Katie Leung). Enchanting as their first kiss is, beneath a bunch of mistletoe that magically appears when needed and then grows with effusive abandon, the story overtly, and director David Yates with visual cues both overt and subtle, emotionally separates Harry from Ron and Hermione (Emma Watson). In doing so, not only is true to the story, but also solves one of the other great hurdles the film has to overcome. The vast majority of the audience, even the ones who haven’t read the books, knows how the story will turn out. The tension, the interest, and the emotional tug all have to come from the character interaction and that component is solidly in place. That is not a little due to Grint, who though playing a wizard, provides the mortal, accessible, touch as the hapless but not hopeless sidekick, never quite at ease, but always game, more or less, and more importantly, always ready to be the rock Harry can count on when he’s not sure he can count on himself. Watson has Hermione’s flinty intellect, and Radcliffe has Harry’s showy inner torment to work with, but Grint gives Ron a goofy sort of tenderness that is not just sweet, it’s a refreshing counterpoint to all the dark doings.

GoF Movie Review [From Epinions]
Rupert Grint gives his best performance to date as Ron Weasley by
channeling his frustrated angst into his role as just being a best
friend while overcoming his unknown feelings for Hermione. Often being
the comic relief, Grint brings a lot more drama to his role and he
manages to bring out a fine, superb supporting performance.

GoF Movie Review [From Now Playing Mag]
Most notable in this outing are the performances of Watson and Grint… but both for different reasons. Hermione comes across as the weakest of the three main characters — odd as she is usually the best portrayed. Chalk it up to the actress portraying feelings and emotions that a performer of her age has little real-life experience with. Portraying a calm and confident Hermione is Watson’s strength — not one fraught with teenage drama. Grint’s performance as the bumbling, insecure Ron — one tired of living in the shadow of “the great Harry Potter” — is spot on.

GoF Movie Review [From Philadelphia Daily News ]
And yet, at the same time, you feel the durable franchise (now on its third director, Mike Newell) has a promising future, since its young principals have developed skills - Watson is a good little actress and Grint (though he needs a haircut) is a naturally funny performer who understands his character's role in providing comic relief.

GoF Movie Review [From Sea Coast Online ]
... Grint has the most convincing take on the awkwardness of discovering girls.

GoF Movie Review [From JC]
Rupert Grint was given more to do than make goofy faces (which he does very well in Years One, Two and Three) and show some legitimate emotion, which Grint nails flawlessly.

GoF Movie Review [From The New York Times ]
This might pose a serious obstacle for the films, but it hasn't yet, largely because watching him and his young co-stars - the excellent Rupert Grint as Ron, the touchingly earnest Emma Watson as Hermione - grow up onscreen has its dividends. Cinema doesn't just immortalize actors, locking them into youth, it also solicits our love in a way that books do not, since it isn't just the characters we fall for, but the actors playing them, too

GoF Movie Review [From DailyNews.com]
The movie's most frightening scene doesn't involve a monster or Voldemort but a spurned Hermione (Emma Watson), livid over the inability of Harry and Ron (Rupert Grint, the young actor who makes the greatest leap here) to recognize her for the special young lady that she is.

GoF Movie Review [From LJWorld.com ]
Likewise, Grint provides his best work in “Goblet.” Having been relegated to just making “the Ron face” — as fans of the series call it — in the last two pictures, Grint’s sidekick finally is able to indulge in a bit of rebellious angst stemming from all the attention heaped on Harry.

GoF Movie Review [From Uber Cine]
... and boffin-boy Ron (Rupert Grint, who outshines everyone in the movie for comedic timing and all-around charm) ...

GoF Movie Review [From Free Dried Movies]
First off, Rupert Grint is spectacular as Ron, who emerges as the strongest actor and character of the bunch – he carries the weight of the entire story on his thin shoulders, and does it with style. He’s moving out from under Harry’s shadow a bit – or trying to, at least, and yet his obvious affection for both Harry and Hermione (although in different degrees) is charming.

GoF Movie Review [From Sea Coast Online ]
... Grint has the most convincing take on the awkwardness of discovering girls.

GoF Movie Review [From the Lantern ]
Grint's portrayal of the redheaded Ron also belies his age, as he displays an incredible comic timing that eludes many actors three times his age. Of special note is that none of the child actors (and there are a lot) suffer the common pratfalls that plague young thespians. There is no overacting, despite the less-than-realistic plot, and the script allows them to be intelligent, rather than just annoying.

GoF Movie Review [From The Daily Utah Chronicle ]
And again, Grint's Ron emerges as the most engaging character. Radcliffe's career after Potter is debatable, but Grint, with his incredible comedic instinct and facial command, will without a doubt go on to have a fruitful acting career.

GoF Movie Review [From Uber Cine Reviews ]
Although the Goth-chick fave Potions Professor Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) doesn't get to do quite as much here as he does in the book, he still makes out fairly well for screen-time (it's all about that wig and scowl and growl) and he gets to harangue Harry and Ron most amusingly (his is the only comic timing rivalling Grint's).
(Come to think of it, I'm starting to think that Grint is the real break-out star of this franchise. I hope he never turns to drugs. Kid, ask Oldman about it, then Just Say No.)

GoF Movie Review [From Boston Herald ]
But once again Grint, who has grown up to be a talented comic actor, is the scene stealer here. If I had a crystal ball, I’d say he’s the actor whose post-“Potter” future seems most certain.

GoF Movie Review [From Manchesteronline.co.uk]
Grint once again demonstrates impeccable comic timing, suffering the embarrassment of a ballroom dancing with Professor McGonagall (Smith) - "Mr Weasley, put your right hand on my waist," she demands; "Where?!" he stammers - and the humiliation of frilly secondhand dress robes.
Radcliffe continues to mature as actor but it's Watson and Grint who impress most, despite their limited screen time. Sparks of sexual chemistry are clear for all to see.

GoF Movie Review [From The Evening Standard ]
He manages to elicit performances from Radcliffe, Grint and Watson that dig a little deeper than previously. Grint is the best of them, surely a star in the making.

GoF Movie Review [From the Can Magazine]
However, the character that deserves most the credit in this latest installment is Ron Weasley, played by Rupert Grint. Grint is freakin’ Ron Weasley! Everything about Grint, the tone in his voice, his unsure actions, and his opinions of girls, Hermione especially, is like watching a Ron cloned directly out of the books. I know those who look to pursue a further career in acting hate to be typecast, but Grint has the role of Ron Weasley so figured out that it will hard to ever see him as another character.

Steve Kloves [From LA Times ]
He was pleased to be able to give Rupert Grint, who plays Harry's best friend, Ron Weasley, room to stretch in "Goblet of Fire." Grint, he says, is such a natural-born comedian that the filmmakers have to fight the urge to let him become simply the comic relief. "In 'Goblet' we gave him some brass, which made me very happy. Rupert is amazingly funny, but I didn't want him to become Abbott to Harry's Costello."

GoF Movie Review [From Ain't It Cool]
Rupert Grint comes damn close to stealing the movie, though. Grint, like Radcliffe with Potter, IS Ron Weasley. His character is more fun to play, I'm sure, but of the group Grint seems the most natural with the character. I'd be shocked if Grint isn't exactly like Ron in real life, he embodies the character that much.

GoF Movie Review [From Rediff.com]
Rupert Grint as Ron steals the show in the Yule Ball sequences. Be it his irritation at wearing a lacey dress robe, the time when his faced is etched with jealousy when Hermione Granger dances with Viktor Krum, or the look of total indifference mixed with irritation when Padma Patil asks him whether he is going to dance with her or not, he is fabulously natural and naturally comic.

GoF Movie Review [From TheMovieBoy.com]
The same things could be said for Watson, delightfully warm and vulnerable as Hermione, and Grint, who has never been better or used quite as well, as Ron. More than the other two, Grint comes into his own here in eye-opening ways, for the first time moving away from being just comic relief and into a full-fledged human being with valid insecurities and resentments. There is a richness to these characters, and to many of the supporting ones, that become all the more evident with each film.

GoF Movie Review [From The MovieMansGuide]
The biggest improvement of the three is Rupert Grint as Ron. He finally gets to display an emotion and gesture other than bumbling sidekick and he meets the challenge head on. You believe his anger and frustration effortlessly.

GoF Movie Review [From The Daily Info]
Rupert Grint steals almost every scene he’s in, as the hapless Ron, hopeless with girls and hacked off with Harry.

GoF Movie Review [From Apollo Guide]
Yet between the maturity of the actors and the new director, I think the audience will be surprised by some of the range expressed onscreen. I was especially impressed by the unvoiced acting by Rupert Grint as Ron – he has it tough as he must show jealousy throughout much of the film without a lot of dialogue.

GoF Movie Review [From Backprojection.com]
As ever it’s left to Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) to hold it all together and outshine Daniel Radcliffe delightfully. He’s streaks and miles and eons etc. above the rest in terms of natural talent.

GoF Movie Review [From The Santiago Times]
Ron (Rupert Grint) only improves. His insufferable boyish awkwardness and well-timed grimaces evidences an unassuming but hilarious personality.

GoF Movie Review [From The Student operated Press]
Rupert Grint is a pure delight in his role of Harry’s best friend, Ron Weasley, displaying bitterness and uncertainty, while providing much comic relief.

GoF Movie Review [From Perth Films]
Rupert Grint again stole a lot of the show as Harry’s sidekick Ron Weasley. His comic bumbling and his inability to cope with the pressures of puberty and teenage life are a constant source of amusement for the audience. There is no doubt Rupert was made for this role and it is almost impossible now to think of Ron without picturing Rupert’s shaggy-haired good-natured countenance.

GoF Movie Review [From Chud.com]
What surprised me is that Rupert Grint, as Ron, has turned into perhaps the best actor of the three leads. While Emma Watson is mercurial and enthusiastic as Hermione, Grint turns in the most shyly detailed performance and easily walks away with his scenes.

GoF Movie Review [From The Cornell Daily Sun]
Rupert Grint as Ron redeems the trio, giving an endearing and worthy
performance as the awkward adolescent with the even more awkward dress
robes sent by his mother for the ball.

Mike Newell [From telegraph.co.uk]
"They're all strong characters, too. You might think Rupert was rather dozy, but he's a glorious comic. He'll be a name."

Steve Kloves [From Creative Screenwriting ]
"And Rupert is a kind of genius. I really believe that. I think Rupert is someone who has made lines hysterical that, honestly, I don't think are that funny."

PoA Movie Review [Seacoastonline]
But Rupert Grint is still the one to watch - the kid just has charisma.

PoA Movie Review [The Media Drome]
As for Grint, his mugging in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was truly appalling, but that seems to have been a phase and this time around he’s note-perfect. Which is saying a lot – the role of best friend to the hero is one of the most difficult in drama and has brought many a more seasoned thesp to his spiritual knees.

David Thewlis [From smh.com.au]
But Thewlis, who joined the cast as Professor Lupin for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, thinks it will be difficult for them to have acting careers outside the series. "The most likely is Rupert," he said. "I think he's the most natural actor. He's the oldest of the three. I can imagine him moving on. Emma's the same."

Alfonso Cuaron [From EW]
"And Grint? Grint didn't write an essay--which is precisely what his underachieving Ron would have done. Says Cuaron: "Rupert is not with us. He is in a happier place, called Rupertland. He's a little like Chauncey Gardiner from Being There. Is he a genius..or is he a fool?"

David Heyman [From The Guardian]
"Success has not gone to his head. He is a natural comedian, and his future is what he makes of it. There will always be a need for actors of his great instinct and talent."

CoS Movie Review [Boldopinion.com]
Grint is particularly endearing as Weasley and displays a sharp comic timing for his young age.

CoS Movie Review [The State Journal Register]
And as Ron, Rupert Grint again steals the show
among the child actors. His voice now has a Peter Brady-esque crack,
but there’s no way to not laugh at the way he crinkles up his face in
frightening situations.

CoS Movie Review [RGJ.com]
If Harry is Luke, then Ron Weasley is Han Solo, and Grint perfectly portrays him.

CoS Movie Review [Box Office Mojo]
Grint is funnier than before, and although Ron is constantly in Harry's shadow, to the audience he's every bit as much a hero.

CoS Movie Review [Sanford]
Radcliffe once again delivers exactly the right amount of boyish gutsiness, while Grint shows he's becoming a delightful comic actor with a highly flexible voice. He quite capably handles much of the slapstick (some of the funniest bits involve his backfiring magic wand) and also gets the majority of the movie's best lines. Told to follow a parade of spiders to find crucial clues, the less-than-lionhearted Ron gripes, "Why spiders? Why couldn't it be 'follow the butterflies'?"

CoS Movie Review [Yampy]
The actor who shines for me in this magical story is Rupert Grint who plays Ron Weasley. He has a style all his own and is very entertaining.

CoS Movie Review [Going Places]
In my opinion, this movie far out-rates the first with Rupert Grint’s performance as Ron Weasley being one of the star attractions – his facial movements are superb and one can actually experience his fear or jubilation.

CoS Movie Review [Beyond Hollywood]
. . . Rupert Grint’s Ron continues to play the goofball, but remains the franchise’s only real treat.

SS Movie Review [Tollbooth.org]
The one who takes the film, though, is red-haired Rupert Grint (Ron) as Harry's sidekick. His facial expressions never cease to be howls of laughter from the audience. If this child actor were in vaudeville, he'd have top billing.

SS Movie Review [Christian Science Monitor]
Rupert Grint outdoes them both as well-meaning Ron Weasley, combining the expressive face of a 12-year-old Tom Courtenay with the comic skills of a Monty Python member in the making.

SS Movie Review [ViewLondon.co.uk]
Ron and Hermione, on the other hand, are wonderful, with Rupert Grint so good that at times you might find yourself wondering why they didn’t call the film ‘The Adventures of Ron Weasley and His Friend Harry Potter’.