Unforgivable disappointment

Rating: 2/10 (2 January 2003)

Many films fail to measure up to the books on which they are based. The Harry Potter movies are a particularly bitter disappointment for two reasons: the contrast with the book, an unexpected jewel of perfection abundant in cinematographic delights, and the magnitude of the failure given that the project takes 7 years to complete. Short of remaking the first two episodes while the kids are young enough to pass as 11 year-olds, there is only one hope. Teach Daniel Radcliffe to act (which should be possible) and find a director who has taste, style and appreciation for the elegant magic of Joanne Rowling (which is definitely possible). This cinematic event is too important to be able to afford the pathetic flop it's been so far.