Well done, not as good as the book -- but I loved Jason Isaacs

Rating: 8/10 (20 November 2002)

I will not repeat the story of this movie. It follows the book quite closely, though not exactly.
The flavor is much the same as the first movie.
Somehow, I find the books more magical and dramatic than the movies.

First, the books give long, leisurely descriptions of everything, while the movie has a much more "Look quickly at the scenery, because we're on to the action." approach. I guess they feel pressed to cram everything in. Still, I'd love to see more pans around the castle, and more lingering shots of the characters' faces at dramatic moments.
Second, somehow the characters in the book seem more dramatic, more momentous.
In the books, Snape is sinister, malicious, frightening. In the movie, he comes off much more as a conscientious and competent teacher with a sour expression on his face. In the books, it seems much more credible when the kids suspect Snape of nefarious deeds. In the movies, you wonder what makes them suspicious.
In the books, Dumbledore is good, but intimidating and almost supremely powerful. He seems less impressive in the movie.
The one stellar exception here is Jason Isaacs. As Lucius Malfoy, he projects just the sort of drama, power, and charisma that I would hope for. This guy really has talent! Ooo, and I love that long, shiny white hair! I hope I'll get to see him in more movies in the future.
Rupert Grint's performance as Ron Weasley is very interesting, and not exactly what I had expected. He plays more of a comic relief against Harry's straight man. Somehow I didn't see Ron that way, but I think it's working. Grint has a remarkably mobile face and produces a marvelous array of expressions.
Daniel Radcliff is very good as Harry Potter, but not supremely excellent. He does not quite draw me in as I would like to be drawn in.
All, in all, it is a very good movie, and certainly an acceptable way to pass the time while we are waiting for Book Five -- I WANT BOOK FIVE NOW!!!