Way too dark, cast remains great but Newell must go

Rating: 6/10 (23 November 2005)

Everyone I know that has seen this (7 so far)has been disappointed. Not all have read the book but all share the same disappointment. One of those that saw it with us commented that it seemed like a rush from plot point to plot point like someone was checking off a list.
There was no comparison between this film's composer and John Williams.
It needs another half hour and another director. Everything is too rushed but most of all it needs the balance that was in the book. Cutting out Hermoine's crusade was a big mistake. It would have been a much better film with it. Were they trying to save a few bucks in the CGI? The cast does a great job and the special effects are excellent for the most part. It is a low point in what has been a great series.
The loss of Richard Harris was offset by Alphonso Cuaron's great job of directing Azkeban. Michael Gambon is not the same Dumbledore and that is really evident with this director.
We can only hope that the next one will be a little more magical. They could start by buying some lights, paying John Williams anything he wants to come back and getting rid of Newell. They could also spring for more than one outfit for Gambon. He looks like he got into make-up and shot everything in one day.