Potter impresses, is much better than the previous three

Rating: 8/10 (19 November 2005)

I'll admit, I was there waiting in line with other hopeful fans last night for the opening of Potter. Despite being completely let down by the previous three films, my eternal optimism found me once again standing shoulder to shoulder with six year olds in capes and scarves and frantic mothers insisting that there was no time for candy right now. And, for the first time, Potter succeeded in making the whole ordeal worth it.
Indeed, the film was so much better than the previous three little comparison can be made between them. The child actors, finally growing into themselves, are beginning to experience some moments of real talent. These glimmers of hope, complimented by the obvious rapport between the actors, contributes to a movie that actually allows one to suspend disbelief for long enough to enjoy the show. This, combined with an amazing performance by Finnes, ensures there is enough good acting in the film to carry through the unfortunate lapses.
True, the pacing could be improved. The movie seems to shift between being too fast and then crawling, seldom actually settling into a comfortable speed. People who have not read the books may be confused by the plot holes, most caused by the elimination of small but crucial characters. Literary viewers will follow the action more easily, but may spend the film confused and angered by the many changes made. Personally, I thought the film was a reasonable adaptation, though seriously lacking in depth.
No, Potter will not win any major awards. And no, it's not perfect, far from it. However it is entertaining, and a much better total package than any of the previous films. The story is dark, upsetting, and certainly fair to the novel. There is hope, one now thinks, for the next movies: something certainly lacking before, even from an optimist such as myself.