Harry Potter Fans won't be disappointed this time

Rating: 8/10 (4 March 2006)

I for one love the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. I can't wait for the 7th book to come out! But I hate it when movies based on books do not measure up to the original. This movie however is an exception. Harry Potter fans won't be disappointed by this flick.
To better explain my position, lets first review one of the previous Harry Potter flicks. I was a little upset by the fact that the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban movie didn't explain information that could help non Harry Potter readers to understand the plot more. One such example is how the movie didn't explain the reason behind why Harry's father (James Potter), Sirius Black, and Peter Petigrew became 'Animagus' in the first place..."So that R.J. Lupin wouldn't be alone when he transformed into a werewolf" (This detail is a real tear starter in the book). The third rendition of the Harry Potter book is in many peoples opinion, their favorite book in the collection. But the movie failed to capture the heart felt and especially touching qualities of the book. I do however give director Alfonso Cuaron props (I also like his previous work especially for the movie Y tu mamá también ... I implore people to watch it) for capturing the darkness of the book. He managed to make Hogwarts castle and all its surroundings as goth and dark yet majestic in size like the Harry Potter books suggest.
So, what makes a movie based on a book good? it is one that does not fail to explain important information that keeps the plot going. Even the littlest of details can astound a person and should never be underestimated. This flick is one movie that does recognize what is important and whats not. It succeeds in capturing everyones qualities; Harry Potters (Daniel Radcliffe) will to prove himself, Ron Weasleys (Rupert Grint) comedic grace, his desire to for once be noticed like his friend Harry, and his puppy love for Hermione, and Hermione Grangers (Emma Watson) cleverness and emerging beauty at the wizarding ball (sorry no glass slippers Cinerella...just wands). I mean, the movie even captured Hagrids human and giant blood as he tries (note that 'tries' is an understatement) to clean up for Madame Olympe Maxime.
What also makes a movie good is when it can target an audience of all ages. You won't get bored with this movie...its a never ending campaign of deadly battles of Harry competing against the 'supposedly' "of age" elite potential young wizards of the wizarding schools until the end...the challenge to reach and capture the goblet of fire hidden away in a labyrinth of tricks and ominous schemes. The movie truly keeps you on the edge of your seat with its magic spells and magic duals with enemies like Vodemort (Oops! I mean 'He Who Must Not Be Named') The movie keeps you wondering "who did it" until the climax and the truth is all revealed...sorry that you have to wait until the end of the movie to find out. But I promise you won't get bored!
This movie proves that Harry and the gang are all growing up with the raging hormones to compete! The majority of the important details of the book are in this movie. Hey I'm definitely getting the DVD for this flick! This movie does leave you feeling like you left the theater on a Firebolt!