Very disappointed

Rating: 4/10 (11 March 2006)

I was so looking forward to this film, even though my gut and my disinterest in the trailer told me that I would not like it. I have not read the books, so that is a caveat before I can continue this review. I love books, but after watching the first film version, which I loved immensely, I decided I would have to wait to clear my mind of the environment and characters the films had cemented in my imagination. The Prisoner of Azkaban was extraordinary and proved, especially after the waning quality of the franchise was exhibited in the Chamber of Secrets, that a wonderful director was necessary to make these films work.
However, Mike Newell turned this story into a flashy, dull, ostentatious spectacle. Maybe it was the fact that I viewed it at home, but it is my belief that a film cannot only ride on its ability to exploit big screen advantages. The acting was also as deplorable as the directing. The young stars, who seemed so innocent and devoid of conceit, exhibited oodles of ridiculous over-acting.
For anyone who has not seen this in theaters: beware! At home this film is nothing more than a big budgeted groaner. I may stand alone, although not entirely because my boyfriend hated it more than I disliked it, but I believe that this film marks a sad turn for this series.