room for improvement

Rating: 4/10 (5 August 2007)

This is the first of Potter films of which I felt I'd have done well to have read the book so that I could be let into the story more fully. The earlier movies, for all their faults, entertained me on their own terms, whereas with this one I was aware of time ticking by, so I was clearly not engrossed in it. What remains of an unquestionably high standard is the seemingly never-ending supply of excellent UK actors. Imelda Staunton makes a contribution that would be outstanding in any movie: I hope she wins recognition for it when the awards come around. There is also some engaging work from the youngsters: Daniel Radcliffe has become a good young actor - perhaps unsurprising, considering he's been able to learn from the very best. Unfortunately, Emma Watson's gifts seem to be travelling in the opposite direction: she is effortlessly outshone by newcomer Evanna Lynch.Or maybe Hermione is just a duller role.
The author's fully-imagined world is what appeals to me about these films - though it is not sufficiently appealing to impel me towards her doorstop novels. I appreciate that it is extremely difficult to capture the detail of a work of literature on screen. I can also understand that Ms Rowling and her filmmakers feel an obligation to the hordes of young fans who want to see as much of the books as possible on the screen. Until now these adaptations have trodden a pretty much successful path. I hope they find their way again for the last two outings.