Great cinematography, disappointing plot

Rating: Null/10 (24 June 2004)

I saw the first two Harry Potter movies before I began reading the books (I know -- pretty lame, but oh, well!). Thank goodness I'd read Books 1, 2, 3 and 4 before seeing this movie! Out of the first 4 books, Book 3 was my favorite and I was so looking forward to the movie. Although the acting continues to improve and it is clear that these three have developed real friendships, not just screen friendships, I so wish that the screenwriter had chosen to stay more true to the book and not put in unnecessary changes.
Although the cinematography was gorgeous, with many outdoor shots that are breathtaking, there were so many holes in the plot that I don't think I would have had a clue about what was going on if I hadn't read the book.
I don't understand why they didn't explain who the four people were who wrote the Marauder's Map and how they were related to each other and to Harry. Not explaining that also makes it less clear why Harry first thought the stag came from his father. I was also very disappointed that they didn't float Severus out of the Shrieking Shack (like in the book) and that they didn't have Wormtail tied up with cords (like in the book). Also, they didn't explain at all why Severus Snapes hated Sirius Black so much. Leaving these things out just makes the movie more empty somehow. I also was disappointed that Crookshanks didn't push the place on the Whomping Willow to make it stop and that they never explained that it was planted at the same time Lupin was in school and why.
Additionally, the werewolf didn't look very realistic at all -- I think they could have done a MUCH better job with him! And in the book, they explained the Shrieking Shack and that the other three had learned to change themselves into animals so they could stay with Lupin and not be attacked. In the movie, Lupin as a werewolf attacks Sirius when he's a dog -- that's opposite to the book. And they never explained the Shrieking Shack at all.
Also, I was disappointed that they left out the Quiddich Match where Malfoy and his buddies pretended to be Dementors and Harry used the Petronum curse.
That would have been great to see.
I also didn't like the way they CHANGED the plot to have Sirius give Harry the Firebolt at the end when everyone knew it was coming from him. I don't understand why they couldn't have been faithful to the original plot -- why change things around and make them less cool?
The highlight for me was the Hippogriff, especially the scene where Harry and the Hippogriff are flying over the water.
So if you want to see a beautifully filmed movie that's going to be confusing, this is one to see! If you don't want to be confused, read the book first, but then I think you'll be disappointed by the movie.
Linda