Marvellous Stuff

Rating: Null/10 (6 February 2005)

Let me be honest here, I'm fully signed up to the "Harry Potter is an irritating little git" brigade. But then, that's what hype does for you. No, I've never actually read one of the books at publication and, if I did (which is unlikely), it certainly wouldn't be in a breathless dash to the finish line along with 10 squillion others (usually to be found on tubes trains to work, on park benches or other public places as if to say "Look! I'm reading the new Harry Potter!"). Harry Potter is great stuff but, please, keep it indoors people.
So, having overcome my in-built inhibitions, what of this third Potter epic?
This could well turn out as the best of a very impressive series. Visually stunning and brimming with inventiveness, this owes something to the weird and wonderful likes of the "Singing Ringing Tree" and the warped vision of stop motion-master Jan Svankmeyer (Alice). Not the sort of thing one expects from a movie aimed at the average 14 year old. Its power to scare and thrill in equal measure is a tribute to director Cuaron and his team.
So if you're still a Potter cynic, who can blame you. But if you love fantasy cinema, don't ignore this film