best book, worst film

Rating: Null/10 (7 June 2004)

The movie did not do the book justice! This is my favorite book in the HP series, and I was disappointed not to feel the suspense and action I felt while reading it.
I was very disappointed in the direction of the film as compared to that of Chris Columbus' "Sorcerer's Stone" and "Chamber of Secrets." Too many extra scenes . . . too many deleted scenes . . . too many consolidated scenes. . . I, for one, am glad he will not be returning.
Gambon's portrayal of Dumbledore is disappointing. . . We went from a laid back, strong, inspirational portrayal by the late Harris, to a hippie, young, uninteresting portrayal. According to Gambon, his reason for the changes? . . . "because it's funny!!???" It left me cold and angry.
On, the good side, the kids still do a great job (or just as much as we can expect) and, of course, so do John Williams and his orchestra.
Some might say that there was too much in the way of special effects, but HELLO?! . . . It's a movie about wizardry!! It's to be expected!
Overall, there was not enough energy and no development of our invested interest in these characters. This series of films can be just as much a part of our (pop) culture as the LOTR trilogy, but not if we continue in this fashion. If Rowling can write a novel to inspire the world, we can do it justice in the cinema. Only WB can turn it around now!!! Or can they?!
P.S. Dementors DON'T fly, they hover (not 1,000 ft in the air either)!