Very Dark!!

Rating: Null/10 (12 June 2004)

This film was the best so far.
What a change from the last two films!!! This was really dark and scary! Brilliant! The main problem I thought was that the film gave very little explanation of surrounding events so if you have not read the book I think that you would find it quite confusing. It was very fast paced. There was no time to sit back and take in what was being said because it moved on to the next scene so quickly. I think this film needed to be fast paced though because so much happens in the book.... and it kept the excitement. It could have done with lightening up just a little bit though.... although Dawn French as the Fat Lady was brilliant.
The three leading actors have really matured in their acting abilities, especially in my opinion Emma Watson, I thought she did a very good performance. Rupert Grint was superb as always! Michael Gambon was excellent as Dumbledore and took over from Harris very well. He didn't try to imitate Harris in any way but gave Dumbledore is own stamp. We didn't really see much of some of the other characters such as Snape, Malfoy, Neville or McGonagall which was a shame. I was quite worried about the casting choices for Lupin and Sirius. David Thewlis didn't really look the part for me... but he played the character of Lupin brilliantly. In my opinion he was the best actor there. Gary Oldman was excellent too... and I can't wait to see them both in future HP films.
The special effects were excellent! The Hippogriff ride over the lake was amazing! I loved the design for the Marauders Map too.. not how I'd imagined it but better! I'm gutted that there was very little quidditch in the film because that was important in the book since it was the first year Gryffindor win the cup, but you can't have it all. The Dementors were interesting. I though the way they affected the people and atmosphere around them was portrayed very well but I was disappointed with the Dementors themselves.
All in all an excellent film. I hope Cuaron does some more. I wonder if anyone noticed Harry's scar though! If you haven't watched the film look out for his scar! It doesn't seem to want to stay on the same place on his forehead!! But maybe its just me...