EH...ho hum

Rating: 6/10 (5 June 2004)

My family saw this movie...my husband and two young children.
There were scary parts of this movie that my toddler did not like at
all, so first off be wary of taking very young children to this movie.
My 8 year old loved the movie. We've seen the first two movies
probably 40 times each [no joke]...we are huge fans of the books
and movies.
This movie was really hyped by critics who didn't like the first
movies. Frankly, I was hyped myself to see the third installment,
as I had hoped for an edgier film. It is an edgier film. But most of
the camera angles left me feeling as if I'd just watched a home
movie...you know how you get that feeling of vertigo? Sort of
motion sickness? That's what I came away with, and found out
later that my eldest child and husband came away that way too.
So, be forewarned.
If you are a "slave to the story" the way Rowling wrote it, you will be
disappointed. There are scenes in it that are completely rewriting
the book. Many things were cut out. And I can respect that, due to
the sheer length of Rowling's recent HP books. Understandable
indeed. However, it seems that a little too much trimming took
place, and part of the joy of watching the characters interact was
lost. And I suppose in a sad way that's how it will continue given
the length of the following HP books. If they are to be adapted to
the screen, cutting will have to be done.
Also, did it strike anyone else as odd that the characters,
especially "Harry Potter" himself Daniel Radcliffe, grew so quickly?
His physical growth was really representative of the other
characters quick physical growth as well....many actors grew
considerably from a physical standpoint. And then it hit me...this
whole series will be over so quickly...and then they will be no
more. What will we ever do without Harry Potter and that wonderful
world that Rowling created. Frankly, she is a master at character
development, and I'll miss that when she writes her last on this
series.
All the things you read/hear about this movie are true: The movie
is edgier, darker, more mature in nature, and downright scarier for
younger children.
Something wicked this way comes....and I wish it would have
stayed around a little longer.
I gave it a 6 out of 10. The filming left something to be desired. A
little too much liberty taken with the actual story. Not enough
character development where you actually cared for the characters
this time around. And the background renderings left you wanting
to hurl at particular points. Go and see it. Just leave your
expectations lower than before with the other two. And let's pray
that they don't fire the younger actors for looking too "old."