Best by far

Rating: 10/10 (23 August 2004)

Here's how I feel about Harry Potter, so you know how I align with the fandom:
-The books are enjoyable if not genius-- 4th is the best and 5th is the worst.
-The first two movies were awfully disappointing. Near the bottom of big budget children's fantasy.
-Alfonso Cuaron is a director about whom all I know is that Little Princess was gorgeous.
Now you know what I was expecting coming into this. Coming out, I have to say that the viewing public is crazy not to love this movie, that it is not even in the same category as the first two, and that I am very sad that Cuaron is not directing Goblet of Fire (Mike Newell is).
In this film, everyone stops looking like that were stuck on a postcard and starts showing some chops. Emma Watson shines and Daniel Radcliffe emotes and cries, finally, like a pro. The CG is no longer just passable; it is top flight. And in the camera work, the whimsy that makes the books endearing is finally captured. I just can't find fault with this film.