Who needs to read the books now?

Rating: 1/10 (18 January 2005)

Having been unable to see or rent this DVD since its release, I was fortunate enough to obtain a copy for the first time last night. Wow! I've never read the books and now feel I never need to after watching the third and most challenging of the three films (I'd seen the other two and was so bowled over by the plots, CGI and acting of the hundred or more central characters that I didn't feel I was worthy enough of being able to endure a third, classic, masterpiece).
It would be too easy to comment on the obvious effort the two lads and ladette put into their performances; I'm sure their special acting talents and line delivery have been mentioned in many woodworking manuals since the film was made. And what about the amazing score? I was humming it when I went to bed and found I was asleep in no-time! The Hippo Griff character rocked. One almost couldn't tell that they'd been able to recycle a pantomime horse and make it look like a different pantomime horse to the one they originally hired. Why weren't the actors inside it credited? That's scandalous! Following the plot was exciting too. It reminded me of being lost in a department store when I was a small child (though you'll be relieved to know I didn't blub this time). Such nostalgia.
I just have one small criticism though. Maybe it would be wise to get someone like Tarantino to direct the next one. That scene where the pantomime horse was beheaded; I rest my case.
All in all, a roller-coaster of a ride, a maze of intrigue and wonder, a plot that really made me want to rush out and buy-the-book(s); sorry, it had or did none of these things for me. What it highlighted, however, was the realisation that one never really stops the need for anger management and that my constant desire to slap the irritating Herm-My-On-Knee, poke the eyes of that strange and ugly Weezlie thing (what was that anyway; it certainly wasn't human?) and shouting optical, fashion advice to the Harri Porter character (doesen't he know about contact lenses?) kept me on the edge of my seat when I woke up just before the credits.
Oh yes, wonderful performance by Emma Thompson by the way; reminded me of, now what was it, oh yes, Emma Thompson in thick spectacles.
Can't wait for the next one. Really I can't.