Not quite as good as the other two, but almost

Rating: 6/10 (11 June 2004)

I love the wonderful casting choices the directors of these films consistently make! Emma Thompson as Professor Trelawny was an inspired choice! What a hoot. I wish the filmmakers hadn't cut this film to ribbons, though. Clearly, there must have been other scenes featuring "the emmas" (Watson and Thompson). In the book, if I remember right, there are lots more sparks that fly between the two. I wanted to see more of Emma Thompson! Also, Gary Oldman as Sirius Black was absolutely marvelous. I sure hope he signs on for the future films. He's always been a favorite of mine, anyway. I was unfamiliar with David Thewlis, but he was awesome as well as Professor Lupin. He managed to be weird and slightly menacing as well as a friendly mentor to Harry. The film felt a bit "rushed" as many points were left out (who, for example are Padfoot, Mooney, Wormtail, and Prongs??...the only reason I know is that I read the book. I wonder if those who haven't were completely lost...would it really have taken THAT long to explain who they were???) Many of the scenes felt rushed and the dialog was a bit contrived to move the plot along. I know this is often the nature of the translation of books to film; I don't think this film would have suffered had it been 30 minutes longer. But don't get me wrong. IT was a fine film and we all enjoyed it. Yes, it's a bit darker than the others (I was SHOCKED to see many many toddlers in the audience!! Hello, people?? What are you thinking???? Do you not read? Every review I've seen warns against taking small children to this as it is quite scary.) but older elementary kids and up will be fine, for the most part.