The magic is missing

Rating: Null/10 (4 June 2004)

It's a good show; the 2-1/2 hours goes by fast, but the magical quality of the first two movies just isn't here. Some of this is due to the story, but the change in directors makes a big difference. Cuaron is a more professional director than Columbus. There's a reality to the background scenes that is missing from the first two movies. The other major factor in the change is Gambon's Dumbledore. He lacks the elfin (as in Santa's elves, not Tolkien's) spirit that Richard Harris gave to the role. Fortunately, as the story progresses, Harry gains confidence and power, and he needs Dumbledore less. From a technician's point of view, "Prisoner" must be considered the best of the series so far, but for entertainment value, the choice is much less clear.