Too much change and opportunities missed

Rating: 6/10 (6 June 2004)

I'm a great fan of the Potter series! Having said that ... I was disappointed in the Prisoner of Azkaban movie. Things were changed that added nothing significant to the movie. Example, McGonagall! She had such a small part, nothing about her clothing should have changed. Also the trek to Hagrid's cabin became a climbing adventure for no good reason. Energy was spent watching the scenery and distracting from the story. This movie was full of these unnecessary changes. So many opportunities were missed to promote continuity and join the series, not step off in a different direction. The actors did a fabulous job but the director missed opportunities again in not capturing proper emotion during a scene. Ex. Sirius and Harry! Harry is just realizing that his dream may be coming true to leave the Dursley's. He's found a family in Sirius! Sirius is thinking back to fond days with James and the more innocent days of teen year friendships. These are heavy emotions that are part of Rowling's story. The scene missed it! In a fast paced story line, the opportunity was gone. Subtlety and feeling is what brings magic to this story! This movie lost some of the magic!