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MAY 24, 2004 at 7:43 PM
Posted by CHEESER
Source: HPANA
Once and future HPANA reporter Dayna Rozental has written up a pseudo-review of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban that aims to quell rumors and gripes fans have brought up about the movie. She was at the world premiere on Sunday and washes away worries about Quidditch, the new director, and more.
Warning: This review contains big spoilers. Scroll to the bottom for links to other fan site reviews.
There's a saying that goes "the third time's the charm," and in this case, it's the literal truth. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban has all the charms, enchantments, spells and sorcery one would expect from a film based on one of JK Rowling's award-winning novels, with the added bonus of being a good film that people who have not read the books or seen the previous two movies will also enjoy. The new film is a dark, fast-paced, action-packed story of a child becoming a teenager and the fact that he and his friends happen to carry around wands is almost secondary.
Prisoner began getting flack from fans and non-fans alike almost immediately after work on the second film, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, was completed. Rumors and gossip about why the new movie was going to be the worst thing to ever happen to the Harry Potter series flooded the Internet. Now I would like to set the record straight.
Rumor: Director Alfonso Cuaron should not be directing a children's movie. It simply is not appropriate.
Reality: My first response to this is that the film is not a children's movie. Aside from that, Cuarón is quite possibly the best thing that has happened to the series since JK Rowling put pen to paper back in that Edinburgh café.
The cinematography in Prisoner is amazing. Cuarón uses angles that have never before been seen in a Potter film. The extreme close-ups of happy, beaming children and slow pans of the landscape with overly emotional scoring are gone. Additionally, the new director brought performances I never would have thought possible out of the younger actors. This is partly because the actors are growing up and are more at ease in front of the camera, but it's Cuarón's guidance that has turned some of them from children reading lines into actors. Dialogue was delivered so perfectly that I found myself laughing out loud at scenes that had almost become stale to me after reading the book so many times.
Rumor: Because Sean Biggerstaff (Oliver Wood in Philosopher's Stone and Chamber of Secrets) did not return, there's no Quidditch scene/the Quidditch scene will be bad.
Reality: There was Quidditch in this movie, and it was Quidditch like we've never seen it before. Harry spends most of the game up in the clouds. The storm is so fierce one of his teammates' brooms gets struck by lightning and catches fire, and on top of it all the dreaded Dementors show up. When we see Harry in the infirmary after the game, he isn't the only person there in Quidditch robes. The match is so fast-paced and brutal I was on the edge of my seat, despite the fact that I already knew exactly what was going to happen.
Rumor: The film ends with Harry flying off into the sunset, in heart-felt, melodramatic fashion, with all the other students cheering him on.
Reality: The movie ends with Harry flying and a cheering crowd, but it isn't dramatic. He just received a new broom and is trying it out for the very first time, so he has a bit of trouble controlling it, zooms around a bit, heads directly toward the camera and fin. While it doesn't correspond exactly with what happened in the book, it's far better than the sweet endings we've had to date.
Rumor: Hermione and Ron take their relationship to the "next level" in this installment.
Reality: While there is certainly a bit of awkwardness between Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), nothing happens to indicate that they are more than friends. We see that Ron often notes Hermione's whereabouts, and they argue like an old married couple, but that's as far as it goes.
Rumor: Harry's Patronus takes the shape of a shield.
Reality: Harry's first attempts at the Patronus can be interpreted as looking somewhat like a shield, but his corporeal Patronus (he only conjures it once) is quite clearly a stag. It's quite beautiful, though it does not seem to run around knocking the dementors about, rather it exudes a sort of force that does the job for it. (It also seems to have an interesting effect on Sirius, but I won't spoil that for you.)
Rumor: The scenes with Professor Lupin (David Thewlis) and Harry talking take place in the Astronomy tower (where they have no good reason to be, of course).
Reality: Harry and the professor have their heart-to-heart on a bridge. This is a minor detail, of course, but it seemed to bother a lot of people.
Overall, Prisoner of Azkaban is a good film. It is a movie that everyone can enjoy and fans of JK Rowling's books can be proud to wear the Harry Potter name, not just because of how true it is to the original story, but because it's finally a smooth-paced, beautifully shot movie we can call our own.
More from around the Web:
DanRadcliffe.com's review
Reviews from all over, courtesy Rotten Tomatoes (thanks to merri_maven for the link)
Ain't It Cool News (mature language)
Reader Comments (89)
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Points: 35
katie81590 says:
Oh my gosh this review makes me even more excited!!!! i cant wait ugh just a couple more days!!!
Okay i dont mean to sound like a pesimis here but i dont like the sound of the ending! It just doesnt seem right. Do you think that they are going to put Ron's new owl in there somewhere???
Posted May 24, 2004 at 9:50 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1018
Peitouche says:
I really can't wait until the 4th. I keep annoying my movie theatre asking if they'll have a midnight showing. So far, no luck, but hopefully!
Posted May 24, 2004 at 9:59 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1881
DarkPhoenixRising says:
Thanks for the info!!! I can't wait to see it now. We're going to see it at the IMAX theater... So it will be X-tra awesome!!!
Posted May 24, 2004 at 10:07 PM EST
Harry's Soul-Mate
Points: 3337
Lea says:
Well, this clears up some points, but... many others remain to be seen!!.....
Right now I'm quite puzzled about this: Harry's trying out his Firebolt FOR THE FIRST TIME AT THE END OF THE FILM??? -oh,well....
Oh, and of course Lupin&Harry didn't TALKED in the Astronomy tower, they just practised the patronus-charm in-there! -We all saw it clearly in the trailers! (and we saw them talking on that bridge,too...)
Now, about the effect Harry's stag-Patronus has on Sirius....I can't wait to see that scene!!! -he must be so overwhelmed with emotion to see PRONGS again!!!!......
I CAN'T BELIEVE IN THIS COUNTRY OF MINE WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR THIS FILM UNTILL 18.05!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted May 24, 2004 at 10:15 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2157
HogwartsWitch says:
I'm really glad I read this - I hadn't heard anything about the ending before and now I'm kind of glad that I'm prepared for it. And I knew there would be Quidditch, but with the movie showing only one match, I am disappointed that we won't see Harry win the Quidditch cup - it was one of my absolute favorite moments in the book! You could just feel how far Harry had come in his 3 years at Hogwarts and since his miserable life with just the Dursleys. It was quite a moment for him - but I know they can't show everything!
Posted May 24, 2004 at 10:23 PM EST
Squib
Points: 171
Nymphadora_Tonks says:
Well it was pretty interesting.ButIcan't beleive that they don't have the part when harry tells Vernon about sirius.That's the ending in the book.But of course they can't make every little scene into movie.And if thee is only on Quiddich scene then there won't be the part when Malfroy dress up as dementer.Would ther???
[b]But after all,it is harry potter,and i can't possibly wait to see it ;no matter what ever changes they make.[b]
Posted May 24, 2004 at 10:42 PM EST
Squib
Points: 171
Nymphadora_Tonks says:
Well it was pretty interesting.ButIcan't beleive that they don't have the part when harry tells Vernon about sirius.That's the ending in the book.But of course they can't make every little scene into movie.And if thee is only on Quiddich scene then there won't be the part when Malfroy dress up as dementer.Would ther???
But after all,it is harry potter,and i can't possibly wait to see it ;no matter what ever changes they make.
Posted May 24, 2004 at 10:44 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1369
luv4permboy says:
This sounds really interesting to find out that the movie won't be a bust and the director isn't a bust either. I had heard rumors about alfonso being mean to the kids and all, but I know by the reactions of the trio that that was a lie.
Can't wait!!!
Posted May 24, 2004 at 10:45 PM EST
Gryffindor Chaser
Points: 3637
Angelina Johnson says:
Woohoo! I'm sure the movie's just going to be great. I didn't read it.....I want it to be a surprise ;) Only 10 days to go! Woohoo!
Posted May 24, 2004 at 10:53 PM EST
Points: 6760
Zarry Sotter says:
Wow, the movie sounds incredible!
I'm not too happy about the ending, but I think I can overlook it!
Finally a real Harry Potter movie!
Only 10 days!
I'm so glad I read this! It was, amazing, absolutely amazing!
Thank you HPANA!
Posted May 24, 2004 at 11:03 PM EST
Snape's Woman
(Moderator)
Points: 5392
Prof. Andaxia Moonstar says:
Wow - what a great review! I am so glad to hear that there won't be an overly emotional ending, and I am very excited to see the Quidditch game and Harry's Patronus. It's coming soon, and I have a feeling I will be seeing it quite a number of times.
Posted May 24, 2004 at 11:04 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1908
Opera Ghost says:
It makes me crazy that they have a perfect ending for each of the movies laid out for them in every book, and they totally ignore it! Doesn't Ron even get his own owl from Sirius? I am so disappointed, but at least I have been warned...hopefully the rest of the movie will make up for it.
Posted May 25, 2004 at 12:32 AM EST
Student
Points: 225
missdmalfoy says:
THat is too cool! and it sorted out a few queries about POA for me! Thanx Hpana!
Posted May 25, 2004 at 1:31 AM EST
Prefect
Points: 311
nightgoddess says:
I find that review really reveealing but I read it anyways and I don't think it would spoil as much as the movie contains. Of course, we get a broad idea of what this movie is about but really, it's a different thing watching it.
Can't wait for June 2nd! [And if I'm lucky enough I'm going to watch it on May 30th!
Posted May 25, 2004 at 1:41 AM EST
Professor of Astronomy
Points: 3288
Prof Aurora Sinistra says:
I'm not reading the article, since I don't want to spoil anything for when I do see it. I'll save the link to this page,... maybe and then read it later.
Posted May 25, 2004 at 1:52 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1525
veta says:
Oh I see, the movie must be great than! Is the things it said is true?? Just asking to be sure........it has a warning thingy...so yeah...
Posted May 25, 2004 at 1:54 AM EST
Witch
Points: 523
ProfessorMaffioli says:
Hey all I was able to see a sneak preview yesterday and wanted to add a bit of info here.
For those of you who obviously don't mind spoilers here is a bit more info on the movie.
THIS IS SPOILER HEAVY DON'T READ UNLESS YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAS BEEN CHANGED
WHAT'S OUT
Magnolia Crescent
WHAT'S IN
A playground that could be the one in OOTP
out...
"My name is Nevil Longbottom"
in...
Harry's 'tude
out...
Harry's extended stay at The Leaky Cauldren
in...
Fudge's personal office at the inn
out...
Nevil and Ginny in the compartment with the trio when the dementors arrive
Still In...
Hermione's comment about her foot getting stepped on (WHY?)
out...
Draco's comments about how he would want revenge in potions class (in fact all of Potions Class)
in...
A LOT MORE DRACO!!!(Draco fans will love this movie!)
out...
the Halloween feast
in...
The Fat Lady SINGS!
out...
Sir Cadogan
in...
NOTHING! Did he end up on the cutting room floor? He is gone the way of Peeves.
out...
the quiddich cup
in...
A glimpse of what should be Cedrick (Though I doubt he will be the same in GOF)
out...
Buck Beak's appeal
Torn and bloody bed sheets and Ginger cat hair
the confiscation of the Fire bolt
in...
Kids that finally act like kids. They hang out in the dorm and goof around. They bicker. Hermione worries about her hair.
out...
Any explanation of Moony, Woormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs!
in...
more Weasley twins than in previous films
out...
Harry hiding under the table at the Three Broomsticks
in...
Shrunken head bouncers who keep underaged (non invisibility cloak wearing wizards) out of the pub.
out...
Hermione being overwhelmed by her class load
in...
GirlPower!Hermoine punches Malfoy
out...
Sirius' attack on Ron (Scabbers)
in...
McNair in the courtyard sharpening his ax (boy is he hideous)
out...
The explanation of why the Marauders became Animagi
in...
Hermione howls like a wolf!
out...
the explanation of why the whom ping willow was planted
in...
Poor blue birds
(oh and you can "immobulous" the whom ping willow)
out...
Pig
"My god father's an escaped convict"
in...
Harry FINALLY GETS THE FIREBOLT!!
Ok, if you have actually read this far you might think I didn't like the movie. Actually I loved it. The trio is great and how can you complain about more Malfoy and Weasley Twins!! It is a very fast paced movie, but it is touching and sweet at the same time.
ENJOY!!
Posted May 25, 2004 at 2:18 AM EST
Witch
Points: 548
hogwarts_girl_4ever says:
Cool, but that did say quite alot about the movie. I'm totally looking forward to actually seeing it now, instead of just reading reviews, and seeing pics from the movie, but i suppose i can wait 8 days.
Posted May 25, 2004 at 2:34 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1140
dan's girl says:
Oh my God ......i should'nt have read that ....now i can't wait to see the movie.....you know its like im biting my nails in anticipation every time i read something related to POA.......
Posted May 25, 2004 at 3:21 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1080
Petronilla says:
Oh Noooooo !!! I did not want to know the ending !!!!!!
I hope that watching the movie, the ending does not seems soooooo.... empty...
Posted May 25, 2004 at 3:24 AM EST
Muggle
Points: 98
Romulus Lupin says:
well most reviews ive READ are good except for that review on rotten tomatoes but all in all Cuaron rocks!!!!
Posted May 25, 2004 at 3:52 AM EST
Squib
Points: 179
JPA says:
Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A few more days only!!!!! and it's PoA MANIA man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted May 25, 2004 at 7:15 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1158
Moonbake says:
Great review. I cannot wait. I am a bit nervous about the ending though? it ends with him flying his broom!!! What!!!!!!!
Posted May 25, 2004 at 8:11 AM EST
Ron's Robe Designer
Points: 5793
meganwood89 says:
Wow, there's so much to get into one movie. Its going to be so good, I can't wait!
Posted May 25, 2004 at 8:32 AM EST
Squib
Points: 179
JPA says:
wait.. im really confused about the ending... HARRY RIDING THE FIREBOLT?! Isnt that suppose to happen in the middle of the sotry during playing the quidditch against ravenclaw? But I heard there is only one quidditch match. I think its against hufflepuff...
HELP!!!
THE ENDING SEEMS SO EMPTY!
Posted May 25, 2004 at 8:48 AM EST
Witch
Points: 676
Madame Rosmerta says:
The anticipation is killing me, I can't wait to see it!
Posted May 25, 2004 at 9:13 AM EST
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