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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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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
Weird Sisters Lead Singer
Points: 5747
Annie Potter says:
I'm not reading it!!! I don't want to know what happens as I want it all to be a supprise for when I see it. I nearly started to read it but I stoped myself just in time!!
Posted May 25, 2004 at 9:23 AM EST
Squib
Points: 123
Sweeper887 says:
I'm a little bummed that they left the ending such as it was, but the rest of the spoiler heavy post inspires a great deal of confidence in me regarding the film. I'm really looking forward to seeing it tomorrow with the press. :-)
Gotta get my HP fix in for this week...and then I will see it a second time on June 4 with my friends.
Posted May 25, 2004 at 10:21 AM EST
Unspeakable
Points: 3920
stocco says:
That's a great review. It really makes me have faith in Cuaron. I heard about that ending and I was a little pissed off. I mean, it SHOULD end on the train or with the Dursleys...
Posted May 25, 2004 at 12:10 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 401
munnii says:
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.
What?! I think that is a crappy ending. I like the fact that Harry says ''I've got a godfather and he's a convict'' way better.
But overall, I think the film will be satisfactory. Though I might change my mind after I see the film. ;)
Posted May 25, 2004 at 12:36 PM EST
Pixie Liaison
Points: 11797
carina says:
Oh wow.. I am SOOO relieved after that interview.. it cleared up all of the little problems I was having with POA!!!! I wasn't sure how the Night Bus scene was going to turn out and I wasn't sure if I'd like the patronus because it had only looked like a shield in the previews.. but now after reading this I feel MUCH better!! I was really worried about the ending too.. but it sounds much better even though I wish he had gotten the Firebolt during the movie, not at the end. But I am so exited for POA and I know I will be 100% ready for it now!!!
Posted May 25, 2004 at 1:02 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 52
Becky says:
I think the ending might annoy me.. but nothing I can do. I cannot wait to see this movie!!! I am anticipating this movie almost as much as I am anticipating the sixth book! I CANT WAIT!!
Posted May 25, 2004 at 1:37 PM EST
Witch
Points: 599
wanabee weasley says:
There was nothing really new in this review. Other reviews have mentioned stuff about the ending and Quidditch, but the Knight Bus scene sounds quite funny. I really can't wait to PoA. Only 6 more days!!!!
Posted May 25, 2004 at 1:57 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1618
ziddy says:
Wow. This time, i dont mind as much with the stuff that Cuaron changed because he changed the film so much
Posted May 25, 2004 at 3:43 PM EST
Obliviator
(Moderator)
Points: 8468
Prof. Dish says:
Even though I clicked on this news story, I have no intention on reading it!!
I don't really want to know about the whole entire movie, so I'm staying away from stories like these, thanks for the spoiler warning in advance!
Posted May 25, 2004 at 4:42 PM EST
Student
Points: 255
Emma Granger says:
Whadda ya mean SEAN BIGGERSTAFF isn't returning?!?!?! My heart just broke. *faints dramatically* HAH! They didn't said that Hermione's always wondering about Ron's wherabouts! It was vice-versa! That means that RON likes HERMIONE, but not exactly vice-versa! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Anyway, cool review.
Posted May 25, 2004 at 4:48 PM EST
Witch
Points: 685
DANADDICT89 says:
"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." I am glad someone cleared that up.
The movie will be brilliant, you can just tell. Cuaron is an awesome director and I haven't even seen this film yet but feel that he's done the greatest job on portraying book 3. The film is going to be so 'fetch.' Hehehe! I am weird I know...
Posted May 25, 2004 at 5:11 PM EST
Student
Points: 277
hp_freak_23 says:
Now I'm mad at myself coz I read this review. I broke my promise not to look at any more pictures or read any reviews. Bad me!!
Well this movie looks amazing I seriously can't wait till i comes out!!!!!!!! AHHHHHH!
Posted May 25, 2004 at 5:14 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1286
JessicaRadcliffeForever says:
Hello! This is a psuedo-review! Psuedo means fake! That is obviously no the ending.
I have to admit, the review had me going for a while but once I go to the ending part, I had to look back and saw that it was fake. Dayna, this was excellently written. I really hope you write more for HPANA.
Posted May 25, 2004 at 5:42 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1147
Spirits*of*Fire says:
A lot of these myths I haven't heard but it was great to read about the movie.
Myth 1: I tended to agree with at first. I mean if you've seen Y Tu Mama tambien, you would not think of Harry Potter when you think of him. But it looks like he's put a lot into this movie, I can't speak until I've actually seen the movie (9 days!). The only thing I don't like is the added crap between Hermionie & Ron....am I the only one who doesen't want them to get together???
Myth 2: Is Oliver Wood going to be in the movie at all or was his character written out? If so, that's a darn shame. Wood is a big part of Book 3, at least in the quidditch parts.
Myth 3: Never heard this myth but I will say this: why is Stan (it's either Stan or 'Ern) like a different species in the movie? I know one of them (can't remember which one...sorry) was supposed to have pimples (believe it's Stan) but he wasn't supposed to be another species!!!
Myth 4: The ending seems cheesy no matter what the author says. & why is Harry receiving his broom at the end of the movie? It totally messes up some of the quidditch games & stuff with Hermionie & Sirius. I hope that's a myth!
Myth 5: Tears came to my eyes at reading "the next level"! I heard these rumors & thought they were bogus! That is completely changing the plot of the story in that case. *sigh* I hope Ron & Hermy do stay just friends...Am I the only one who sees this as a bad thing? Why can't a girl just be friends with her guy friends?? *sigh* enough ranting on that.....
Myth 6: Never heard this rumor but it has to be bogus. The Stag means a lot in the plot: Marauder's Map, Jack Potter, resemblance to father, etc. if they changed this they might as well change the title of the movie, ya heard
Myth 7: Don't like that it took place on a bridge instead of the alleged Astronomy Tower. Changing the way Hogwart's grounds are just don't sit well with me and according to the author didn't sit well with others as well. It may have made it more dramatic or poetic or whatever but I just think it was an unnecessary change is all.
Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
------------9 days----------
Posted May 25, 2004 at 10:58 PM EST
Squib
Points: 111
vigal says:
yeah I to am dissapointed at the ending... I have read all books so I am not surprised. In the book I like the ending you finally get to know that harry can visit hogsmede. and heart to heart on a brige that supposed to happen near the entence hall right after lupin saves harry's butt.... I sound critical but I really do want to see the movie!! ah june 4th!!
Posted May 26, 2004 at 1:49 AM EST
Squib
Points: 111
vigal says:
What! they cut out the three broomsticks and the part about hp understanding about surius!! ha!!!! and the quidditch cup!!!!
Posted May 26, 2004 at 1:56 AM EST
Prefect
Points: 399
Miss_Khierra says:
At last a real Potter movie!!! ...
I hope it'll be one the the most beautiful movies ive ever watched...
There's one important thing i have to say though...
THANK YOU CUARON!!!
Posted May 26, 2004 at 2:44 AM EST
The Chosen Hobbit
Points: 2447
Enisnitch Baggins says:
Nice stuff to makes me even more miserable in my waiting time.
Posted May 26, 2004 at 5:49 AM EST
Head Boy
Points: 486
Maynard says:
Thank you, Dayna Rozental. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Shut the naysayers up and put our ills at ease. Marry me. :)
Posted May 26, 2004 at 2:34 PM EST
Ravenclaw's Heiress
Points: 3926
PhoenixFire says:
I'm glad they cleared some of the rumors but the ending still bothers me.....I would like to have it end the way it was in the book......I just hope the letter from Sirius will be explained.....
Posted May 26, 2004 at 8:00 PM EST
Squib
Points: 123
Sweeper887 says:
the letter from Sirius is not explained...as it does not appear in the movie at all.
Sorry to disappoint you, PhoenixFire
Posted May 26, 2004 at 8:28 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 59
Riddiculus says:
Im proud to say i hvae the will power to resist reading it! even though ive read the book and now the story, the movie can still be a really big surprise, despite rumors about the ending i still dont kow how its going to end, and im willing to wait.
Posted May 27, 2004 at 5:22 AM EST
Slytherin Sugar Daddy
(Moderator)
Points: 5054
Andy Lestrange says:
Thanks a lot cheeser! I was so afraid there would be no quidditch in the movie. Thats what I love most about the movies. I appreciate you dispelling the myths, and getting people more excited for the movie!
Andy
Posted May 27, 2004 at 11:35 AM EST
Ravenclaw Ghost
Points: 9469
Pearlescent says:
Yay! So excited...so excited...
I think I might burst!!! Yay!! I'm so happy!!!!!!!
:D :D :D :D
Posted May 27, 2004 at 11:39 AM EST
Lethifold
Points: 2863
Snitch Sox says:
Well what a relief!
If sombody on the crew says it rocks I am quite prepared to believe them> Roll on Monday!
Posted May 27, 2004 at 12:34 PM EST
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