HP Review: Part III

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
(2004, Alfonso Cuaron)








New Faces

In this film we meet all of James Potters' chums: Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew. Proving that the casting director knows what she is doing, the three parts were skillfully filled by David Thewlis, Gary Oldman, and Timothy Spall respectively.

Thewlis does well with the shabby look and proves that he has bounce in his step and warmth for the perfect combination to play Professor Lupin.

Oldman does well in his own role as Sirius, in turn playing crazed animosity, jocularity, and embracing comfort. What a shame that only his voice appears in the fourth film, along with a poor imitation of his head in the midst of fire embers. And to show Oldman's versitility, compare haggard Sirius Black to clean-cut Jim Gordon from "Batman Begins" or "The Dark Knight." These two characters look almost nothing alike. Props to Oldman; he deftly portrays both.

And with his shifty, rat-like features, Timothy Spall is the perfect choice to play Wormtail. He also has the perfect squeaky whine to embrace the role.


Also joining the cast is Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore. Yes, we all miss Richard Harris, but I concede that Gambon does well with the role (at least in this film).


Acting

Just as Grint shined in "Chamber of Secrets," Watson takes over this film, showing audiences that Hermione Granger is no lightweight. This film shows that Hermione can both throw powerful punches and solve tricky puzzles (e.g. Lupin is a werewolf, or how to save Sirius). Therefore it is absolutely ridiculous that one of Watson's lines is "Is that really what my hair looks like from the back?"

This undermines the rest of the film, which clearly illustrates that Hermione is a strong woman. How infuriating that the scripwriters, or whoever thought that line was a good idea, felt they needed to shallow up her character. Even more infuriating that Watson plays Hermione as a full-out over-emotional girly girl in the next film (but more on that rant later...). Though Watson largely shines in this film, I cannot help but notice this one warning sign of her caricaturized damsel-in-distress routine, prominent in the fourth film.

Tracking Radcliffe's progress, he really does seem to be improving. One does have to question his "I'm king of the world!" moment as he rides Buckbeak for the first time. But the only lapse into unbelievable acting is the scene in which he hears that Sirius betrayed his parents: "I'm going to find him. And when I do [pant pant] I'm going to kill him."

And Grint is still top notch as Ron.


Glaring Omissions

The Marauder's Map is perhaps the coolest gadget that Harry Potter owns and this is the film in which it makes its debut. We learn that Fred and George nicked it from Filtche's office in their first year. We learn that the map was made by Misters Mooney, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs. And we even get some clues as to who these four men might be.

However, it is a HUGE mistake on the editor's part to omit explaining who made the map and what the nicknames' significance are. True, fans of the series will already know this piece of information. However, not all members of the audience will be familiar with the book and not all of these people will put together the not-so-obvious connection. Audiences might wonder how Lupin will know if Harry does not return to his dormitory right away or that the map never lies.

How hard would it have been for them to include one three-minute scene with Professor Lupin explaining the map's makers to Harry? I suggest that one perfect option would be to add this little scene right near the end of the film, when Lupin is packing up his office. Here he returns the map to Harry. He could have easily also told Harry that he and his three best buds put it together. What a shame that this cool piece of info was overlooked.


Overall Rating: A (Perhaps the best of the first five films)

HP Review: Part II

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
(2002; Chris Columbus)







New Faces

I think we can all agree that Dobby the House Elf translated very well to the big screen. He's cute, but in a very peculiar way. Props to Toby Jones for providing the perfect inflections for the voice and props to the art department for everything else. Dobby's glaring absence from any subsequent Potter film has been quite the disappointment.

Good news: Toby Jones will be returning for both installments of Deathy Hallows (scheduled for 2010 and 2011). Well duh, how in the world were they going to pull that one off without Dobby? Yes, they have creatively rearranged story bits to avoid the trouble of including him (e.g. in the fifth movie, where Neville discovers the Room of Requirement in lieu of Dobby). And it will be interesting to see how the sixth movie manages to omit him. Thankfully the filmmakers are not stupid enough to attempt the seventh installment without him.


Kenneth Branagh is another artful addition to the cast as Professor Gilderoy Lockhart. Branagh provides the perfect balance of carisma, egotism, and bafoonery. He also plays clueless extremely well when a memory spell backfires. Best line: [in the Chamber of Secrets] "It's an odd sort of place, this, isn't it? Do you live here?"


Acting

The most notable change in the core three (Radcliffe, Grint, Watson) is that Ronald Weasley has developed an endearing voice crack whenever he utters "Bloody Hell!" It is also fun to see Grint recieve more attention in this film, since he is the strongest actor of the core three. He flies a car, burps up slugs, and helps Harry rescue Ginny from a basilisk. And Grint manages to do all this with clumsy, endearing flaire.

Otherwise, it appears the cast is settling into their respective roles for the long run. Overall the cast has improved since "Sorcerer's Stone." But as proof that Radcliffe's acting chops still need work, he has the lamest line in the whole series thus far: [to Ron, while falling out of a flying car] "You're hand's all sweaty!"


Overall Rating: A-

Harry Potter Review: Part I

Five days away from the official release of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is the perfect time to reflect on the success of the first five installments. As a tribute to the new film, I will post reviews of films 1-5 over the next five days. Feel free to share your thoughts, if I've left anything out or misjudged/judged too harshly.





Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
(2001; Chris Columbus, director)






The Core Three:

I can imagine it would be hard to pick actors for a 7+ year stint based solely upon their merits as a child actor. I can also imagine the tremendous pressure to find actors who would fit the imaginations of millions of little kids who already have a well-ingrained idea of what the characters look like.

Two out of three is not bad, I suppose. Judging solely by this debut film, it seemed as if they had picked the perfect Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). Grint had the perfect facial expressions and appeared very comfortable on screen. Best scene: while learning how to ride a broom, Ron is hit in the face with a broom handle and Harry chuckles. It may not sound like much, but the genuine spirit of the scene is believable.

In turn, Watson engendered the perfect amount of snottiness and know-it-all-ness that characterized Hermione. Watson's best line: "I'm going to bed before either of you can come up with another clever idea to get us all killed - or worse, expelled. " The two provided the perfect entourage for one Mr. Harry Potter.

In comparison, Danial Radcliffe's debut was rather lackluster. True, Radcliffe looks like quite the cute Harry Potter. However, this first performance was rather two-dimensional. There was little variety in his expression and his emotions came off as fake. I know, there must have been tremendous pressure weighing on this eleven-year-old's head. But based on this performance alone, Radcliffe disappoints.


Faculty Choices: A+

I, for one, miss Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore. He had the calm demeanor and twinkle in the eye characteristic of this beloved headmaster. He was also charismatic and comical in press interviews. Harris is one reason to prefer the first two films to subsequent ones.

Alan Rickman as Severus Snape is the perfect casting choice. Not only does Rickman have the perfect voice to dole out scathing remarks, but he has great acting acumen to add to the faculty. The only flaw: you cannot completely loath Snape, because he's Alan Rickman.

Maggie Smith is also a great fit for Minerva McGonagall. She deftly handles both a piercing reproach and a (slightly rigid) offer of comfort.

Finally, Robbie Coltrane is quite good as the huggable Rubeus Hagrid.


As an Adaptation

The film receives an A for following the original storyline. There are no major changes to the plot and no glaring omissions. Yes, some scenes and characters that are omitted for time and simplicity. However, the omission of Peeves does not hinder audiences' enjoyment and the story arch crafted for the film does well with fitting all the important scenes into a cohesive two and a half hours.

Also, A+ for bringing Hogwarts to life. Granted, there was no way the set design team could have crafted the castle to satisfy every fan's imagination. Even with that handicap, they manage to craft an impressive display.

Furthermore, props to the special effects team for its portrayal of Quidditch. At the mention of Quidditch, I also have to sneak in a plug for Sean Biggerstaff. I am a huge fan of his portrayal of Quidditch captain, Oliver Wood.


Overall film rating: A-

July, A.K.A. Blockbuster Month

Note: (**) To the right of a title denotes that I have seen the film


Box Office Newbies:

1. Public Enemies (Jul. 1)
Notable Names: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale
Rated: R
Synopsis: FBI agent Melvin Purvis (Bale) sets his sights on American gangster John Dillinger (Depp) and others in an attempt to curb a rampant Chicago crime spree during the 1930s (IMDB).
Thoughts: Fun fact -- this film was shot in Madison, WI. Otherwise, my opinion is undecided.


2. Brüno (Jul. 10)
Notable Names: Sacha Baron Cohen
Rated: R
Synopsis: Flamboyant Austrian fashion reporter Bruno (Cohen) travels the world in search of the latest style trends (IMDB).
Thoughts: Perhaps it is time for me to finally see "Borat." That's right, I have not yet seen that gem. However, the synopsis of this film interests me - maybe not to the point of spending top dollar on a theater ticket, but enough to see it at some point.

3. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Jul. 15)
Notable Names: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton,
Rated: PG
Synopsis: Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts for his sixth year and learns more about they mysterious past of Tom Riddle, aka Lord Voldemort.
Thoughts: I have yet to even see the movie, but already I have my complaints. To be fair, I am not an impartial judge (am I ever?), since this is my favorite book in the series.

4. (500) Days of Summer (Jul. 17) - limited release
Notable Names: Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Rated: PG-13
Synopsis: Greeting-card writer Tom (Gordon-Leavitt), falls for his new colleague, Summer (Deschanel), on her first day of work. What comes next is a look at the subsequent year-and-a-half period the two lovers spend together (IMDB).
Thoughts: Yet another promising film that has two great actors leading the cast and which I probably will miss, since it is only a limited release. Yet another reason why I miss Appleton.

5. Funny People (Jul. 31)
Notable Names: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogan, Leslie Mann
Rated: R
Synopsis: When seasoned comedian George Simmons (Sandler) learns of his terminal, inoperable health condition, his desire to form a genuine friendship inspires him to take a relatively green performer (Rogen) under his wing as his opening act (IMDB).
Thoughts: From the people who brought us "40 Year Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up." Woo hoo. Ironically enough, this does not sound all that funny to me.


Your Home Theater:

This looks like a rather ho-hum month for movie rentals. Oddly enough, the only movies that look worthy of highlighting all come out on the 21st.

1. 17 Again (Jul. 21)
Notable Names: Zac Effron, Leslie Mann, Matthew Perry, Thomas Lennon
Rated: PG-13
Synopsis: About a guy whose life didn't quite turn out how he wanted it to and wishes he could go back to high school and change it. He wakes up one day and is seventeen again and gets the chance to rewrite his life (IMDB).
Thoughts: How weird that this title is rated PG-13. It looks like it would be one for the teeny-boppers and tweens who fawn over Effron. It also looks like it could be fun, but I wasn't about to spend $7+ to see it.

2. Coraline (Jul. 21)
Notable Names: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher
Rated: PG
Synopsis: An adventurous girl finds another world that is a strangely idealized version of her frustrating home, but it has sinister secrets (IMDB).
Thoughts: Everything animated nowadays is in 3D.



3. The Great Buck Howard (Jul. 21)
Notable Names: Colin Hanks, B.J. Hendricks, Tom Arnold, Emily Blunt, Tom Hanks, John Malkovich
Rated: PG
Synopsis: A young man, much to the chagrin of his father, becomes the new assistant to an illusionist in decline (IMDB).
Thoughts: This was one I actually would have seen in theaters, but its limited release prevented me from doing so. Well finally.


4. Watchmen (Jul. 21)
Notable Names: ? (no one I recognized)
Rated: R
Synopsis: When an ex-superhero is murdered, a vigilante named Rorschach begins an investigation into the murder, which begins to lead to a much more terrifying conclusion.
Thoughts: Still most definitely not one I will see without a hefty bribe. And it's not because there is supposedly a blue dildo in the film.