Reviews

When the movie first came out I read mixed reviews about it; someone called it a cliché, dull and disappointing. The ratings on here were also not the greatest, so when I finally got around to see it, it wasn't with very high expectations.

I was very pleasantly surprised however. Yes, the plot and setting might be considered a bit cliché with the old haunted house and the dead mother seeking her lost child but this time I really didn't mind.

The setting is beautiful and the whole movie is eerie. There are plenty of creepy moments and the sightings of ghosts is constant throughout the story. The construction of the plot is very well done; no parts of the story seem too much, out of place or purposeless. Some scenes were extremely well thought in their simplicity. I found the scenes with the rocking chair exceptionally scary: the violent rocking left me with a feeling of horror. The grotesqueness of its movements leaves the impression that there could never be a human sitting in that chair, as most people would never dare rock it that hard in fear of tipping backwards. Another fantastic scene was when Radcliffe decides to look for the boy in the mud. Very original, very scary.

Daniel Radcliffe gives a masterful performance and shows a whole new side of his talent; especially when it comes to facial expressions of shock, horror and sadness (which is mostly all of the expressions this story requires).

All in all, I loved the movie and would definitely recommend it to anyone.

While I found the plot interesting, the scare-factor was a big disappointment. Without the sound effects, the movie wouldn't have been at all scary. Maybe a little thrilling, but not scary. The demon looked like a well-made Halloween costume; the doll-faced ghosts weren't even a little bit realistic (and don't look like they could have been people once upon a time) and the ending was nothing but predictable.

I did enjoy the plot though, and also the actors (everyone but the boy). There were no terrible special effects (which is a big plus in my book). I found the plot development refreshing (this time the characters actually moved out when they got scared, contrary to most other characters in most other movies who very frustratingly stick around until they get themselves killed).

But long before the end I already knew what was about to happen and to whom. Sadly, I find most horror-movie endings disappointing and this one was no exception. It would have been so much more refreshing if things had gone well, if there had been a happy ending!

Before watching this movie, I was absolutely terrified it would turn out like Prisoner of Azkaban - probably the most disappointing film EVER - but I was pleasantly surprised.

I want to start out by saying that this is the first film that takes a darker feel to it, one that is definitely enjoyable. The special effects were amazing and generally speaking I enjoyed it tremendously! There are some problems when it comes to scene cuts and many scenes are left hanging. One example is the Quiddich World Cup scene: one moment we're watching the presentation of the playing teams; the next Harry and the rest are back in their tent and the Death Eaters are about to create chaos among the campers. When I watched the film in the theater, it took me a few long confusing seconds to understand what had really happened and what scene of the book was being portrayed. My first thought was "Is this really all we're getting to see from the World Cup?" - Disappointing, yet it is understandable that in a movie adaption, many scenes if not most have to go.

But many important parts were not even mentioned: Winky, the house elf; Hermione discovering Rita Skeeter as an animagus; Harry's money prize and how he gave it to Fred and George for them to use in their shop (which should have been mentioned as well), Ludo Bagman and more. None of these scenes may not have been crucial to plot development, but by not mentioning them the movie has turned into a very chopped up version of the book. As an adaption of such a huge book, the film is way too short. I think, for example, that instead of exaggerating the dragon scene, they could have kept it closer to the book and dedicate those wasted minutes to something more interesting and important.

I will start by voicing my initial disappointment when I first saw the film in the movie theater in 2004. I was so disappointed I've avoided watching it again until recently. I had hoped I'd like it better the second time but sadly I did not.

Had I not cared about the books I would have probably enjoyed the movie more than I actually did and here are my reasons: I did not understand the pressing need the director seemingly felt to twist every little scene in the book. From small unimportant details like Harry's ride on Buckbeak to the importance of Crookshanks being left out (and the Whooping Willow going from whipping it's branches madly to quietness without any explanation). Not one scene followed the book with precision.

Scenes were made up specifically for the movie: The part when Hermione throws a stone at Harry's head while hidden outside of Hagrid's hut. Ron being fully awake when Harry and Hermione use the time-turner. Harry casting a spell under his sheets (Lumos Maxima) which contradicts the rule that underage wizards are forbidden to do magic outside of school - a detail that should have been explained in more detail as it becomes important in later books (although the scene was amusing as most scenes with Uncle Vernon are). Sirius' soul levitating out of his mouth during the Dementor scene.

And what's with the talking heads hanging in the Knight Bus?! They are not funny, they do not bring anything to the film, they are NOT in the books! They do not even fit the scene!

Harry receiving the Firebolt at Christmas was cut out and so was the fight that the happening originated. The crackling tension between Ron and Hermione over their pets and the subsequent fight ditto. The relationship between Lupin and Sirius was badly explained and his knowing about the Map of Marauders was not explained at all. The (very important) mention of who were really Padfoot, Mooney, Wormtail and Prongs was not made even though it plays an important role when it comes to understanding who these men that Harry barely knows once where.

I found Hogwarts' change of scenery disappointing as the grounds were not recognizable and seeing that this movie is a follow up of two previous ones, it was completely unnecessary. The fact that students mostly walk around in regular clothing was a bit disappointing as well.

In conclusion, lots of important scenes were left out or replaced by happenings that were seemingly made up by the director himself, distancing the movie from the original story.

Not all was bad about it however: the background music was lovely even though it lacked some magic; the first scenes were okay and the first appearance of a Dementor was as creepy as I imagined it to be. The scenes are breathtaking, Buckbeak was beautifully made as was the scene in which Harry flies on him (even though it was completely unnecessary for the plot and honestly a waste of movie space), the Boggart scene was amusing. I'm positive I would have enjoyed the movie hadn't I been so utterly miffed over it's deviation from the book.