Brilliant ... a term used by many in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. And indeed the movie was. The plot was strong, the score was wonderful and the distribution of inklings of passing time were ... well, brilliant. In the first two movies the mediocre acting of the child stars Emma Watson (Hermione), Rupert Grint (Ron) and Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) was covered by the superb grace of Alan Rickman (Prof. Snape), Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) and the late Richard Harris (Dumbledore). In this movie however, the kids stand on their own.
We (Amy and I) enjoyed this movie on the IMAX big screen ... twice. Our first trip to the theatre was to the midnight opening day showing. Our experience was, let's see how can I put it ... forced. Between the ramblings of college age 'girls' trumpeting the drama in their most recently read Jane Austen novel, to the 13-16 year old 'kids' screaming and clapping at every twist and turn ... I think we saw a movie ... I am still not quite sure.
Our second trip to the IMAX was much more pleasant ... and quiet.
Back to the quality and on to the insinuated spoilers. This movie has been called DARK in just about every review I have read. I did not think this movie was dark however I do believe that in relation to the first two productions ... this one was far 'less light'. Angry dogs, death and grief are included in this adventure ... as is light, hope and divinity.
Time. And time again. We the audience, are taken on a masterful retelling of the climax ... via time travel. In this well directed segment there is a major perspective change and we experience time as two main characters do (arguably) the first time ... or at least a singular time.
And finally, the most stunning portion of this movie ... a CGI creature called a hippogriff. Buckbeak the hippogriff was nearly flawless. As a CGI creature ... it was amazing. Fluid, realistic, dynamic and full of emotion. Stunning.
Well then, you have the facts. This movie is well worth seeing. And if you have the chance, see it in the IMAX.
Posted by J. at June 17, 2004 12:00 AM | TrackBack