Harry Potter and the Multi-Million Dollar Movies

So, as I promised in the first post, this post will be dedicated to the Harry Potter films, and my views on each one, since every movie is almost completely different from the others due to director changes, and most recently a change in screenplay writers. Quite obviously I cant rant and rave about the movies without including the books so get ready for a long post. I suggest ordering a pizza, that's what I did before I started typing... Also there will probably be some spoilers so if you haven't read all the books and seen all the movies, (where the fuck have you been?)... I mean, fair warning.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's (Philosopher's) Stone
First movie in the series, the one that started it all. I honestly think that they didn't plan to make all 7 of them initially. But as they rake in the money WB keeps throwing them out, thank you WB. Okay, Chris Columbus (Director), what can I say, brilliant man. He really did bring this book to life. Almost every detail was included in the film, and the ones that weren't, two words: Deleted Scenes. I would say this is the second most accurate movie in the series. I do have to point out a minor flaw in the first two movies though. As great as they were, they were also very... they weren't made to feel real. They feel like they're taking place in a separate reality and it kind of ruins the atmosphere for me. Anyways, third favorite out of the four we have so far.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
The most accurate movie/book translation in the series. Still carries the 'far off world' flaw, but still a beautiful piece of work. Most notably the Chamber of Secrets itself. EXACTLY how I had pictured it. That's pretty much all I can say about the 2nd installment. I guess here I can note that though I think Dan Radcliffe was (and is still) a bad actor, I think they all play the part well and the teachers are perfect. I especially like Flitwick in these two but don't mind the change in the rest of the series. I must also say I think Gambon was the better Dumbledore. He has the energy and strength to be the funny, powerful bumblebee I know and love. Richard Harris, may he rest in peace, was a great actor, but I think he was just too old to play our Dumbledore.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
This is my favorite movie thus far. I didn't follow this one much before it came out. I figured Alfonso Cuaron + Harry Potter = Magic, and clearly, I was correct. He was able to keep all the vital information into the movie and did something CC merely scratched the surface on, Al captured the feel of the books, that dark, dreary with a hint of good-timey feeling I had when I read the books. He made it feel real, not like it was happening in an alternate world and for that I thank him because the rest of the series (at least up until 5) keep close to this atmosphere. Kudos, Cuaron, kudos.

Harry Potter and the Pile of Crap... err, Goblet of Fire
Worst movie ever made. Still bought and watched it just because it has Harry Potter on the cover but... I hate this movie, about as much as I hate the Eragon movie. I will give props were they are deserved though, the graveyard scene was flawless, I just wish it hadn't felt so rushed. They also cut way too much and added crap tat needn't be there... why did that dragon chase Harry around the school for 2 minutes... I could fit the Reeta Sceeter sub-plot in the movie with two minutes! Atrocious. Just Awful. Can't say it enough...

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Gift from God)
I followed Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, and Goblet of Fire closely (of course I knew Prisoner was going to be good). I haven't been more excited about a movie since Silent Hill (I followed that movie for 1.5 years). The screencaps look glorious, the interviews make me want to rape the writer (in a good way), and the teaser is naught shy of amazing. I can't wait for the actual trailer but from what I gather, THIS - WILL - BE - EPIC. I have not ONE negative piece of media. I've heard what they cut out, and its totally acceptable since this was the longest book in the series. They worked with JKR herself more in this film than any other. I couldn't want to see a movie more than I want to see Order.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
No real info... just a release date and a confirmation on the actors. When they announce who will direct, then I'll tear down the mountains.

So now that I look at this.. I don't think there were any spoilers but i guess I'll leave the warning in just in cases. I think that's all for today. Peace, love, and Homestar Runner.

-Dustyn

As a side note, what you may believe to be typos and misspellings may actually be references to online videos, TV shows, books, or other movies. So, for the love of God, don't send me any 'you fucked up' comments, unless it's intelligent... or I will verbally tear you a new one on this site. So, are you watching closely?