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06-25-2004, 03:50 PM
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* The First PoA Review from a non-reader - the truth about the film to non-book fan Summary:
I asked a good friend of mine (that I frequently go see movies with) to write down his thoughts on PoA. WHY? Because he's one of the very few people in the world that hasn't read the books!  Article:
I'm tired of hearing everybody say, "People that havent read the books would be so confused about ...."
This is the proof. He's one of "those" people. Was he confused? Did he think there were gaping holes in the story?
Read on and see for yourself. Quote: Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
So, Richard ..uhhm... Dumbledore asked me to write down* my thoughts on the newest Harry Potter movie. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.*
Why? You might ask. Well, first of all I’m a good friend of his and second, I’m in the unique position of NOT having read any of the books. ( Puts on flame proof suit )
I do however know a little about movies. I collect them you see. And finally, I consider it an honor to be asked to do this. I’m not a movie-critic. And I haven’t written a ”review” before so I hope I do ok* :unsure:
First of, I would like to say that I think HP:ATPOA is the best of the three movies. It has more style. It has better directing. It has a more engaging story.
The reason I think the story is more engaging is that it is more personal. Even tough you learned about the characters in the previous films I never felt that we as an audience where taken ”behind the veil”. We never got to se behind the façade of who these people are. In this film, Harry is shown as a more human character. And so, to a certain extent, are the people around him. We finally see why the Dursleys treat him so badly. It’s not just some underlying hatred because he’s different. It’s because they are afraid of him. They fear what he can and might do with his potential power. One can see it in there eyes at the beginning of the movie. This wasn’t there in the previous film.
The relationship between the three ”main” characters also seems more real. The way they talk to each other and interact. The secrets they keep and the things they do. They are more grown up. And so is the movie.
In a way it’s perfect. The style of the films become more adult as the characters do the same. I assume the same can be said in regards to the books? The themes in this, the third film, are more involving as well. There are deeper meanings there without getting to preachy. Serious questions like: How do you treat your friends when you don’t agree? How much of your self do you share with others?
How much patience should you have for people that spread hate and loathing?
These questions and others are things the Harry, Ron and Hermione have to deal with throughout the entire film. And it makes it more interesting.
I would like to make a pint regarding scenes in the film. I know that a lot of people have ideas on what people that haven’t read the books will or will not understand. Seeing as there are scenes missing from the film that are considered key scenes in the book.* I have to say that I don’t understand what all the fuss is about. Never once during the movie did the questions “how did that happen?” or “how did he know that?” enter my mind.
Take the scene where Professor Lupin finds out that Harry has the Marauder-map. I’ve later been told that he was one of the people that made the map. And that is why he knew what it was. In the film one only sees that he knows and one has to accept it. And that is not a problem. The twins knew what it was so why can’t a professor have heard of it and understand what it was when he saw it? After talking to people who have read the book I know that there is LOT of information missing from the film. But it’s not needed.
As a standalone film this works great. Even tough it might falter as an adaptation. (But that is not my department  )
There are things I am missing though. Humor is one. Ok, there was humor there. And one has to be careful with putting to much humor in a film like this, so it doesn’t ruin the adult themes…But there still could have been a little more. Not much…just a little more.
I also have one negative point to say about Michael Gambon as Dumbledore. Personally I that his Dumbledore was better character wise. He was more “alert” one might say. He seemed more powerful. Both as a person and as a wizard. But he still had that certain caring and understanding “grandfather” thing about him. Richard Harris (the actor* :whisle: ), on the other hand, had a more powerful physical presence. So in my mind the perfect Dumbledore would be a mixture of the two.
Closing I will say that I think this is great family entertainment. Actually it’s some of the best entertainment for children out there. In a world where mindless shows like “Teletubbies” are what children are served, HP:ATPOA stands out as a film that takes children seriously. A film that while it might be a little scary for some, still sets out to thrill children with adventure while actually posing questions that if answered, can help the children watching find out about them selves. Children aren’t as stupid as some people might think. And they deserve to be entertained intelligently. Like the creator of Dreamworks once said: “Others make movies for the children and the child in every adult. We make movies for the adult in every child.” I think that is what J.K Rowling intended with the book. And I think that is what Alfonso Cuarón intended with the film. In my mind, it seems they both succeeded.
NOTE: All emphasis (bold text) was added by me to highlight the most interesting parts.
Thanks to Osiris for taking the time to do this for me!
Oh, he's also got the HUGEST collection of DVD's (over 2000) of anybody I know! When it comes to movies, this guy knows what he's talking about.  | |
06-25-2004, 10:31 PM
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#26 (permalink)
| | Puffskein
Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Michigan USA
Posts: 174
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My husband and I went to see the movie with our kids and my husband and children have not read the books, they all loved the movie and none of them needed for me to explain anything. Simply put if you havent read the books you dont know what you are missing and can enjoy the movie for what it is. Now as a fan of the books I felt some things were missing but hey I read the books so I already have an inside track. lol. My mother-in-law went with me the second time I went to see the movie and she has read the books and she says that she actually liked the movie better than the book. Go figure 
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~~~~Sandria~~~~
~Ravenclaws Rule~ | 
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06-25-2004, 11:47 PM
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#27 (permalink)
| | Clabbert
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,682
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wow. that was a super good review!
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06-25-2004, 11:58 PM
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#28 (permalink)
| | Skrewt
Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: USA
Posts: 1,369
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that cool!
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06-26-2004, 12:05 AM
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#29 (permalink)
|  WafflingChizpurfle
Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: chasing the secrets of HBP
Posts: 713
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My friend who hasn't read the books said the exact same thing. After seeing the movie though, she went home and read all the books....
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Siggy by Biochemkris for the 3rd Day of Potter | |
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06-26-2004, 12:13 AM
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#30 (permalink)
| | Doxy
Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 421
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Wicked :sorcerer:
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06-26-2004, 12:58 AM
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#31 (permalink)
| | Bowtruckle
Join Date: May 2004 Location: Who Cares?
Posts: 247
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Intersting to know what a person who hasnt read the book said. Personally, and im sure many can agree, the movie had cut about a ton of stuff from the book. But, let me ask you all, Are you willing to sit in a theater for more then two hours? That is what the script writer has to keep in mind. and Also, The movie wasnt confusing at all! I took my brother with me to see POA, he had nothing to compain about ( well, except that his bum hurt from sitting there)! but i do agree with someone before that it was really weird he so happened to chose to say 'behind the veil'. But im sure it was a coincidence. Thanks to Dumbledore and his movie collector friend!  :flowersmile:
__________________ Patrick = LOVE | |
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06-26-2004, 02:32 AM
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#32 (permalink)
| | Crup
Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Here.
Posts: 2,162
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Wow. Cool. The thing is, when MY aprents saw it...they got out and asked me... "What was the movie about?"! Lol. but then again...they are parents...and mum doesn't follow the books, and dad can't follow movie properly!  | |
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06-26-2004, 05:30 AM
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#33 (permalink)
| | Plimpy
Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Godric's Hollow
Posts: 1,077
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He seems like a fair and non biased reviewer. He covered every element in the movie perfectly!! Wow great job reviewing! He would have even more thoughts and reviews on Harry Potter if he read the books too! Quote: Never once during the movie did the questions “how did that happen?” or “how did he know that?” enter my mind. ^^ Haha! My friend Heidi, who also has never read the books, was the total opposite. She was totally confused during the whole timeturner scene! It was hilarious (they way she was confused)! :flowersmile:
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JKR: Well I think anyone who is still shipping Harry/Hermione after this book -
ES: [whispered] Delusional!
JKR: Uh - no! But they need to go back and reread, I think.
ES: Thank you.
JKR: Yeah. | |
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06-26-2004, 05:53 AM
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#34 (permalink)
| | Plimpy
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,184
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I have to agree with most people on this review - it was amazing, and so was the movie. He covered the details perfectly, quoting powerful things, answering most of my questions.
Also, may I add, I took my sister to see the movie, and when the dementor on train came up, she kept asking me "What's that?" once in a while.
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[~Call Me Caroline~][Ron/Hermione Forever]
[*Proud Hufflepuff//Quidditch Player*] | |
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06-26-2004, 06:48 AM
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#35 (permalink)
| | Guest |
wonderful review....credit to your friend richard (dumbledore)....its good because its a neutral point of view...more importantly...he kept in mind that this movie is an adaptation of a children's book...for both the adult in children and the child in adults...other reviews are in my opinion...not as good because they view the movie as adults...
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06-26-2004, 06:57 AM
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#36 (permalink)
| His life is like a river Kneazle
Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Australia
Posts: 3,233
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Quote: Originally posted by Crazee4Draco@Jun 25 2004, 07:06 PM Wow. Cool. The thing is, when MY aprents saw it...they got out and asked me... "What was the movie about?"! Lol. but then again...they are parents...and mum doesn't follow the books, and dad can't follow movie properly! Same here Felicia! As soon as I got out I spent the ride home explaining to everyone in the car what had actually happened. I got questions such as... 'What was with that dog?' 'What did Trewlaney say?' 'Is Lupin/Sirius/Snape/Peter good or bad?' 'Where did the rat man go?' 'What was with the moose?' 'How come Buckbeack died and came back?' and so on...
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Captain of SS's HMS Orange Crush (Harry/Ginny) | |
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06-26-2004, 10:22 AM
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#37 (permalink)
| | Jarvey
Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Australia
Posts: 126
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oh cool
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06-26-2004, 01:19 PM
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#38 (permalink)
| | Guest |
 Everyone
I just registered now to say thank you all for your wonderfull
response to my review! Richard convinced me that thanking you my self
instead of through him would be better...And he is right.
(My favorite forum name, Osiris, was taken by someone else so I used my alternet one.)
I never expected that kind of response to my review so it took me by surprise.
It's of touching and it really means a lot to me!
Richard/Dumbledore told me (after me twisting his arm) what the deal is with the
whole vail thing. It was a coincidence, but a GREAT one.
It's wierd that no one mentioned my spelling mistakes. I'm half dyslektic(sp )
so it's kind of a problem.
I'm going to start reading the books soon. At least the ones I'v seen on film.
But I have an entire list of books to read first. Right now I'm reading Dante and the books in the "Vampire Chronicles" by Anne Rice. She is one of the best writers of our time. I can not stess that enough. After that it's Harry Potters turn.
Really looking forward to it.
Thank you all again! You guys are GREAT.
Henning
MTFBWY
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06-26-2004, 01:56 PM
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#39 (permalink)
| | Faerie
Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Norway
Posts: 4,005
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Dude, Henning!
Cool, you registered!
Thanks for doing this for me. As you can see a lot of people appreciate it.
Loads of members here have mentioned the Vampire Chronicles as their favorite series as well. It seems you're in good hands.
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What the BEEP is going on?
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06-26-2004, 02:45 PM
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#40 (permalink)
| | Bicorn
Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Cumbria,Uk
Posts: 1,755
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cool but anyway i was confused in this film and ive read the book about 5 times... :flowersmile: .....but anyway i did like the film but 4 and 5 should be better..... :sorcerer:...dragons and mermaids woo hoo......
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"I NEVER GOT MY HOGWARTS LETTER SO I'M MOVING TO FOLKS W.A!"
"AND SO THE LION FELL IN LOVE WITH THE LAMB"
"AND SO THE VAMPIRE,RODE INTO TOWN IN A SILVER VOLVO AND RESCUSED ME!" | |
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06-26-2004, 02:47 PM
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#41 (permalink)
| | Bicorn
Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Cumbria,Uk
Posts: 1,755
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and i cant wait to see mad eye moody and malfroy turn into a feretts(sp) i cant spell...sorry... :flowersmile:
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"I NEVER GOT MY HOGWARTS LETTER SO I'M MOVING TO FOLKS W.A!"
"AND SO THE LION FELL IN LOVE WITH THE LAMB"
"AND SO THE VAMPIRE,RODE INTO TOWN IN A SILVER VOLVO AND RESCUSED ME!" | |
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06-26-2004, 02:57 PM
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#42 (permalink)
| | Plimpy
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,184
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Quote: Originally posted by Lupin Jr@Jun 26 2004, 05:31 AM
Same here Felicia! As soon as I got out I spent the ride home explaining to everyone in the car what had actually happened. I got questions such as...
'What was with the moose?' and so on... Sorry but that was seriosly funny! Okay maybe it's just me but...
Oh - and hi Henning
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[~Call Me Caroline~][Ron/Hermione Forever]
[*Proud Hufflepuff//Quidditch Player*] | |
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06-26-2004, 03:25 PM
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#43 (permalink)
| | Horklump
Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Germany
Posts: 67
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My bestfriend watch it too and she hasnt read the book. She told me it was great. But as I told her the missing parts she was kinda dissapointed.
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"Being beautiful outside as well as in..."
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06-26-2004, 03:56 PM
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#44 (permalink)
| | Kneazle
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,177
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So this proves that people who have not read the Harry Potter books are not Duffers!
WOO HOO! | |
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06-26-2004, 05:48 PM
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#45 (permalink)
|  ArtisticGrindylow
Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Manchester, England
Posts: 926
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I thought it was a really good review . Everyone who i know who has seen the film really liked it whether they'd read the books or not .
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06-27-2004, 01:09 AM
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#46 (permalink)
|  Portuguese ModeratorThestral
Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Neverland
Posts: 39,664
Hogwarts RPG Name:
Margaret Jacqueline Atkinson Morris
Fifth Year | Potter’s Princess A+ FangGirl
Cool!
__________________ I gotta go back to the muggle world,
they're gonna try and tell me this wasn't, that none of this happened,
but you know what? It was real. It did happen.
We spent time here. We made friends here. That's a part of us.
Cause Hogwarts is bigger than any of us, of any of it's founders,
and it's going to be around long after we're gone.
Maybe we'll see our kids come here one day.
That's the thing about Hogwarts.
No matter how long you're away from it, there's always a way back. | |
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06-27-2004, 03:26 AM
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#47 (permalink)
| | Imp
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 118
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coolio
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06-27-2004, 11:42 AM
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#48 (permalink)
| | Gnome
Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: California, U.S.A.
Posts: 82
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Cool!
I went to see Poa with my grandma (who hasn't read the books) and I think she understood (and enjoyed) most of it. Later, when I asked some questions about what they left out in the movie, she couldn't answer them (well, duh, she didn't read the books) but when I told her the answers, I think she understood the movie more. (Well, I did see the Japanese version, so the translator took out a little too...)
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"Ah, shut up Dursley, you great prune." ~Hagrid | |
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06-28-2004, 05:04 AM
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#49 (permalink)
| | Hinkypunk
Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: massachusetts
Posts: 840
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i thought that was an excellent review! i completely agree with him! (except about the humor-there was plenty!)especially about the Dumbledore part! my Dad saw it and he hasn't read the books-he only had one question about who Pettigrew was and that bit--but other than that he got everything fine! this movie works great as a stand alone movie!! awesome review!
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