Potter Turns Plotter
By Lauren Bedsole
July 23rd, 2007
Like many muggles sympathetic to Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe) plight with the Dursley's, I was somewhat saddened that the Dementors didn't have their wicked way with Dudley (Harry Melling) - not that there seems to be much of a soul to suck out.
But if nothing else, the underpass confrontation livened up an opening sequence more suited to an NSPCC ad than a summer blockbuster. There's nothing quite like getting in trouble with the Ministry of Magic, yet again.
Imelda Staunton's Bellatrix Lestrange is without doubt the single most compelling performance of any Potter character, ever. Her grating voice, matched only by her viciously lucid lunacy, may well come to the surface if ever I am seized upon by one of the guards of Azkaban. It's easy to understand why the characters seethe as though they've cauldrons of rage inside. The American Academy may come to regret withholding an Oscar for her portrayal of Vera Drake. I know I would.
Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) are growing up, as is Ron's sister Ginny (Bonnie Wright), who is coming to resemble a young Lily Potter (Geradine Somerville). Hermione's sudden rebellion comes out of nowhere - until you remember that she's a teenage girl - but feels more chaotic than forced.
True to form, it's a few shades darker than its predecessor, but it almost seems top-heavy with special effects. The magical appearance of the Order's headquarters is just as cool as the entrance to Platform 9 3/4, and I won't pretend to be unimpressed by the clever tricks with the Daily Prophet. It just feels a bit like new director David Yates doesn't have enough faith in the story, at least in its reduced form, to sell itself. Either way, he'll be back for the next battle, along with He Who Must Not Be Named (Ralph Fiennes) and his horde of Death Eaters.
And millions of viewers, of course.
July 23rd, 2007
Like many muggles sympathetic to Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe) plight with the Dursley's, I was somewhat saddened that the Dementors didn't have their wicked way with Dudley (Harry Melling) - not that there seems to be much of a soul to suck out.But if nothing else, the underpass confrontation livened up an opening sequence more suited to an NSPCC ad than a summer blockbuster. There's nothing quite like getting in trouble with the Ministry of Magic, yet again.
Imelda Staunton's Bellatrix Lestrange is without doubt the single most compelling performance of any Potter character, ever. Her grating voice, matched only by her viciously lucid lunacy, may well come to the surface if ever I am seized upon by one of the guards of Azkaban. It's easy to understand why the characters seethe as though they've cauldrons of rage inside. The American Academy may come to regret withholding an Oscar for her portrayal of Vera Drake. I know I would.
Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) are growing up, as is Ron's sister Ginny (Bonnie Wright), who is coming to resemble a young Lily Potter (Geradine Somerville). Hermione's sudden rebellion comes out of nowhere - until you remember that she's a teenage girl - but feels more chaotic than forced.
True to form, it's a few shades darker than its predecessor, but it almost seems top-heavy with special effects. The magical appearance of the Order's headquarters is just as cool as the entrance to Platform 9 3/4, and I won't pretend to be unimpressed by the clever tricks with the Daily Prophet. It just feels a bit like new director David Yates doesn't have enough faith in the story, at least in its reduced form, to sell itself. Either way, he'll be back for the next battle, along with He Who Must Not Be Named (Ralph Fiennes) and his horde of Death Eaters.
And millions of viewers, of course.
