PoA Review

[heidi]

Behind the cut is my review of PoA, which I originally wrote on May 26 after one viewing - it was embargoed because of WB rules until June 4, and since I posted a sort of parent-themed one on TLC, I didn't have a chance to make it public until today; I just re-dated it instead of recreating it.

So, as I said back then...

---

Sorry it took a few extra days - and of course,

Five years ago this July, I was very pregnant, and I was waiting - not just for my first baby, but also, for the release of Prisoner of Azkaban, which was set to come out in the UK in mid-July. It was also going to come out in the US in September, but I thought - quite correctly - that if I waited for the US release, I'd never have a chance to read it, as I'd be busy with Baby.

So I ordered it from the UK, and paid twice the cover price to have it sent second day air, and I stayed up for hours reading it, and I fell in love with Sirius Black, and with Remus Lupin and I redsicovered by I adored Harry Potter.

Last Sunday, I brought that baby I'd been waiting for on those hot July days to see the premiere of the movie version of Prisoner of Azkaban, and both of us were blown away by the film.

And that's a pretty stark contrast to how I felt about the first and second films. As the credits rolled after my first viewing of Sorcerer's Stone, I kicked the seat in front of me and pretty much stamped by feet in frustration - not because of the performances or the sets (which I've always liked), but the waste of the source material. Yes, I am a canon-fiend. Yes, I think the books should be adhered to as much as possible. But I realised, as I sat, agog, in Prisoner of Azkaban, that what I was looking for was the spirit and dynamism and fascinating universe of the books.

Alfonso Cuaron has found it, and the cast has played it well. So well that I spent the first hour of the film just shaking in my seat - shivvering so much that my son put his arm around me because he thought I needed to be warmed up. And I spent the last half hour or so - from the start of the Shack scene - shaking, again, from the wonder of it all.

I have to see the film a second time, because I know there were things I didn't notice, like the theme of clocks and time running through the sets - I am now convinced that the set in which Hermione punched Draco is supposed to be an ancient and magical sundial. Now - about that punch - I still think it was an unnecessary change from the book - but it doesn't feel like quite as much of an overreaction, in the context, than I'd feared.

I've also seen some complaints that Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot & Prongs' names weren't mentioned in connection with the map, and the guys - but I think it illustrates a fundamental difference between this film and the first two.

Let's put it this way - nobody could ever accuse Chris Columbus of subtlely. He made his points broadly - even changing from subtletly in the books, like with Quirrel, or that added-in bit from Hermione in PS/SS about Quidditch being in Harry's blood, which still makes me cringe, to Really Obvious Explanations Of Stuff.

Cuaron has a much more subtle touch - Sirius and Remus call Peter "Wormtail", Remus calls Sirius "Padfoot" and when Remus is changing, Sirius calls him "Moony". No, nobody explains that Prongs = James but it's a conjecture that you can make, even if you haven't read the books, given the references in the movie. But it's a sea change from the level of attention-paying one had to do in the previous films, and it's a hard adjustment to make, I think.

I don't know why it bothered me less when this film deviated from the book. Of course, each time, a little buzzer went off in my head, but the only time it really zapped me was in the Shack scene, where the subtlety and subtext were just amazing. Most of you have probably already seen a comment about the [line of snape's that I am not going to put in here, so as not to spoil anyone who hasn't been already]. And yes, it made me squee, and gasp and I was so surprised by it. I'm actually sad that so many people seem to have heard it already, because one of the wonders of it, to me, was the utter surprise of hearing it. (And I'm also wondering if those who aren't familiar with slash, or even with the books, will see the scene the same way I did, and I'm wondering how to do a survey of it. Hmmm. Suggestions welcome.)

I've been thinking about the film a lot, writing and rewriting my official TLC review in my mind (which will be more of a parent-of-young-child perspective) and I think, in the grand pantheon of things, while I didn't love POA as much as I loved Return of the King, I will probably end up watching it more than Two Towers - they're both sort of "bridge" stories in my mind, because they're both the middle of the series (at least, PoA is the middle of what we have so far) and I'm just more of a fangirl of the style of storytelling in PoA than I am of battle-scenes.

The frustrating thing about seeing a film at a preview like this is that I have to wait until June 4 to see it again - I can't just head into another screening to recapture and revisit what I loved so much about this movie. But I can't wait to see it with so many of you in New York early next month. And then, I get to learn what all of you think of it - and experience the magic all over again.



Flashback - my first-impression review of CoS is here.



I was refering to Remus/Sirius, as I think we pretty much all agree with, right? I mean, even my *husband* noticed it (although I think his noticing was prompted by the Really Loud Cheers at PoA IMAX.

And I was also refering to the Trio-shipping.

So now you know!

Comments

[longtimegone]

Oh Heidi! I'm so glad you got to go. Your review is lovely. I cannot wait to be in NY and get to experience this with all of you! I've not been in the fandom for a movie release.

I'm SO excited!

POA

[redina]

I'm SO excited!

Weirdly enough, I'm not sure what to think of my reaction to this movie.

Better than the first two movies, yes. I teared up a bit during some moments. However, couldn't get excited about seeing it with other HP fans.

Now, there's a line party and... well, I'm uncomfortable in group situations, so not really excited there. Curious, yes; excited, no.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_rp_zeal_/]

Thanks for the review! It's very reassuring to hear from a canon-addict who loved the movie, now I really can't wait!

[heidi8.livejournal.com]

Just had to note how much I love your icon!

[kiwiria.livejournal.com]

*sigh* I can't wait to see it now...

[lizardlaugh.livejournal.com]

You know, the lack of MWPP explanation was my only really big nit with the film. However, you have a good point -- the explanation was there all along. I think perhaps we are so used to the ham fisted, stating the obvious approach with these films that something so subtle just slips under the radar.

I agree about the running details... I caught some, like Harry's reflection and the clocks (though probably didn't get all instances). It is the little details that truly MAKE this film. And I sat there, with all of these deviations, and did not even care. Barely even noticed. I was just so enthralled with the MAGIC, and that was *always* my biggest complaint with the first two films -- they failed to truly capture the magic of the books. Cuaron really succeeds here.

Unfortunately, I was spoiled on THE LINE. However, I just kinda knew theirlovewouldbesocanon beforehand. I even had an inkling on the trio (all those fabulous pictures). I just wasn't prepared for how emotional it all would be or how much I would be blown away by it. I kind of wonder if the average viewer would catch the S/R and the trio stuff as well. I know in our showing (an LA pre-screening) that there were yells and cheers and clapping during THE LINE, but there were also a lot of fandom aware people there (ran into people who had read K2K even, which was rather cool -- 'THAT WAS YOU GUYS?!???!').

I soooo get you on the feeling of longing of wanting to just run to a theatre and see it again right away. Now, we have to wait with everyone else. I know those who haven't seen it yet are wanting to twap us, but really, I feel almost as anxious as I did before because I so badly want to watch it over and over and can't.

[dreamcoat-mom.livejournal.com]

I soooo get you on the feeling of longing of wanting to just run to a theatre and see it again right away. Now, we have to wait with everyone else. I know those who haven't seen it yet are wanting to twap us, but really, I feel almost as anxious as I did before because I so badly want to watch it over and over and can't.

I haven't seen the film yet, but have no twappy urges. In fact, I understand completely. I'm a public library director, and had OoP in my hands on June 16, when it wasn't scheduled for release until the 21st. I couldn't resist temptation, and devoured chapters 1, 2 and 3 - then read a press release in which JKR claimed that she wasn't letting her spouse or child read it until the release date. Riddled with guilt, I closed the cover and stuck it on the back of the shelf in the workroom - then suffered mightily because I couldn't discuss it with anyone, or finish the read for another 5 days. Absolute agony! So - no twapping required - just a smug sense of self-righteous glee!

[heidi8.livejournal.com]

I just wasn't prepared for how emotional it all would be or how much I would be blown away by it.

I think that's it. And especially after the utter depression that the fandom found itself in after the Really Miserable Ending of OotP, I really think that the magic in this movie might be what we need to recapture the wonder of the universe.

And isn't it weird that a movie that so deviates from canon could do that?

[debellatrix.livejournal.com]

*takes a deep, calming breath*

[heidi8.livejournal.com]

I will throw popcorn at you during the film, wheee!

[debellatrix.livejournal.com]

*ducks*

[wednesdayschild.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much for the fabulous review, Heidi - I am looking forward to it so much that I think that my poor family are going somewhat crazy (almost every other phrase out of my mouth is 'I can't wait!').

Yes, of course I've read That Line - I almost wish that I hadn't, but it's a little late for that, now - and I am filled with excitement. I'm not so ecstatic about the playing up of Harry/Hermione (I'm definitely more of a Ron/Hermione girl), but I still can't wait to see how Cuaron's done it.

I like your note about the clocks and time - I'll watch out for that. Having read so many positive reviews, I'm quite happy that I'm going to be seeing it twice in as many days (once with fandom friends, and once with David), which makes a change from last time (I fell asleep during the second showing of CoS). To be fair to Columbus, I did enjoy both the first two films, although much more as 'see once, get the DVDs, never watch again' types of films. They lacked in substance, although the second was subtler than the first, and Columbus did try to deal with the themes of reflection, symmetry and repetition - Dumbledore's words to both Riddle and Harry are a case in point - but he isn't exactly famed for meaningful films.

I've had mixed feelings about Cuaron directing the film - I've both loved and hated his work - but it sounds like he was a good choice.

Also? I've had Double Trouble on a loop all evening, because it is brilliant. I'm using it as leverage to get David's room-mate to come and see PoA, because he loves the track :))

[heidi8.livejournal.com]

I've had mixed feelings about Cuaron directing the film - I've both loved and hated his work - but it sounds like he was a good choice.

I was, actually, terrified. I refuse to watch A Little Princess. I haven't and I never will, because I cannot cope with the change to the ending - and honestly, I don't know if that was a decision by him, by the screenwriter, or by the producers, but I despair of it and will never allow it into my home.

And while I thought nothing quite like that could happen in PoA, I did wonder, after reading that he'd jetisoned everything that wasn't part of the specific storyline, whether I'd be able to cope with the changes.

And, woah, yes, I did.

[wednesdayschild.livejournal.com]

I was, actually, terrified. I refuse to watch A Little Princess.

Thank you SO much for saying this - I thought I was the only one that detested that version! That was the 'hated' part of the 'loved and hated', because I'm a canon purist when it comes to films, and ALP was slaughtered beyond all recognition of the original. Everyone else I've spoken to about it loved it, and I was rather concerned that it was Just Me, so I'm glad that someone else understands my feelings about it.

That was what was really concerning me, regarding PoA - we all knew that changes had been made, and I was dreading them, frankly. I'm so glad that I've had the opportunity to hear that they work, from people whose opinions I trust.

Cannot wait!

>:D

[zorb]

*replies, having finally seen it*

*nods* I was worried about that when Cuaron was first announced, too - ALP was my favorite book as a child, and I can't get over the movie's change to the ending. But when I thought about it more, I remembered what the movie had done right - capture the magic and the spirit. And that was more encouraging, because that's where Peter Jackson succeeded and Chris Columbus failed. Now we can add Alfonso's name to the success list.

[tempestus.livejournal.com]

With each fan review I read my anticipation grows to an almost unbearable level! *starts chanting* Only NINE days!

[noblerot.livejournal.com]

Lovely review.

what I was looking for was the spirit and dynamism and fascinating universe of the books.

Yes. Exactly. This is what was missing from the Columbus films, and what's present in such abundance in Cuaron's PoA.

And I'm also wondering if those who aren't familiar with slash, or even with the books, will see the scene the same way I did...

I'm wondering this, too. The audience I sat in was packed with industry people, so The Line didn't get a large reaction (save my gleeful scream). Is what's obvious to slashers (and those with a working gaydar) at all apparent to a largely straight, mainstream public? I'm going to ask around once the film is in general release.

[thunderemerald.livejournal.com]

*big giant mega-squee*

Omilord, I can't wait to see this! Thank goodness I found a midnight showing....

[sinisteral.livejournal.com]

I tried to refrain from reading this review because of spoilers but what the hell, I already read the books anyway. So, it was a great review and I understood your thoughts and points, it seems like a pretty decent movie from what you said. Now, I won't be afraid of wasting money on my ticket...but this is PoA anyway, so it's a "must."

[rhiannon333.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the great review, which captures perfectly your sense of wonder and enjoyment. Makes me even more keen to see it for myself. (Two more weeks to wait for us Down Under). Your being able to share the film with Harry, as you had shared the book in a sense with him five years earlier, made it even more special (and brought a tear to my maternal eye). On the downside, I was already green with envy about the NY PoA viewing, and this only made it worse - waah! (*g) I SO wish I could be there with you all! Have a wonderful time and I am sure I will be able to hear the squeeing all the way from here.

[heidi8.livejournal.com]

Just wait! My review for TLC is going to be all about the parent-perspective.

[spare-change.livejournal.com]

I finally got to read this!!!

*jumps up and down*

I'm SO HAPPY I didn't know anything about that line of Snape's. I think my BF has bruises on his arm from all the poking I did.

I wish there had been more Draco -- or rather, that his bits had been better-spaced, because he pretty much disappeared for the last 2/3rd of the film. Also, the only Snape/Draco interaction was Snape telling Draco to be quiet! Not very canon! But I forgive them because those slides were so cool and that doodle was HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[angelamermaid.livejournal.com]

Just saw it. I know exactly what you mean. The first appearance of Padfoot, the stag prancing across the water - Columbus couldn't have done that.

I feel really dumb asking, but what was the line? I missed the slashy subtext.

[sternel.livejournal.com]

::wanders in::

In the Shack, Snape growls to Sirius that he and Lupin bicker "like an old married couple."

although, if you didn't know the line was there and there were any fandomers in the theatre you saw it in, odds are you wouldn't have heard it anyway over all the squeeing. =)

[sageofgodalming.livejournal.com]

And I'm also wondering if those who aren't familiar with slash, or even with the books, will see the scene the same way I did, and I'm wondering how to do a survey of it. Hmmm. Suggestions welcome.

No survey suggestions, but I'm not a fanfic reader, and to me it just signalled that Snape knew Lupin and Black went way back. I enjoyed the chemistry between the three of them, but it didn't occur to me to think anything slashy. The phrase used by Snape is not an uncommon one on this side of the Atlantic to describe low level bickering.

Excellent point on Cuaron's (Kloves'?) use of Moony, Padfoot and Wormtail - I hadn't spotted (and don't remember) it. I think it makes a big difference.